From flood defences to alpine farming: an exciting week of field trips in the Allgäu
08/04/2026From nature trails to raised bogs and torrential rain: for a whole week, the municipality of Bad Hindelang was transformed into a real-world laboratory for geography students from Würzburg and sixth-form pupils from Kempten. Together with local experts, they analysed a wide variety of geographical phenomena.
As part of a partnership that has been running successfully for many years, 16 geography teacher-training students from the University of Würzburg took part in a week-long geography field trip in and around Bad Hindelang. Led by Dr Markus Pingold, they worked alongside over 90 sixth-form pupils from the Hildegardis Gymnasium and the Allgäu Gymnasium in Kempten.
The programme kicked off on 29 June 2026 with a launch event at the Hildegardis-Gymnasium. With the support of Viktoria Sräga, Head of Marketing at Bad Hindelang Tourism, the pupils explored the municipality’s habitat concept and created Instagram posts on various topics. Over the following days, one geography class at a time visited the Bad Hindelang region.
Landscape formation and torrent control
Guided by the students and using a detailed field guide, the pupils explored landscape formation on Tuesday along the new ‘Geowelt’ discovery trail. David Kempter from the Kempten Water Management Office also gave the group interesting insights into the construction and function of debris flow barriers in the Allgäu. He explained why these protective structures are becoming increasingly necessary for the local population due to climate change.
Alpine farming in persistent rain
On Wednesday, the excursion group proved that even genuine Allgäu continuous rain is no obstacle to a successful hike. On a tour across the Strausbergmoos to the Mitterhaus alpine pasture, Bene Besler gave the group a vivid introduction to the processes and the great importance of regional alpine farming.
Tourism and landscape change in Oberjoch
Thursday’s explorations focused on current developments in tourism and landscape change in Oberjoch. Following a guided tour of the Panoramahotel Oberjoch with hotel manager Pascal Wörlé and an introduction to the cross-border hiking trail by Thilo Kreier, a hike up the Iseler was on the programme. This intensive day concluded with a land-use mapping exercise in Oberjoch and a visit to the Kematsrieder Moos raised bog.
Nature Conservation and Geomorphology in Hinterstein
The final day of the field trip week took place in Hinterstein. Julia Empter-Heerwart from the Nature Conservation Authority of the Government of Swabia introduced the field trip group to the Allgäu High Alps Nature Reserve. The programme also included an investigation of the Ostrach river and landslide experiments in the Heidachrinne area.
A resounding success for everyone involved
The week was a great success: the school pupils gained hands-on experience of complex geographical topics, whilst the university students gained valuable experience in the preparation, delivery and follow-up of field trips.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the local experts, as well as the participating teachers Maren Brandenburg, Laura Schneider, Christoph Tenschert and Barbara Machunze from Hildegardis-Gymnasium, and Simone Kästner and Markus Keller from Allgäu-Gymnasium.
Text: Dr Markus Pingold
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