Discover Wald: Trails, Ponds and Village History
Accommodation in Forest
Ponds, woodland and trails with views over the Wertach Valley shape the experiences in Wald. Routes range from short walks to longer circular trails; there is also a village museum and a long-standing cheese-making tradition.
Hiking trails for a variety of outings
The 1.5-kilometre Walder Weiher nature trail is an information trail with signs and is suitable for pushchairs. The Wasenmoos loop is considered an easy walk for all age groups and is also suitable for Nordic walking or jogging. It passes right by the Walder Village Museum. Another family-friendly option is the 1.4-kilometre route from Kaltenbrunn along the Wertach to the Hängesteg footbridge.
The longer trails also offer a variety of highlights. The 3.6-kilometre Bergers Panorama Trail follows a farm track and opens up views across the Wertach Valley and the Alpine panorama. The eight-kilometre Wertach circular trail follows the river through the Wertachtal landscape conservation area; along the way, there are opportunities to see rare flowers. The Witwe-Bolte-Weg passes the Walder Weiher ponds and the Weitmoos; from there, the route continues to a small pond and an old villa. The Klosterhof circular trail passes the Bodenloser Weiher and Toteis-Seen ponds, then continues through the Kippach Valley with views of the Alps. Check local conditions before setting out. The municipality of Wald has a total of 46 kilometres of marked and signposted hiking trails.
Ponds, viewpoints and water
The landscape around Wald is characterised by hills, forests and ponds used for swimming and walking. One of the Walder Weiher ponds has a sunbathing lawn and a playground, and is a popular place to swim. As leisure facilities may change seasonally, it is advisable to check local conditions before visiting.
For a longer hike, the Ostallgäu hiking trail from Marktoberdorf to Nesselwang passes through Wald, the Wertach Valley, Bergers and the Hängesteg area. You can return by train or bus. This offers a different way to plan your trip than the individual circular trails: you can consider a regional route that takes in several of the sections mentioned, rather than limiting your outing to a loop.
The village museum and Wald traditions
The Walder Village Museum is housed in a small barn in the former rectory garden. Exhibits include agricultural tools and records of local crafts from the past, including dairy work, cooperage and saddlery. As the Wasenmoos loop passes right by the museum, you can combine a walk with a glimpse into local history in a single outing.
The cheese-making tradition is also part of the village’s history: Wald’s historic dairy tradition includes five local dairies and the Walder “Amsel-Gold” cheese. Anyone interested in regional food and traditional crafts will find a cultural counterpoint here to walks through the forest and countryside.
Stations of the Cross and pilgrimage routes
A two-kilometre Stations of the Cross trail leads from Wald through the Herrnwäldle mixed forest. Wayside shrines and illustrated panels line the route. Wald also has a variant of the Way of St James; you can get your pilgrim passport stamped at St. Nikolaus. Check in advance whether the church is currently accessible.
Getting there and regional orientation
By train, travel via Augsburg or Munich, change for FĂĽssen and get off at Marktoberdorf; from there, continue to Wald by bus or taxi. The described drive follows the A7 to the Nesselwang-RĂĽckholz exit, then continues towards Marktoberdorf. Wald is about seven kilometres beyond RĂĽckholz. Check current timetables and route details before travelling.
The wider Ostallgäu destination also has 32 local hiking routes that showcase special natural and village treasures. The Ostallgäu Cycling Travel Region features consistently signposted, themed regional routes from 25 to 76 kilometres long, extending across the whole of Ostallgäu. These regional options complement the specific trails in Wald with further opportunities for planning an active trip.
When looking for accommodation in Wald, it helps to first prioritise the outings you have planned: short walks, longer hikes, water or local history. This way, you can choose your trip’s starting point based on the experiences that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Hopferau, RĂĽckholz.
Go to the main travel overview: Seeg.
