Discover Pforzen

The floodplain forests along the Wertach shape the landscape around Pforzen. Walking and cycling paths lead through them, offering two different ways to explore this natural area. The E-Werk power station in Hammerschmiede adds a chapter of technical history. Pforzen thus combines a landscape theme with a locally rooted historical trace.

Wertach Floodplains and Archaeology Tour

The paths through the floodplain forests bring the landscape into focus. Alongside them, the Archaeology Tour Wertachtal offers a cultural-historical contrast: according to its designated circular route, it starts and ends at the Wertachauen information point. The tour focuses on archaeology, while the paths direct attention to the surrounding landscape. Nature and history thus sit side by side as distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.

Technical history in Hammerschmiede

In the district of Hammerschmiede, the E-Werk power station underwent extensive renovation and modernisation in 1993. A new tubular turbine replaced the water turbines dating from 1910 and 1923. The old machines were preserved in their original locations as a record of the site’s history. This example brings technological change together with preserved machinery: modernisation introduced a new turbine, while the earlier machines remained where they were.

The wider destination of Ostallgäu

The wider destination of Ostallgäu offers other landscapes and experiences. In the southwest, the mountains in the district of Ostallgäu are part of the Vilser Gebirge; in the southeast, they belong to the Ammergebirge. At 2,082 metres, the Hochplatte is the highest mountain in Ostallgäu. These mountain landscapes offer a different focus from the floodplain forests around Pforzen.

Tours and water

The regional routes of the RadReiseRegion extend across the whole of Ostallgäu. Each is 25 to 76 kilometres long, consistently signposted and dedicated to its own theme. There are also 32 local hiking routes showcasing special natural treasures and places of interest in the towns and villages. If you’re comparing cycling and hiking options, you’ll find different kinds of routes and clearly defined points of reference for planning.

At Forggensee, water takes centre stage: with an area of more than 15 km², it is Bavaria’s fifth-largest lake and Germany’s largest reservoir. The Forggensee circular cycle route runs around the lake. During the summer season, Forggensee boat trips operate regularly; check the timetable before travelling. This regional highlight gives you a choice between a tour around the lake and a boat trip.

Culture and winter activities

Cultural attractions are also part of the wider destination of Ostallgäu. The South Seas Collection beside the Obergünzburg Local History Museum displays more than 1,500 everyday and cultural objects. Since 12 July 2025, Neuschwanstein Castle, together with Linderhof Palace, the King’s House on Schachen and Herrenchiemsee Palace, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau can only be visited as part of a guided tour.

For a winter visit, the Alpspitzbahn Nesselwang offers another regional perspective: it provides access to the ski run around the 1,575-metre-high Alpspitz. The ski area has family-friendly slopes and a children’s ski park. Operating conditions may vary by season. So alongside landscapes, cycling and hiking routes, Ostallgäu also offers culture and winter sports for different kinds of trips.

Choose accommodation to suit your trip

When searching for accommodation, it helps to decide on your main focus first. Pforzen combines the Wertach floodplains and their paths with the technical history of Hammerschmiede. If your trip is shaped more by the wider region’s attractions, consider which landscapes and activities in Ostallgäu matter most to you.

Discover more destinations

Irsee, Seeg, Lamerdingen, Nesselwang, Kaufbeuren, Mauerstetten, Oberostendorf, Biessenhofen

Back to the wider travel overview: Ostallgäu.