In a nutshell
- Villa Ludwig: perfect for couples. This small boutique hotel has just 18 suites, a genuinely personal atmosphere, and Neuschwanstein Castle on its doorstep.
- Explorer Hotel Neuschwanstein: ideal if you want to dive straight into your hiking or ski trip. This sport spa hotel sits right on the ski slope — ski storage, bike rental, and Sports Spa all included.
- Parkhotel Franks: our top pick for families. Parents get a full spa area, while the kids have a 150 m² playroom with ball pit and climbing wall to keep them busy.
Where is the Allgäu located in Germany?
The Allgäu is a region in southern Germany in the Alpine foothills, stretching across Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Things are decidedly rural here, and you’ve probably never heard of most of the small villages.
No worries — that’s exactly why we’ve put together a map for you. On it you’ll find both what is probably the largest city in the Allgäu, Kempten, as well as some of the places that are a little better known among tourists.
For Couples
Want to enjoy a relaxing getaway with your better half? Here are our three favorite Allgäu wellness hotels for some quality time together.
AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa
The Ameron sits in a fairytale setting: surrounded by gleaming white mountains, the deep-blue Alpsee lake, and two royal castles. No wonder it’s a popular wedding venue. On request, you can also book a romantic “Mini-Moon” package — candlelight dinner, breakfast in bed, and more included.
The rooms are modern and very stylishly furnished. Each of the buildings has its own distinct character, and some of their histories stretch back to the days of the royal court.
The Ameron has a large wellness area with various saunas, pools, and a terrace for relaxing. If you really want to treat yourself, you can also book an aroma massage, sea salt scrub, or a beauty treatment.
Where exactly is the AMERON Neuschwanstein located? And what can you do there?
The Ameron is located in the small town of Schwangau — about 100 kilometers from Munich — and, as the name suggests, you’re just a stone’s throw from the romantic castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, two of the coolest attractions in the Allgäu.
Schwangau itself is a lovely small town, perfect for a leisurely stroll through its winding lanes. And if you haven’t had your fill of the hotel’s spa, Schwangau also has its own thermal bath.
To the AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa
Panoramahotel Oberjoch
Classic romance isn’t your thing? You and your partner are mainly looking for a packed itinerary and plenty of activities to enjoy together? Then the Panoramahotel Oberjoch might be just right for you.
The hotel offers a seriously wide range of activities — sports, culture, and unique experiences. You can join yoga classes, fitness courses, guided hikes, or cycling tours. If you’re in the mood for something more unusual, there are also torch-lit and herb walks on offer. The surrounding area is also perfect for winter sports.
On top of all the activities, this hotel is the place to come if you want to do one thing above all else: eat really well! The hotel has several restaurants on-site and nearby, including an à la carte restaurant, a steakhouse, a bar, and a rustic mountain hut.
Where exactly is the Panoramahotel Oberjoch located? And what can you do there?
Oberjoch is a small district sometimes called the highest-altitude mountain village in Germany. So you can imagine things are pretty peaceful here — on the other hand, you’re right up in the mountains.
The nearest larger town, Kempten, is about 30 minutes away by car; Munich is just under two hours away.
Villa Ludwig
The Villa Ludwig has made romance a central part of its concept. There are dedicated romance suites, special couples’ packages with breakfast in bed, carriage rides, romantic picnics, and much more. So if you’re looking for a wellness vacation with 100% romance, this is the place for you!
You might also love the Villa Ludwig if you want to avoid the typical large luxury hotel experience. The Villa is a smaller boutique hotel with just 18 suites in total, and it has a genuinely personal atmosphere. The building also has a long history, which gives it a charm all its own.
By the way, the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle is only a 20-minute walk away — meaning you have a wonderful view of the castle right from the hotel, and a quick sightseeing trip can easily be worked into your spa break.
Where exactly is the Villa Ludwig located? And what can you do there?
The Villa Ludwig is located in the Hohenschwangau district. You may recognize the name — this is where the second great castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, stands. From here it’s not far to Füssen, where you’ll find plenty of shopping, restaurants and cafés, and a lovely historic center.
For Active Travelers
Lounging around all day isn’t your style, and you like to combine relaxation with some physical activity? Then we have the right picks for you too.
Explorer Neuschwanstein
At the Explorer Neuschwanstein, everything really does revolve around sports. No surprise, since the hotel sits right at the Alpspitze, a mountain in the Wetterstein range reaching up to 2,628 meters. In winter you have direct access to the ski slopes, and in summer you can head straight out on a hiking tour.
The hotel has everything you could need for an active vacation. There’s an on-site workbench where you can tune your skis, for example. You can also rent a ventilated sports locker for valuable equipment for €5 per day. Or leave your gear at home entirely — the Explorer also offers a mountain bike rental.
When your tired muscles need a break after a long day in the mountains, you can unwind in the Sports Spa. And if you still have energy to burn, there’s a fitness room at your disposal too.
Where exactly is the Explorer Neuschwanstein located? And what can you do there?
The Explorer Neuschwanstein is based in Nesselwang. As mentioned, you’re in paradise here for a wide range of outdoor sports, both summer and winter. But the small village of Nesselwang is also wonderfully idyllic — a stroll through town is highly recommended. And the romantic Neuschwanstein Castle is only 24 kilometers away.
To the Explorer Neuschwanstein
Hotel Johanneshof
The Hotel Johanneshof is located right next to a golf center — and the surrounding area is a genuine paradise for golfers. You can use the nearby golf courses free of charge as a hotel guest.
The hotel also has excellent access to ski slopes and hiking trails in Oberstaufen. The real highlight: your Oberstaufen Plus guest card gives you a free pass for four ski areas!
Of course, after all that activity you can also relax wonderfully back at the hotel. With pools, whirlpools, saunas, massages, beauty treatments, and yoga on offer, that’s really no challenge at all.
Where exactly is the Hotel Johanneshof located? And what can you do there?
The Hotel Johanneshof is located just outside the town of Oberstaufen — very close to the border with Austria and Switzerland, in case you want to explore other ski areas.
The Lake Constance is also not far away. We’d absolutely recommend a day trip to Mainau, the flower island — it’s a real dream year-round.
Steigenberger Hotel Der Sonnenhof
The Sonnenhof is a 5-star luxury hotel and part of the renowned Steigenberger chain.
There are plenty of sports options right on the doorstep. You can use the tennis courts directly across from the hotel free of charge, and get discounted access to the nearby golf facilities. The hotel also has its own mountain bike and e-bike rental, plus guided Nordic walking tours.
Anyone who works out deserves to eat well too — and the Sonnenhof delivers on the culinary front. From traditional Bavarian specialties in the König Ludwig Lounge, to international cuisine at the Calla restaurant, to fine French wines at the Brasserie Petit Plaisir.
Where exactly is the Sonnenhof located? And what can you do there?
You’ll find the Sonnenhof in Bad Wörishofen, halfway between Munich and Lake Constance.
This is the spa town of the Allgäu par excellence — it’s the hometown of naturopath Sebastian Kneipp, after whom the Kneipp water therapy is named. Bad Wörishofen also has a charming little town center if you feel like a casual stroll.
To the Steigenberger Hotel Der Sonnenhof
For Eco-Conscious Travelers
Sustainability is important to you and you don’t want to compromise on it even while on vacation? More and more hotels feel the same way, building their entire concept around environmental awareness. Here are our picks among Allgäu spa hotels for eco-minded travelers.
Biohotel Eggensberger
The Biohotel Eggensberger is very much a family-run operation and places enormous value on sustainability. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner come almost exclusively from organic farms in the Allgäu — much of it from the family’s own organic farm.
The commitment to sustainability extends well beyond the kitchen. You can rent electric cars or e-bikes, the hotel runs on solar energy, and the rooms are furnished exclusively with natural materials.
What we love most are the many extras alongside the wellness program — for example, smudging and herbal workshops with host Rosemarie, or guided health hikes.
Where exactly is the Biohotel Eggensberger located? And what can you do there?
The Biohotel Eggensberger sits above the village of Hopfen am See near Füssen. You can swim in the Hopfensee and the other nearby lakes, hike around them, or try your hand at windsurfing or stand-up paddling.
Berghüs Schratt
The Berghüs Schratt is something of a pioneer when it comes to organic living. The hotel committed to a holistic ecological concept back in the 1970s — long before it was trendy.
The organic philosophy starts in the kitchen: the restaurant serves seriously delicious vegetarian and vegan home cooking that even meat lovers will swoon over. The motto: above all, keep it fresh!
The concept carries through consistently into the wellness offerings as well. You can choose from a wide range of natural cosmetic treatments, fasting cures, and even burnout prevention. In addition to the classic sauna area, you can also try something new with an infrared cabin.
Where exactly is the Berghüs Schratt located? And what can you do there?
The Berghüs Schratt is located in the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park in Oberstaufen. You’re truly off the beaten path here, but also right in the mountains. The nearest larger cities, Bregenz and Oberstdorf, are about 40 kilometers away. The surrounding area is perfect for extended hikes and winter sports.
For Families
A wellness vacation with kids can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. But these two hotels offer a great program for every family member. Here are our favorite wellness hotels in the Allgäu for the whole family.
Parkhotel Franks
The Parkhotel Franks is a 5-star hotel, which puts it firmly in the luxury category among family hotels.
For adults, there’s a very generous spa area with various saunas, a steam bath, relaxation zones, and a range of pools. If you’d like a little extra pampering, you can also book a variety of massages.
Kids, meanwhile, can let loose in a playroom spanning over 150 square meters, complete with a ball pit, foosball tables, and climbing walls. Outside there’s also an adventure playground, and in summer a mini club. A few hours in the pool are also reserved especially for families.
Where exactly is the Parkhotel Franks located? And what can you do there?
The Parkhotel is based in the municipality of Oberstdorf (about one hour from Lake Constance). It’s known not only as a spa town but above all as a true winter sports paradise. Oberstdorf even regularly serves as a venue for major competitions — definitely worth seeing if you get the chance!
The surrounding area is otherwise perfect for spending time outdoors with the kids, whether at a lake or out hiking. And for the parents: you get discounted access to the nearby golf course.
Viktoria Chalet
Not looking for a typical star-rated hotel for your family vacation? Then the Viktoria Chalet might be right up your alley. It’s a great combination of a rustic vacation apartment and the perks of a hotel.
Spread across 160 square meters, there’s room for up to seven people. In addition to a fully equipped kitchen, there’s a large living area with a wood-burning fireplace where the whole family can gather. The chalet even has a small garden, so you can enjoy real privacy with your loved ones.
The chalet is part of Hotel Viktoria, located just 100 meters away. There you can use the entire wellness and fitness area. There’s also a huge games room for the kids, plus various leisure activities for children like torch-lit hikes and climbing courses.
Where exactly is the Viktoria Chalet located? And what can you do there?
The Viktoria Chalet is also located in Oberstdorf. Beyond the surrounding mountains and lakes, a trip into the village is well worth it. You’ll find charming little houses and old farmsteads — and if you don’t feel like cooking in the chalet, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from.
Great Value for Money
Traveling on a tighter budget? No problem — a wellness vacation in the Allgäu doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are our two favorites for a spa getaway without the hefty price tag.
Landhotel Schwarzenbach
The Landhotel Schwarzenbach offers a great mix of everything you’d expect from a wellness vacation.
The décor is kept in a simple, rustic country house style. Some rooms also have their own balcony (naturally adorned with the region’s signature sea of geraniums), and you can take in the mountain panorama from the hotel terrace.
The spa area features two saunas, a steam bath, and even an infrared cabin. From the relaxation room you also have a wonderful view of the mountains.
In the morning, a large breakfast buffet awaits you. The hotel also has its own restaurant, which specializes in hearty Bavarian specialties.
Where exactly is the Landhotel Schwarzenbach located? And what can you do there?
The Schwarzenbach really has a perfect location — just a few kilometers from Füssen. That puts you within easy reach of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles.
At the same time, the location strikes the perfect balance between direct access to the mountains and the option to spend a day browsing the center of Füssen.
To the Landhotel Schwarzenbach
Alpenhotel Oberstdorf - ein Rovell Hotel
The Alpenhotel Oberstdorf leans toward a traditional style. The décor is typical of Bavarian country houses, with a heavy emphasis on solid wood furniture. You can choose from a wide range of room categories — and for a smaller budget, the “Best Price” rooms are a particularly good option.
The wellness area is small but excellent: you have several saunas to choose from, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a steam bath. From the spa you also have direct access to the hotel garden, where you can stretch out on a lounger when the weather is nice.
A large breakfast buffet is already included. For €25 you can also add half-board at the “Allgäuer Stube.” The hotel additionally has an à la carte restaurant with a panoramic view.
Where exactly is the Alpenhotel Oberstdorf located? And what can you do there?
As the name suggests, the Alpenhotel is located in Oberstdorf. Compared to our number 11, this is the complete opposite — the Alpenhotel is set well apart from everything, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for a true peaceful retreat to switch off.
