Streams and forests, high moors and alpine meadows with their impressive biodiversity form the perfect backdrop for unforgettable summer experiences.
Kleinwalsertal is a valuable habitat for sensitive alpine flora and fauna that is worth protecting. That is why it has committed itself to the initiative “Experience nature consciously” – true to the motto: the more you know about nature, the more intensely you experience it and the more actively you work to protect it.
There are many ways to explore this unique natural area playfully in summer: On the great nature explorer adventure, families embark on a discovery tour themselves. Freedom and nature, adventure and wilderness – the “Burmi’s Adventure Holidays” family programme promises all of this. During the holiday season, a new activity awaits you every day, sometimes focusing on the fun of exercise and sometimes awakening the spirit of discovery.
Kleinwalsertal Tourismus eGen
Walserstrasse 264
A-6992 Hirschegg Tel. +43 5517 5114-0
info@kleinwalsertal.com www.kleinwalsertal.com
Time for explorers
Experience more outdoors:
06 /
Time for explorers
06 / Burmi - A companion for families Burmi’s adventure holidays
08 / 12 / The great nature adventure
14 / Hiking tips for families
16 / Special adventure trails Tours for beginners and intermediates
24 / 22 / Hikes with pushchairs
18 / Climbing and via ferrata with children
26 / Ideas for gardening enthusiasts and animal lovers
28 / Wild waterways
34 / 36 / Fun & games
Swimming pools & bathing lakes
A companion for families
Burmi, the marmot, is undoubtedly one of the most famous inhabitants of Kleinwalsertal.
His name comes from “Burmenta”, the term for marmot in the Walser dialect. Unlike his fellow animals, Burmi does not hibernate, but remains the mascot for a varied family holiday both summer and winter.
Puzzle fun with Burmi
Discover Burmi's adventure land and solve tricky questions. The Burmi puzzle involves exploring the surroundings and solving exciting tasks.
The puzzles are available at the tourist information centre in the Walserhaus, Hirschegg – and anyone who has solved all the puzzles can pick up a little surprise there.
Paws up – adventurers, nature explorers and mountain enthusiasts will get their money’s worth here.
During the holiday season, there is a different programme every day that is sure to thrill and excite. A climbing adventure, a via ferrata taster course, flying fox or a wilderness day – these are just some of the highlights. With a bit of luck, Burmi himself will even be in on the action.
Go vertical
On the natural climbing wall, secured by the professionals of the mountain school, you will learn to trust your own abilities and feel your way to your own limits while balancing, climbing and abseiling vertically.
Mountain adventure for young and old
The big mountain adventure promises butterflies in the stomach and an extra dose of adrenaline: Warm up on the climbing wall, cross the stream on the rope bridge, flying fox through the Schwarzwasserbach gorge and abseil from a height of 40 metres. This experience is offered both for children and as a shared adventure for the whole family.
A day in the wilderness
Lighting fires without matches, carving bows and arrows, practising stalking techniques, reading tracks and eating stick bread. Accompanied by a wilderness guide, head off into nature and perhaps the most beautiful adventure playground.
Explore and understand
The great nature explorer adventure – more than “just” hiking! Packed into an exciting story, the themed trails invite you to discover and understand nature in a playful way.
The nature explorer adventure includes a series of expeditions for young explorers and nature enthusiasts. Each tour is dedicated to a specific theme and leads into a unique natural area of Kleinwalsertal.
Each themed trail has its own explorer book to accompany families on their hike. Along the way, the explorer stations, which are discreetly integrated into the landscape, offer helpful tips for solving the exciting tasks. In addition, each expedition is enriched by an audio play that tells the story of the marmots Burmi, Burmina and their adventures, thus complementing the hike with an entertaining narrative.
The explorer books including the explorer set are available at the tourist information office in the Walserhaus, Hirschegg.
Hiking tips for families
Hiking pass adventure in Kleinwalsertal: Tours, challenges and rewards
Kleinwalsertal offers a variety of options for all types of hikers with its 185 km long, unspoilt hiking trail network. Whether you are a connoisseur, sporty mountaineer, via ferrata fan or family – there’s something for everyone here. The hiking trails extend over three altitudes between 1,086 and 2,533 metres and lead past over 40 cosy huts, alpine pastures and mountain restaurants that invite you to stop for a bite to eat.
You can access the extensive hiking area directly from your accommodation or hotel door. In addition, the Walserbus, which can be used free of charge with the Allgäu-Walser Pass, ensures flexibility. Eight cable cars and chairlifts make the ascent easier and quickly bring hikers to the most beautiful peaks.
The hiking pass accompanies you on your adventure. It’s a great feeling when you flick through the pages of the pass at the end of your holiday and look back on the many tours you have done. Those who diligently collect points can earn one of the coveted hiking badges, which are available at the tourist information centre in the Walserhaus in Hirschegg.
Special experience trails
Burmi trail in Hirschegg
Walserhaus or Kanzelwandbahn, Bus line 1
Everyone is guaranteed to get their money’s worth at nine play and activity stations – balancing, climbing and trying things out. The walkway along the water invites you to linger, whether to play, relax or take a cosy break at the barbecue area.
Burmi water on the Kanzelwand
Kanzelwandbahn, Bus line 1
A variety of play stations with water wheels and locks line the path from the mountain station to the Riezler Alpsee. Here, children can experiment and play with water to their heart’s content.
Berti’s treasure hunt
Discover the adventure worlds at Nebelhorn, Söllereck and Kanzelwand and complete your treasure map. The map is available at all cable car ticket offices.
Söllereck family mountain
Söllereckbahn, Bus line 1
Adventure playground with XXL-SölliExpress, climbing wall, tube slide and wooden ball tracks. The SölliBully, a wooden Pistenbully in XXL format, provides lots of fun as a play and climbing frame.
Tours for beginners and intermediates
The side valleys offer easy hikes and cosy huts, while summiteers can look out for marmots and chamois at higher altitudes.
Easy to walk on, shoes with grippy sole recommended
Sure-footedness required
Stop
Circular hike through Gemsteltal
Approximate walking time
Altitude distance
Path suitable for mountain buggies
Difficulty
Start/Finish: Gemse, Bus line 1 | approx. 2 h | 173 m |
Easy circular hike through the Gemsteltal valley amidst the mountain scenery of Elfer, Zwölfer, Geisshorn and Kleiner Widderstein.
Hike into Wildental
Difficulty
Start/Finish: Höfle | Bus line 4 | approx. 2 h | 267 m |
Hike from Höfle into Wildental to Fluchtalpe and back through Schwendle. The hike is characterised by an imposing view of the rocky peaks of the Schafalpenköpfe and the Alpine farming in Wildental
Panoramic and valley hike between Hirschegg and Mittelberg
Difficulty
Start/Finish: Walserhaus, Bus line 1 | approx. 3 h | 316 m
» Mittelberg Music Pavilion » Bödmerstrasse » Helgenweg » an der
Breitach back via Dürenboden to Hirschegg
Beautiful circular hike from Hirschegg via the Unterer Höhenweg and back via the Breitachweg. The path offers panoramic views of Mittelberg and leads along the Breitach back to Hirschegg.
Find the Haspelwaldmändle
Difficulty
Start/Finish: Mittelberg, Bus line 1 | approx. 2 h | 329 m
Via: Moosparkplatz Mittelberg » Erlenboden » Haspelwald » Bühlalpe » Direction Zaferna or Stutzalpe » Moosparkplatz
Easy to moderate hike for families with signs about the forest and animals along the way as well as puzzles on the Bühlalpe. More information at www.haspelwaldmaendle.at
From Söllereck to Riezlern
Difficulty
Start/Finish: Söllereckbahn, Bus line 1 | approx. 2.5 h |
The alpine trail leads uphill from the Söllereck mountain station, past grazing animals, downhill across the border with views of the Hohe Ifen and the Gottesacker plateau to Riezlern.
Alternatively, the tour can also begin in Riezlern and end with the Söllereck cable car downhill.
Kuhgehren flower paradise
Difficulty
Start/Finish: Kanzelwandbahn, Bus line 1 | 4 h | 959m
This entertaining mountain tour offers floral splendour to marvel at, also always amidst a great panorama. A detour to the Kuhgehrenspitze viewpoint (1,910m) is well worth it!
Circular hike through Gemsteltal
Difficulty
Start/Finish: Baad, Bus line 1 | approx. 3 h | 491m
The hike begins on the Starzelweg trail and leads along a mountain path through sparse forest and berry bushes to the Untere Lüchlealpe. The route continues into the valley across high pastures with panoramic views to the Innere Stierhofalpe, which is open for business. The trail then leads to the Starzelalpe with a view of the Widderstein, before descending via serpentines to Baad.
Hiking and exploring
Hiking with pushchairs
Tours with pushchairs or buggies are also possible in Kleinwalsertal.
An all-terrain pushchair with large wheels and brakes is particularly recommended for tours with pushchairs. The side valleys such as Gemsteltal, Wildental, Melköde and Bärgunttal offer perfect routes. Everywhere you go, cosy mountain huts invite you to take a break with impressive views and tasty snacks. The cable cars and lifts are happy to transport mountain buggies to the starting points of the tours.
Rental stations for mountain buggies
· Sport & Mode Kessler | Riezlern
· Sport Rief | Riezlern
· Sport Pauli | Hirschegg
· Ifensport | Hirschegg
· Sport Hilbrand | Mittelberg
Hire of child back carriers
· Sport + Mode Kessler GmbH | Riezlern
· Sport Edelweiß | Hirschegg
· Ifensport | Hirschegg
· Sport Pauli | Hirschegg
· Sport Hilbrand | Mittelberg
· Austrian Ski & Service Ranch | Mittelberg
Kleinwalsertal has a lot to offer for vertical sports.
The Walser via ferrata at the Kanzelwand cable car is ideal for beginners with children (from 140 cm height). The best thing to do is to contact the professionals at the mountain school, who offer beginner courses and children’s climbing courses.
Kleinwalsertal Mountain School
Walserhaus, Bus line 1
The climbing professionals from Kleinwalsertal offer thrills with canyoning, Flying Fox and mountain adventures. Walserstr. 262 | Hirschegg | +43 5517 30245
Walser via ferrata
Kanzelwandbahn, Bus line 1
Suitable for sporty beginners with via ferrata equipment; The highlight is the 26-m long Burma Bridge.
Duration: approx. 1.5 hrs – Level of difficulty: B - C
Climbing facilities and high ropes courses in the Allgäu
· Söllereck Climbing Forest | Oberstdorf | 16 km
· in form park - climbing hall | Oberstdorf | 16 km
· Alpsee Skytrail | Immenstadt | 34 km
· Bärenfalle Climbing Forest | Immenstadt | 41 km
TIP: Taster courses for via ferrata or the natural climbing wall are also available at Burmi’s Adventure Holidays.
Climbing with children
Ideas for animal lovers
Marvel and explore in the self-catering garden –experiences close to nature that are sure to provide thrills and excitement for children.
What actually is a permaculture garden? There is a buzzing and humming in Andi Haller’s 10,000 m² garden. Despite its wild growth, it follows the principle of natural cycles. It’s impressive what thrives at an altitude of 1,200 m during the short Walser garden season.
Narandi Permaculture Garden
IFA Breitach, Bus line 4 | Garden tours every Tuesday by appointment at +43 (0)650 910 6160 | Wildentalstr. 37 | Höfle/Mittelberg
· Hammerer horse-drawn carriage rides Sportplatz Au, Bus line 3 Tel. By appointment. Wäldelestr. 15 | Hirschegg-Au | +43 5517 5465
· Café für Dich Naturzeithof Sonnblick, Bus line 3, various animals on the farm, playground
Excursion tips in the Allgäu and Bregenz
· Schwarzenberg Alpine Game Park | Obermaiselstein | 20 km
· Burgberg Animal Paradise | Burgberg | 28 km
· Allgäuer Mining Museum | Diepolz/Immenstadt | 44 km
· Reptile zoo Scheidegg | Scheidegg | 71 km
· Pfänder Alpine Game Park | Bregenz | 80 km
Wild water trails
Deep gorges and waterfalls – discover nature in Kleinwalsertal.
No matter whether you are big or small, a hike along the water provides fascination and refreshment for the whole family. Depth Gorges, waterfalls, moors and much more – the forces of nature are palpable and provide variety.
On the Breitach
Along the Breitach, the main river of Kleinwalsertal, you can hike the entire valley - from the Walserschanze to Baad.
There are always opportunities to go down to the stream bed to build dams or cool off on hot days.
Through the Breitachklamm gorge
The hike through this unique natural monument between Oberstdorf and Kleinwalsertal is one of the region’s most popular attractions. The Breitachklamm is the deepest rock gorge in Central Europe and a unique nature experience for young and old. More information at www.breitachklamm.com.
Schwarzwasserbach
Schröfle, Bus line 5
Species-rich moors, waterfalls and natural spectacles such as the water-filled holes can be found along the Schwarzwasserbach river. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to play in the water.
Tip: An expedition of the Great Nature Adventure awaits you along the Schwarzwasserbach. More on p. 12/13
Kessellöcher
Schröfle, Bus line 5
In the Schwarzwassertal valley, the water has carved its own path through rock and stone. The special thing about the Schwarzwasserbach: It flows both above and below ground. A special highlight are the "Kessellöcher" (water-filled holes), ancient erosions in the stream bed where the wild water has formed swirl holes and basins. Depending on the season and rainfall, this part of the stream down to the natural bridge is sometimes completely dry. Although on such days you cannot see the play of the water masses in the “kettle holes”, you can see the traces that the water has formed in the rocks particularly clearly.
Naturbrücke
Sportplatz Au, Bus line 3
The Naturbrücke bridge is probably the most admired natural wonder along the Schwarzwasserbach. Due to erosion, it was preserved as a bridge arch with a span of 5 m above the stream bed. Also worth seeing are the large whirlpool holes about 40 m upstream, which the Schwarzwasserbach has formed over thousands of years.
Other excursion destinations in the Allgäu:
· Sturmannshöhle | Obermaiselstein | 21 km
· Ore Mine Adventure World | Burgberg | 30 km
· Starzlachklamm Gorge | Burgberg | 34 km
· Buchenegger Waterfalls | Oberstaufen | 49 km
· Scheidegger Waterfalls | Scheidegg | 54 km
Nature experience locations
Experience the diversity and beauty of nature at our nature experience sites – adventure and relaxation await you here.
Perfect for the whole family! Whether on a hike, a Kneipp dip in the clear water or a relaxed picnic – adventure and relaxation for young and old await here. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature and recharge your batteries in the midst of an impressive landscape.
Schwand
The natural Kneipp area at Schwand includes a pool for arm baths, a gravelled water treading pool, a rest area with cosy wooden loungers, framed by a natural stone wall.
Rohrweg
Water treading pool with loungers and a fantastic view over Hirschegg, located directly on the Rohrweg hiking trail.
Kesselschwand
The Kesselschwand water treading pool is located near the natural bridge and offers a relaxing area with comfortable wooden loungers.
Swimming baths and bathing lakes
Swimming pools & bathing lakes
· Kleinwalsertal open-air pool | Leisure pool | Kanzelwandbahn
cable car, Bus line 1
50m swimming lane, non-swimmer & children's pool, slides, diving platform, bubble loungers, kiosk with terrace.
Walserstr. 82 | Riezlern
· Oberstdorf open-air lake | Mountain lake 950 m | Söllereckbahn
cable car, Bus line 1
Large sunbathing lawn, playground, diving platform, raft, boat hire, kiosk, and restaurant
Söllereck hiking area | Oberstdorf | Freibergsee 2
· Swimming pond Oberstdorf | Swimming pond | Oberstdorf, Bus line 1
Thanks to its natural inlet and outlet and the self-cleaning power of the natural water, the moor pool does not require any chemical additives.
Café, children’s playground, paddling pool
Am Rauhen | Oberstdorf
· Reichenbach swimming pond | Reichenbach | 18 km
· Kleiner Alpsee | Immenstadt | 34 km
· Grosser Alpsee | Immenstadt | 37 km
· Grüntensee | Wertach | 47 km
· Niedersonthofener See | Waltenhofen | 47 km
Indoor swimming pools
· Wonnemar | Sonthofen | 23 km
· Aquaria | Oberstaufen | 48 km
Water ski
· Inselsee Allgäu, water ski & wakeboard park | Blaichach | 31 km
