Skywalker Route

The Skywalker Route starts in Halblech and first explores the Ammergebirge, where you can spend an unforgettable 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 Oberstaufen, the route passes the photogenic Buchenegg waterfalls, Hochgrat (1,834m), and Girenkopf (1,683m) to Balderschwang. The next stage takes you over five peaks (1,388 – 1,783m) to Ofterschwang and further to Fischen. A more leisurely stage follows along the River Iller to the popular resort of Oberstdorf.

You will now walk through the Oytal valley and up to the Nebelhorn (2,224 m). After spending the night at the Edmund-Probst-Haus, the trail descends past the Engeratsgundsee lake to Bad Hindelang. The route then crosses into Austria into the Tannheimer Tal, which is traversed entirely via Schattwald, Tannheim, and Grän.

After the Kissinger Hütte and the Aggenstein (1,986m) comes the Breitenberghütte. The final descent is down to Pfronten, where the Skywalker route ends.

The best time of the year to hike the Skywalker 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.

There are no region-specific warnings to be aware of, but you’ll still want to follow basic hiking safety tips while out there.

Familiarize yourself with the trail and carry navigation tools such as a compass or GPS device to 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.