Experience a day of skiing in Reutte, nestled in the Austrian Tyrol region, just a short day trip from Füssen. Hit the slopes and enjoy breathtaking mountain views, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Alpine landscape.
During our recent visit to the Bavarian Alps (check out our post about our road trip here), we had the chance to explore more of the Reutte area, which inspired us to update this post with new recommendations for nearby sights. This time, we rented a car, which made our experience much easier compared to 2018 when we had to rely on public transportation. Having a car gave us the freedom to explore the region at our own pace and discover even more of what the beautiful Austrian Tyrol region has to offer.
In our 2018 winter trip (check out our Füssen post here), we had originally planned to spend a day skiing at the Tegelberg ski station to fully embrace the European winter. However, with unpredictable snow conditions at Tegelberg, we soon realized we needed a backup plan. The friendly staff at the Information Center in Füssen recommended several alternative ski resorts, including the Bergwelt Hahnenkamm ski resort in nearby Reutte, which was conveniently accessible for free with the Füssen card we received from our hostel.
Excited by the idea of skiing in Austria, we checked the snow conditions at Reutte’s ski resort through online webcams. To our delight, the snow conditions were far superior to those at Tegelberg, and without hesitation, we decided to cross the border to Austria for an unforgettable day on the slopes!
IN THIS GUIDE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Reutte may not be known for its urban charm, but its natural surroundings are what truly make it a delightful destination. Nestled in the picturesque Austrian Tyrol region, the town is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Located near the German border, it provides easy access to the Bavarian Alps, making it a prime spot for both local and international visitors seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Reutte is a paradise, with an extensive network of hiking and biking trails winding through lush forests, meadows, and alpine landscapes. In winter, the town becomes a snow-covered wonderland, with nearby ski resorts like Bergwelt Hahnenkamm and Tannheimer Tal offering fantastic skiing and snowboarding. The town center adds to its charm with cobblestone streets, traditional Austrian buildings, and quaint cafes and restaurants serving delicious local dishes. Whether you're exploring its natural beauty or soaking in the rich culture, Reutte offers something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or an extended stay in the Austrian Alps.
GETTING THERE
Reutte, nestled in the Austrian Tyrol region, is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:
- By car: The most convenient option, particularly if you're coming from Füssen or nearby towns, offering stunning views of the Alps along the way. The drive typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that Austrian highways require a vignette (toll sticker), but if you're driving from Füssen, you won’t need to buy one.
- By bus: A convenient option that we used back in 2018. Regular bus services connect Füssen to Reutte, with bus line 100 completing the journey in about 30 minutes. It’s a comfortable and flexible choice, though be sure to check the schedule in advance, as bus frequency may vary by time of day or season.
- By train: Though not the fastest or most direct option, you can take the train from Füssen to Reutte. There isn’t a direct route, so you'll need to transfer in towns like Pfronten-Ried or Kempten. The train ride offers scenic views and takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on the connections.
No matter how you choose to travel, reaching Reutte is easy, allowing you to quickly settle in and fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty of this remarkable region.
BERGWELT HAHNENKAMM SKI RESORT
GETTING THERE
Back in 2018, due to a lack of snow in Füssen, we decided to head to Reutte for skiing. We took an early morning bus from Füssen and arrived at the city center around 9.45 a.m. on a Saturday (you can find the timetable for bus line 100 here). Unsure about which bus to take from Reutte city center to the ski resort, we waited until the tourist center opened at 10 a.m. While they recommended bus line 4268, the staff seemed uncertain about the weekend schedule, which was surprising given the resort’s popularity during the winter season. After checking online, we found that several taxi companies offered rides from the city center to the ski resort for 15 EUR. As time was running short, we opted for the taxi and made our way to the slopes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Let’s be clear from the start — we’re not exactly skiing experts! Although we've taken a few lessons in the past, skiing doesn't come naturally to us, especially since we're from the tropical city of Rio. So, don’t expect the most professional analysis! Bergwelt Hahnenkamm is a mid-sized ski resort, better suited for intermediate skiers, as we quickly learned on our first few runs down the easiest slopes. Compared to French ski resorts, we found it to be quite challenging, so be prepared for a few falls along the way!
One unique aspect of this ski resort is the option for hourly tickets, alongside day and half-day passes (you can find more details on their website here). Due to our tight schedule to catch the bus back to Füssen, we chose the 4-hour ticket, which cost 44 EUR per person. There’s also a 2 EUR deposit for the wireless pass card, which you can get back at the end of the day. We rented our ski gear — boots, skis, helmets, and more — from a shop located at the base of the mountain, which cost us 31 EUR per person (check prices here). This shop also serves as a ski school, offering lessons for both skiing and snowboarding. Despite the occasional tumbles, we had a great time navigating the slopes, though the lack of beginner trails meant we spent quite a bit of time going up and down!
| Opening hours |
daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
| Admission - 49 EUR (one-day ski pass) |
Later on, we discovered another beginner trail, Schollenwiesen Lifte, which the lady at the ticket office hadn’t mentioned. This trail could have saved us from a few spills and provided a much easier ride down, but it didn’t offer the same breathtaking panoramic views as the top of the mountain. While it was a great option for those looking for a more relaxed descent, the views from the summit were truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a chance to take a break, the gondola lift conveniently drops you off near the Panorama Restaurant Hahnenkamm, where you can relax and soak in the stunning alpine scenery. The restaurant is a great spot to refuel and enjoy the surroundings — an experience we recommend!
Since the trail leading back to the base of the mountain was intermediate and we were a bit hesitant to take it on, we decided to ride the gondola lift down instead. After returning our equipment, we made it just in time to catch the bus back to Reutte. To our surprise, we were able to ride for free with our Füssen card — though we weren’t entirely sure if that was the correct procedure, the bus driver didn’t seem to mind. On the way back to Füssen, we asked the driver to drop us off near the Lechfall waterfall (check out our post about Füssen here), just after crossing the Austrian-German border. It was a perfect opportunity to explore this beautiful natural spot before continuing our journey.
Other sights nearby
If you have a car and some extra time, the area surrounding Reutte is perfect for exploration, offering a wide variety of stunning sights just a short drive away. With so many beautiful places to visit, it’s an ideal destination for those looking to extend their adventure beyond the town itself. Below is a list of attractions we highly recommend visiting during your time in the region.
HIGHLINE 179
Highline 179 is an incredible suspension bridge hanging at an impressive altitude of 114 meters, connecting the ruins of Ehrenburg Castle with the historic Fort Claudia. The bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and creates a unique floating sensation that can even make those who aren't usually afraid of heights feel a little uneasy. Spanning a length of 406 meters, it is one of the longest footbridges of its kind, earning a spot in the Guinness Book of Records as the "Longest Tibet-style footbridge". For more information, check their website here.
| Opening hours - daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Admission - 8 EUR |
EHRENBERG CASTLE
Nestled near Reutte in the Austrian Tyrol region, Burgenwelt Ehrenberg is a captivating historical complex. Perched atop a hill, these ancient ruins command panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploration. Visitors can immerse themselves in the medieval ambiance as they explore the various buildings and exhibits within the castle. From reconstructed living quarters to armories and dungeons, each area offers insights into life within a medieval fortress. Guided tours provide fascinating narratives of the complex's history and significance in the region. For more information, check their website here.
| Opening hours - daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Admission - 3.50 EUR |
Plansee lake
Another sight worth checking out near Reutte is Plansee, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Austrian Alps, surrounded by towering mountains and a paradise for nature lovers in any season. When we visited during our Bavarian winter road trip (check our post here), the lake was completely frozen, creating a magical atmosphere with snow-covered peaks, an unforgettable sight despite not seeing its usual crystal-clear waters. In warmer months, Plansee is ideal for hiking, cycling, swimming, and boating, with a 14 km scenic hiking loop that takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, offering stunning panoramic views. Even if you're just passing through, the road along Plansee is one of the most scenic drives in the region and well worth a stop!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Our ski day in Reutte proved to be a fantastic alternative when Füssen’s snowfall was lacking. It offered a change of scenery and gave us the chance to experience skiing in the Austrian Alps. While Reutte may not be at the top of our list for a return visit, our 2018 experience definitely sparked our curiosity about the Tyrol region. This is why, when we visited the Bavarian Alps again in 2025, we decided to return to the area to explore more of its natural beauty and hidden gems, such as the stunning Alpsee. There’s so much more to discover in this incredible region, and we can’t wait for future adventures!
And now it's your turn to let us know your impressions, thoughts and also tips to visit the Tyrol region in Austria or any other ski resort. Have you already been to Tyrol? We look forward to reading your comments in the section below.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE..
