Pump skiing in the Allgäu: The Schmugglersee as a new insider tip at 1,400 meters
from Manuel Stecher
Oberjoch in the Oberallgäu region doesn’t advertise itself as “Germany’s highest ski and mountain village” for nothing. What is a popular ski resort in winter turns out to be a real outdoor paradise in summer – with rustic mountain huts, a wide network of hiking trails and the impressive Schmugglersee lake, which invites you to swim and, more recently, even to go pumping.
The path to the lake: hiking with a view
From the Oberjoch cable car parking lot at 1,100 meters, a 2-kilometre-long, wide hiking trail leads up to the Schmugglersee lake at 1,400 meters. The gentle ascent over 300 meters in altitude takes around 30 to 40 minutes and runs in pleasant serpentines – always accompanied by panoramic views of the Allgäu Alps and cow pastures, which are typical of the region.
Right in front of the lake is the Wiedhag-Alpe, a popular meeting place for hikers, locals and families. Here you can enjoy hearty Allgäu specialties and a fantastic view. There is even a trampoline and a small playground for children.
Summer spot for pumpers: The smugglers’ lake
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Our destination, however, is the Schmugglersee, a reservoir for winter snowmaking, which is open daily from 9 a.m. in summer for bathers – and turns out to be a new spot for pump foiling. The lake measures around 80 meters in length and 50 meters in width – big enough to practice safely or do a few relaxed laps.
A stable floating dock with bathing ladder makes it easy to get on board – even for foilers. The jetty is secured with steel cables, which makes it particularly stable and creates ideal conditions for dock starts. However, with a maximum water temperature of 18 °C, a shorty with at least 3/2 mm neoprene is recommended.
With foil & drone in the Allgäu mountain scenery
Also on board: INDIANA Foilboards – equipped with the 1396P and the Condor XL, which ensure secure footing and effortless gliding. The team will be accompanied by drone pilot Reiner Bauer(luftaufnahme-allgaeu.de), who will capture the spectacular mountain scenery from the air. After consultation with the Alpe operators, flying the drone in the area of the lake is permitted – provided you keep your distance from the cable car.
The best conditions prevail in the morning: between 9:00 and 11:30 the lake is still calm and hardly frequented – perfect for concentrated foil training with a unique view.
Conclusion: A spot that inspires
After a well-earned snack at the Wiedhag-Alpe, it’s a leisurely return to the valley. The Schmugglersee will remain in your memory – as a quiet mountain lake with huge potential for foilers, adventurers and Allgäu vacationers.
Our tip: If you are on vacation in the Allgäu and are looking for a special foil or hiking experience, you should definitely put the Schmugglersee on the Wiedhag-Alpe on your bucket list.
Pump spoiler: @manuelstecher_ & @snap.here