#04 Something new in the West: Allgäu

Allgäu - a previously overlooked region.

On Monday morning, we leave Munich heading for Lindau on Lake Constance. The weather forecast promises a mix of conditions today and some snowfall in the Alps. Therefore, we decide to spend the night before crossing into Switzerland, so we can drive over it on Tuesday. Supposedly, the weather will be better then.

Have I mentioned that the weather app is the most important tool when traveling with a motorhome?

The nearly 200 km from Munich to Lake Constance are all motorway kilometers on the A 96, allowing us to progress quickly. The weather is also cooperating, so the new windshield wipers are rarely needed.

In Lindau, the chaos begins. The chosen parking spot in front of a campsite is a construction site. The campsite wants a fortune for a spot. The alternative places are so terrible that we don’t want to park there.

The closer to the lake, the more expensive.

In desperation, we decide to head to a place in the hinterland, about 15 km away - Scheidegg in Allgäu.

This side of Lake Constance is known as the 3-country corner, where Germany, Switzerland, and Austria meet. At the end of the lake lies Bregenz and above it is Pfänder, the mountain by the lake.

To get to Scheidegg, we have to conquer a few serpentines and elevation meters. Let's manage that with ease... 😉😉

While it was still loud, busy, crowded, and rainy in Lindau, we are now immersing ourselves in a peaceful world with idyllic hills and gentle landscapes - Allgäu.

Scheidegg is at the western edge of Allgäu and belongs to Bavaria (just like Lindau). The place is a state-recognized Kneipp and health resort and also hosts several clinics.

The parking area is located on the outskirts right next to the spa house. In sight, there is also a 4-star hotel resort (Edita Resort), which looks very chic.

The parking area: sparsely occupied, large spaces, water and sewage disposal, electricity, shower and toilet in the spa house, Wi-Fi included, all for €17.50.

Everything done right.

The region offers a wealth of opportunities as a hiking region. Nearby, there is a treetop path (Skywalk Allgäu), on the outskirts is a golf course, a natural swimming pool, and low-traffic roads for sporty cycling tours.

We feel so comfortable here that we decide to stay a second day and intend to come back again.

On Tuesday, we use the day to refuel, get a Swiss motorway vignette, buy groceries, and take a long walk to the Skywalk.

But first, we had to resolve a problem.

The water supply in the motorhome has given up. Yesterday was shower day. But with the dripping amount of water from the showerhead, the word SHOWER is completely exaggerated - just cursing from the cabin.

Then, at night, when the toilet flushing also weakened, something had to be done.

It could only be the water pump in the water tank. And since motorhome drivers always carry a spare pump, it had to be installed now.

This sounds simple (old pump out, new pump in), but it isn’t. The pump consists of a water hose and an electrical connection. And that one has to be pushed from the inside of the water tank through a small opening at the far back from inside to outside. What a hassle, and it can only be done with flexible arms (THANK YOU SIMONE).

As a result: the water pressure is back. Just for that, the extra day was worth it.

As a reward, we hike to the treetop path 'Skywalk' to enjoy the good view on this sunny day. It is said that one can see across Lake Constance to Konstanz and north to Ulm Cathedral. And the visibility seems to be very good today. The mountain panorama of the Alps, in any case, is clearly visible.

On the hiking trail (40 min) to the Skywalk, we need to pause several times as it goes uphill continuously, and rather steeply. Finally, the structure comes into view and needs to be climbed.

At the ticket counter, then comes the sobering news. Due to strong winds, the viewing tower and the rope park are closed. We could use the rest of the path for half the price.

But that is only 500 m long, and the attraction is precisely the viewing tower and the rope park. So no, but surely there is something to drink in the restaurant.

Back at the motorhome, we repeat shower day. But this time in the sanitary area of the spa house, as we have also gotten shower tokens. What a pleasure with hot water, which also comes out with great pressure from the showerhead.

Tomorrow, however, we will definitely head towards Italy. For that, we want to get up early and leave promptly (which is already a challenge).

PS: Selina, I didn’t even think that Wangen is so close. But we will come back 😒😉