Oberstdorf, a small village in the Allgäu alps mostly known because of the ski jumping which happens here in January every year. But there is more to explore than big jumps. The landscapes are lovely and tons of great single trails, via ferrata sand scrambles awaiting to get hit with running shoes. A perfect place for a 4 day short holiday. In the following I’ll give you a few ideas where to run when you’re around.
1. R U B I H O R N
The rubihorn is always present when you look up left to the jumps from the village and offers a great vertical k on really enjoyable trails from the parking of the Nebelhorn cablecar. After a short bit of paved road you follow the Faltenbachtobel trail passing several stunning waterfalls till you reach the Seealpe. About 300 m before you reach the Seealpe turn left and follow the path all the way up to a small saddle. From there it’s a 10 minutes run and scramble to the summit. The views to the Allgäu and tyroliane alps are stunning. If you can manage try to get there in noon or for sunset, definitely worth it. Now you can either descent the same way, on the others side or, and I strongly recommend this, continue to Nebelhorn via gaisalphorn. There is some via ferrata. From the Nebelhörner you can either run down or take the cablecar down back to the parking. ROUTE FACTS: Parking to Rubihorn 1000 vm, 6km Rubihorn to Nebelhorn 3,3km and 400vm Nebelhorn to parking 7,7km
Link Strava Segmente:
https://www.strava.com/segments/8352619?filter=overall More to explore: Nebelhorn Via Ferrata (B/C)
2. F E L L H O R N
The fellhorn region offers some great ridge running while the ascent isn’t that spectacular because it’s mainly running up the slopes. But anyway it’s a good vertical training. Starting from the parking of the cablecar you’ll get some nice singletrails following the signs up to Fellhorn Summit. In the Upper Part of the ascent you’ll run mainly on wife gravel roads before you reach the final ascent to the summit of the Fellhorn. From now on it’s pure joy to run the ridge which leads you over to the söllereck region. If you’re not looking for a long run you can run down the the middle station and take the cablecar down. Don’t forget to stop at the Schlappolt lake which offers great views. R O U T E F A C T S Parking to Fellhorn 1100vm, 6,4km Fellhorn to söllereck cablecar 5,6km, 150vm. More to explore: Via ferrata on the Kanzelwand (C/D)
3. S C H A T T E N B E R G The mountain high above the ski jumps can be reached on a nice and steep trail directly from the parking of the Nebelhorn cablecar. First follow the paved road up on the right side of the jumps before you reach abgraben road after about 120 vom of running up. There you’ll turn left and follow a small trail over the gras which leads you to the Forrest. After a long traverse to the right the trail steepens and leads you straight up to the summit of Schattenberg. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset. Now you have two options. Descent on the same way or continue the ridge all the way till you end up on the middle station of the Nebelhorn Cablecar. From there either descent or continue the tour doing the tour i described above (1. Rubihorn) which makes it the kingline of this region. Route facts: Parking to Schattenberg 3,6km, 900vm Schattenberg to middlestation 4,3km, 300vm Note: the trail up to Schattenberg is not signed out or marked, but once you’re on it it’s totally clear. From Schattenberg to the middlestation (Höfatsblick) it’s the same. Better bring some skills in routefinding before hitting the trail. The Trail can be done the other way round as well.
4. H Ö F A T S The last recommendation is the run up to Höfats. But I’ll have to say, this is an alpine route and not a so One run. There is potential to fall with high consequences on the southeast ridge of the mountain. So if you’re not experienced in alpine climbing better choose the Rauheck as your summit from the Älpelesattel. Start on the parking Renksteg and Follower the paved road for 2 km to Dietersberg. If you have a bike with you, I highly reccoment to cycle up till dietersalpe. This makes the descent much more enjoyable. Don’t forget to stop for the hölltobel hike anyway, definitely worth it. If you’re running follow the steep path up through the hölltobel and follow afterwards the signed trail to Oytal via Älpelesattel. After 3,5 km you’ll reach dietersalpe. Now finally the trail changes to a single trail and you’ll quick reach the Älpelesattel on 1770m. Turn left for the Höfats, right for the rauheck. When heading for the Höfats the first 200vm are easy single trail till you reach a small cross on the top of a hill. From now on the trail gets narrow and from time to time exposed. It makes sense to go for the Höfats when it’s dry, so autumn is the perfect season in my opinion. After you gained the ridge again you’ll gain height while scrambling up easy UIAA II terrain. The crux is 5 meters below the summit. A sharp ridge has to be climbed on good positive holds. There is one bolt in the end of the section. Well done, you reached the key peak of Oberstdorf, time to enjoy the great views! Route facts: Parking to Höfats 10km, 1450 vm T6 II More to explore: If you’re experienced in climbing go for the west ridge of the Höfats and do a complete traverse of the mountain. It’s UIAA IV climbing, so you’ll probably bring a rope. As mentioned before the Rauheck is a great run which can be done instead of Höfats or afterwards when returning to Älpelesattel. It’s another 600vm climbing on a good single trail.
That’s it, I hope I could give you some helpful inputs for you’re stay in Oberstdorf. If there are any questions, feel free to leave a comment below!