The Allgäu is popular with holidaymakers for good reason. Castles, lakes and mountains can be found close together here. It's not easy to decide which corner to visit.
We took a closer look at camping at the `Großer Alpsee` near Immenstadt in the Allgäu. Why? Because it's beautiful there. And we like to spend time at the lake. At the moment it's still a bit too cold to jump into the lake, but next summer is sure to come. Maybe the Alpsee will make it onto your list of excursions for warmer days - it definitely is on ours.
Campsites at the Alpsee
5 star Alpsee Wellness Camping - right on the lake
Camping closer to the Alpsee than on your pitch at Alpsee camping is practically impossible (rumour has it that if you're not careful, you'll end up with one foot in the lake when you get out of your camper). In addition to the great location and the view of the lake, you can look forward to the finest 5-star facilities here: the usual campsite amenities are joined by a wellness area with 3 saunas, an infinity pool with sun deck and the campsite's own restaurant. The perfect opportunity to combine maximum outdoor fun with maximum relaxation. Dogs are also very welcome at the campsite.
Camping site Wiederhofen - a bit further away (but beautiful)
Not quite as close to the lake, but in a super idyllic location in the middle of the mountains. The Wiederhofen campsite offers pitches surrounded by greenery for 26 motorhomes and campers, a quiet location (apart from a few cowbells) and the usual campsite facilities such as sanitary facilities, electricity and even a washing machine. The location in the mountains is a little dream, especially for hiking fans and anyone who wants to become one. But also for those of us who would just like to see a cow again.
Where there's a lake, you can (usually) swim. When camping at the Alpsee, you can even choose between two bathing lakes, namely the Großer Alpsee and the Kleiner Alpsee right next to it. There are many bathing spots and bays with shallow access to the water at the Großer Alpsee, including the Hauser Seebad or the sunbathing lawn on the promenade in Bühl, for example. If you want to swim in the Kleiner Alpsee instead, you can do so at the Kleiner Alpsee outdoor pool.
Water sports
Not only can you bathe and swim at the Alpsee, visitors can also enjoy a wide range of water sports activities. Pedal and rowing boat trips, kitesurfing or windsurfing, SUP or sailing - it's all there. You can find out more at the Oberallgäu water sports school, or you can start with a course here.
The most beautiful hikes and cycle tours around the lake
There is a large selection of different hiking trails and cycle tours around the Alpsee, ranging from easy to challenging. Many of them are also suitable for families with young children and offer the opportunity to stop for refreshments.
Good food, good views, easy to reach: The Alpe Schönesreuth provides its guests with savoury food, cold drinks, coffee and cake and a first-class view over the Alpsee. You can also take home cheese from the farm before starting the short hike back to the lakeshore.
Excursions in the Allgäu around the Alpsee
Bärenfalle climbing forest
The Bärenfalle climbing forest is not far from the lake and offers various courses with different levels of difficulty. From courses close to the ground to elements at a height of 20 metres, there is something here for all climbing enthusiasts.
Neuschwanstein Castle
is also really impressive, and the Marienbrücke bridge is particularly popular as it offers a good view of the castle - but it can also be quite crowded on the bridge for this very reason.
If you want to see the castle from the inside, you can join a guided tour. You can also hike to and around the castle. This circular tour takes you through the Pöllat Gorge to the Alpsee (be careful, it's not the Große Alpsee near Immenstadt which we've been talking about so far) and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings on its banks, as well as the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.
Buchenegg waterfalls
Those who take on the moderately difficult to difficult hike to the Buchenegg waterfalls are rewarded with a beautiful spot in nature to linger, have a picnic, splash around or swim. There are two hiking trails that start from Steibis and alternatively a steep serpentine path from Buchenegg. Here you will find a more detailed description of the circular trail that starts from Steibis.
No matter which path you choose, sturdy shoes, sure-footedness and hiking experience are a must - the sometimes steep paths are slippery, narrow and pose a risk of tripping. The Gumpe is also not without its dangers and sometimes has strong currents, so children should only be supervised when playing or swimming in the Gumpe, you can also find out more about this at here.
Eistobel
The Eistobel, a gorge in the Westallgäu, owes its name to the waterfalls that freeze to ice in winter and can be found in the nature reserve.
You can explore this particularly beautiful place on four circular hiking trails, where you will encounter many small streams, waterfalls and steep rock faces.
Whizzing through mountain meadows and forests - made possible by the year-round toboggan run Alpsee Coaster in the Alpsee mountains. You can accelerate up to 40 km/h while tobogganing, but you can regulate the speed yourself and take it a little more leisurely.
Great Alpsee Camping - let's go
So, quickly pack up your caravan/camper/campervan/whatever and head off into the Allgäu countryside to the Alpsee. Hiking enthusiasts in particular will find plenty to do here, as the area is teeming with excursion destinations and hiking routes worth seeing. Have fun!
