Tips for an active winter
Snow and ice enchant the Allgäu landscape and the castle park around Füssen. To enjoy this to the full, the region also offers a wide range of activities in winter, such as winter hiking, cross-country skiing or ski touring. And we are already in the middle of nature - the habitat of a multitude of animals and plants. Please be aware that we are only guests there and should behave carefully. That's why you'll find some tips here for active and gentle winter enjoyment.
Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas
If you’re hiking in the winter, be mindful of the wildlife conservation areas in the Allgäu. These areas are designated by the German Alpine Club and protect sensitive habitats for wild animals, which desperately need peace and quiet during the winter months when food is scarce. Every time they’re startled, it costs them vital energy. The areas are clearly marked—please respect these zones and be considerate of the animals living there and their sensitive habitats!
Your free space. My living space.
In order to be well informed and in harmony with nature on your hike, we recommend you take a look at the guidelines of "Dein Freiraum. My living space.". There are also valuable tips for dog owners and their four-legged friends.
Preparation
- Choose the tour according to your ability.
- Start with easy tours and build up slowly.
- Plan your journey by public transport if possible.
- Check the weather forecast in advance.
- Bear in mind that changes in the weather, wet, cold and heat require more energy .
- Avoid hiking at dusk so as not to disturb wild animals.
- Plan breaks.
- Take enough food and drink with you.
- Find out about hut opening times in advance and remember to bring enough cash.
- When hiking with children: Adapt walking times and difficulty to the youngest.
- Depending on the activity, checking the avalanche report is essential.
Free Bus and Train Rides to the Tour
With the “Füssen Card” guest card, you can ride buses and trains for free as part of the “allgäumobil” project, which covers the entire region. This allows you to easily reach many of the tours’ starting and ending points and eliminates the hassle of finding parking. Even multi-leg tours are no problem this way.
Packing checklist
- Suitable footwear
- Waterproof clothing according to the onion principle
- Gloves and hat
- Grödel and hiking poles for snow and icy conditions
- A change of clothes if necessary
- Hiking map (tip: you can also get hiking maps from us!)
- First aid kit
- Sun protection and sunglasses in case of snow
- Thermos flask with tea
Do I need an analog orientation?
In winter, the altitude is not as high as in summer. Nevertheless, you quickly find yourself in terrain where additional orientation is useful. Even if winter hikes, ski tours etc. are available as digital tracks, an analog map is always recommended - ideally a winter sports map or special tour guides.
Detailed maps and tour guides are available in bookshops. The Füssen Tourist Information Office and the Weißensee Tourist Info Point also have a winter sports map of the region.
During the tour
- Stay on marked paths. Cutters disturb animals and plants.
- Keep to path closures.
- Keepquiet so as not to disturbwild animals and other hikers.
- Avoid falling rocks.
- Take your garbage with you.
- Take paper tissues with you, as they rot slowly.
- Keep your dog on a lead out of consideration for wildlife and other hikers.
- Be cooperative with other hikers.
- Avoid feeding areas for wild animals.
- Only observe wild animals from a distance.
- Respect the protected areas and their rules.
Knowledge that saves lives
- Sudden changes in the weather are common in the mountains. Watch the sky .
- If a storm is approaching, return immediately via the route you already know.
- "Shortcuts" through unknown terrain can be life-threatening .
- During thunderstorms: Leave summits, exposed ridges, wet gullies or iron-guarded climbing routes and avoid isolated trees.
...And please always be aware: the rescuers of the mountain rescue service are purely volunteers!
Europe-wide emergency number: 112
Alpine emergency signal - the signal can be seen by other people:
- Visible sign (e.g. with a colorful piece of clothing)
- Audible signal: Shout, 6 times within 1 minute
- Repeat thesignal after 1 minute
- Answering signal 3 times per minute
International emergency call sign:
- "YES": Both hands extended diagonally upwards means "YES" and means"we need help".
- "NO": One hand extended upwards and one hand extended downwards means "NO" and means"we do not need help".
Leaflets and flyers
View, download or order brochures, local maps and leaflets.
