Hellengerst: Moorland, trails and water experiences

Hellengerst combines a raised bog at around 1,000 m above sea level with trails along former railway lines, a circular hike to the Breitenmoos Nature Reserve and the Speckbach Waterfall. Golf is also part of the picture: Hellengerst Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course on a high plateau with panoramic mountain views.

Hiking and cycling along former railway lines

A comfortable cycle route runs through Hellengerst along the former Weitnau–Kempten railway line. The old railway embankment near Hellengerst is now a well-maintained footpath and cycle path. Another option is the alternative route of the Way of St. James pilgrimage trail from Buchenberg to Weitnau, which runs through Hellengerst as a cycling and hiking route along the former railway line.

The Speckbach Waterfall–Breitenmoos circular hike begins at the former railway station in Hellengerst and leads into the Breitenmoos Nature Reserve. As trail conditions can change with the seasons, check the current route description before setting off.

Water and nature

At the Fuchsbach, children can build dams or splash around in the stream. At the Speckbach Waterfall, they can play in the water; seating at the foot of the waterfall makes it a pleasant place to linger. The waterfall can also be included in the day’s plans as a place to take a break.

Hellengerst has a raised bog at around 1,000 m above sea level. Schönleitenmoos Nature Reserve in Wierlinger Wald lies 1 km northeast of Hellengerst.

Golf and local history

In the Allgäu, Hellengerst Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course right next to Hotel Hanusel Hof. The course is on a high plateau with panoramic mountain views. Facilities include carts, trolleys, a driving range, grass tees and a restaurant. This makes golf another option to consider when planning a trip, alongside hiking and cycling.

The grounds of the Catholic parish church of St. Stephen in Hellengerst contain findings dating from the Middle Ages and the early modern period. This historical detail complements the landscape and activities described here with a glimpse into the village’s history.

Weitnau: hiking trail, market and culture

In Weitnau, a well-marked hiking route leads south from the town centre along the Carl Hirnbein Trail towards Hauchenberg and Alpkönig. The main settlement of Weitnau has historic buildings and a neo-Gothic church.

The Catholic parish church of St. Stephen in Weitnau is listed as a protected monument. It is a hall church with a recessed, three-sided apsidal choir and a north tower with a saddleback roof; its core is late Gothic, and it was renovated in 1773.

The Hohenegg Museum in the Historic Amtshaus in Weitnau focuses on religious folk art. The collection includes pilgrimage souvenirs, votive offerings, rosaries and reliquary crosses. Most of the items were collected by Herbert Zenker, a secondary school teacher from Weitnau.

The traditional autumn market in Weitnau also adds a seasonal highlight: it takes place every year on the second Saturday in September.

Choose accommodation to suit your day’s plans

Before you start searching, consider which activities you want to shape your stay. For hiking and cycling days, the trails along former railway lines and the circular hike provide specific options; for time together by the water, the spots at the Fuchsbach and Speckbach Waterfall are described here. If golf is part of your plans, Hellengerst Golf Club is another destination to consider.

Discover more destinations: Missen-Wilhams.

Go to the main travel overview: Weitnau.