Discover Bihlerdorf

Bihlerdorf is a district of Blaichach, located on the left bank of the Iller near Sonthofen. Cycling routes associated with the river, the traditional raising of the Maypole and historic fortification sites give the village several distinct points of interest. This can help you decide whether your stay should focus primarily on cycling, village traditions or archaeological traces. These local themes can help you assess Bihlerdorf as a possible starting point for your trip.

Cycling along the Iller

The Illertal loop starts at the Iller bridge in Bihlerdorf and returns to Bihlerdorf along the Iller. The Allgäu Cycle Route runs from Blaichach further along the Iller to Bihlerdorf. The routes differ clearly in their connection to the village: the Illertal loop starts and ends in Bihlerdorf, while the Allgäu Cycle Route leads here from Blaichach. To reach the Illertal loop by road, take the B19 or B308 to Sonthofen, then continue along Illerstraße to Bihlerdorf.

Village tradition powered by muscle

During the traditional Maypole raising, the men of the village erect the Maypole using muscle power alone; no technical aids such as a winch or tractor are used. The way the Maypole is raised makes this custom a distinctive cultural feature alongside Bihlerdorf’s cycling routes and historical sites.

Hillfort and vanished castle

Bihlerdorf Hillfort lies about 150 m southwest of the southwesternmost house in Bihlerdorf, directly above the “Im Bachtl” stream ravine. A neck ditch, still clearly visible but now eroded, separates the promontory from the slope that rises further to the west.

Bihlerdorf-Oberzollbrücke Castle has disappeared; its site was on a wooded rise between the districts of Bihlerdorf and Oberzollbrücke, west of and above the Iller. The two historic sites also differ in status: a neck ditch is still visible at the hillfort, whereas Bihlerdorf-Oberzollbrücke is the site of a vanished castle.

Blaichach in a wider context

Blaichach is part of the transboundary Nagelfluhkette Nature Park. Visitors can experience rivers and streams, gorges, ravines and forests there, as well as peatlands, wet meadows and the diversity of species on alpine pastures. If you want to plan your trip around landscape themes, this nature park setting can help you put Blaichach in context.

In the Blaichach district of Altmummen stands the Catholic Chapel of St. Florian, dating from the 18th century and featuring a magnificent altarpiece. St. Martin’s Catholic Church is also located in Blaichach. Annual traditions include the Martinus ride, held in Blaichach every year since 1652 and featuring a blessing of the horses, as well as the Blaichach Advent Market. The market takes place on the eve of the first Sunday of Advent in the paved forecourt of the church and town hall. If you want to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific dates in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Blaichach.