Ostallgäu

Ostallgäu is a rural district in Swabia, Germany, stretching from gently rolling pre-alpine terrain to alpine slopes. The area is crossed by deep valleys, forested hills, and open pastures that shape the relief.

The merger of three independent administrative areas created this new territorial unit in 1972. The restructuring aimed to simplify administration in the region and make it more efficient.

The name comes from dividing the historic Allgäu region into eastern and western administrative areas. Many villages show typical farmhouse gardens and wooden balconies on residential buildings that make rural life visible.

Most larger towns are reachable by regional trains and bus lines. Hiking trails and cycling routes cross the area and connect settlements with lakes and mountain slopes.

The artificial lake was created by damming the Lech River and is drained every winter to prevent spring floods. During the draining, locals and visitors use the lakebed for walking and cycling.

Location: Swabia

Inception: July 1, 1972

Capital city: Marktoberdorf

Elevation above the sea: 724 m

Shares border with: Oberallgäu, Unterallgäu, Augsburg, Kaufbeuren, Landsberg am Lech, Weilheim-Schongau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Reutte district

Website: http://ostallgaeu.de

GPS coordinates: 47.75000,10.58000

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:34