Car Hire in Kempten — Gateway to the Allgäu Alps
Kempten is the largest town in the Allgäu region of Bavaria, sitting between rolling hills and the towering peaks of the southern Alps. Whether you are here for outdoor activities, planning to visit Neuschwanstein Castle or simply passing through on a broader German road trip, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. At 365 Car Hire, we compare offers from established suppliers so you can find the right vehicle and pick-up arrangement for your Bavarian adventure.
The Allgäu is one of Germany's most scenic regions, but its villages, mountain passes and lakes are poorly served by public transport. A rental car transforms Kempten from a pleasant stopover into the perfect base for Alpine exploration. The A7 motorway runs past the town, providing fast links to Ulm, Munich and Austria. From Kempten, you can reach the Austrian border, Lake Constance and numerous ski resorts within a reasonable drive.
Bavaria, southern Germany
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Memmingen Airport is the nearest hub; Munich Airport further east
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A7
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Alpine drives, castle visits, outdoor activities
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Match collection to the actual itinerary
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Kempten City Centre Pick-Up
Collecting downtown works well if you are staying in Kempten or arriving by train from Munich or Ulm. The town centre is compact and has several parking garages near the historic district. Be aware that some old-town streets are narrow or pedestrian-only, so confirm your handover address on the voucher and plan your exit route.
Airport or Motorway Collection
Memmingen Airport to the west offers budget airline connections and car hire offices with longer hours. If your itinerary is mainly rural or Alpine, picking up near the A7 saves you from navigating Kempten's one-way streets. Some suppliers also have offices in nearby towns like Immenstadt if you prefer a quieter start.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Kempten has been a settlement for over two thousand years, and that history is visible in its Roman ruins, baroque churches and traditional town houses. Yet it is not a museum piece. The town is lively, practical and unpretentious, serving as the commercial and cultural hub of a region that takes its outdoor life seriously.
The real magic of the Allgäu lies outside the town limits. Drive south and the flat farmland gives way to meadows, then forests, then the jagged silhouettes of the Alpine peaks. Every season offers something different: wildflowers in spring, swimming lakes in summer, golden larch forests in autumn and pristine snowfields in winter. A rental car is the only practical way to experience that variety.
Even if you are only in the region for a few days, having your own vehicle means you can chase the weather. If the forecast is poor at your planned destination, you can pivot to a different valley or a lower-altitude activity. That flexibility is priceless in mountain regions where conditions change quickly.
Check the conditions behind the price
The selected supplier’s terms and booking voucher control the rental. Review them before payment and again before collection.
Total payable price
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Deposit and payment card
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Excess and cover
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Fuel policy
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Mileage and territory
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Extras and return
Price additional drivers, seats, after-hours service and one-way return before payment.
Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Alpine Driving Conditions
Mountain roads in the Allgäu can be steep and winding. In winter, snow chains may be required on higher passes. Most rental suppliers offer winter tyres and chain hire between November and April. Check your voucher for included equipment and ask at the counter if unsure.
Parking in Kempten
The town centre has pay-and-display zones and multi-storey car parks. Many hotels in the area offer guest parking. If you are driving into the mountains, most trailheads and ski areas have large car parks, though they fill early on weekends and during holiday periods.
Border Crossings to Austria
The Austrian border is close to Kempten. A vignette is required for Austrian motorways and can be bought at petrol stations near the border. Make sure your rental agreement permits cross-border travel and that you have the necessary documentation.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Kempten Tourism.
Build a realistic first journey
Kempten to Neuschwanstein Castle
The famous fairytale castle near Füssen is one of the most popular destinations from Kempten. The drive takes you through increasingly dramatic Alpine scenery. Arrive early to secure parking near the castle, or park in Hohenschwangau and walk up. A rental car lets you avoid the crowded tour buses and set your own timetable.
Into the Allgäu Alps
Head south on the B19 or smaller alpine roads to reach villages like Oberstdorf and Kleinwalsertal. These areas offer hiking in summer, skiing in winter and traditional Bavarian architecture year-round. Mountain passes may be closed in heavy snow, so check conditions before setting out.
Towards Lake Constance
The B12 west brings you to the shores of Lake Constance, where Germany meets Austria and Switzerland. Towns like Lindau and Friedrichshafen make excellent day trips. The lakeside roads are scenic but busy in summer, so allow extra time for traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need winter tyres for a rental car in Kempten?
Winter tyres are legally required in Germany when snow or ice is present. Most suppliers equip vehicles appropriately for the season, but confirm at pick-up if you are travelling between late autumn and early spring. Snow chains are recommended for high Alpine passes.
Can I take my rental car into Austria or Switzerland?
Cross-border travel to neighbouring countries is usually permitted, but you must inform your supplier. Austria requires a motorway vignette, and Switzerland requires one too. These are not typically included in your rental, so budget for them separately.
Is Kempten busy with tourists?
The Allgäu is popular with German holidaymakers, especially in summer and during ski season. Kempten itself is less touristy than nearby Füssen or Oberstdorf, making it a good base with more authentic dining and better value accommodation.
What size car is best for the Allgäu?
A compact car is fine for town driving and main roads, but if you are carrying ski equipment or travelling with family, an estate or SUV provides more comfort and boot space. For narrow Alpine village streets, avoid overly large vehicles.
Compare Kempten car hire
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