Best time to visit Oberstdorf - Passes & Guest Cards
- Pause to Play
- Oct 12
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 minutes ago
Oberstdorf is one of those places that completely changes character with the seasons – in the best way. Think of it as two different trips in one spot: hiking & green meadows vs. snow & ski village vibes.
If you’re wondering what the best time to visit Oberstdorf is, this guide breaks it down season by season. You’ll see when the trails are open, when the village turns into a ski hub, and which passes or guest cards make the most sense for your trip.
Contents
Best Time to Visit Oberstdorf
For hiking, panoramic walks & cable cars without snow
Late May – September is your sweet spot. Trails are usually open, alpine meadows are green, and temps are comfortably around 15–25°C.
June–August are the most “summer in the Alps” months: long days, warm enough for lakes, and most huts & lifts are running regularly.
For quieter trails & autumn colours
September – early October can be magical: fewer crowds, golden trees, often still great hiking weather. Just know: some cable cars start to switch to shoulder-season schedules or close for maintenance – always check dates.
For skiing & full winter wonderland mode
December – March/April is classic winter season. Oberstdorf + Kleinwalsertal together offer a big ski area with multiple mountains (Nebelhorn, Fellhorn, Söllereck, Kanzelwand, Ifen, Walmendingerhorn, Heuberg). One skipass covers 48 lifts and 130 km of slopes in the combined region.
Great if you want skiing, sledding, winter hiking and that postcard snow village mood.
“In-between” months (April & November)
These are real pause months: very quiet, often rainy or slushy, with lifts partly closed. Perfect if you want deep rest, reading & spa days – less ideal if you dream of high alpine views every day.
Passes & Cards: How to Not Overpay
The Oberstdorf/Kleinwalsertal area runs on a combo of guest cards + cable car passes. Understanding them can save you a lot of money.
1. Allgäu Walser Premium Card (Guest Card)
If you stay in registered accommodation, you usually get the Allgäu Walser Premium Card at check-in – basically your local “magic card”.
What it typically gives you:
Free bus travel on many local lines in and around Oberstdorf (and further in the region) – great for reaching trailheads without touching your car.
Discounts & free activities such as:
Reduced entry to the Oberstdorf thermal bath, ice stadium, museums
Discounts on pedestrian cable car tickets (e.g. Nebelhorn, Fellhorn, Söllereck)
Various local events and family activities, depending on season.
Pause to Play tip:
If you’re travelling without a car – or with kids who hate re-buckling every 5 minutes – this card is gold. Treat buses and trains like your moving viewpoint: you get to watch the mountains roll by while someone else drives.
2. “Cable Cars Unlimited” / “Bergbahnen inklusive” (Summer)
From around May to early November, many accommodations in Oberstdorf offer a cable car package you can add to your guest card – often described as:
“Cable cars Unlimited” / “Bergbahn Unlimited” / “Bergbahnen inklusive”
What it means in practice:
You can use all open Oberstdorf–Kleinwalsertal cable cars and chairlifts for free, as often as you like during your stay (summer season).
This includes the main mountains in the area (Nebelhorn, Fellhorn, Söllereck, Kanzelwand, Walmendingerhorn, Ifen, Heuberg – check the current list & dates).
You don’t buy a separate lift pass at the station – it’s simply loaded onto your guest card via your host.
Good to know:
The promo period for this deal usually runs from the start of the summer season to early November (exact dates change each year).
Not every hotel/apartment offers it – look explicitly for wording like “Bergbahnen inklusive” or “cable cars included” when booking.
Pause to Play tip:
If you love riding up for sunsets, quick cloud-chasing or “just one more panorama” after lunch, this pass makes Oberstdorf feel unlimited. You can follow your mood instead of counting every single lift ride.
3. Winter Ski Passes
In winter, things work a bit differently: instead of free cable cars via the guest card, you buy a ski pass.
One Oberstdorf–Kleinwalsertal ski pass covers the whole cross-border ski area with its 48 lifts and 130 km of slopes.
There are day passes, multi-day passes, and special family/beginner options (e.g. Söllereck or practice lifts for first-timers).
For exact, up-to-date prices, always check the official Oberstdorf/Kleinwalsertal mountain lifts website or the current winter brochure – prices change regularly.
Pause to Play tip:
If you’re mixing ski days with off-days (spa, village walks, sledging), don’t automatically buy the longest pass. Sometimes a mix of 1–2 ski days + non-ski days gives you a much more relaxed, “pause & play” style trip.
Conclusion: Your Intention, Your Oberstdorf Rhythm
Ultimately, Oberstdorf is less about the season or the pass you hold, and more about the rhythm you choose. The logistical tools we discussed—whether it’s the Bergbahnen inklusive deal allowing you to ride up for a quick evening panorama, or the Allgäu Walser Card letting you watch the scenery from a moving bus—are just keys. They grant access. The real goal is to use that access intentionally. Don't chase a checklist of must-do hikes or runs. Instead, chase the feeling of presence. Allow the mountains to dictate your pace. Maybe you need the high-energy rush of a summer ridge walk; maybe you need the simple, gentle pause of a quiet trail during the in-between months. Choose the season and the pass that best supports the kind of rest and play your soul needs right now. Because when you stop counting the lift rides and start counting your breaths, that’s when the true pause to play begins.
Oberstdorf – FAQ
1. What is the best month to visit Oberstdorf for hiking?
If you want green meadows, open trails and working cable cars, June–September is your safest bet. Late May and early October can also be great, but always double-check which lifts are open.
2. Is Oberstdorf worth visiting in April or November?
Yes – but for a different kind of trip. These are quiet “in-between” months with many lifts closed and more unstable weather. It’s perfect if you want deep rest, spa days, reading and slow walks, less ideal if you expect daily high-alpine panoramas.
3. Do I need a car in Oberstdorf?
Not necessarily. If your accommodation gives you the Allgäu Walser Premium Card, you can use many local buses for free, which makes it easy to reach most trailheads and cable cars without driving.
4. What exactly is “Bergbahnen inklusive”?
It’s a summer deal offered by many accommodations where all open Oberstdorf–Kleinwalsertal cable cars and chairlifts are included in your stay. The access is loaded onto your guest card, so you don’t buy separate tickets at the stations.
5. How many days do I need in Oberstdorf?
For a first visit, 3–4 days let you combine at least one big mountain day, one valley walk, and a slower “pause day”. A full week is ideal if you want a mix of hiking, cable cars, spa and spontaneous weather-dependent plans.
6. Is Oberstdorf good for beginners and families?
Yes. In both summer and winter there are plenty of easy valley trails, playgrounds, family-friendly attractions and beginner-friendly areas like Söllereck with gentle slopes and practice lifts. Check our posts below:
7. Where should I book to get the best value on passes?
When searching for accommodation, look specifically for mentions of “Allgäu Walser Premium Card” and “Bergbahnen inklusive” in summer. These two together can dramatically reduce your transport and lift costs and give you maximum flexibility during your stay.
Before you go — download the 3Days in Obersdorf guide:
Jump to:
Challenging Hikes (coming soon)
Via Ferrata (coming soon)
Biking & E-Biking (comming soon)
Rainy Days (comming soon)
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