Dragon View - Circular walk through the pre-Alpine landscape in Pfronten

The valley walk passes through some of the 13 Pfronten districts before leaving the town northwards and the path leading to Eisenberg. The Alpine panorama always in view, a small ascent follows to the twin ruins of Hohenfreyberg and Eisenberg. These lie on the ridge of a hill and open the view to the mountains, the guardians of the Allgäu who give the walk its name. Those interested in learning more about the castles and their owners can take a detour on the way back to the castle museum in the underlying village of "Zell" and discover everything about the old buildings.

A little preview: How the Dragon View got its name

You walk steadily out of the village, away from the mountains, towards the green expanse. And suddenly you can feel it, my calm breath. My dragon's head gently nestles on the edge of the Pfronten valley, my limbs stretched far, intertwined with the landscape.

Here I lie since the beginning of time and watch over the gateway to the majestic mountains rising behind me. What haven’t I seen! I was already here when the first humans came to the valley and subdued the plain; I witnessed their reverence for the mountains and listened to the stories they told each other. I took it when they placed a crown of stone on my head. The little creatures grew beyond themselves under my protection, feeling invincible and strong up there, where my breath surrounds them.

Sometimes I lazily glance over to the ruins in the north and remember the times when people believed a giant had laid down there for his final rest and turned to stone. Who knows, maybe they were right? On his back still stand the remains of two castles, symbols of transience. The son wanted to surpass the father's castle at any cost, built his symbol of power as knighthood was already dying, and broke on it. The knights disappeared, the castles fell, but life went on.

Today you have other symbols with which you try to outdo each other. But believe me, nothing can make you more than you are – a part of this wonderful whole that surrounds you. So look around in amazement, take in everything nature has to offer, and feel the power that arises from within you.