- Sonthofen was granted official town status as recently as 1963, despite having a history dating back to Roman settlement.
- The town holds the title of the southernmost city in Germany.
- During the 20th century, the town served as a significant garrison location, influencing much of its modern layout and infrastructure.
- The local economy historically shifted from traditional agriculture to a strong focus on tourism and mechanical engineering.
About Sonthofen
Sonthofen is Germany's southernmost town, situated in the Allgäu region of the Bavarian Alps at an elevation of 750 meters. The city serves as a gateway to alpine outdoor activities, ranging from the cultural exhibits at the AlpenStadtMuseum Sonthofen to the natural terrain of the Hirschbachtobel. Visitors often explore the architectural history of the Schöllanger Burgkirche or seek recreation at the Ortwanger See. As a designated climatic health resort, it offers proximity to both rigorous mountain trails and accessible valley excursions.
Highlights of Sonthofen
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Learn about the local history and development of the Allgäu region within a modern exhibition space.
Natural attractions
Experience a rugged, narrow ravine that showcases the dramatic geological forces of the Alpine foothills.
Temples
Admire the historic architecture and tranquil setting of this church located in the Schöllang district.
Natural attractions
Relax at this clear mountain lake which serves as a popular swimming spot during the warmer summer months.
Museums
Explore an intricate collection of model vehicles that demonstrates precise craftsmanship.
Natural attractions
Ascend by cable car to access high-altitude panoramic views and mountain trails.
Top things to do in Sonthofen
The 159 highest-rated places in Sonthofen, ranked by travellers.
1
Natural attractions
Breitachklamm is the deepest rock gorge in Central Europe, carved by the Breitach River through the northern edge of the...
2
Parks
The Allgäu High Alps (Allgäuer Hochalpen) constitute the largest nature reserve in Bavaria, encompassing approximately 2...
3
Places of interest
The Hinanger Wasserfall is a multi-tiered series of cascades located near the village of Hinang in the Allgäu region of...
4
Parks
The Eichhörnchenwald Fischen is a woodland area in the Allgäu region known for its high density of wild, human-habituate...
5
Natural attractions
The Fellhorn-Kanzelwand is a cross-border mountain resort spanning the German-Austrian border, connected by a network of...
6
Natural attractions
The Nebelhorn is a 2,224-meter summit in the Allgäu Alps reachable via a multi-stage aerial tramway from the town of Obe...
7
Zoos
Burgberger Tierparadies is a privately operated animal park located in the Allgäu region, specifically known for its int...
8
Places of interest
Sturmannshöhle is the only accessible natural cave in the Allgäu region of Germany, situated within the side valley of t...
9
Natural attractions
The Fellhornbahn is a dual-section aerial cable car system in Oberstdorf, Germany, transporting passengers from the Stil...
10
Places of interest
Zammer Lochputz is a natural gorge situated in Zams, Tyrol, carved by the Lötzbach stream as it descends toward the Inn...
11
Historical places
The Jägerdenkmal, also known as the Grünten-Denkmal, is a prominent war memorial located on the Grünten mountain in the...
12
Natural attractions
Vilsalpsee is an alpine lake situated within a protected nature reserve in the Tannheimer Tal valley of the Austrian Alp...
13
Natural attractions
The Bergstation Hornbahn Hindelang serves as the primary access point to the Imberger Horn mountain summit in the Allgäu...
14
Museums
The Kutschenmuseum Hinterstein is a private collection located in the high-alpine village of Hinterstein, showcasing a h...
15
Natural attractions
The Fellhorn Gipfelbahn Station is the top terminal of the cable car system ascending the 2,038-meter Fellhorn mountain...
16
Natural attractions
The Heubergbahn is a double-chairlift system situated in the Kleinwalsertal valley of the Austrian Alps in Hirschegg. It...
17
Museums
The mini-mobil Modellausstellung in Sonthofen is a specialized private museum dedicated to an extensive collection of hi...
18
Museums
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Places of interest
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Museums
21
Natural attractions
22
Places of interest
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Venues
24
Temples
25
Zoos
26
Natural attractions
27
Natural attractions
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Natural attractions
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Temples
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Natural attractions
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Sonthofen on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Sonthofen
June through September is ideal for alpine hiking and lake activities, while December through March attracts winter sports enthusiasts to the surrounding peaks.
3 days, which provides enough time to explore the town center and take day trips to the surrounding gorges and alpine viewpoints.
The town center is compact and walkable, while the broader Allgäu region is best accessed via the regional bus network or by car.
Stay in the town center for immediate access to restaurants and museums, or choose the districts near the Iller river for quieter, scenic accommodations.
Mid-range; local guesthouses offer moderate pricing, though peak season and popular mountain resorts can be more expensive.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 159 curated attractions in and around Sonthofen, ranked by traveller ratings.
Breitachklamm is the highest-rated place to visit in Sonthofen right now.
The largest category is natural attractions, with 62 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Vienna, Innsbruck, Ebbs.
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