Bad Hindelang

Annual Events

In Bad Hindelang, the annual Viehscheid (Almabtrieb) takes place on 11 September and is the valley’s largest festival, closely linked to alpine farming. In early summer, young cattle are driven to alpine pastures and return to the valley after about 100 days, where they are handed back to their owners.^[18][19]

The Jochpass Memorial, held annually since 1999, is a historic hill climb for classic and youngtimer vehicles and takes place each October.^[20]

The Hindelang Christmas Market attracts around 60,000 visitors each year. The Christmas market features regional crafts, food, and a cultural program including music, Advent singing, a Christmas tree exhibition, and activities for children.^[21]

Tourism

Tourism in Bad Hindelang extends throughout all seasons. In winter, sports such as skiing, cross-country skiing, and sledding are available in the alpine surroundings, while in summer 300 kilometers of marked hiking trails and natural bathing areas offer relaxation.^[22][23] In 2025, the town was awarded “Best Tourism Village” by the World Tourism Organization.^[6]

Since 1965, Bad Hindelang has been recognized as a climatic health resort. In 2001, it was designated a Kneipp spa, which is why it has carried the title “Bad” ever since. The town has three natural bathing facilities and four Kneipp facilities.^[23][24] The town is also distinguished by particularly clean air.^[23] The high-altitude climate ensures moderate temperatures, restful sleep, and contributes to health promotion. The German Federal Environment Agency confirmed the high air quality. According to the World Health Organization, Bad Hindelang is among the places with the best air quality worldwide and is especially suitable for allergy sufferers.^[22] In 2011, Bad Hindelang received the ECARF quality seal for allergy-friendliness for the first time.^[23]

The ski areas of Oberjoch and Unterjoch in Bad Hindelang are considered family-friendly and offer 32 kilometers of slopes, ski schools, and a wide range of leisure activities for children and adults. Other winter sports include snowshoe hiking, numerous natural toboggan runs, as well as 45 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and 50 kilometers of cleared winter hiking paths.^[23][25]

Alpine farming

Alpine transhumance plays a central economic, cultural, and landscape-shaping role in Bad Hindelang. The rise of alpine farming began at the beginning of the 19th century with cheese production.^[26] In the early 20th century, more than 2,000 people were employed in alpine farming in the Allgäu region, compared to only about 470 in 1980 and around 1,000 today. In the Bad Hindelang area, about 70 alpine farmers and additional helpers work during the summer months.^[27]

The municipality, with 45 recognized alpine pastures and around 8,000 hectares of alpine area, is considered the German municipality with the largest alpine pasture area.^[28] Since 1988, the ecological strategy “Ökomodell Hindelang” has promoted near-natural and GMO-free farming, combining landscape conservation, regional marketing, and tourism, and contributing to the preservation of small-scale farming structures. Ecological compensation payments for landscape maintenance and high-quality food production have prevented the disappearance of small farms.^[28] Since 2016, the high-alpine Allgäu alpine farming culture in Bad Hindelang has been recognized as a “good practice example” for the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage.^[28]

The extensive land use of high-altitude areas enables the cultivation of low-yield land and contributes to the preservation of a species-rich cultural landscape. At the same time, there are close economic links with dairy farming and regional crafts. Alpine products are predominantly marketed directly, including cheese of the type Allgäuer Sennalpkäse. This cheese is a protected product within the EU and may only be produced on certified alpine pastures using traditional artisanal methods. This also includes the requirement that the milk comes from the Braunvieh cattle, which must graze at altitudes of at least 800 meters.^[28][26]

Alpine farming is also of great importance for tourism, as it shapes the landscape and is perceived as an expression of regional identity.^[28][26] A visible component of alpine farming is the annual Viehscheid on 11 September, when cattle driven to alpine pastures in early summer are returned to the valley in autumn and handed back to their owners. This tradition is closely linked to alpine agriculture and is also an important social event.^[28][26] Around 1,000 animals from five alpine pastures are brought to the Viehscheid site.^[29] Locally, the Viehscheid is also called “d’r Schaid.” The day is considered a public holiday in the region. If the date falls on a Sunday, it is moved forward to 10 September.^[30][31]

Panoramic view of Bad Hindelang from the south