Oberstdorf

About

Oberstdorf (German pronunciation: [ˈoːbɐstˌdɔʁf] ; Low Alemannic: Oberschdorf) is a municipality located in the Allgäu region of the Bavarian Alps of southern Germany. It is the southernmost settlement in Germany and, as one of its highest towns, is known for its skiing and hiking parks. At the center of Oberstdorf is a church whose tall spire serves as a landmark for navigating around town. The summits of the Nebelhorn and Fellhorn provide dramatic panoramic views of the Alps. The Nebelhorn can be reached via a large cable car. Visitors can ride a unique diagonal elevator to the top of the Heini-Klopfer-Skiflugschanze.

Oberstdorf consists of the village of Oberstdorf (813 metres above sea level, survey point by the Roman Catholic church) and five other villages:

- Kornau, 915 m. In the vicinity is the Söllereckbahn and the Chapel of St. Fabian and St. Sebastian, which is rich in art treasures;

- In Reichenbach (population: 226) is the 450-year-old Chapel of St. James and the Moorwasser swimming pool;

- The little hamlet of Rubi has 175 inhabitants;

- Typical of Schöllang are the farm houses around the Baroque onion tower of the parish church. In the vicinity is the Schollang Castle Church of 1531;

- The village of Tiefenbach takes its name from trees called Bergkiefer. The village lies on a terrace above the Breitach stream. Tiefenbach has a centuries-old spa tradition thanks to its sulphur spring. As early as the late 15th century, counts and other high-ranking people convalesced here to cure their illnesses.

There are numerous valleys in the area around Oberstdorf, many of which are not only scenic, but are often starting points for walks in the mountains. The following list shows the main valleys, together with their side valleys:

- Stillach ( Stillachtal or Birgsautal );

- Traufbach. Oytal and Dietersbachtal are separated by the Höfats and Rauheck. Gerstruben, Germany's highest village, lies at the entrance to the Dietersbachtal.

The Rappenalptal is the longest and runs from Germany's southernmost village, Einödsbach, past the Haldenwanger Eck, Germany's southernmost point. At the end of the valley, the Schrofen Pass leads to Austria.

The Allgäu Alps in the area around Oberstdorf attain heights of over 2,600 metres and belong to the Northern Limestone Alps. The best known summits in Oberstdorf are:

- Fellhorn 2,038 m (Blumenberg of the Allgäu)

- Höfats 2,259 m (the most prominent Allgäu " grass mountain ")

- Großer Krottenkopf 2,656 m (highest mountain of the Allgäu Alps)

- Mädelegabel 2,645 m (lies on the Heilbronn Way)

- Schattenberg 1,845 m (by the eponymous ski jump)

There are numerous lakes at various heights around Oberstdorf:

- Christlessee, drinking water quality, in the Trettach valley

- Engeratsgundsee, east of the Großer Daumen