Maierhöfen: Nature Trails, Winter and Traditions

Maierhöfen can be explored in many different ways: cycling routes lead to or through the town, ski lifts and cross-country trails are among the options in winter, and themed trails showcase nature and regional ways of life. There is also the autumn cattle drive. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether you would like to discover Maierhöfen mainly by bike, on winter trails, on a hike or through its traditions.

Cycling Routes and Winter Sports in Maierhöfen

The Allgäu Cycling Tour leads to Maierhöfen, while the Allgäu Cheese Route cycling route passes through the town. These are two different route connections: on one, Maierhöfen is on the way to the destination; on the other, it lies along a route that passes through the town. If you are planning a cycling tour, you can take this distinction into account when choosing your route.

In winter, skiers and cross-country skiers can use the Flucken and Iberg ski lifts as well as Maierhöfen’s extensive network of cross-country trails. This gives you two types of winter sport to choose from: downhill skiing at the lifts or cross-country skiing on the trails. Before a winter outing, it is worth checking the current operating conditions.

Rock Faces and Water in the Eistobel Gorge

The Eistobel Nature Reserve, about 3.5 kilometres long, lies near Maierhöfen. Rock faces up to 130 metres high enclose it, and the Obere Argen cascades down through several tiers of terrain. The gorge thus combines striking rock formations with the course of the river.

The Eistobel provides a habitat for species including white-throated dippers, blue-winged damselflies and ravens, as well as mosses, ferns and horsetails. A well-maintained hiking trail runs through the gorge, and three circular hiking route options are also available. The hiking trail is closed in winter—a key restriction to bear in mind if you are planning a hike there.

Themed Trails with Different Focuses

The Kugel-Alp Trail connects natural and cultural landscapes with the lives and livelihoods of local people. Its 18 family-friendly discovery stations focus on traditional alpine farming. An animal observation station is devoted to forest birds and mammals, and several balancing and play features round out the trail. Nature observation, regional themes and physical activity come together along the same route.

Other trails have their own distinctive focus. The Hengelesweiher Loop starts at the Ibergzentrum and runs past the sports ground, meadows and forest towards Hengelesweiher and its species-rich nature reserve. The Path of Reflection begins on the path to the labyrinth and invites visitors to reflect at four stations themed “Departure,” “Breath,” “Silence” and “Source of Strength.” If you are looking for another way to connect with the landscape, you can take the Kugelrundweg Maierhöfen: it leads to the Kugel, the highest point in the Westallgäu.

Autumn Traditions and Art Along the Way

During the autumn cattle drive, cows are driven from the mountain pastures into the village of Maierhöfen. This recurring autumn tradition marks a distinct seasonal highlight in the town. The sculpture trail in Maierhöfen offers a different way to experience the cultural landscape: this approximately five-kilometre circular route features 17 sculptures and 12 text panels. The works were created at a symposium and permanently loaned to Maierhöfen for exhibition.

Also in Lindau: Lighthouse and Town Fortifications

The wider destination of Lindau has its own attractions. Lindau’s New Lighthouse is 33 metres high and can be reached via 139 steps. On Lindau Island, the Diebsturm tower, built in 1380, served for a long time as the western end of the town’s fortifications. These buildings provide a distinct historical focus within the destination of Lindau.

Choose Accommodation Based on Travel Dates and Interests

When looking for accommodation, your travel dates can be a useful starting point: in winter, the focus is on ski lifts and cross-country trails; in autumn, it is on the cattle drive. If you are planning a hike in the Eistobel, also bear in mind that the hiking trail is closed in winter. Compare accommodation options based on the experiences you want to shape your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Nonnenhorn, Sigmarszell, Opfenbach, Wasserburg, Weiler-Simmerberg, Stiefenhofen, Hergatz, Lindenberg Im Allgäu.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Lindau.