Bidish Hiking in Germany has lots of possibilities. From the meandering hills along the Rhine and Mosel to the panoramic snow-capped peaks of the Bavarian Alps, Germany is well-gifted by Mother Nature. And it’s lovely to see these places still giving the ‘untouched nature’ vibe as you explore. Hoping to keep it that way, we are continuing on our journey to hike the trails of Germany, and this episode is a hike to Nebelhorn Oberstdorf.
Oberstdorf is a beautiful village in Allgäu that boasts one of the most scenic views and dreamy hiking routes. When I first visited Oberstdorf in 2022, I was unprepared for how challenging a hike Nebelhorn turned out to be and did not make it to the summit. This time, I was adamant about reaching the top, which turned out to be even more challenging than I expected. I managed to summit the peak and am happy to share this beautiful hiking route with you all.
The following itinerary should help you plan out your summit to the peak of Nebelhorn.
Important Details of the Hike to Nebelhorn Oberstdorf
| Hike duration | 7-9 hours (to the top and back) |
| Distance | 16.4 kilometers |
| Hike difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Requirements | Good hiking shoe Sure-footedness |
| Challenge | Steep ascent and descent |
| Checkpoints | I. Oberstdorf II. Seealpe (1280 m) III. Nebelhorn Höfatsblick (1932 m) III. Nebelhorn Peak (2224 m) |
| Cable car available | Yes (June – October) |
Is it possible to hike and get back in one day?
Yes, it is possible. However, you must make sure to start early. The complete hike can take anywhere from 7 to 9 hours. If you start your hike around 9 or 10 AM, you will have ample time to complete the hike and also be on time if you later consider taking the cable car. The last cable car leaves at 4:30 PM, so I would suggest keeping that option open.
Getting to Oberstdorf
Public transport
Public transport is an easier way to reach Oberstdorf. There are good train connections from cities like Munich and Ulm, which will allow you to reach Oberstdorf smoothly.
The Deutschland Ticket works for regional trains and buses. Below are the travel times from nearby cities with the possibility of returning the same day.
| From Stuttgart | Duration: 4 hours Route: Stuttgart Hbf to Ulm (1.5 hours) – RE 5 Ulm Hbf to Oberstdorf ( 2 hours) – RE 75 |
| From Munich | Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes Route: Munich to Oberstdorf – RE 76 |
| From Konstanz | Duration: ~3 hours Route: Multiple connections going through Lindau-Reutin |
Traveling with your own vehicle
It is also possible to reach Oberstdorf with your own vehicle. This location offers paid parking and costs 10 EUR for a whole day. In summer and on public holidays, it might be difficult to get a parking space later in the day, so try to arrive early in the morning.
Nebelhorn Oberstdorf Hike
Hike starts from the beautiful village of Oberstdorf
As you reach Oberstdorf, you can take a leisurely stroll through the village before gearing up for the hike.
Oberstdorf is one of the most beautiful villages I have visited in Germany, and every time I visit, it offers something new. Admire the beautiful mountains you might see and walk along the picturesque Trettach River as you make your way to Nebelhornbahn, the starting point of the hike.
Hike from Oberstdorf to Seealpe
The hiking trail until you reach Seealpe is pretty straightforward. You hike along the roads and a bit of rugged trails. In summer, it is possible to take a route through the forest. This route is really beautiful, you walk along the waterfall and the calming energy of the forest. You just need to be careful not to step on wet logs or branches, or weaker stones, and always be sure-footed. There are ropes on the difficult part of the trail. It is a lovely route and suitable for beginners.
You will reach Seealpe in about 1.5 to 2 hours of starting the hike.
Seealpe (1280 m)
As you inch closer to Seealpe, you will start hearing the cowbells and you will know you’re there. The view opens up, and you will see some giant landscapes surrounding you from each side. It is humbling to realize that such a mighty landscape is just 2 hours of hiking away from you. This doesn’t sit well if you’re from high-altitude countries like Nepal, where you walk for days to reach someplace like this, but you’ll love it nonetheless.
Seealpe is a small ‘lake’ that does not compare well to its counterparts in Bavaria but certainly offers a good vantage point. The lake looks better when there is enough water. You can rest here for some time, have a picnic, take some photographs, and prepare yourself for a challenging route that’s waiting for you.
Seealpe to Nebelhorn Höfatsblick
This part of the hike is the most challenging. It includes steep ascents along rugged trails, and you need to be sure-footed as there are tinier stones (vocab: scree) that might make it prone to slipping.
I remember struggling with this route quite a lot when I hiked in June 2022, and the temperature had hit a whopping 36 degrees. I had to push myself to take each step, and you will also have to do that to reach the promising resting lap of Höfatsblick. Depending on your pace and resting times, it might take you somewhere between 2 to 3 hours to reach Bergstation Höfatsblick.
Nebelhorn Höfatsblick (1932 m)
Once you’re in Nebelhorn Höfatsblick, you get an idea of what’s on offer as you will start to see Alpine ranges everywhere you look. It’s an amazing sight, and you might want to savor it with a few beers at the Nebelhorn Marktrestaurant, which is too inviting to miss.
Like a little kid sprinting their way once they see their home, you can’t contain your adrenaline as you see the mighty Nebelhorn just within your reach. The last lap is waiting for you and it is the most satisfying part of this hike.
Nebelhorn Höfatsblick to Nebelhorn (2224 m)
The hike to Nebelhorn (2224 m) from Höfatsblick is comparatively easy and full of adrenaline. Every step offers an increasingly better view of the panoramic Alpine ranges, and you might even find yourself walking backwards to appreciate what you’re seeing.
Nebelhorn looms closer as you continue walking through the paved roads. The route is easier compared to the steeper ascents you already went through. Halfway along this route, there is a panoramic viewpoint with a bench where you can rest and take some pictures. Just a 30-minute smooth and relaxing hike will take you to the Nebelhorn summit.
Personal note: As someone who took this challenging route twice just to have the feeling of summiting the peak, I can understand the voice inside you saying, “I’ve got to make it to the top, no matter what!” But the conditions can be different every time you hike. I pushed through an icy terrain the last 100 meters of the hike with unprepared gear to satisfy that voice. It made my legs shiver with fear and uncertainty as I had to crawl back carefully through that slippery icy terrain. All I want to say is, please calculate the risk before you push yourself for the summit. Anything that offers a serious risk should be an absolute no-go.
Hiking back to Oberstdorf
Hiking back to Oberstdorf will take somewhere between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how comfortable you are descending some steep hills. You have to be very sure-footed to make sure you don’t slip on the gravelly trails.
If you are not confident about hiking back through the steep trails between Nebelhorn Höfatsblick and Seealpe, I would recommend taking a cable car. Yes, it’s a bit expensive at 34 EUR, but safety always comes first.
On the other hand, if you are comfortable, take the route and work out more of your legs so you won’t think about climbing and going down stairs for another week. You could celebrate it with a beer at Seealpe Berggasthof.
Cable car to Nebelhorn
The cable car is available from June to October to reach the summit of Nebelhorn. There are multiple cable car ticket options available. The prices are rather on the pricier side. I have highlighted the relevant ones below. (updated June 2024)
To the Nebelhorn and back
Adults: 52.5 EUR | Student (below 27 years with ID): 40.5 EUR
To the Hofatsblick station and back
Adults: 45.5 EUR | Student (below 27 years with ID): 35 EUR
To the Seealpe station and back
Adults: 32.5 EUR | Student (below 27 years with ID): 25 EUR
Descent from Hofatsblick station
To Oberstdorf: Adults: 34 EUR | Student (below 27 years with ID): 26 EUR
To Seealpe station: Adults: 24 EUR | Student (below 27 years with ID): 18 EUR
For more cable car prices and information, please visit this link.
When is a good time to hike Nebelhorn?
I have been to the hiking trail three times, all in different seasons. The trail almost feels like a ghost town in March and April and starts getting good traction from June. As the weather improves and the trail becomes kinder and opens up to hikers, I would say that June to October is the best time to hike Nebelhorn.
Seealpe will be quite busy in summer, as many people come to enjoy the beautiful nature. But as you hike up, the crowd thins.
I have never properly hiked before. Should I hike Nebelhorn?
Yes, of course. Just take the trail and go as far as you can. You don’t need to reach the peak. Every step of the hike is beautiful and offers a thrill. Listen to your instincts and trust them. If you feel comfortable, keep hiking. If you get scared, give yourself a pat on the back for how far you’ve come and safely return. Being on the trail is lovely, and you will not regret it.
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Wow! What a beautiful hike! Well done for your determination to reach the top, as that last leg does look particularly challenging. It certainly looks as though your efforts were worth it, though, because the views are simply stunning. This post has some really great information about the practicalities of the hike. We’d definitely want to hike instead of catching the cable car – the sense of achievement must be amazing!
Bidesh, I hike a lot and love learning about places I haven’t considered. This is certainly one of them.
This is a great read. Thank you for including information on distances, altitude, other options to get down etc. It’s amazing how many posts on hikes don’t include these important logistics. I loved your description of summiting as I have been guilty of pushing myself to reach a peak, when I probably should have stopped.
The scenery looks beautiful also. I throughly enjoyed this post.
What aa beautiful hike. I love the views that you captured so beautifully. I enjoyed reading the practical information about how to get there and what to expect on each leg of the journey. It’s reassuring to know there is a cable car, if I overestimate my ability. How would you rate this for solo hikers?
Lyn | http://www.ramblynjazz.com
Your photography is absolutely gorgeous. I don’t think I have the endurance to do 7-9 hours of hiking so I tip my cap to you, but I had to laugh at the picture of the Snickers bar haha, whatever keeps you going! I’ve done hikes or walks where I just don’t have the endurance to go all the way, so I can see your point on trying it again. Sometimes, that first hike almost prepares you in a way for the second one that ends up being the most fulfilling.
http://www.redsolotraveler.com
How much money do you want to bet that this is “Moderate” on Alltrails LOL! It looks a little tough for me with a bum knee, but my husband the hiker would love it. I’ll take the cable car and meet him at the top! I love all the detail you provided so I know whether or not I can personally handle it. Everyone is so unique that it’s nice to have as much information as possible.
Now that’s a hike I’d love to do. Sounds like the perfect mix of challenge and reward, and with killer views. I was quiet close to this area last year on my trip to Germany but didn’t do anything this outdoorsy on that trip. I would probably end up doing the cable car back down – I’m not a big fan of downhill hiking and also just to experience it because a cable car is always fun