Dietersbachtal is a side valley of the Trettachtal near Oberstdorf in the Allgäu, framed by the impressive peaks of Höfats (2259 m) and Kegelkopf (1961 m). It's a place where untouched nature and centuries-old tradition come together in a quiet, dramatic alpine setting.

The valley is known for its near-natural forests that have never been fully cleared, which is why the rare lungwort lichen - almost extinct in Germany - still grows on the old trees here. The Dietersbach stream flows through the valley and, after passing through the Hölltobel gorge, joins the Trettach. At its heart lies Gerstruben, a former mountain farming village that is 400 to 500 years old and remains a popular destination for hikers stepping back in time. In summer the valley is lush and green, while in winter it turns into a peaceful, snow-covered retreat.

How to get there

• From Gerstruben, a trail leads over the Hahnenkopf into the Oytal valley
• From Gerstruben via the Gerstrubner-Alp to the Dietersbach-Alp, then over the Älpelesattel and Käser-Alp into the Oytal

Good to know

• The valley's old-growth forests host the rare lungwort lichen, nearly extinct elsewhere in Germany
• The landscape has remained largely untouched for centuries

Interesting fact: in 1892/93 all nine local farmers sold their farms to an electricity company that planned to build a reservoir here - the project was never carried out, and since 1953 the valley has belonged to the Oberstdorfer Rechtler, an association of local citizens.