Traufbachtal is a short, steep side valley branching off from the Trettachtal, offering a quieter, more rugged alternative to the busier trails of the Allgäu Alps. It's a great pick if you're after a wild, less-trodden corner of the mountains.

The Traufbach stream originates below the Krottenspitzen peaks (2553 m) and drops sharply over a short distance, carving out the dramatic Traufbachtobel gorge at the valley's end. The scenery here is raw and untamed - steep slopes, rushing water, and views toward the surrounding peaks give the valley a wild, secluded feel. Of the several alpine pastures once farmed here - Krautersalpe, Hierenalpe, and Obergiebelalpe - only Traufbachalpe remains active today, grazing around 130 head of young cattle.

How to get there

• From Spielmannsau (the valley joins Trettachtal just north of here) - via an access road closed to traffic, then a footpath through the Traufbachtobel gorge

Practical information

• The access road is closed to vehicle traffic - reachable on foot only
• In 2011 the road was fully resurfaced and asphalted at a cost of €580,000, with 70% state funding
• The path into the valley leads on foot through the gorge (Tobel)

Interestingly, the road itself dates back to 1968-1969, built by the Kempten water authority to maintain a weir on the Traufbach stream - a reminder of how closely this valley's landscape is tied to water management and alpine farming.