Camping Guide | Allgäu

The Allgäu extends across the southwestern part of Bavaria, nestled between the edge of the Alps and the Bavarian Alpine foothills. It borders Austria to the south and Baden-Württemberg to the west. The region includes the districts of Oberallgäu, Ostallgäu, Unterallgäu, and parts of the Lindau (Lake Constance) district. Getting to the Allgäu is very easy, whether by car, train, or plane. By car, you can reach the Allgäu conveniently via the A7 and A96 motorways. The A7 runs north-south and connects the Allgäu with Northern Germany and Austria. The A96 leads from Munich towards Lindau, allowing for a quick arrival from the east. There are no toll fees in Germany, but a vignette is required to use the motorways in Austria. These are available at petrol stations and rest areas. From Munich, you can reach the Allgäu in about 1.5 to 2 hours via the A96. Those starting from Frankfurt take the A7 and need about 4 to 5 hours. Coming from Hamburg, you also take the A7 and should plan for about 7 to 8 hours. For rail travelers, Deutsche Bahn offers regular connections to Kempten, Memmingen, and other larger towns in the Allgäu. From there, you can reach individual campsites via regional trains and buses. The nearest airport is Allgäu Airport Memmingen (FMM), which is served by various airlines. From there, you can reach your campsite by bus or taxi. Within the Allgäu, buses and regional trains are the best choice for exploring the various towns and sights. Many campsites also offer a shuttle service to the nearest train or bus station. For trips into the mountains, we recommend using the mountain railways, which take you comfortably to the summits. Bicycles can often be taken on trains and buses, so you can also explore the region on two wheels.

The Allgäu can be roughly divided into four sub-regions: Oberallgäu, Ostallgäu, Unterallgäu, and Westallgäu. Each of these regions has its own charm and offers different focuses for your camping holiday. Oberallgäu, with its imposing mountains and deep blue lakes, is the heart of the Allgäu Alps. Here you will find well-known places like Oberstdorf, Sonthofen, and Hindelang. Oberallgäu is a paradise for hikers, mountaineers, and skiers. Numerous campsites offer a direct view of the peaks and are ideal for active travelers. Families feel particularly at home here, as there are many child-friendly hiking trails and leisure activities. Ostallgäu, characterized by rolling hills and picturesque castles, is the home of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Füssen, Schwangau, and Marktoberdorf are the most important towns in this region. Ostallgäu is ideal for those interested in culture and nature lovers. Here you can visit the famous royal castles, take relaxed bike tours, or swim in one of the many lakes. The campsites in Ostallgäu are often a bit quieter and offer a relaxed atmosphere. Unterallgäu, with its gentle hilly landscape and many small villages, is a tip for those seeking peace and quiet. Memmingen, Mindelheim, and Bad Wörishofen are the largest towns in this region. Unterallgäu is known for its Kneipp spa resorts and its relaxed atmosphere. Here you can unwind, relax in one of the thermal baths, or enjoy the regional cuisine. The campsites in Unterallgäu are often smaller and more family-run. Westallgäu, with its green meadows and rolling hills, is a paradise for hikers and cyclists. Wangen im Allgäu, Lindenberg im Allgäu, and Isny im Allgäu are the most important towns in this region. Westallgäu is known for its cheese dairies and traditional agriculture. Here you can buy regional products directly from the farm, take part in a cheese tasting, or go for a hike through the gentle hills. The campsites in Westallgäu are often close to nature and offer a relaxed atmosphere.

The camping landscape in the Allgäu is diverse and offers the right campsite for every taste and budget. In total, there are about 200 campsites in the Allgäu, many of which are open year-round. You will find large resort sites with pools, animation, and extensive leisure facilities, as well as small, natural sites by the lake or in the mountains. Farm camping is also very popular in the Allgäu. Price ranges for a pitch vary depending on the season, location, and facilities. In the high season (July/August), you should expect prices between 25 and 45 euros per night for a pitch for two people. In the low season (May/June and September/October), prices are often significantly cheaper, ranging between 18 and 35 euros per night. Many campsites also offer packages for longer stays. The size of the pitches also varies. On larger resort sites, the plots are often demarcated and offer a size of 80 to 120 square meters. On smaller, natural sites, the pitches are often more open and offer more privacy. Many pitches offer both sunny and shaded areas, so you can choose according to your needs. The infrastructure of the campsites in the Allgäu is generally good. Sanitary facilities are usually clean and well-maintained. Many sites also offer Wi-Fi, although the quality can vary depending on the location. Electricity connections (usually 6 or 16 amps) are available at most pitches. In the high season, it is advisable to reserve your pitch early, as the most popular sites are often fully booked. However, there are always last-minute opportunities, especially at smaller sites or in the low season. The campsites in the Allgäu strive to offer their guests a pleasant and relaxing stay. Many sites offer additional services such as bread roll delivery, gas bottle exchange, or the opportunity to buy regional products.

For a relaxed camping holiday in the Allgäu, it is helpful to know some practical information. There are no toll fees in Germany, but a vignette is required to use the motorways in Austria. This costs about 9.60 euros for 10 days and is available at petrol stations and rest areas. Diesel prices in Germany are currently (as of 2024) slightly lower than in Austria. Petrol stations are usually open from 6 am to 10 pm, some also around the clock. For shopping, you will find a large selection of supermarkets in the Allgäu, including Lidl, Aldi, Rewe, and Edeka. Opening hours are usually from 7 or 8 am to 8 or 9 pm. Supermarkets are generally closed on Sundays, but there are bakeries and petrol stations in some places that are open. For the gas supply, it is important to know that you can usually exchange German gas bottles without any problems. Adapters are not required. Disposal stations for wastewater and chemical toilets are available at most campsites. There are also some public disposal stations in the larger towns. Mobile network coverage in the Allgäu is predominantly good, but there may be restrictions in remote mountain regions. Roaming charges within the EU were abolished in 2017, so you can use your mobile phone without additional costs. Medical care in the Allgäu is good. There are hospitals and pharmacies in the larger towns. The emergency number is 112. Tap water in the Allgäu is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. However, there are also many fountains with drinking water that offer a welcome refreshment. When camping in the Allgäu, there are some rules to follow. Wild camping is strictly prohibited and is punished with high fines. Special protection regulations apply in nature reserves and national parks, which you must observe. There are no environmental zones in the Allgäu. However, it is recommended to travel in an environmentally friendly way and avoid waste.

Anyone wishing to discover the Allgäu off the beaten tourist track should consider the low season. The months of May, June, and September often offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and cheaper prices. Especially in May, the meadows are in full bloom and offer a colorful natural spectacle. A less well-known place is Lake Eibsee near Grainau. Although it is not directly in the Allgäu, it is easily accessible from many places in the Allgäu and offers a breathtaking panorama of the Zugspitze. The lake is ideal for hiking, boating, and swimming. A culinary secret tip is the mountain cheese from the Allgäu. It is traditionally produced on the alpine pastures and matures there for several months. You can buy it directly from the farmer or at the weekly markets. A special experience is visiting one of the many farm shops in the Allgäu. Here you can buy regional products such as milk, eggs, sausage, and honey directly from the producer. Many farms also offer farm tours where you can learn more about agriculture in the Allgäu. A local festival you shouldn't miss is the "Viehscheid" in autumn. This is when the cows are driven from the alpine pastures down into the valley and festively decorated. The Viehscheid events take place in various towns in the Allgäu, usually in September or October. A culinary tip for gourmets is Allgäu Käsespätzle (cheese spätzle). This dish is traditionally prepared with mountain cheese and fried onions and is a must for every visitor. Locals like to visit the restaurant "Zum Älpele" in Oberstdorf, which is known for its traditional cuisine. A worthwhile day trip is the Breitachklamm near Oberstdorf. The gorge is one of the deepest rocky ravines in Europe and offers an impressive natural spectacle. The driving time from Oberstdorf is about 10 minutes. Admission costs approx. 6 euros per person. Those who enjoy hiking should explore the panorama trail at Lake Alpsee near Immenstadt. The path offers a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.