During this transitional period, when valleys warm up while ice and deep snow still rule the 2,000-meter peaks, outdoor enthusiasts begin looking for compromise hiking options. March and April walks require special planning: it is important to choose a route already cleared of snowdrifts that still offers breathtaking panoramas and functioning infrastructure. We have prepared a guide to seven destinations easily accessible from Augsburg, other parts of Swabia, and Upper Bavaria to meet spring in motion.
When choosing a spring route, one should rely on several criteria. An interesting goal with a beautiful view, wonderful nature, and an opportunity for rest is important. Additionally, there must be a place to eat on the trail. In spring, this is not always a given: some mountain huts are closed for the winter break, and summer terraces are not always cozy due to changeable weather. The optimal goal should involve a summit ascent but not be located too high, so as not to have to trudge through snowdrifts.
1. Schnalzberg Mountain
The most famous mountains in the Pfaffenwinkel region are Hoher Peißenberg and Auerberg, which are also pleasant to walk in spring. However, between them lie elevations around 900 meters that are easy to climb. Schnalzberg near Peiting in the Weilheim district is located above the Ammer-Amper gorge, and it can be reached on foot specifically through this gorge. At the very beginning, the route offers its first attraction, followed by a steep climb to a grassy summit with a magnificent view of the Ammergau Alps. You can eat, for example, by making a short stop during the descent with a brief detour toward Böbing. The starting point of the circular route — the “Schnalz” hikers’ parking lot — can be reached via federal roads 17, 23, and 472.
2. Pfänder
Pfänder and its unique view of Lake Constance is a much less secret goal than Schnalzberg. The ascent here feels like a full mountain hike: the summit can be reached in 1.5 to 3 hours, although you will end up at an altitude of “only” 1,064 meters. This is because the starting point in Bregenz or Lochau on the lakeshore is below 400 meters. You can reach the foot of Pfänder via the A96 autobahn; several well-marked trails lead up the mountain. Since these include paved paths and a cable car, several permanently open catering establishments operate at the top.
3. Roggenburg Monastery
Those hunting for elevation gain will find it difficult in Roggenburg. Located in the Neu-Ulm district at an altitude of only about 550 meters, Roggenburg is surrounded by gentle slopes and small bodies of water. You can get here via the A7 or A8 autobahns or via country roads. Parking spaces are available around the monastery and in the village itself. The community recommends, for example, the “Pond Tour” (Weihertour), which passes along streams, past a mill and two villages, offering several viewing platforms at the end of three small climbs. You can recharge at the monastery restaurant.
4. Hohenfreyberg and Eisenberg
This route in Eastern Allgäu offers not one, but two summits with the ruins of two castles. From the top, a beautiful view of the nearby Allgäu mountains, such as Branderschrofen or Brentenjoch, opens up, while you will be at a height of a good 1,000 meters. You can start the path in Zell, reached by country roads or the A7 autobahn, or in Unterdolden, located slightly lower, from where the ascent requires a bit more physical effort. Below the Eisenberg ruins is the Schlossbergalm mountain hut, where you can reward yourself with lunch for the climb, which takes about half an hour. Parking is provided outside Zell on the road to the Schweinegg farmstead, as well as on the outskirts of Unterdolden.
5. Frauenberg
A chapel, a castle, a monastery, an old town, and a panoramic view: a hike to Frauenberg near Eichstätt combines several highlights. Eichstätt can be reached by regional train via Treuchtlingen or Ingolstadt, as well as via the B13 highway. Parking is available near the station or on the other side of the mountain; you can ascend via several trails. Although moving along the steep slopes of the Altmühl Valley, you will hardly be higher than in Roggenburg, the gradient percentage and elevation change make this route more energy-intensive. There is no real summit on Frauenberg — only an extensive meadow plateau with an airfield and a chapel. The restaurant at Willibaldsburg Castle, located above the city, is perfect for ending the walk.
6. Danube View at Graisbach
This route also offers castle ruins and does not require traveling to high mountains. The slopes above the Danube are accessible via highway 2215 west of Donauwörth; you can start in Leitheim or Lechsend. The highest point of the loop is at an altitude of over 500 meters on an unnamed hill above Graisbach, next to which the castle ruins are located. Additionally, the path passes an old lime tree and Leitheim Castle, offering variety between the river and the hills. Here, however, it is definitely worth checking local establishment opening hours in advance.
7. Blomberg
The highest climb on our list is located near Bad Tölz, accessible from Swabia either through Munich via the A8 and A95 autobahns or via the B472 through Peißenberg. You will need to gain about 500 meters of altitude to the summit, where a large mountain restaurant is permanently open. Beautiful viewing platforms with views of higher mountains are located on the elevation. When planning, consider that a popular toboggan run operates on Blomberg in winter. You should only start the ascent when the sled traffic on it stops. For the lower part of the descent, you can use the summer toboggan run. Paid parking is located at the lower station of the Blombergbahn cable car.
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