Discover Gestratz: Trails, water and history

Gestratz lies among gentle hills, the Obere Argen and the Kaplaneibach. The village combines a distinctive landscape with a long history and trails for a range of interests: hiking, cross-country skiing and cycling each have their own character here. The Gestratz water features in the village square add another attraction, while St. Gallus Parish Church and the local heritage house bring the village’s history to life. You can plan your trip around nature, exercise or history.

Hiking, views and trails throughout the year

Gestratz has 40 km of signposted hiking trails. One option is the Schweineburg–Gestratz circular trail: it starts and ends at the Argenhalle, follows paved paths and is suitable for strollers. This is a useful option for families looking to include a stroller-friendly route in their plans.

The circular trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the heights of the Westallgäu and the Alpine ranges. From Schweineburg, high above Gestratz, the panorama stretches across the Oberallgäu and the Austrian and Swiss mountains all the way to Lake Constance. The route combines clear directions with far-reaching views.

Gestratz has a total of 8 km of groomed cross-country ski trails. The trail starting at Schweineburg leads towards the Waldbad in Isny and connects to the Maierhöfen–Isny trail network. The trails are seasonal, and their condition can vary from one winter to another. If cross-country skiing is important to your travel plans, it is worth checking the current conditions.

Cycling has a different character from hiking: the cycle routes in Gestratz follow roads that are partly steep, with climbs and descents. Cycling is varied, but also very strenuous. This can help you plan realistically how to fit the activity into your day.

Parish church, forge and local history

The parish of Gestratz was founded in the 8th century by St. Gallen Abbey. St. Gallus Parish Church was built much later, between 1435 and 1437. It was a pilgrimage church until the Thirty Years’ War, and its choir walls feature Gothic frescoes. The founding of the parish, the church’s construction and its history as a pilgrimage site offer different ways to explore the village’s past.

The Gestratz local heritage house is housed in a 250-year-old forge that has been converted into a place where history comes to life. The ground floor has a working forge and an exhibition room for changing uses. Bringing the forge and exhibition room together under one roof connects craftsmanship with history.

At the annual local heritage house festival in September, craftspeople demonstrate almost-forgotten craft traditions. If the festival is important to your trip, check the specific date for the year in question in advance. The Malleichen Badwirtschaft in Gestratz also has an outdoor bowling alley; if you plan to use it, check that it is currently available before your visit.

The history of the Malleichen Badwirtschaft in the area around Gestratz dates back more than 400 years. Sulphur baths in zinc tubs were offered there until 1933. This historical link adds another facet of the region’s past to the craft traditions at the local heritage house.

Water features in the village square

In the village square, the Gestratz water features bring together an easily accessible village stream, an artificial stream and a village fountain. They invite visitors to play and relax, offering a different experience from the steep cycling routes or seasonal ski trails. For families looking for a playful place to enjoy the water as well as outdoor activities, this is another option to consider when planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Grünenbach

For the regional travel overview: Argental.