Things To Do
in Sonthofen
Sonthofen sits at the edge of the Allgäu Alps in Bavaria, blending alpine scenery with a charming Bavarian town vibe. Nestled along the Iller River, it serves as a gateway to hikes and mountain adventures in the Oberallgäu region. The town features well-preserved historic streets, cozy taverns, and easy access to cable cars and nature reserves.
Visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine, outdoor activities, and a relaxed pace in this inviting alpine base town.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
After arriving in Sonthofen, settle into your charming hotel nestled in the Bavarian Alps. Take some time to explore the quaint town and breathe in the fresh mountain air while walking along the scenic streets. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventures ahead.
Spend your afternoon visiting the Sonthofen Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful parks, providing picturesque views of the surrounding landscapes. Don’t forget to stop by a local shop for some traditional Bavarian snacks to keep you energized.
As twilight falls, head to a traditional Bavarian beer garden for dinner to experience authentic local cuisine. Enjoy hearty dishes such as pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel, paired with a refreshing beer. End the night with a gentle walk back to your hotel, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the town.
Kick-start your day with a hearty breakfast and then set out for an invigorating hike in the breathtaking Allgäu Mountains. The morning light illuminating the path will invigorate your senses as you traverse scenic trails, taking in panoramic views of valleys and peaks. Keep your camera handy to capture the stunning landscapes along the way.
After a fulfilling hike, rest for a while at a mountain hut, savoring a delicious alpine meal while surrounded by nature. The afternoon can be spent exploring additional trails or taking a short drive to nearby lakes for a refreshing swim. Alternatively, consider a guided tour to learn more about the region’s flora and fauna.
Return to Sonthofen as the sun sets, painting the sky in beautiful hues. Discover a cozy restaurant where you can indulge in traditional cuisine once more, perhaps trying a regional dish like Käsespätzle. After dinner, take a stroll through the vibrant town, enjoying the sights and sounds of local life.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee/tea with pastry | $3-6 |
| 🍽Three-course meal (mid-range) | $25-40 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short trip) | $6-12 |
| 🎟Cinema or museum ticket | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning alpine scenery and easy access to outdoor activities
- Compact, walkable town with a relaxed pace
- Strong Allgäu cuisine and traditional Bavarian hospitality
- Good base for day trips to nearby mountains and gorges
- Wide range of seasonal activities for outdoorsy travelers
- Nightlife is relatively quiet compared with big cities
- Limited international dining options within town
- Crowds can form during peak hiking and ski seasons
- Direct international flights require a connection through larger hubs
- "Guten Tag" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
Places to Visit in Sonthofen
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic mountain and valley views, especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset; accessible via cable car and short hikes.
Reflective waters and tree-lined banks along the Iller provide calming compositions and opportunities for wildlife photography.
Historic Marktstraße with timber-framed houses and the town hall offers charming street photography and candid scenes.
Food in Sonthofen
Sonthofen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
German-style cheese noodles topped with fried onions; a must-try Allgäu specialty often served with a salad or pickles.
Must-Try!
Slow-roasted pork shoulder often served with potato dumplings and sauerkraut or red cabbage.
Local mountain cheeses and cheese boards featuring regional varieties, great with bread and pickles.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers market where you can find fresh Allgäu cheese, breads, honey, and seasonal produce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use greetings like Guten Tag or Gruss Gott. A brief handshake is common when meeting someone new.
Address strangers with Sie until invited to use the informal Du; locals appreciate politeness and proper titles.
Be punctual for appointments and respect lines; queue behavior is expected in shops and transit.
Safety
Tipping in Sonthofen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common but not obligatory. Leave cash directly to the server or add it to the bill.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with mild to warm temperatures, ideal for hiking and outdoor markets. Occasional afternoon thunderstorms can occur; always carry a light layer and rain gear.
Snow-covered trails and nearby ski resorts create a winter wonderland. Expect cold temperatures and short daylight hours; dress in layers and be prepared for rapid weather changes.
Milder temperatures with blooming alpine flora; some trails may be damp from snowmelt. Great for quieter hikes and spring markets.
Colorful foliage and cooler days; comfortable conditions for hikes with fewer crowds. Harvest-time foods and seasonal events appear in town.
Sonthofen at Night
Hiking in Sonthofen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hike to the Grünten summit with panoramic views of the Allgäu Alps, accessible via a cable car or a longer hike.
Dramatic gorge with wooden walkways and impressive rock formations; best in late spring to autumn.
Gentle to moderate trail along the Iller river near Sonthofen, ideal for a relaxed day outdoors.
Airports
How to reach Sonthofen by plane.
Approximately 60-90 minutes by car; the closest major gateway for international and domestic flights.
A major international hub about 2.5–3 hours by train or car.
In nearby Austria, about 2–3 hours by car or train; convenient for winter sports access.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many local families and second-home owners, especially during holiday seasons.
A large share of residents are active outdoors year-round.
A steady presence of long-term residents who enjoy a quieter Alpine lifestyle.
Seasonal visitors from Germany and abroad who come for mountains and winter sports.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in winter at nearby resorts; cross-country skiing and ski tours are common in the Allgäu.
Year-round activity with numerous alpine trails around Sonthofen.
Trail networks in summer with varying difficulty levels.
Launch points in nearby hills offer scenic flights over the Allgäu.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sonthofen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in most restaurants; look for Käsegerichte (cheese dishes), vegetable plates, and salads. Request meat-free versions of local dishes when possible.