Argental round

The starting point of this fairly demanding circular route through the Argental is located in the center of Röthenbach. The route is marked with “4 Argental-Runde” at all important points. Our first stage destination is Schönau, which we leave immediately to the left towards Grünenbach. In the village, turn left behind the church into Sennereiweg, which leads past the village cheese dairy. On the cycle path to the left of the main road, we continue through the Allgäu grazing landscape and soon reach the entrance of the Eistobel. The deep ravine owes its shape to the outflow of a meltwater lake that dug its deep bed here after the last Ice Age. A footpath leads via wooden stairs into the shady gorge. We cycle on until the junction to Riedholz, which we follow. In a long arc, the route continues to Maierhöfen. On the right rises the Riedholzer Kugel, the highest mountain in West Allgäu at 1,066 m. Next we pass Vorholz, where we have a wonderful view back to Maierhöfen and a view as far as the Swiss mountains. Through Wolfsbühl we reach Isny, where a detour to the picturesque pedestrian zone is worthwhile. Leaving the town via Maierhöfener Straße, a few minutes later at the hamlet of Hochstädt, turn towards Gestratz. Isolated farms and the vast hilly landscape show us the typical Allgäu character. We leave Gestratz behind on Schulstraße and ride, always with the “Obere Argen” on the left, past Malaichen towards Eglofsthal. After a steep climb, our route now continues with only moderate ascent through forest and meadows to Wolfertshofen. With a great view, we cycle to Riedhirsch, where we can stop once more to regain strength for the last few altitude meters. After passing Oberhäuser and the station, we unfold the bicycle stands in Röthenbach and finish the tour. Alternative starting points for the Argental round are Grünenbach, Maierhöfen, Isny, and Gestratz.