Culture

When you think of Allgäu/Bavarian-Swabia, there is one thing that immediately comes to mind: Neuschwanstein Castle. The royal castle, which was built by Ludwig II, still ranks at the top of the list of the most popular German tourist destinations to this day. Each year, 1.4 million people travel from across the world to Füssen to see the fairytale castle. The towns of Augsburg, Kempten, Memmingen, Wangen and Nördlingen are usually little more than an afterthought. But these towns are all laden with history and are, therefore, also well worth a visit. The best example is Memmingen: It is home to numerous gates, towers and gables, as well as a medieval townscape that is still intact to this day.

Meanwhile, a visit to the Fugger town of Augsburg promises a special insight into Swabian history, as does the Apollo-Grannus Temple, which stands as one of the most important sacred Roman sites north of the Alps. The Austrian Empress Elisabeth also remains part of the history of the region to this day: The former hunting lodge of Duke Max in Bavaria, also known as Sisi Palace, is still a main attraction for fans of the empress.

Allgäu/Bavarian Swabia is also a region that is of special importance where ancient customs are concerned. One example of this is the Viehscheid – the Allgäu variant of Upper Bavarian transhumance: In September, when the mountain summer is coming to an end, the young animals and dairy cows are brought back down into the valley. If the Alpine summer has been a good one and has seen the animals survive without befalling any accidents, the leading animals of the herd are adorned with a festive plaited wreath: the so-called Kranzkühe, which literally translates as "wreath cows" and is one of the most popular tourist photographs taken in the Allgäu. Down in the valley, the animals are ceremoniously returned to their owners during the Viehscheid. The custom dictates that the returning of the animals is accompanied by music and feasts. Lots of other traditional historical festivals can also be experienced live in Allgäu/Bavarian-Swabia.

Nature

Säuling, Hochvogel, Trettachspitze, Höfats, Nebelhorn and Hochgrat are the most well-known hills in Allgäu, and almost every one of these peaks affords views of the mountain lakes of Alpsee, Forggensee or Hopfensee. The town of Füssen alone is surrounded by nine lakes. Geopark Ries represents a particular geological speciality of Bavarian-Swabia. The "Ries event" – a meteorite crash that occurred over 14.5 million years ago – has shaped the region's landscape to this day, just like the landscape of the Swabian Danube Valley between Iller and Lech, which stands as one of the largest continuous alluvial forests in Germany. As a result, the Allgäu/Bavarian-Swabian landscape is ideal for active holidaymakers. Walkers will find short, gentle paths in small tributary valleys or by lakes; pathways that are even suitable for pushchairs. Those feeling a little more ambitious can hike between the Hütten (Alpine huts) in the Alpine uplands. The popular Sennalpen can be found here, where cheese is still produced by hand to this day. The high Alpine landscape is for more active types: Here the mountain trails and climbs require a little more conditioning; but those who take on the challenge are rewarded with magnificent views. Not to mention a visit to a mountain guesthouse where you can enjoy local dishes in the heart of the Alps. Cycling, skiing and snowboarding – everything is possible in the Alpine uplands and Alps. There is something to suit everyone in Allgäu; whatever your fitness level and hobbies.

Culinary delights

Allgäu is known as the cheese region of Germany. Most of the farmers in the region remain dairy farmers to this day, and, as such, there is nowhere else in Germany that produces so much cheese. In the early summer, Alpine herdsmen and dairymen, known locally as Senner, lead their Brown Swiss cattle from the farm to the Alpine pastures. There the cows eat herbs and fresh grass, giving their milk a more aromatic flavour. Mountain farmers use the milk to produce cheese, butter and sweet cream – combine this with some good rye bread or a Hefezopf bread bun and you have the makings of a perfect pit stop. Allgäu/Bavarian-Swabian cuisine is just the thing for a hard life on the farm or after a walk up in the mountains. Specialities such as braised beef with onions, known locally as Zwiebelrostbraten; Maultaschen, the famous pasta squares filled with meat and spinach; or Geschwollene, a type of white sausage typical to the Allgäu region, can be found on most menus. The most traditional dish, Kässpatzen, is made using fruity mountain cheese and, of course, lots of fried onions. The most famous cheese from the region is the so-called Bergkäse mountain cheese and it is the fruitiest of the Weisslacker cheeses. It was invented in the Allgäu around 150 years ago and is the first patented cheese in Bavaria. Herbs also play a key role in the local cuisine and this comes as no great surprise: After all, the Allgäu Alps are the mountains that provide the habitat for the greatest number of species in Germany. Lake Constance is home to fish and wine; whilst it is trout that are on offer in Lower Allgäu, freshly caught from the Günztal – the longest system of streams in Bavaria. Meanwhile, the Augsburg Zwetschgendatschi represents a sweet speciality. Augsburgers claim to have invented the Datschi, this famous plum cake. It is a culinary speciality of the town and, if the original recipe is anything to go by, is baked using shortcrust pastry.

Text and photo: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH