Some hikes are beautiful because of the landscape alone. Others feel a little more special because of where they lead you.
That is exactly what makes these trails in the border region between Tyrol and the Allgäu so appealing: they are scenic, varied, and give you the feeling of moving between two regions at once.
Here you will find my favorite border hikes around Tyrol and the Allgäu, with views of mountains, lakes, and in some cases even the famous royal castles including Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castle.
So if you are looking for hikes that are not just pretty, but truly border-brilliant, you are in the right place.
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Why I love these hikes
I especially enjoy hikes that are more than just a climb to a summit. I like it when landscape, wide views, and atmosphere come together naturally, instead of everything revolving around one single Instagram spot.
That is exactly what makes this border region so special. You hike between the Tyrolean mountains and the Allgäu alpine landscape, with views of peaks, lakes, and in many cases the famous Bavarian castle scenery.
Read here more about my tips for visiting Neuschwanstein Castle
At the same time, you really feel that you are moving between two regions, without needing signs to remind you.
I grew up in this area. The Reutte district in Tyrol is my home, and many of the hikes in this article start right there or lead directly through the Außerfern region. For me, these are not just beautiful hikes; they also carry a little home feeling.
1. Säuling: Hiking with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle
The Säuling is one of the most impressive hikes in this region. There are hiking routes to the summit from two sides: from Pflach in Tyrol, Austria, via the Säulinghaus, or from the Bavarian side via Hohenschwangau in Germany.
Both routes are moderately difficult, with some more demanding sections near the top, and both reward you with the same highlight.
At the summit, the view opens up in a way that is hard to beat: Neuschwanstein Castle right in front of you, with the Allgäu behind it and the surrounding Tyrolean mountains all around.
You are not just hiking somewhere in the Alps — you are standing above one of Europe’s most iconic landscapes.
If you want to explore the castle region in more detail, I recommend my articles about Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen, where you will find more practical tips for your visit.
2. Hahlekopf: Panorama between Tyrol, the Allgäu, and the royal castles
The Hahlekopf is a hike I especially like for its views. Starting from the lake Frauensee, the trail leads you up to a summit where you can look out over the Allgäu, the lake landscape, and toward the famous Bavarian royal castles.
What makes this hike special is that it feels like a real mountain hike with an alpine atmosphere, while still giving you that sense of standing between Tyrol and the Allgäu.
It is not crowded, but it offers real mountain character and a view that is absolutely worth it.
3. Thaneller: My home mountain in the Reutte district
The Thaneller is something special to me because it lies directly in my home region, the Reutte district in Tyrol. From Berwang, the hike leads to a summit with a wide view over the Außerfern and the surrounding mountains.
It is a quieter, more alpine hike that feels pleasantly different from the busier, more famous spots.
From the summit, you can also see Ehrenberg Fortress and the famous Highline179; two highlights that belong to the Reutte district the way royal castles belong to Füssen. If you do not know those yet, or if you are planning a day trip that combines hiking and sightseeing, take a look at my article about Ehrenberg Fortress and highline179.
4. Plansee: Tyrol’s scenic lake hotspot
The Plansee lies entirely on the Tyrolean side, and that is part of its charm. It feels quieter, greener, and more alpine than many other lakes in the region.
At the same time, it is still border-close: on the other side of the mountains lies Linderhof Palace near Ettal in Bavaria, which makes the whole area a great place for a longer weekend trip.
From the lakeside path or from a viewpoint above the lake, you get views of the mountain ridge, the water, and the alpine meadows around it.
For the best photos, it is worth walking a little farther beyond the first obvious viewpoint. Often the nicest perspective is just a few steps away from the busiest spot.
5. Schrecksee: On the border between Tyrol and the Allgäu
The Schrecksee is a classic, and for good reason. On the German side, the hike starts via Hinterstein.
On the Tyrolean side, you can plan a route that takes you right along the border between Tyrol and the Allgäu.
The hike is moderate to difficult, but the destination is worth every step: a clear alpine lake surrounded by steep rock walls, with open views toward the surrounding peaks.
Up here, the border region feels almost like a small natural theater, with mountain scenery, water, and a strong sense of space.
A few honest thoughts before you go
I want to say this clearly because the mountains here matter to me: parts of these hikes lead through high alpine terrain. This is not the kind of place where you show up in flip-flops with a tiny handbag.
Some of my friends and acquaintances work in mountain rescue, and what they see is sometimes shocking.
Not because the mountains are dangerous by default, but because many people head out completely unprepared.
No proper shoes, no food, no water, no idea of the terrain. Please check ahead of time what the route is like, how long it takes, whether there are exposed sections, and whether it really matches your level. Ten minutes of preparation can make a huge difference.
I also know my own limits. I do not scramble everywhere either, partly because heights are not always my favorite thing.
And that is perfectly fine. There are plenty of beautiful hikes that do not require climbing skills. The important thing is to be honest with yourself before you start.
What I would always wish for on any mountain hike is simple:
- Wear proper hiking boots with a good grip.
- Bring enough water and food.
- Take your trash back down.
- Enjoy the silence.
More hikes in the region
If you enjoy this area as much as I do, there are a few more hikes and excursions I can recommend:
Closing thoughts
These are border hikes in the best sense of the word. You are in my home region, the Reutte district in Tyrol, hiking toward the Allgäu and looking out over lakes, summits, and sights that feel truly unique in this combination.
Whether it is the Säuling, Hahlekopf, Thaneller, Plansee, or Schrecksee, each of these hikes has its own character.
And with the internal links to Ehrenberg Fortress, Highline179, Leutasch, and the Innsbruck Trek, you have enough material to turn one hiking article into a full Tyrol travel inspiration page.
Have you already hiked one of these routes? I would love to hear about it.
zuletzt aktualisiert am July 17, 2026