Water Strider Route

The water strider route starts in Marktoberdorf. From there, the route takes you over the first mountains but is still relatively flat via Stötten am Auerberg, Lechbruck, and Halblech. The trail then plunges into the Ammergebierge, where you can spend a wonderful evening in the high mountains at the rustic and cozy Kenzenhütte. Now you have to climb over the Gabelschrofen saddle to the Tegelberg, where you can spend the night at the Tegelberghaus with its stunning views of the foothills Alps and the Schwangau.

From Tegelberg mountain, you descend over 1,200 meters in altitude past the Marienbrücke bridge with a fantastic view of Neuschwanstein Castle into the valley to Füssen. On the way to Pfronten over the Zirngrat ridge, you can explore the Falkenstein ruins at 1,200m, before crossing the Alpspitze (1.575m) through a wild gorge and past the Grüntesee lake to Oy-Mittelberg.

Now you climb the Grünten (1,738m) – the guardian of the Allgäu – and hike through Burgberg and Sonsthofen to the Alpe Gund, where you can spend another night in the tranquillity of the high mountains at 1,500m.

From here, it’s with a heavy heart that we leave the high mountains. However, we gain a few meters of altitude in the following stages and explore the incredible nature of the Allgäu. We walk from Obereute through the Hausbachklamm to Weiler-Simmerberg and on to Scheidegg. Via Lindenberg an Eglofs, we arrive in Isny, where we can admire the well-preserved old town, including the medieval town wall, and the wild-romantic Eistobel gorge.

The route takes you over the Schwarzengrat ridge (1,118m) to Ermengerst, Durach, Görisried and Leuterschach. This is often a flat walk through the typical moorland of the foothills of the Alps. The final stage takes us back to the starting point in Marktoberdorf.

The best time of the year to hike the Water Strider Route is undoubtedly in summer and early fall. As you’re hiking in the mountains, be aware that there might be snowfields in early summer and there might be early snowfalls in autumn. Generally, the hiking season in the European Alps is limited to the summer months when the weather is milder and the snow has melted, making the trails accessible.

Keep in mind that the weather in the high mountains can change rapidly, and it’s essential to be prepared for various conditions, including sudden rain or snow showers. Always check trail conditions, and local weather forecasts before embarking on a high-alpine hike. Additionally, consider your hiking experience and skill level, as some trails in the Allgäuer Alps can be challenging and require proper equipment and experience.

When planning this hike please consider several key factors to guarantee a secure outdoor adventure. Before embarking on your hike, conduct thorough research on your chosen trail. This includes assessing factors such as trail difficulty, length, elevation gain, and terrain. Gather valuable insights not only from this website, but also from guidebooks, hikers who hiked this trail already, and local hiking tourism organizations.

Effective planning is paramount. Share your hiking plans with your family or friends, providing details like your anticipated start and end times, chosen trail route, and emergency contact information. This information serves as a critical safety measure in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Stay informed about the weather conditions in the area where you intend to hike. Avoid embarking on your journey during severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, or extreme heat, as these can pose significant risks to your safety.

Staying properly hydrated and nourished is essential. Ensure you have an ample supply of water and energy-rich snacks to maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration and exhaustion. Bring at least two liters of water with you.

Familiarize yourself with the trail map and carry navigation tools such as a compass or GPS device to stay oriented and avoid getting lost.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitted backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (when needed), and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails like this.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, pack out all trash, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats.