Schlosspark bike route in the Allgäu - section 2

In Lechbruck, we turn southwest onto the former branch line Marktoberdorf-Lechbruck, which was acquired by the district of Ostallgäu after rail traffic ceased and the tracks were dismantled in April 1974, and developed as a cycle path.

We pass the junction towards Schmuttersee – a moor pond popular with swimmers – and follow the former railway line to Steinbach. As a special reminder of the rolling, steam-powered past, the former station building was reconstructed on its original site and now serves cyclists as a resting place for a break.

At Stötten am Auerberg, we leave the railway embankment and turn left towards the town centre. Before reaching the “village on the moor,” there is an opportunity to explore the interactive, child-friendly Moss Experience Trail in the Stöttener Moos with all senses.

Northeast of Stötten, we climb a hill that reveals a wonderful view over the Geltnach valley with its raised bogs and the mountains. On little-used side roads, we roll to Rettenbach am Auerberg. Along the way, great views open up to the right of the Auerberg with the St. Georg church. On Auerberg, the oldest large-scale Roman settlement in Bavaria is suspected.

Via Frankau, we reach the hamlet of Krottenhill after a short climb. Again, a unique Alpine panorama opens up to us.

For the following kilometres, we can let our bike roll downhill and arrive in Ingenried. Shortly after the village, we merge northwards onto another former Allgäu railway branch line. The so-called “Sachsenrieder Bähnle” connected the towns of Kaufbeuren and Schongau and is now used as a cycle path. King Ludwig I, grandfather of Ludwig II, strongly supported the construction of new means of transport and had the first state railway line built between Hof and Lindau (via Buchloe, Kaufbeuren and Kempten) from 1843 to 1854. After larger towns were connected by the resulting railway network, thanks to the local railway law of 1882, smaller towns in rural areas were increasingly connected to the railway. Unfortunately, the fate of declining profitability of branch lines due to increased mobility and greater shift of transport to the road also affected this line, so it was closed in 1977 and the tracks were dismantled in 1979.

Away from motorised traffic and with moderate climbs, the Sachsenrieder Bähnle takes us through the legendary Sachsenrieder Forest, past the idyllic forest station, to Stocken. Above the Hühnerbach valley, a panorama rest area invites you to a short moment of pause.

In Helmishofen, shortly after passing a Köf II – a small locomotive that was once in operation – by the roadside, we leave the railway embankment and cycle on to Aufkirch. In Aufkirch, a visit to the Kaltentaler Brauhaus with its home-brewed beer is worthwhile. Freshly strengthened, we master the climb to the slope of the Kaltental and are rewarded with a beautiful view.

Via small hamlets and villages, we continue on little-used roads to Waal. The market town is known for its passion plays, the oldest in Bavarian Swabia. The passion and holy plays date from the plague years in the early 17th century and enjoy great popularity and excellent reviews. Nearly all villagers are involved in the performances.