Hellengerst in the Allgäu: Raised Bog, Trails and Village Culture

Hellengerst combines expansive landscapes with trails, waterside experiences and distinctive village culture. Those looking for a holiday apartment in the Allgäu will find a variety of options for planning their days: a raised bog at around 1,000 m above sea level, trails along a former railway line, the Speckbach Waterfall and churches of cultural and historical interest.

Nature between Raised Bog and Water

One defining landscape feature is the Hellengerst raised bog. It lies at around 1,000 m above sea level and gives the village a distinctive landscape character. The Schönleitenmoos nature reserve in the Wierlinger Forest is also located around 1 km northeast of Hellengerst. These two destinations particularly appeal to travelers who want to experience different forms of the Allgäu landscape during their stay.

Water also forms part of the specific experiences around Hellengerst. The circular Speckbach Waterfall–Breitenmoos hike begins at the former railway station in Hellengerst and leads into the Breitenmoos nature reserve. Children can play in the water at the Speckbach Waterfall; seating at the foot of the waterfall invites visitors to linger. At the Fuchsbach, children can build dams or splash around in the stream. This makes it possible to combine active sections with quieter breaks when planning your day.

Along the Former Railway Line

A convenient cycling trail runs through Hellengerst along the former Weitnau–Kempten railway line. The old railway embankment is now a well-surfaced path for pedestrians and cyclists. This route can be an important point of reference when choosing accommodation if you want to focus on cycling and hiking.

The alternative route of the Way of St. James pilgrimage trail from Buchenberg to Weitnau also follows the same former railway line through Hellengerst as a cycling and hiking trail. In addition to the circular hike to the Speckbach Waterfall, this offers another way to include the village in a longer route plan. The historical function of the railway line remains recognizable as part of today’s route.

Golf and Panoramic Allgäu Views

Hellengerst Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course in the Allgäu, located directly beside the Hanusel Hof Hotel on a high plateau with mountain views. The golf club includes carts, trolleys, a driving range, grass tees and a restaurant. This creates a different focus for trip planning than a day on the moor trail or by the stream: you can experience Hellengerst both from the perspective of landscape and activity and as a destination for a round of golf.

Churches with Late Gothic Roots

The Catholic parish church of St. Stephen in Hellengerst is listed as a protected historic monument. The hall church has a recessed, three-sided apsidal choir and a northern tower with a gabled roof. The church is late Gothic in essence and was renovated in 1773. Weitnau also has a Catholic parish church of St. Stephen listed as a protected historic monument. Its hall church likewise has a recessed, three-sided apsidal choir and a northern tower with a gabled roof; it is late Gothic in essence and was renovated in 1773.

Hellengerst is therefore suited to different holiday rhythms: you can focus on trails, moorland and streams, plan an excursion to the golf course or explore the architectural history of the churches. Choose your holiday apartment according to which of these focuses you want to shape your trip. For another comparison of local destinations, you can also visit Missen-Wilhams.

For the higher-level travel overview: Weitnau.