Holzgau

Altitude: 1,103 m a.s.l.

Holzgau was first mentioned as "Holzge", which means "meadow that is rich in wood", and is the oldest settlement of the Lechtal, second only to Elbigenalp. The hamlets Dürnau, Gföll, Schiggen and Langen belong to the municipality, located on the alluvial cone of the Höhenbach stream.

Several places of interest await you in the village, starting with the beautifully decorated buildings. The façade paintings realized in "Lüftlmalerei" style, a special kind of illusion painting and a folk-oriented variation of trompe-l'œil, remind on the trade relationships in past centuries. Thanks to itinerant trade, shipping companies and trade facilities, several inhabitants made a fortune and gave expression to their wealth by means of lushly decorated buildings. Some of these buildings were reshaped in French construction style and are particularly striking due to their mansard roof.

This western part of the Allgäu Alps and the Lechtal Alps offer a vast network of hiking paths, climbing routes and MTB trails. A pleasant hike leads to the artificial Simms Waterfall, which was established by the Englishman Frederick R. Simms in the 19th century, a tourist who came to this place for hunting. Down in the valley, comfortable promenades follow the course of the wild Lech river. In winter, cross-country trails such as the Langerfeld Circuit and the Schönau Circuit, as well as the illuminated toboggan run Gföllberg, make winter evenings particularly exciting.