Sonthofen Folk Festival (Volksfest)
The district town of Sonthofen traditionally celebrates its large folk festival for ten days at the end of June/beginning of July on the Marktanger, with a funfair, rides, a festival tent and Bavarian music.
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Sonthofen
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ℹ️Practical info — Sonthofen
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Sonthofen is a prime starting point for Alpine hikes; check the local tourist office for daily weather and trail condition updates before heading up.
- The town is valley-based, meaning mornings can be foggy; plan higher elevation viewpoints for mid-day when the sun clears the mist.
- Parking near popular trailheads fills up quickly by 9 AM; consider using the local bus network to reach starting points like the Starzlachklamm.
- Look out for the 'Allgäu-Walser-Card', which you often get from your accommodation, for discounts on cable cars, buses, and local attractions.
- Traditional Alpine cattle drives (Viehscheid) occur in late summer; if visiting then, arrive early by public transport as roads will be closed.
🍽 Food
🍽
Allgäuer Kässpatzen
The famous local cheese noodles; find them at traditional Alpine inns (Gasthöfe) throughout the town.
🍽
Kaiserschmarrn
Shredded pancakes often served with plum compote; enjoy them at a mountain hut (Alpe) on the trails around Sonthofen.
🍽
Local Allgäu Cheese
Try Bergkäse (mountain cheese) from local dairy shops (Sennereien) in the town center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Local Dairies (Sennerei)
The best places to buy authentic Allgäu mountain cheese directly from the producers.
🛍
Outdoor Equipment Stores
Several well-stocked sporting goods stores in the pedestrian zone offer gear for hiking and winter sports.
🧘
Ostrach River Path
A flat, calming walking and cycling path along the river, great for unwinding without climbing.
🧘
Illerursprung
The scenic spot where three streams meet to form the Iller river, slightly north of the town center.
🧘
Hinanger Wasserfall
A beautiful, shaded waterfall accessible via a short hike, very peaceful in the early morning.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Sonthofen is located in the Oberallgäu district of Swabia and holds the distinction of being Germany's southernmost city. The town is situated at the northern edge of the Allgäu Alps in the Iller River valley. Due to its strategic location, Sonthofen has a long-standing tradition as a garrison town, still evident today through several German Armed Forces barracks (e.g., Generaloberst-Beck-Kaserne). A geographical highlight nearby is the Starzlachklamm gorge, a memorable natural monument. In 2005, Sonthofen was named 'Alpine Town of the Year', honoring its commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of the mountain environment. Tourism thrives here year-round, as the town serves as a convenient base for outdoor pursuits: from skiing in nearby resorts to challenging mountain treks on the Nebelhorn or Fellhorn. Local culture is flavored by Allgäu's cheese-making traditions and Bavarian hospitality.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Heimathaus Sonthofen · Starzlachklamm · Generaloberst-Beck-Kaserne
- Nearby: Immenstadt im Allgäu (8 km)
- Population: ~22.035
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -4 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 92 | 71 | 87 | 85 | 148 | 170 | 167 | 180 | 119 | 92 | 76 | 85 |
Geography
Facts
- Town rights were granted in 1963
- Highest point in the area is the Grünten (1738 m)
- The municipality covers 46.62 km²
- Key junction on the Illertal Railway
- Located at an elevation of 741 m
- Center for mountain cheese trade in Oberallgäu
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sonthofen (12)
Mini-Mobil Museum🏛 museum
A museum in Sonthofen with a collection of miniature vehicles and models of various types.
🌐 minimobil-museum.de🕒 We-Fr,Su,PH 11:00-17:00; Nov 15-Dec 26: off; Feb 15-Mar 15:
Wonnemar Sonthofen👨👩👧 family
Large leisure pool in Sonthofen with adventure pools, slides, and a wellness area.
🌐 wonnemar.de🕒 Oct-Apr Mo-Su 10:00-22:00
Frequently asked questions
What is the Starzlachklamm?
The Starzlachklamm is an impressive natural monument near Sonthofen through which a mountain torrent plunges. It is accessible via hiking trails and gives spectacular views.
Is Sonthofen an Alpine town?
Yes, Sonthofen was named 'Alpine Town of the Year' in 2005. It is the southernmost city in Germany and lies right at the edge of the Allgäu Alps.
What winter sports options are available?
There are numerous ski areas near Sonthofen, such as Ofterschwang or the Nebelhorn. Cross-country skiing and winter hiking are also very popular.
What can you see at the Heimathaus Sonthofen?
The Heimathaus displays the history and culture of the Allgäu, from peasant life to the geology of the Alps, on over 600 square meters of exhibition space.
Are there typical Allgäu specialties in Sonthofen?
Yes, in local inns, you should definitely try Allgäuer Kässpatzen or regional mountain cheese, often accompanied by a beer from one of the Allgäu breweries.
Sonthofen: where is it located?
Sonthofen is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Sonthofen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Heimathaus Sonthofen, Starzlachklamm, Generaloberst-Beck-Kaserne.
Sonthofen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sonthofen: why is it worth visiting?
Sonthofen is located in the Oberallgäu district of Swabia and holds the distinction of being Germany's southernmost city.
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