A very nice hiking tour through the Allgäuer Königswinkel with a medium level of difficulty is the 12 km long route “Buching – Ammergebirge nature reserve – Schwangau”. Hikers can look forward to beautiful natural impressions, wonderful views of castles, mountains and lakes, as well as cozy mountain huts that provide culinary delights with delicious regional delicacies.
When hiking in Allgäu you can look forward to a picturesque and diverse natural landscape with gentle valleys, green alpine meadows, numerous crystal-clear waters, beautiful forests and impressive mountains. The landscape in the Allgäuer Königswinkel around Füssen / Schwangau is particularly fantastic, where the fairytale-like and world-famous castles of Maximilian II and Ludwig II. Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein are located. In order to fully enjoy and get to know this dream landscape, we recommend the long hiking tour “Buching – Ammergebirge nature reserve – Schwangau”. It is moderately demanding, but with a reasonably good level of fitness it can be mastered without any problems. The starting point of this attractive hiking tour is the valley station of the Buchenbergbahn in Buching. The small town of Buching can be reached quickly from Füssen / Schwangau via the B 17.
As you enter the town, the valley station of the Buchenbergbahn is on the right-hand side. There are enough free parking spaces available here. The Buchenberg in Buching is also known as the sun terrace of the Allgäu and is very popular all year round among nature lovers, those seeking relaxation and recreational athletes. In winter you will find a family ski area here and in the warmer months mountain bikers, hang gliders and paragliders and especially hikers like to come here. Numerous beautiful hiking trails lead from Buchenberg deeper into the Ammergebirge nature reserve, which is the largest nature reserve in Bavaria. The landscape enchants hikers here with charming mixed mountain forests, Ice Age moors and a varied flora and fauna. Many rare plant species in particular can be discovered in the Ammer Mountains.
Fitness and stamina are required right at the beginning of this hike, because the Kulturweg leads uphill to the rustic Buchenberg Alm, which is at an altitude of 1140 meters. The cozy Allgäuer mountain hut with its beautiful sun terrace invites you to linger and enjoy the view of the Königswinkel and the wide Alpine foothills. Anyone who has already become hungry from the climb can of course fortify themselves with a hearty Bavarian snack and delicious hut meals. The hike then continues on easy-to-manage paths to the Vorderen Mühlberger Älpele. Here you are now spoiled for choice: Either you continue on the original route, or you expand the hiking tour to include the ascent of the 1702 meter high Schönleitenschrofen, for which you need around 2 additional hours. The climb leads over a rugged, steep ridge and requires a head for heights in the last part.
At the summit you will be rewarded with an overwhelming all-round view of the entire Allgäu. Then you go back on the same path until you reach the Vordere Mühlberger Älpele again.
From the Vorderen Mühlberger Älpele the route continues downhill in a challenging manner to the catered Drehhütte. Attention is required during the short but steep descent. The Drehhütte then invites you to take a break and treats hungry hikers to delicious regional specialties and refreshing drinks. Immediately afterwards, the next hut is on the agenda for this hiking tour. Through a beautiful mountain landscape you reach the Rohrkopfhütte on Tegelberg, which has a wonderful panoramic terrace. From there you have a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and of the world-famous castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, which are located nearby in the middle of a magical fairytale landscape. Of course, the Rohrkopfhütte also pampers its guests with delicious Allgäuer hut dishes and hearty Bavarian snacks. So you'll be refreshed for the last stage of this hike, which leads down the Tegelberg via the Schutzengelweg cultural trail.
The fantastic views of castles, mountains and lakes are omnipresent, so you should stop often to take photos. There are numerous display boards along the way on the Guardian Angel Trail that provide information about the historical development of the region - from the Stone Age, through the Roman era to the time of the Bavarian kings. This delightful hiking tour finally comes to an end at the valley station of the Tegelbergbahn. We then take the bus back to Buching. But you can also linger a while at Tegelberg, because there are a lot of interesting things to discover here. Children will have fun on the meter-long summer toboggan run or on an adventure playground, a giant trampoline and on mini motorbikes. A cozy beer garden and the Roman bath, which was excavated and provides an insight into the impressive Roman architecture, await adults.
On hot days, the treading pool above the playground with its ice-cold mountain water is a relief for young and old.
The hiking tour “Buching – Ammergebirge Nature Reserve – Schwangau” offers a great mix of wonderful natural impressions, magnificent views over the Königswinkel and Allgäu hut charm with regional culinary delicacies. Experienced hikers with sufficient fitness should not miss this hike during their vacation in Allgäu.
