Maierhöfen: Gorge, experience trails and Allgäu traditions

The Eistobel gorge and its biodiversity

The Eistobel Nature Reserve is near Maierhöfen and is about 3.5 km long. Rock faces up to 130 metres high frame the gorge, where the Obere Argen river cascades down over several levels of terrain. A well-maintained hiking trail runs through the gorge, and there are three route options for circular walks. You can experience the landscape on a trail through the gorge or on one of the circular routes.

The flora and fauna are also part of the Eistobel’s character. The nature reserve provides a habitat for species including white-throated dippers, banded demoiselles and ravens, as well as mosses, ferns and horsetails. If you are interested in observing nature, the gorge offers plenty to discover beyond its rock faces and river. The species mentioned show how diverse the habitats are here.

Experience trails for different interests

The Kugel-Alp Trail focuses on the natural and cultural landscape and on the people who live and work there. Its 18 family-friendly experience stations explore these themes, with a focus on traditional alpine farming. The trail also has an animal observation station about forest birds and mammals, as well as several balancing and play features. Families can discover both the landscape and how it is managed, as well as the animals of the forest.

The Kugelrundweg Maierhöfen offers a different perspective, leading to the Kugel, the highest point in the Westallgäu. The Hengelesweiher circular route starts at the Ibergzentrum and passes the sports field, meadows and forest as it heads towards the Hengelesweiher pond and its species-rich nature reserve. If you are looking for a contemplative route, try the Besinnungsweg. It starts on the path to the labyrinth and invites you to pause for reflection at four stations. Their themes are “New Beginnings”, “Breath”, “Stillness” and “Source of Strength”.

Cycling, winter and living traditions

Maierhöfen is also a possible destination for cyclists: the Allgäu Cycling Round passes through Maierhöfen, as does the cycling route along the Allgäu Cheese 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 ski trails. Depending on when you travel, you can focus on different activities: cycling routes, ski lifts and cross-country skiing, or trails through nature and the countryside.

You can experience a regional tradition at the autumn cattle drive, when the cows are brought down from the mountain pastures to the village of Maierhöfen. This event adds a glimpse of alpine farming and village life to the nature and outdoor activities on offer. When looking for a holiday apartment in Maierhöfen, you can start by considering what you would like your trip to focus on.

Discover more places

If you would like to extend your search to other places in this overview, you can find Wasserburg, Lindenberg im Allgäu, Hergatz, Heimenkirch, Nonnenhorn, Weißensberg, Bodolz and Stiefenhofen here.

For the main travel overview: Lindau.