Rettenberg Beer Hike

Where else can you find that? No fewer than three craft breweries call the area below the Grünten home, and each one is something truly, truly special. For true beer and nature lovers, we’ve put together a very special circular hike featuring a stop at a mountain hut, the joy of reaching the summit, and beer history. Hiking boots are required for this tour! Our beer hike begins at the Rettenberg outdoor pool parking lot, directly below the tourist information office. Passing a playground, a narrow paved path leads up to the cemetery. At the northern end of the cemetery, a meadow path—and then a narrow trail through a small spruce forest—leads down to the “Hasengarten.” Here you’ll come across the “Abenteuer Galetschbach” adventure trail. Now follow the signs toward “Grünten.” To “truly” earn that first beer and really, really enjoy the moment when the fresh beer glides down your parched throat, you’ll first have to—while completely sober—hike for 1 hour, and uphill at that. When you finally catch sight of the Alpe Kammeregg with its cozy sun terrace nestled amid lush Allgäu mountain meadows, you’ve almost reached your first rest stop.

Alpe Kammeregg Mountain Retreat

Large sun terrace with a view of the Grüntensch Tasty snack platters or hot dishes “just like in the old days” Plus: freshly milked milk, homemade cake, mountain cheese, and dry-cured sausage to go; breakfast at the Alpe or fresh Kässpatzen can also be booked upon request at
. Refreshed, you’ll now hike from the Alpe Kammeregg to the Jägerdenkmal in just under 2 hours. Right from the Alpe, a beautiful trail leads you past blooming alpine meadows and shady forest edges to this unique place of power. Hang in there—the final few meters of elevation gain follow a narrow, winding path over rocky terrain that climbs steeply uphill. You’re now in the high alpine zone, so sturdy hiking boots are an absolute must!
You’ve made it—you’re at the Hunter’s Monument, the highest point on our hike! This is a very special place—a place of power. The 360-degree panoramic view from this beautiful spot is simply breathtaking! To top it all off, the locals like to treat themselves to a “Gipfelhalbe” (a small beer) they’ve brought along. If you happen to have a beer in your backpack, we recommend the non-alcoholic version—after all, we’re only at the “halftime break” of our beer hike.
After this delightful summit experience, we’ll head to the Grüntenhütte. To get there, first head back the same way you came and then follow the signs for “Grüntenhütte.” After a good half hour of descending, you’ll reach the closed Grüntenhütte,

Your calves and thighs will need plenty of energy from here on out—it’s “downhill” from here. From the Grüntenhütte, the paved alpine trail leads you back to Alpe Kammeregg and from there onward toward the valley to Kranzegg. Take note: On the way to Kranzegg, along the Kammeregger Weg, you’ll pass Germany’s highest-altitude brewery: BernardiBräu.

BernardiBräu “Die Höchste.” At over 1,000 m, Berni Göhl brews his beers in a former ski lift station.
In small batches, characterful beers such as the “Gigglstuinar” or the BernardiBock are crafted.
Depending on the season, specialty beers are brewed using ingredients sourced exclusively from regional growing areas.
The water flows directly from the Grünten into the brewery. Gift and tasting sets featuring various beers are available for purchase.
Brewery tours and beer seminars are offered for groups upon request. Info & Registration: Tel. +49 (0) 83 27 / 9 32 61 80
Beers are sold at the BierAlp right next to the brewhouse. And—did you stock up? Don’t forget—you’ll have to carry it all. It’s still a good 25 minutes down to the valley, and the beer tour isn’t over yet!
Once you reach the valley, the journey continues to Kranzegg. To get there, walk a short distance north along the main road. If you’re not familiar with the direction: Once you reach the main road, turn right toward Kranzegg, which is already within sight.
The hike continues to the “Bier.Genuss.Dorf” (Beer.Enjoyment.Village) of Rettenberg. In 25 minutes, you’ll reach this idyllic little village by following the sidewalk along the main road. Right at the entrance to the village stands the brewery of Germany’s oldest family-owned brewery: the Zötler Private Brewery.

Zötler Private Brewery “Die Älteste.” The Zötler Private Brewery was founded over 550 years ago, making it the oldest existing family-owned business in the German-speaking world.
They brew delicious specialty beers, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
. The distinctive “Sagenbiere” (legend beers) and the “Berglimo”—the “Heugäuer”—are something special
To really get to know the delicious beers and the brewery, exciting brewery tours take place several times a week. Info & Registration: www.zoetler.de
The brewery has a gift and souvenir shop in its on-site visitor center. At the southern entrance to the town, the Engel Brewery towers high above the Iller Valley, where it brews “a beer as heavenly as its name.”

“Engelbräu” Private Brewery “Die Himmlische.” Here, beers are brewed that sometimes even give you wings...

The brewery produces specialty beers and non-alcoholic beverages
If you’d like, you can also buy beer straight from the wooden barrel
During the weekly brewery tours, you can discover the secrets of heavenly brewing. Info & Registration: Tel. +49 (0) 83 27 / 93 00 0
In addition to delicious beers, the beer shop also sells beer mugs.
Hungry again? Then come on in to the Engel Brewery Inn. This traditional pub, located right in the heart of Rettenberg, offers tempting beer-inspired dishes.