Fewer tourists, still much to see and do in fall in Germany’s Allgäu region

The Alps are a popular destination throughout the year, attracting skiers and snowboarders during the winter months, hikers, cyclists and others fond of active pursuits during the summer season, and families in search of rustic idyll during the precious weeks of school vacation time.

Today’s travel takes us to Germany’s Allgäu region, a part of Bavaria (as well as a tiny slice of Baden-Württemberg) found between the Lech River and Lake Constance (Bodensee to German speakers) from the east and west and Middle Swabia and the high Alps to the north and south respectively. Defined by its traditions and geography rather than status as an administrative unit, it’s an area known for sumptuous castles, crystal-clear lakes, and thriving farming and agricultural practices. Language nerds might be impressed to learn that the term “Allgäu” refers to “a mountainous landscape with numerous water sources, meadows and pastures,” an age-old term that still perfectly encapsulates the area’s offerings.

The Allgäu’s slowest months of the year, according to ferienregion.info, include October - November and April - May, meaning those adverse to crowds and/or eager to explore on a budget will soon find an ideal time of year to get to know the region. Here are five good reasons to make tracks to the area lauded by The Times of London as an ideal “coolcation” alternative to cities that swelter in summertime.

Binge on dairy products: Allgäu is one of Germany’s strongholds of cheesemaking, and the region is home to more than 40 “Sennalpen,” dairies based in alpine pastures, as well as more than 40 cooperative dairies and countless artisanal farms operating independently. A “Schaukäserei,” or show cheese dairy, is a facility with a display window allowing tourists to observe how cheese is made. For a cheese-based road trip, take a scenic drive along the “Allgäuer Käsestrasse” or Allgäu Cheese Route, which links 14 dairies and farms dedicated to traditional silage-free hay milk (Heumilch) production. Online: xn--allguer-ksestrasse-otbf.de

In addition to the cheeses proudly wearing Europe’s Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) label, the Allgäuer Bergkäse and the Allgäuer Emmentaler, it’s worth the drive to visit the village of Wertach, the only place to produce Weisslacker, a salty, semi-soft and extremely pungent cheese somewhat akin to feta. This product, not to everyone’s taste, was invented in 1874 by the brothers Josef and Anton Kramer as an accompaniment to beer. Having received a royal patent back in 1876, it holds the distinction of being the first patented cheese in the world. Online: tasteatlas.com/weilacker

Other hay milk-based dairy treats to try include yogurt, butter and cheesecake. The Schönegger Käse-Alm, found in Wertach and another 26 towns across the greater region, serves generous slices best enjoyed on the spot. Online: schoenegger.com

The Allgäu’s delectable ice cream also deserves a mention. The Hindelanger Käsemarkt und Eismanufaktur in the town of Bad Hindelang offers a rotating selection of flavors including white coffee, dark chocolate, salted caramel and stracciatella, all of which can be ordered with a dollop of cream so unctuous it coats the tongue. Online: hindelanger-kaesemarkt.de

Take a binational hike: The Fellhorn-Kanzelwand Ridge Trail follows the contours of the Austrian-German border, allowing hikers to crisscross nations as they pick their way along a six-mile trail offering stunning 360-degree views. Those who’d rather go down than up can hitch a ride on the Fellhornbahn cable car to the top of the Fellhorn mountain massif. From the top, it takes around five hours to reach the village of Oberstdorf. Alternately, opt to spend the night in the rustic Berggasthof Hochleite, a classic Alpine lodge. Note it’s likely to be closed from early November until mid-to-late December. Online: tinyurl.com/n9xh446s

Quick hike by a waterfall: Not all hikes need be arduous affairs. For a high return on the beauty factor with minimal effort, opt for a jaunt along the Hinanger Waterfall near the town of Sonthofen. A 10-to-15 minute walk along recently renovated stairs and metal walkways parallels a lively cascade passing over moss-draped tufa rock formations. A section of the trail passes behind the waterfall. The hike can be completed any time of the year. Online: tinyurl.com/5xu2jb4s

Crown the kids the kings and queens: The Allgäu region is extremely family friendly, not least because it’s home to several so-called “Kinderhotels,” all-inclusive resorts that cater to families. These specialized properties offer indoor and outdoor playgrounds, water parks, childcare and dining options from which even the pickiest of eaters will find something to please their tummies. Cream of the crop is the Oberjoch – Familux Resort in Bad Hindelang, a 4-star superior resort situated at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet. Amenities include a petting zoo, outdoor adventure forest, indoor/outdoor panoramic pools and an awesome waterslide. Spas and saunas pamper parents as the little ones are looked after by expert child-carers. The Bad Hindelang PLUS package includes free ski passes and cable car tickets. Online: oberjochresort.de/en

Try the local beers: The Allgäu region’s brewing heritage stretches back over six centuries and is still today guided by the rules of the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot, or Purity Law. Over 30 traditional, family-owned breweries take advantage of the mineral-rich alpine spring water, locally harvested hops and malts, to produce classic brews including the golden lager known as Helles, dark and malty Dunkles and wheat beers.

To capture the feel of the region once back home, reach for an Allgäuer Büble Bier, widely available throughout Germany. The Kempten-based brewery named its beer after the tradition of sending young boys (Büble) to the closest inn with a pitcher to be filled up with beer and brought back home to their thirsty parents. Online: allgaeuer-bueble.de