Naturpark Nagelfluhkette

Naturpark Nagelfluhkette

A wild and rewarding 3-day hike across the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park, a protected area on the border of Germany and Austria. This route follows the long, rocky ridge of the Nagelfluhkette, crossing rolling meadows, dense forests, and exposed mountain trails. You'll hike over peaks like Steinköpfle, Stuiben, and Hochgrat — the highest point on the route — with constant panoramic views over the Allgäu Alps and deep into the Austrian side. The path links remote alpine pastures and rugged ridges, and you’ll spend nights in simple mountain huts where warm meals and quiet evenings make for a good rest after long days on the trail. This hike is physically demanding, with long stretches of ascent and descent each day. Parts of the trail include narrow ridges, a 20-meter metal ladder, and several cable-secured sections where sure-footedness is essential. Some exposed paths cannot be avoided, so you’ll need to be comfortable with heights and carry water and food for the full ridge day, as there are no huts along the second day's trail. You’ll also need to keep an eye on the weather — these ridgelines are no place to be during a storm. Despite the challenges, the Nagelfluhkette offers a quiet and scenic experience, away from crowded trails. If you enjoy a bit of adventure, mountain views in every direction, and the mix of nature and rustic hut stays, this is a perfect long weekend trip in the Alps.

Hike Details

fitness_center Difficulty
Challenging
route Type
Circular
schedule Duration
3 days
straighten Total Distance
43.2 km (26.8 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain
trending_up 2056 m (6745 ft)

Location

Continent
Europe
Country
Germany
Region
Allgäu
Best Season
June, July, August

Photo Gallery

Highlights

  • star Nagelfluhkette ridge trail
  • star Hochgrat
  • star Steinköpfle ladder
  • star Panoramic alpine views
  • star Alpe Mittelberg overnight
  • star Staufner Haus hut
  • star Secured trail sections

Requirements

  • check_circle Good fitness
  • check_circle Sure-footedness
  • check_circle Hiking boots
  • check_circle Weatherproof clothing
  • check_circle Hut sleeping bag
  • check_circle Water and food
  • check_circle No fear of heights

Route Map

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival and hike from Hochgratbahn to Alpe Mittelberg

Arrive by car to the Hochgratbahn parking area near Oberstaufen. Hike across rolling ridges (Spitzlerberg, Prodel, Denneberg) to Alpe Mittelberg. Most elevation is gained in the first half. Alternative easier route via Ehrenschwanger Valley. Overnight at Alpe Mittelberg or Kemptener Naturfreundehaus.

straighten Distance: 13.0 km (8.1 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain: 870 m (2854 ft)
schedule Duration: 5–6 hours

Day 2: Traverse of the Nagelfluhkette to Staufner Haus

From Alpe Mittelberg, hike along the full ridge of the Nagelfluhkette. This section includes technical parts: a 20m metal ladder to Steinköpfle, narrow exposed paths, and secured cable sections near Hochgrat. Requires full attention and stable weather. Overnight at Staufner Haus (DAV hut).

straighten Distance: 13.2 km (8.2 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain: 1010 m (3314 ft)
schedule Duration: 6–7 hours

Day 3: Hike down from Staufner Haus to the valley

Continue on the ridge to Hochhädrich, then descend into the valley. This long descent includes a steep section at Hochhädrich. Easier alternatives exist: via Eineguntkopf (8.5 km), Seelenkopf (5 km), or a direct descent (4.8 km).

straighten Distance: 14.0 km (8.7 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain: 330 m (1083 ft)
schedule Duration: 5–6 hours

Sleeping Options

Alpe Mittelberg

hotel Type: Alpine Hut
link Visit Website

Kemptener Naturfreundehaus

hotel Type: Alpine Guesthouse
link Visit Website

Staufner Haus

hotel Type: DAV Hut
link Visit Website

How to Get There

The hike starts at the Hochgratbahn valley station near Oberstaufen, a small mountain town in southern Germany. The cable car station is located in the village of Steibis, just a few minutes outside Oberstaufen. There’s a large paid parking area right at the station where you can safely leave your car during the hike. The station is easy to reach by car from cities like Munich, Lindau, or Kempten. If you’re coming by public transport, take a train to Oberstaufen — it’s well connected by regional trains. From the Oberstaufen train station, Bus 95 runs a few times a day and takes you straight to the Hochgratbahn in about 20 minutes.
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Download GPX Track

Download the GPX track for this hike to use with your GPS device or hiking app.