contents 1

land & lives...... 2 barrier free...... 63 The Bregenzerwald 2 Barrier-free rambling 64 For your orientation 4 Barrier-free viewing experience 66 Living space 6 Bregenzerwald Guest Card 8 culture...... 67 Cable cars 9 Architecture 68 Swimming pools 10 Bregenzerwald Werkraum 70 Journeys to architecture and hiking...... 11 the culture of wood 72 Things to know 12 Experiencing energy 74 Panoramic routes 14 bus:stop Krumbach 75 Alp paths 19 Everyday culture 76 Summit tours 23 Schubertiade Schwarzenberg 78 Water routes 25 Bregenz Festival 79 Cultural tours 28 Exhibitions & museums 81 Hiking with dogs 32 Cabaret & culture 84 active summer...... 33 dining out...... 87 Mountain biking & cycling 34 Bregenzerwald culinary Mountain biking 35 delights region 88 Cycling 38 KäseStrasse 90 Climbing 40 BERGGUT – good things from Rope Parks 42 the Bregenzerwald 91 Mountain- and watersport 43 Culinary hikes 92 Archery 44 Exceptional specialties 93 Paragliding 45 Feasting in the Bregenzerwald 96 Fishing grounds 46 Bregenzerwald Golf Park 50 well-being ...... 97 Health hotels 98 family tips...... 51 Wellness hotels 99 Rambling with the pram 52 Water and Moor 101 Kids’ programme 56 Care products 102 Dairy farming up close 61 Day trip tips – Around Vorarlberg...... 103 Lake Constance 62 How to reach Vorarlberg, Public buses and taxis...... 104 2 the bregenzerwald

To start with, let us introduce you to Sensitive the Bregenzerwald. Around 30,000 Many of the hotels, guest houses and people live here, in 22 villages in farms combine the old with the new, total. The Bregenzerwald locals – or have been completely rebuilt with “Wälder” as they are known – are sensitivity in recent years. Wood confident, independent people, plays an essential part in all this. In proud of their roots yet receptive to the well-tended inns and restaurants, new things too. the chefs are masters of pepping up regional specialities, making them You will notice the successful, into ­magnificent ­creations. Most of ­courageous blend of the traditional the produce used comes from local and the modern when you look at farms. They are all small farms, the architecture and experience and are managed carefully and the craftsmanship. Both disciplines ­imaginatively by ­families. The best- are closely interwoven, and are a known ­Bregenzer­wald speciality is symbol of that which the locals cheese, especially the tasty alpine of the ­Bregenzerwald are experts cheese. The informative stations and in: ­appreciation of art, of beauty, delight­­ful events of the KäseStrasse the creation of pleasure, both well ­Bregenzerwald impart impressions thought-out and practical. of cheese culture. This interplay is both visible and ­perceptible in many places. 3 land & lives hiking active summer family tips barrier free culture dining out well-being ­orientated the bregenzerwald Klausberg mountain pasture, Schwarzenberg Informative This brochure is your companion on your journey of discovery through the Bregenzerwald. It contains numerous addresses – from sights and day-trip destinations – and a multitude of tips for stimulating leisure activities: from selected thematic hiking paths through to outdoor and family- programmes, right through to pampering wellness days offered by some of the hotels. also We inform you about the highlights awaiting you in our cultural calendar, the special features of our architecture and craftsmanship, and share with you interesting facts about culinary delights and the Bregenzerwald cheese culture. - - ­gently ­Festival – ­lovers of nature. The ­aux, romantic river valleys and pasture). mountain pasture – high mountain cultivation of the fields: (valley – ­Bregenzerwald is the three-layer cultivated landscape. Typical of the the maintenance and upkeep of the farmers are largely responsible for people and A shapely combination of ­impressive peaks – ideal for active balsam for the –eye and the soul. ­plate The Bregenzerwald landscapes are undulating hills, expansive Schwarzenberg. guests Many com Soothing in the region is the Schubertiade with in holidays the Bregenzerwald. but provincial! The major festival ­performances on the lake stage – dar in the Bregenzerwald is anything bine visits to the Bregenz known for its spectacular opera For aFor rural region, the cultural calen Inspired 4 for your orientation

Widderstein Karhorn Zitterklapfen 2533 m 2416 m Glatthorn 2403 m Zafernhorn 2134m Mohnenfluh Braunarlspitze 2107 m 2544 m 2649 m Lechtal Innsbruck Lech Hochkünzelspitze Allgäuer Alpen Reutte 2397 m Saloberkopf Lech WARTH Portlahorn 1495 m 2010 m Hoher Ifen 2230 m Faschina 1486 m Diedamskopf Uga 2090 m Hochtannberg 1850 m 1676 m Körbersee Ragazer DAMÜLS Blanken SCHRÖCKEN 2051 m 1260 m 1431 m Au Kanisfluh Mittagsspitze 2044 m 2095 m

Hochblanken SCHOPPERNAU 2068 m 860 m Schönenbach 1025 m Hirschberg 1834 m

AU Wildgunten 800 m 1705 m

Damüls Roßstelle Winterstaude 1391 m 1877 m

SIBRATSGFÄLL 929 m SCHNEPFAU Niedere 734 m 1711 m Baumgarten Hoher Freschen 1620 m Balderschwang (D) 2004 m BIZAU 681 m MELLAU 688 m Sonderdach 1208 m REUTHE 650 m Hochhäderich 1566 m SCHETTEREGG 1066 m BEZAU Hochälpelekopf 650 m 1463 m ANDELSBUCH 613 m BERSBUCH HITTISAU Brüggelekopf 612 m 790 m EGG Staufen GROSSDORF 1182 m 1465 m 662 m 564 m Hochlitten Koyen Tannerberg 971 m 1300 m LINGENAU BÖDELE MÜSELBACH SCHWARZENBERG KRUMBACH 687 m 700 m 1139 m 733 m 585 m Dresslerberg RIEFENSBERG LANGENEGG 781 m Karren 695 m 976 m

Aach (D) SULZBERG DOREN Oberstaufen (D) 1015 m 709 m ALBERSCHWENDE 721 m Oberreute (D)

Buch 725 m DORNBIRN 475 m Hirschberg Thal 1095 m LANGEN 598 m 657 m Bildstein 760 m Fluh 730 m Kennelbach SCHWARZACH Dornbirn Pfänder Dornbirn 1062 m 438 m Süd WOLFURT Nord Pfänder- 412 m Feldkirch tunnel Basel (CH) Zürich (CH) St. Gallen (CH) Scheidegg BREGENZ 400 m LAUTERACH Br ege nz er ac he

Lindau Hohenweiler Friedrichshafen St. Gallen München (CH) Ulm Stuttgart d e n s e Rhein (D) Lochau B o e HÖCHST 5 land & lives hiking active summer family tips barrier free culture dining out well-being 2051 m Süd Blanken Ragazer 2010 m 976 m Feldkirch 1465 m Karren Staufen Dornbirn Portlahorn Basel (CH) (CH) Zürich (CH) 2004 m St. Gallen 475 m St. Gallen (CH) Hoher Freschen DORNBIRN HÖCHST 2134m Nord Glatthorn Dornbirn

2068 m Rhein 1705 m Hochblanken Wildgunten for your orientation your for 1431 m DAMÜLS Au 2107 m Zafernhorn 1486 m Faschina 1463 m Hochälpelekopf 438 m 1139 m 688 m BÖDELE MELLAU SCHWARZACH 1391 m Roßstelle 2095 m 2403 m Mittagsspitze

760 m e Zitterklapfen h LAUTERACH Bildstein c a r e z n Uga e

1850 m g e r

B 650 m 2397 m REUTHE Hochkünzelspitze 412 m WOLFURT 2649 m Lech 700 m 650 m BEZAU Braunarlspitze 612 m

SCHWARZENBERG e tunnel BERSBUCH Pfänder- 721 m

e ALBERSCHWENDE

s Kennelbach 2044 m Körbersee Kanisfluh 2544 m 1182 m

n Mohnenfluh

Brüggelekopf

734 m 681 m BIZAU

e

400 m

SCHNEPFAU

Saloberkopf

1208 m

Fluh

730 m

1260 m Sonderdach

2416 m BREGENZ d Karhorn

Dresslerberg

SCHRÖCKEN o 613 m

Tannerberg B ANDELSBUCH Damüls 1676 m 860 m AU 800 m Hochtannberg SCHOPPERNAU Lech 1620 m Baumgarten 585 m MÜSELBACH WARTH 1495 m Reutte Buch Lechtal 725 m Innsbruck EGG 564 m 1711 m Niedere 2533 m 1834 m Hirschberg 662 m Widderstein GROSSDORF 687 m 1062 m Pfänder LINGENAU 695 m 1877 m LANGENEGG Winterstaude 1066 m Lochau 657 m 709 m SCHETTEREGG LANGEN DOREN 2090 m Diedamskopf 790 m HITTISAU 1095 m Ulm Stuttgart Lindau Friedrichshafen München (D) Hirschberg 733 m 929 m KRUMBACH SIBRATSGFÄLL 1015 m 1025 m SULZBERG Schönenbach Koyen Thal 1300 m 598 m 781 m 1566 m RIEFENSBERG 2230 m Aach (D) Hochhäderich Hoher Ifen Oberreute (D) Oberreute Allgäuer Alpen 971 m Balderschwang (D) Hohenweiler Hochlitten Scheidegg Oberstaufen (D) 6 living space

Travelling the Bregenzerwald always spectrum which, right at the start of means having to overcome dizzy tourism, had travellers extolling the heights to start with: from Bregenz “charming landscape” as an “enclosed you take the Pfänder, from the Rhine park” whilst at the same time shudder- Valley the valley side which ascends ing at the “Siberian exile” on the wild, 500 m, from the north you take the upper course of the Ache. A valley area Sulzbergstock, from the east the Ried- of contrasts, borders, crossings. berg or Hochtannberg pass, from the south the Furkajoch or Faschinajoch. Crossings Cross-border experiences also leave Up and over is the way to go – the most their mark on the locals – they know impressive views are from the north how to set themselves apart from and the west – and a space is revealed outside. Yet the scarce rural areas which, in all its diversity, is completely have never been sufficient to feed different to all that surrounds it, with the population. The locals had to get the Bregenzerache uniting it all. Your moving, cross borders, leave behind route takes you through gorges and their homes and families. This took flat hollows – wide between the hills on many different forms: the nomadic of the foothills of the Alps around existence of alpine animal ­husbandry Alberschwende and ­Lingenau, narrow (home, mountain pasture, alp → between the mountains of the foothills page 89), or in the form of seasonal of the Alps around Andelsbuch and migrant work, outbound commuting Bezau, squeezed in between the alpine or even emigration (to America in the peaks of the Kanisfluh, Diedams­ 19th century in particular). Flexibility, kopf, Zitterklapfen and ­Widderstein ideas and self-help were essential to around Schnepfau, Au, Schoppernau, stave off poverty. Warth and Schröcken. This correlates The area was only sparsely populated with the division into the Vorder- for a long time: only plot names wald, ­Mittelwald and Hinterwald give rise to assumptions about the (front, central and rear regions of the border between Celtic and Rhaeto- ­Bregenzerwald) – a topographical Romanic cultures. It was not until 7 land & lives hiking active summer family tips barrier free culture dining out well-being - Widderstein living space (decoration and taste and have turned have and 70) page (→ before the railway provided railway thebefore in the valley today, and which which and today, valley the in is why one’s own house and home one’s why is sources New to. clung are tenaciously be to continuously have of income of manual multitude – the developed proof is of this. skills has succeeded in main- culture This and Innovation vitality. taining its basedthe acquiredon - con flexibility as the such in initiatives today tinue werkraum a model Euro- into Bregenzerwald the pean region. farm school in the Habsburg Empire was established. The new rulers were the cheese barons who amassed staggering wealth with the products of the new form of agriculture, and textile manufacturers who supplied material produced by the textiles home industry 77) page → factories in the Rhine valley with workers after 1902.Such changes were also accompanied by resist ance – Franz Michael Felder, author and spokesman of the revolt, is still considered an exceptional character Museum → Felder (Franz Michael page 83) - - to such a (alpine dairy → page 76) sustainable extent that the first dairy production of hard cheese grew of the Vorderwald to the Mittelwald, desertedness became characteristic gained importance in agriculture, today. Rational,today. mercantile methods region developed in the form you see It was during this time that the Hard cheese and lace Europe by Napoleon. 1814) as a result of the realignment of the brief Bavarian occupation (1806 – “peasants’ Itrepublic”. ended with which went down in literature as a autonomy was allowed to develop at best for the feudal rulers, extensive ness: interesting as a hunting ground gladly take advantage of this remote for a long time. theNaturally, locals undeveloped this settlement area was names of places makes it clear how (forest, wood) found in many of the with the Walsers. The particle “Wald” across a second of wave population the Bregenzerache. From above, com ing the opposite direction, you come the population of the area upwards of ­Monastery in Bregenz encouraged the High Middle Ages that Mehrerau 8 bregenzerwald guest card

D

Lindau

B o d e n s e e

Sulzberg Bregenz Riefensberg

Doren Krumbach Langenegg  Hittisau Alberschwende Lingenau Egg CH  Sibratsgfäll Dornbirn Schwarzenberg Andelsbuch    Bezau Reuthe Bizau Mellau Schnepfau 

 Au  Schoppernau  B r  e g e n z e 

Damüls ra c h Warth  Schröcken  Fontanella Sonntag 

There is lots to discover in the Includes the following Bregenzer­wald mountains. Rambling public buses and hiking paths take you to the “The Bregenzerwald rural bus” as loveliest spots, and tell stories. Events far as Bregenz and Dornbirn (except are held. The Bregenzerwald Guest the town bus), Lech, Raggal and Card is your “ticket” to these moun- ­Fontanella/­Sonntag tain experiences. The Bregenzerwald Guest Card is available to all visitors cable cars who spend at least three nights in More information (→ page 9) the Bregenzerwald, and is included in the accommodation price. swimming pools More information (→ page 10) validity 1 May to 31 October 2014 You are also entitled to numerous reductions from our partners. issuing offices Bregenzerwald Tourismus, from all cable car ­operators and tourist offices in the partner municipalities. 9 land & lives hiking active summer family tips barrier free culture dining out well-being -

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(→ page 91) page (→ Diedams Simma (→ page 91) , (→ page 15) (→ page 59)

(→ page 92) Didi’s Didi’s kids’ adventure Kanisfluh climbing for children (→ page 60) Barrier-free viewing experience Carriage of mountain bikes as far as middle station, € 3 per bike Carriage of mountain bikes as far as Mellau cable car moun tain station, free of charge

Diedamskopf cable cars Mellau cable cars cable & swimming cars pools

5 4 T +43 (0)5515 4110-0 www.diedamskopf.at T +43 (0)5518 2222-0 www.bergbahnenmellau.com Sunset trips – 2 Oct. June 19 from Thursday Every p.m. 6 and 10.30 between Mountain breakfast Every Tuesday between 17 June and 16 September 8 to 11 a.m. (first jour ney at 7.30 a.m.) Opening times: – 12 May October: 29 daily; October 26 – 25 October, 19 – 18 times: Operating p.m. 4.15 – a.m. 8.45 Family tip: land Tip: (→ page 66) BERGGUT culinary tip: restaurantpanorama kopf Opening times: 29 May – 9 June: Sunday Saturday, and public holidays; 14 June – 12 October: daily; 18 – 26 October: Saturday and Sunday Sunday and Saturday October: 26 – 18 Operating times: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 5 p.m.; public Sunday, holidays:Saturday, Family tip: and crossing a gorge BERGGUT culinary tip: mountain restaurant culinary hike 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Last ascent at 4.30 p.m. Hiking tip:

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(→ page 92 page (→ (→ page 14) culinaryhike Niedere circular hike with a view tion, € 2 per bike Carriage of mountain bikes as far as Sonderdach middle sta No carriage of mountain bikes No carriage of mountain bikes

Bezau cable car Andelsbuch cable cars Brüggelekopf Alberschwende

3 2 1 www.bergbahnen-andelsbuch.at T +43 (0)5512 2540 www.lift.alberschwende.net T +43 (0)5579 4323 www.seilbahn-bezau.at T +43 (0)5514 2254 Culinary tip:Culinary (→ page 66) barrier-free viewing experience barrier-free viewing Tip: out a break if required 20 and 50 min. past the hour, with 8 – 23 November: 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. at November: 23 – 8 5 p.m.; every half hour between 9 a.m. and Operating times: 8 – 23 November: Saturday and Sunday and Saturday November: 23 – 8 through to 2 November; Opening times: Hiking tip: August August public holidays and during July and No lunch break on Sunday, Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4.45 p.m.; Operating times: of good hiking weather 1 May – 12 May October: 1 daily in the event Opening times: of three countries Sunday Sunday and public holidays: Hiking tip: Operating times: 10 a.m. – 12.15 p.m. and 1 –p.m. 4.30 4 p.m.; and 1 a.m., 11 Saturday: – Monday 7 July – 14 September: daily holidays; 11 May – 26 October: Sunday, public Sunday, October: 26 – May 11 Opening times: 10 cable cars & swimming pools

6 Damüls cable cars Family tip: barbecue with clay oven Opening times: 29 May – 1 June, Carriage of mountain bikes as 7 – 9 June; 14 June – 12 October: daily; far as mountain station (return), 18 – 19, 25 – 26 October: free of charge in the event of good hiking weather T +43 (0)5554 5281 Operating times: www.sonntagstein.at 9 a.m. – 12.35 p.m. and 1.30 – 4.30 p.m.; continuous operation on Saturday, 9 Faschina cable cars Sunday and public holidays Opening times: Hiking tip: around the Walser 29 – 31 May, 1, 7 – 9, 14 – 15 June; ­settlement (→ page 21) 19 June – 7 September: daily; BERGGUT culinary tip: Elsenalpstube 13 – 14, 20 – 21, 27 – 28 September, mountain inn (→ page 91) 3 – 5. October: in the event of good Carriage of mountain bikes as far hiking weather as Uga-Express mountain station, Operating times: see tariff notice for price 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m. T +43 (0)5510 600 Hiking tip: Faschina floral and www.seilbahnendamuels.at ­hiking nature trail Family tip: summer tubing course 7 Steffisalp-Express Carriage of mountain bikes in Opening times: both sections, free of charge 4 July – 5 October: daily in the event T +43 (0)5510 705 of good hiking weather www.seilbahnen-faschina.at Operating times: 9 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 – 4 p.m. Swimming pools Climbing tip: Karhorn via ferrata The swimming pools are open (→ page 41) between late May and early Septem- Culture tip: “uf m Tannberg” alpine ber, depending on the weather. museum (→ page 83) BERGGUT culinary tip: “Hochalp” 10 Hittisau family swimming pool hiking hut (→ page 91) 9.30 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. No carriage of mountain bikes 11 Egg swimming pool T +43 (0)5583 3601-0 9 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. www.warth-schroecken.at 12 Schwarzenberg swimming pool 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. 8 Sonntag cable cars 13 Bezau swimming pool Opening times: 9 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. 10 – 11, 17 – 18, 24 – 25, 29 May – 1 June; 14 Mellau swimming pool 7 June – 5 October: daily; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. 11 – 12, 18 – 19, 25 – 26 October 15 Au swimming pool Operating times: 9.30 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. 8.45 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. 16 Schoppernau forest pool Good-morning trip: 8 a.m. every 9.30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday, 7 June to 5 October Evening trip: 8 p.m. every Sunday, 27 information July to 31 August Bregenzerwald Tourismus Hiking tip: Stein sound room – the artisti- T +43 (0)5512 2365 cally designed path to the echo wall. www.bregenzerwald.at 11 land & lives & land hiking active summer active familytips hiking Hiking and rambling are the best ways to barrier free barrier discover the beauties and mysteries of the Bregenzerwald. Miles of clearly and uniformly sign-posted paths take you to alpine ­pastures where cheese is made, across ­historical wooden bridges, to magnificent vantage points, to herb gardens. culture dining out out dining well-being 12 things to know

Hikers above the mountain pasture settlement of Schönenbach

Uniformly signposted paths and Hiking deals ­hiking maps make it easier to find You can book selected hiking deals your way around the mountains. directly from Bregenzerwald Touris- Practical: the ramble and hiking mus. For more information, see the packages offered by Bregenzerwald Bregenzer­wald Travel Magazine and Tourismus. www.bregenzerwald.at/uk

Bregenzerwald hiking map Signposting of the hiking paths All hiking routes and important All hiking paths are clearly and information to do with cable cars, ­uniformly signposted according to huts and alpine inns are enclosed the Vorarlberg hiking path concept. in the hiking map. The hiking map The hiking paths are divided into is available from Bregenzerwald three degrees of difficulty: Tourismus, in tourist offices and in hotels.

Hiking paths on the Internet Walking or rambling paths: Numerous hiking tips and routes Easy can be found at: www.bregenzerwald.at/tourenkarte Mountain hiking paths: Non-slip footwear suitable for wearing in the mountains is recommended

recommended reading Steep alpine trail: Suitable only “Wanderbuch Bregenzerwald” for those with mountain experi- by R. Berchtel, ­published by ence, who are sure-footed and ­Tyrolia Verlag (in German only) have no fear of heights things to know 13 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Alpine hike on the Hohe Künzelspitze For your safety Action in the event of an emergency • The correct equipment is a central 1. Move the injured person from

safety factor: mountain or hiking the source of danger (rockfall, ­further familytips boots, good outdoor clothing worn fall) in ­layers, a functional top to change 2. Check the vital functions in to, sunglasses and sun cream. 3. Use your mobile to call the emer- • Don’t embark upon a tour on your gency services: own. Always inform others about • 144 alpine emergencies, ­Vorarlberg your tour. • 112 European emergency number, barrier free barrier • Only set off into the mountains if from all networks: switch off your you are in good physical condition. mobile phone, switch back on. • Take (hot) drinks and a snack Instead of your PIN, dial »112« with you. 4. Administer First Aid • Set off in good time so that you are back when it is still light. It Respect your boundaries gets dark relatively early in the Forests, fields, rivers and lakes offer culture autumn, for example. precious space for leisure and relaxa- • Check the weather forecast before tion activities. Forests in particular have you set off. Stay in the valley if it is an important protective function. The misty. Should the weather deterio- Vorarlberg state government’s “Wohnge- rate, return to the valley. meinschaft Natur” initiative to encour-

• Take orientation aids with you: a age living in harmony with nature offers out dining hiking map, perhaps an altimeter. locals and visitors information about • Stick to signposted paths. how to deal respectfully with nature. • Applies particularly to tours in the It is in with this in mind that we also high mountains: take with you a appeal to you to respect preservation and bivouac sack, a head light, mobile conservation areas. The most important phone and First Aid kit. recommendations are that you stay on well-being signposted paths and keep the coun- tryside clean. 14 panoramic routes

The Niedere with a view of the Vorderwald

Andelsbuch – float like a butterfly starting point Andelsbuch’s very own mountain – Andelsbuch mountain station the “Niedere” – is known not only cable car for its magnificent view from Lake destination Constance as far as the Swiss moun- Andelsbuch mountain station tains: paragliders also appreciate its cable car fantastic thermal currents. When itinerary the weather is good, you can see mountain station cable car them floating like bright butterflies (1,530 m) – panoramic circular route around the mountain and across the (Baumgartnerhöhe – Niedere Höhe, valley. 1,711 m – Niedere mountain inn) – mountain station cable car chances to stop off for a drink/food Niedere mountain inn, Baumgarten panorama restaurant

Difference in altitude: 180 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: 1 ½ hours

Opening times of the cable cars T +43 (0)5512 2540 panoramic routes 15 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Kanisfluh

Mellau – in the land of the ibex starting point The Kanisfluh is one of the most Mellau mountain station cable car

striking mountains in the Bregenzer­ destination familytips wald. The rocky north side is visible Mellau mountain station cable car from the valley, the southern slopes itinerary are green and sunlit. It offers the mountain station cable car (Roß­ ideal habitat for ibex as well as for stelle, 1,395 m) – Kanisalpe – 930 different species of butterfly. ­Kanisfluh (2,044 m) – Wurzachalpe – The first part of the hike is easy- Kanisalpe – Roßstelle cable car barrier free barrier going, and follows an agricultural chances to stop off for path. After you have passed the a drink/food Kanis alp, the ascent begins on a nar- Wurzachalpe, Kanisalpe (during row path which takes you to the top the alp season from mid/late June of the Kanisfluh. To descend, take through to mid-September), inns at the Wurzachalpe option back down the mountain station to the mountain station. culture dining out out dining

Difference in altitude: 650 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: 3 ½ hours well-being

Opening times of the cable cars T +43 (0)5518 2222-0 16 panoramic routes

Sulzberg with its Empire-style church

Sulzberg – protected by St Lawrence starting point The gentle panoramic hike at an Sulzberg centre of town ­altitude of over 1,000 m takes destination you along the nature trail into the Sulzberg centre of town gently undulating hills of the Upper itinerary Bregenzer­wald. The return journey Sulzberg centre of town (1,013 m) – is taken in good, pleasantly cool ­Hochsträß (1,025 m) nature trail – forest air. The church on the village Sulzberg forest path square, renovated in 1828/29 by chances to stop off Alois Negrelli, the planner of the for a drink/food Suez Canal, is worth a visit. The Hochsträßstüble ramblers’ café, church, ­constructed in Empire style, inns in Sulzberg is dedicated to St ­Lawrence, the patron saint of pub landlords, cooks and brewers.

Difference in altitude: 15 m Trail category: yellow-white Total hiking time: 1 ½ hours panoramic routes 17 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Nagelfluhkette National Park

Hittisau – along the Nagelfluh rock starting point face on Hochhäderich Hittisau-Reute

Hochhäderich offers a magnifi- destination familytips cent view to the north as far as the Hittisau-Reute Allgäu and, to the south, to the itinerary ­Bregenzerwald. You pass large rock Hochhäderich (via Streichbrunnen­ faces made up of Nagelfluh rock alpe and Lochalpe) – which are very distinct here. In 2008, ­Leckenholz­alpen – Reute 15 towns and villages in the border chances to stop off barrier free barrier area of Allgäu and Vorderwald estab- for a drink/food lished the “Nagelfluhkette National Hochhäderich mountain inn, Park” which covers an area of around Gasthof Alpenrose (Reute) 400 km². culture dining out out dining

Difference in altitude: 735 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: approx. 3 ¼ hours well-being

information www.naturpark-nagelfluhkette.at 18 panoramic routes

Älpele, toward Lustenauer Hütte

Schwarzenberg – “Legend” walk starting point Legend says the blessed siblings Berghof Fetz, Bödele Merbod, Diedo and Ilga were born into destination the line of the 11th century Counts of Berghof Fetz, Bödele Bregenz. The siblings devoted their itinerary lives to prayer. Weeping, Ilga said via Bödele Passhöhe – Oberer Geiß­ her final farewell to her brothers on kopf – Bergvorsäß – Breitentobel Alp – Lorena. As her tears fell to earth, a Lorena Pass – short detour towards spring appeared. Another appeared on Maien to Klopfbrunnen (spring) – Berghalde, after Ilga spilled some water return to the fork at Lorena Pass – near her hermitage. Unterer Geißkopf – Oberer Geißkopf – The spring’s water is still thought Bödele Passhöhe to have healing properties – those chances to stop off ­afflicted with eye diseases in­particular for a drink/food make pilgrimages to the spring to Berghof Fetz, Frohe Aussicht sprinkle their eyes with the water.

Difference in altitude: 390 m Trail category: yellow-white Total hiking time: 2 hours alp paths 19 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Mountain pasture settlement, Schönenbach

Bezau – from the loveliest mountain starting point pasture to the alp car park Schönenbach

Schönebach is only inhabited from destination familytips June to September, and is one of the car park Schönenbach loveliest mountain pasture settle- itinerary ments in Vorarlberg. The village car park Schönenbach – is located on a plateau between ­Schönenbachvorsäß (1,020 m) – the Hirschberg and the Diedams­ Unterspitzalpe – ­Almisguntenalpe – kopf, home to a meandering Stoggerten­nalpe (1,500 m) – barrier free barrier brook. The ramble takes you to the Ostergunten­alpe – direction Almisgunten­alpe, which lies isolated Kretzbodenalpe to Hänslervorsäß – in a col beneath the Diedamskopf. car park Just before the newly built Stogger­ chances to stop off tenn alpine hut, you arrive at the for a drink/food highest point on the ramble. The Egender inn and alps (during the alp path along the Osterguntenbach season from mid/late June through culture takes you down to the car park. to mid-September) dining out out dining well-being Difference in altitude: 530 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: 3 ½ hours 20 alp paths

Lecknersee in Lecknertal

Hittisau – the village with most alps starting point The Lecknertal is located in Hittisau, car park Lecknertal the village with the most alps in destination ­Austria. A toll road takes you to the car park Lecknertal hiking car park. The route takes you itinerary along the sunny slope of the Hoch- car park Lecknertal (980 m) – häderich-Hochgrat mountain range Juliansplattealpe – Schwarzenberger up to the Rohnehöhe (at 1,639 m). ­Plattealpe – Plattentischalpe – It is worth taking a short detour ­Rohnehöhe (1,639 m) – Rohnealpe – to the nearby Lecknersee. Along Glockenplattealpe – car park this mountain hiking path – whose chances to stop off 660 m difference in altitude makes for a drink/food it hard-going – are six alps, four of alps (during the alp season from which are where milk is processed mid/late June through to mid-­ there and then. September), Höfle inn ­

Difference in altitude: 660 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: 4 ½ hours alp paths 21 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

The mountain church in Damüls

Damüls – around the Wals settlement starting point At an altitude of over 1,800 m, the Damüls-mountain station

Damüls circular tour starts with Uga-Express familytips two peak crossings. After walking destination for about 1 ¼ hours, you reach the Damüls centre or valley station Hochblanken and then follow the Uga Express mountain ridge at an altitude of itinerary almost 2,000 m for about 45 minutes mountain station Uga-Express until you reach the peak of the Raga- (1,800 m) – Ugaalpe – Hochblanken barrier free barrier zer Blanken. From here, the descent (2,068 m) – Ragazer Blanken (2,051 m) – commences: via the Sünser pass as Sünser Joch – Oberdamülser Alpe – far as the Oberdamüls alp and on Damüls (1,430 m) to Damüls. The mountain church in chances to stop off Damüls, with its exceptional fresco for a drink/food wall-painting depicting the Biblia mountain inn ­Elsenalpstube, pauperum dating back to 1484, is well ­mountain inn Ugaalpe, culture worth a visit. Oberdamülser­alpe (­during the alp season from early July to late ­September), inns in Damüls dining out out dining

Difference in altitude: 700 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: 4 ½ hours well-being

Opening times of the cable cars T +43 (0)5510 600 22 alp paths

Alp Obere Falz

Egg – Falzalpen circuit walk starting point The route leads from the ski and car park Schetteregg hiking district of Schetteregg into destination the mountain pasture districts of car park Schetteregg Eggatsberg and Hammeratsberg, itinerary where one can see many traditional Schetteregg (1,066 m) – Eggatsberg – Bregenzerwald-style mountain Hammeratsberg – Alp Untere Falz – pasture cabins. A little later, one Alp Obere Falz (1,217 m) – Brongen arrives at the Alp Untere Falz, which Alp – Schetteregg offers a fine view of the mountains chances to stop off to the south, Bullerschkopf and for a drink/food Winterstaude. The trail leads up to Alp Untere Falz, Alp Obere Falz, the Alp Obere Falz, continues over Brongen Alp, Gasthof Jokler, the Alp Brongen and back to the Gasthof Schetteregger Hof starting point at Schetteregg. There is active farming in the alps from June through mid-September.

Difference in altitude: 236 m Trail category: yellow-white Total hiking time: approx. 2 hours summit tours 23 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Ascent to Zitterklapfen

Au – climbing up to the Zitterklapfen starting point The Zitterklapfen is one of the most Au-tourist office

beautiful mountain peaks in the destination familytips ­Bregenzerwald, with an impres- Au-tourist office sive panorama. At the end of the itinerary idyllic Dürrenbachtal, the rocky Au-Argenau (tourist office 810 m) – massif arises. The first section takes Bodenvorsäß – Annalperaualpe – you along a windy agricultural Zitterklapfen (2,403 m) – return to Au path in the forest up as far as the via the same way barrier free barrier ­Annalperaualpe. It is here that the chances to stop off mountain hiking path commences. for a drink/food The final section in the rock to the Inns in Au, Bergkristall hut (at peak demands that climbers be sure- ­Bodenvorsäß) footed and not afraid of heights. The length and the difference in alti- tude make this into a very arduous culture ­mountain tour! dining out out dining well-being Difference in altitude: 1,600 m Trail category: white-blue-white Total hiking time: 9 ½ hours 24 summit tours

Braunarlspitze

Schröcken – up to the highest point starting point The Braunarlspitze is the highest Schröcken-centre of town mountain in the Bregenzerwald. destination An agricultural path leads from Schröcken-centre of town Schröcken to the Fellealpe. This is itinerary the start of the mountain hiking Schröcken-centre of town path to the Fürggele, a pass to the (1,250 m) – Fellealpe – Fürggele – Große Walsertal. From here, the ­Braunarlspitze (2,649 m) – alpine trail (which demands that ­Butzensee – Jägersteig – Schröcken hikers be sure-footed and not afraid chances to stop off of heights) takes you through the for a drink/food rocky part up to the peak, continues inns in Schröcken to the idyllic Butzensee and, via the Jägersteig, back to the Fellealpe. From here, you take the same path back to Schröcken.

Difference in altitude: 1,400 m Trail category: white-blue-white Total hiking time: approx. 8 ½ hours water routes 25 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Auer Ried with the Kanisfluh in the background

Au – delicate plants and wooden huts starting point The path leads you from the Argen Au parish church

gorge into the Auer Ried nature destination familytips reserve. The power of water, geology, Au parish church nature conservation, ancient culti- itinerary vated landscapes and the mighty Au-Jaghausen (parish church, Kanisfluh provide the subjects and 791 m) – Auer Ried (1,050 m) nature the stations of the hike for those trail (via Argenbachtal) – Jaghausen interested in nature. Over 50 rare parish church barrier free barrier species of plant thrive in the Auer chances to stop off Ried. Watercourses, gallery forests for a drink/food and damp biotopes run through the inns in Au humid rough pastures and upland hay meadows with their numerous Literary hike characteristic old hay huts. The volume of poems by Birgit Rietzler invites you to a literary culture hike through Auer Ried: “Berberitzen” puts in words the externally visible and the inter- nally perceptible. Available in the tourist information offices in Au

and Schoppernau. out dining

Difference in altitude: 260 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: 2 ½ hours well-being

A detailed brochure is available at the tourist office. 26 water routes

Komma bridge in Hittisau

Hittisau – across bridges, starting point through the gorge Hittisau-centre of town At the end of the Ice Age, a lake destination emerged at the foot of the Hoch- Hittisau-centre of town häderich. The Bolgenach carved its itinerary path out of the cliffs which formed Hittisau-centre of town (790 m) – the “dam wall” of the lake. And so Känzele View (Häleisen, 820 m) – the Komma gorge arose. For almost Kommabrücke (760 m) – Engenloch- 300 years, the Komma bridge has schlucht – Hittisau been crossing the river and the chances to stop off gorge at a height of 15 m: this bridge for a drink/food is the oldest covered bridge in the inns in Hittisau ­province. Along the Bolgenach, the water ramble takes you across a suspension bridge, past the wild yet romantic Engenloch gorge.

Difference in altitude: 60 m Trail category: yellow-white Total hiking time: 1 ½ hours

Detailed directions are available from the tourist office. water routes 27 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Calc-tufa area in Lingenau

Lingenau – when water turns to stones starting point The calc-tufa in Lingenau is one of Lingenau swimming pool car park

the most unique calc-tufa ­formations destination familytips north of the Alps, making it one of Lingenau swimming pool car park the outstanding geological phenom- itinerary ena in Vorarlberg. The water flows in Lingenau swimming pool car park small flumes over rocks as far as the (680 m) – calc-tufa nature trail ­riverbed of the Subersach, forming (610 m) – Rain – St. Anna chapel – canopies and sinter curtains. Five car park swimming pool barrier free barrier information boards describe the chances to stop off ­geology and ­vegetation of this spec- for a drink/food tacle of nature. The nature trail takes inns in Lingenau you mainly across a passable gravel path with wooden bridges and steps. culture dining out out dining

Difference in altitude: 70 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: 1 ½ hours well-being Detailed directions are available from the tourist office. The wooden bridges can be slippery when wet. 28 cultural tours

Tannberg bench at Schöneberg

Warth-Schröcken – on the trail starting point of the Walsers Schröcken parish church The villages of Lech, Schröcken destination and Warth are typical Walser Warth ­settlements. In the 14th century, the itinerary Tannberg area was populated by the Schröcken – Alpe Felle – Auenfeld – Walsers, who came from the West Körbersee – Hochtannbergpass – Swiss canton of Valais. In cultivating the old salt road to Warth the alpine terrain, these pioneers chances to stop off developed a first-rate, fascinat- for a drink/food ing cultivated landscape. Robust Hotel Körbersee, inns in Schröcken benches point out the stations along and Warth the trail. A book is available which describes the objects that tell the history of the Walser settlers on the Tannberg.

Difference in altitude: 450 m Trail category: yellow-white Total hiking time: 4 hours

Opening times of the cable cars T +43 (0)5583 3601-0

Detailed documentation in the form of a book is available from the tour- ist offices in Lech, Schröcken and Warth. www.tannberg.info cultural tours 29 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Hay landscape in Au

Au-Schoppernau – “Alpgang” starting point Insights into farming in the Au/Rehmen church

­Bregenzerwald are afforded by the 14 destination familytips stations on the “Alpgang” thematic Au/Rehmen church trail. For economical reasons and in itinerary order to maintain the mountain’s Long tour: sensitive nature, farmers in the Au/Rehmen church – Berbigen moun- Bregenzerwald have been farming tain pasture – Upper Sattel­alpe – their fields in several stages for hun- Liegstein – Alpe Sattelegg – Wika – barrier free barrier dreds of years: in the early summer, Holand – Au/Rehmen church Alpine dairymen and their cows leave Short tour: the valley and head for the mountain. Au/Rehmen church – Berbigen They spend the summer on the high ­mountain pasture – Wika – mountain pasture, and return to the Au/­Rehmen church mountain pasture in the autumn, chances to stop off and finally back to the valley. Texts for a drink/food culture on life in the alps and the cultivated inns in Au, Alpe Sattelegg (from mid- landscape are to be found in stones. June to early September)

Difference in altitude:

approx. 750 m long tour, out dining approx. 350 m short tour Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: Long tour approx. 6 hours, Short tour approx. 2 hours. well-being A detailed brochure is available from the tourist offices in Au and Schoppernau. 30 cultural tours

Barefoot spiral in Langenegg

Langenegg – energy hike and oral traditions. Continue along For years, the village of Langenegg the forest trail to the Tranquillity has been involved in sustainability, Portal with its barefoot ­spiral made and the protection of energy and from natural materials. A wooden the ­climate. In 2010, Langenegg swing and comfortable wooden loung- was ­awarded the European Village ers invite you to rest and relax a while. ­Renewal prize. The various “energy The cool hiking path through the for- portal paths” make energy compre- est, which follows the white-red-white hensible, and hands-on. The hike signposts through the lovely marsh- starts at the village hall. Through the land and flora, offers the chance to red portals, it takes visitors to the hike further downwards towards the sundial, and through the Wind and mouth of the Weissach. From the old Water Portal with its energy works. At station, the trail takes you back along the Hotel Krone, the trail crosses the the road into the centre. country road and continues to the chances to stop off Mythical Portal: modelled on a small for a drink/food coliseum, the spot in the forest offers inns in Langenegg sufficient space for delivering myths

Difference in altitude: 230 m Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: 3 hours

information Tourist office Langenegg T +43 (0)5513 4101-14 www.langenegg.at cultural tours 31 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Rotenberg wood thematic trail

Lingenau – Rotenberg wood starting point thematic trail Lingenau village square

Rotenberg wood is the property of destination familytips 170 owners – one of the smallest Lingenau village square structured forests in Austria. The itinerary thematic trail comprises 20 stations, Long tour: 19 stations with forest a forest room, an upland moor, and room, Nagelfluh arena and Brugg- a natural arena of Nagelfluh. Forest moos as the highlights path, root path, woodland path, Short tour: 12 stations barrier free barrier mud pits and stone steps follow one chances to stop off another. for a drink/food inns in Lingenau culture

Difference in altitude: out dining approx. 270 m long tour, approx. 230 m short tour Trail category: white-red-white Total hiking time: Long tour approx. 3 ½ hours, Short tour approx. 2 hours. well-being

A detailed brochure is available from the tourist office in Lingenau. 32 hiking with dogs

Out and about with dogs

Man and his best friend can benefit from taking a hike together. Both Out and about with your dog see, experience and learn new things. communities Especially when guided by an expert. Dogs must be kept on a leash in the entire area: Andelsbuch, Au, Bezau, Trainers Christoph Rüscher and Damüls, Krumbach, Langenegg, Rie- Erwin Kohler have long since “gone fensberg, Schoppernau, Sibratsgfäll to the dogs”, literally! They are also Dogs must be kept on a leash in hiking guides, mountain rescuers, certain areas: Hittisau agility and companion dog examin- Dogs do not need to be kept on a ers. Together, they offer specific dog leash: Alberschwende, Bizau, Doren, training in the heart of the Bregen- Egg, Lingenau, Mellau, Reuthe, zerwald mountains, since hiking Schwarzenberg, Sulzberg, Schröcken, in the mountains with your own Warth dog can intensify the relationship between man and his dog. public buses Dogs must be muzzled and on a Events leash. A fare is payable for the dog. Guided hikes, crossing of the Alps, alpine trekking, Adventure cable cars (→ page 9) hikes, spending the night in a tent, Dogs are welcome: Bergbahnen ­communication courses, a special Andelsbuch, Damüls, Seilbahnen type of dog school, kennels Faschina, Steffisalp-Express Warth Dogs – only wearing a muzzle information and on a leash: Seilbahn Bezau, Lexlupo Bergbahnen Mellau, Diedamskopf, T +43 (0)5515 2311 Seilbahnen Sonntag (€ 3) www.lexlupo.com Dogs are not welcome: Brüggelekopf Alberschwende 33 land & lives & land hiking active summer active familytips active summer There are only a few regions where you can try barrier free barrier out and perfect so many different types of sports. Outdoor specialists accompany you to ensure your safety when you go mountain biking, raft- ing, paragliding, caving, canyoning and climbing. culture dining out out dining well-being 34 mountain biking & cycling

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tip: mountain bike map radwege_karte_RB_14.indd 1 24.01.2014 13:46:15 Detailed descriptions of the tours are enclosed in the mountain bike map of Bregenzerwald (available from Bregenzerwald Tourismus, in the tourist information offices and in some sports shops). mountain biking 35 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Mountain bike tour in the Kanisfluh area

The Bregenzerwald is still something 4: berchtoldshöhe of an inside tip for mountain bikers: Distance: 20.5 km

The wide range of easy and highly Difference in altitude: 700 m familytips demanding tours is exceptional. Highest point: 1,154 m Many of the trails follow the tracks Starting point: Andelsbuch of the locals’ way of life: to moun- tain pastures and high mountain 5: weissfluh tour pastures, the home of the delicious Distance: 21.4 km Bregenzerwald alpine cheese. The Difference in altitude: 795 m barrier free barrier following describes 15 recommended Highest point: 1,367 m tours for beginners, the advanced Starting point: Bezau and professionals. 6: mellental tour Mountain bike tours for beginners Distance: 17.8 km 1: hochhäderich tour Difference in altitude: 700 m Distance: 21.2 km Highest point: 1,325 m culture Difference in altitude: 790 m Starting point: Mellau Highest point: 1,520 m Starting point: Hittisau 7: tannberg tour Distance: 15.5 km 2: schetteregg tour Difference in altitude: 650 m

Distance: 20.2 km Highest point: 1,792 m out dining Difference in altitude: 580 m Starting point: Schröcken Highest point: 1,080 m Starting point: Egg 8: brüggele-kaltenbrunnen Distance: 11.3 km 3: balderschwang tour Difference in altitude: 405 m Distance: 24.5 km Highest point: 1,090 m well-being Difference in altitude: 700 m Starting point: Alberschwende Highest point: 1,434 m Starting point: Sibratsgfäll 36 mountain biking

Mountain bike tours for Mountain bike tour for professionals the advanced 15: diedamskopf- 9: around the mittagsfluh neuhornbach haus Distance: 28.3 km Distance: 25 km Difference in altitude: 900 m Difference in altitude: 1,370 m Highest point: 1,440 m Highest point: 2,020 m Starting point: Bizau Starting point: Schoppernau

10: schetteregg-schreiberesattel Safety advice Distance: 38.3 km Mountain bike routes take you Difference in altitude: 1,330 m through terrain which requires a Highest point: 1,526 m great deal of responsibility from the Starting point: Andelsbuch biker. Our recommendations for cor- rect conduct in the mountains: 11: schönenbach-schreiberesattel • Responsible cycling at controlled Distance: 31.5 km speeds and at reduced visibility, Difference in altitude: 1,200 m especially in bends, since obstacles Highest point: 1,526 m must be reckoned with at all times! Starting point: Bezau • Hikers and pedestrians have right of way. Considerate overtaking is 12: around the winterstaude done at a walking pace. Distance: 42.8 km • Agriculture and forestry have right Difference in altitude: 1,050 m of way on the usable paths. Please Highest point: 1,080 m always close gates behind you and Starting point: Egg respect any temporarily closed paths. 13: around the kanisfluh • Do not leave the planned, sign- Distance: 33.1 km posted paths. This helps preserve Difference in altitude: 1,200 m natural and wild habitats (→ page 13). Highest point: 1,610 m • Good planning of a tour takes into Starting point: Mellau consideration the degree of dif- ficulty of the route and the cyclist’s 14: damüls tour ability. This also includes helmet, Distance: 33.8 km protective equipment and a techni- Difference in altitude: 1,300 m cally perfect mountain bike. Highest point: 1,800 m Starting point: Au Mountain bike carriage on the cable cars (→ page 9).

Package deals on offer Make your selection from our package deals for mountain ­bikers. See www.bregenzerwald.at/uk for package deals, which you can also book directly from the website. mountain biking 37 land & lives & land Cycling technique training Alpinschule Widderstein and guided Mountain bike Christian Fritz and road bike tours T +43 (0)660 2149207 Bike School & Guiding – www.alpinschulewidderstein.com ­Bregenzerwald services T +43 (0)660 14 29 645 Transalp, downhill, road bike tours, www.die-bike-schule.at guided mountain bike tours from hiking services easy to difficult, technique training 17 guided mountain bike tours per week for various levels (easy tours, Damüls Faschina Tourismus vital tours, all-mountain tours, trail Karl Heinz Bischof

riding, enduro/freeride), T +43 (0)664 5189929 summer active 3x cycling technique training Andreas Erath ­sessions per week (Mon, Wed, Fri) at T +43 (0)664 4182858 various levels in the Bike Park, Bike services Camps, Simplon Testcenter Guided half- and full-day tours, ­racing bike tours “bike guide bregenzerwald”

Georg Felder, Karlheinz Kaufmann, familytips Veronika Kaufmann, Werner Geiger www.bikeguide-bregenzerwald.at services Guided mountain bike and ­racing bike tours, cycling technique tip: bike courses ­training Andelsbuch bike course barrier free barrier Andelsbuch Tourismus Outdoor Input for Life T +43 (0)5512 2565 Lutz Schmelzinger www.andelsbuch.at/tourismus T +43 (0)676 7837878 offers www.outdoorinput.com On the mountain bike course at services Gasthof Ritter, mountain bikers­ Half or full-day tours from the gen- learn how to improve their culture tle “sightseeing” category through to technique. The course is suitable the demanding freeride tour, moun- for both beginners and advanced tain bike adventure days with indi- cyclists. vidual cycling technique training and realisation, GPS data material Au-Schoppernau bike course

and rental of GPS equipment with Au-Schoppernau Tourismus out dining tracks from the Bregenzer­wald. T +43 (0)5515 2288 www.au-schoppernau.at offers Pump track, practice area, North Shore elements, curve section, etc. well-being The perfect place for improving your mountain bike technique! 38 cycling

Out and about on the Bregenzerwald cycle path

Most of the villages in the ­Bregenzerwald are located on ­expansive valley floors, making them ideal terrain for journeys of discovery by bicycle. Rented bikes are available at various locations.

Tried and tested in several towns – tipp: e-bike rentals and now also possible in the Sport Fuchs, Au Bregenzer­wald: in Egg, Andelsbuch, www.sportfuchs.com Bezau, ­Mellau, Schnepfau, Au and T +43 (0)5515 2315 Schoppernau, there are rental points mani sport, Damüls where you can easily rent a bike with www.mani-sport.at basket for up to 24 hours. You simply T +43 (0)699 12 10 96 30 return the bike to any rental point Village hall Krumbach you like. www.krumbach.at T +43 (0)5513 8157 rental points Intersport Spettel, Hittisau Egg (Impulszentrum), Andelsbuch and Alberschwende (Cable car, Bersbuch Wälderbähnle www.spettel.at station), Bezau (Station, secondary T +43 (0)5513 6341 school and Bezau cable car), ­Mellau Sport Gotthard, Hittisau (village hall), ­Schnepfau (school), Au www.sport-gotthard.com (village hall, Rehmen church), Schop- T +43 (0)5513 2260 pernau (village hall, valley station, Sport Broger, Mellau Diedamskopf)­­­ www.sportbroger.at Price: € 1 per hour T +43 (0)5518 2240 € 5 for 24 hours Elektro Vögel, Sulzberg www.elektrovoegel.at information T +43 (0)664 41 22 295 www.happy-bike.at cycling 39 land & lives & land Egg – Schoppernau cycle path Rohrmoostal cycle path From Egg, the Bregenzerwald cycle The scenic cycle tour leaves the path takes you across the former church in Sibratsgfäll in the direc- railway line of the Bregenzerwald tion of Rindberg. The road is car-free railway, as far as Andelsbuch from the national ­border. The tour reservoir, and continues through takes you past the impressive Gottes­ Bersbuch. From here, a cycle path ackerwände as far as the nature hiking runs parallel to the L 200 as far as reserve. The less fit amongst the the start of the village of Reuthe- cyclists can push their bicycles up the Baien. Quiet side streets take you to 800-metre slope. The next stage of Bezau. There, ­follow the cycle path the tour is flat, and takes you to the

along the L 200 as far as Mellau. Aibele alp which is licensed (mid- summer active Then you need to cross the L 200. June to mid-September). 2 km later, In Mellau, the cycle path takes you you pass the watershed between the through the village, to the Mellau North Sea and the Black Sea, and cable cars, as far as Hirschau, where one kilometre on you arrive at the an underpass goes underneath the Rohrmoos plot. Here, you can visit L 200. In Schnepfau, go over the Germany’s oldest wooden church.

bridge, arriving once again at the left The way back takes you along the familytips bank of the Bregenzerache, where same route, but with different views. the most scenic cycle path section Cycling time is approx. 2 hours. along the Bregenzerache as far as Au Total distance (one way): 13 km ­commences. The cycle path follows the Bregenzerache from the start of Krumbach cycle path Au as far as Schoppernau. From the direction of Langenegg, barrier free barrier Taking it easy, you need about the cycle path commences from the 4 hours for the return journey. ­Wolfbühl plot, and takes you across Total distance (one way): Salgenreuthe, Au and Halden into approx. 30 km the centre of the village. From here, you can continue to Hittisau or Achtal footpath and cycle path ­Riefensberg. The track of the Bregenzerwald rail- Total distance (one way): 5 km culture way between Egg and Doren is being revived. A new footpath and cycle path is opening up the lovely natural landscape of the Bregenzerache. Since Autumn 2012, the buildings of

the former “Wälderbahn” are being out dining meticulously redeveloped, the road is being repaired, and protective features added. Opening is planned for the summer of 2014. Total distance (one way): approx. 10 km well-being 40 climbing

Widaschrofa via ferrata, Mellau-Schnepfau

Beginner or expert, young or not so “Abendrot” via ferrata, Mellau-Schnep- young: the Bregenzerwald’s climbing fau and rope courses offer the perfect Length/height: start at 760 m / TOP training grounds. at 850 m Degree of difficulty: E Au-Schnepfau climbing garden Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours Degree of difficulty: 3 – 8 Difference in altitude: 100 m Lovely sun plateau, charming Starting point/end: Schnepfau car schratten­kalk ledge with several park (eastern edge of the village), routes walking time to the start, approx. 10 minutes Schwarzenberg climbing garden Length/height: approx. 30 m Schrofenwies climbing garden Degree of difficulty: 3 – 7 in Warth Climbing is free of charge, at Length/height: 20 m your own risk (route topos, Degree of difficulty: 4 – 9+ ­equipment rental at Sport Fink, 31 secured routes, Via ferrata to prac- Parking spaces: sports field tice, children under supervision of a T +43 (0)5512 2918 skilled adult, barbeque station Starting point: the car park Widaschrofa via ferratas, Mellau- ­Schrofen­wies Lechleiten, topo available Schnepfau “Wälder” via ferrata at the Warth-Schröcken tourist office Length/height: start at 760 m / TOP at 850 m recommended reading Degree of difficulty: D “Kletterführer Vorarlberg” (Vorarl- Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours berg Climbing Guide) by A. Pasold Difference in altitude: 100 m “Vorarlberger Sportkletterführer” Starting point/end: Schnepfau car (Vorarlberg Athletic Climbing park (eastern edge of the village), Guide) published by PANICO walking time to the start, approx. 10 Alpinverlag minutes climbing 41 land & lives & land Klettergarten Bürstegg (climbing ­garden) between Lech and Warth Diedams-Challenge Length/height: 20 m Hill Climb mountain biking and Degree of difficulty: 3a – 7+ mountain running challenge, 29 secured routes 1,170 metres elevation gain, 10 km Starting point: 300 m adjacent to Date: 3 August 2014 “Bürstegg” service road on Haupt- www.diedams-challenge.at hiking straße in the direction of Warth, left by the automobile bridge, approx. 15 Seven summits tour min. through the woods (elev. gain: 7 border mountains, approx. 50 200 m), topo available at the Warth- kilometres and 5000 metres ele-

Schröcken and Lech-Zürs tourist vation gain on a single day. Event summer active offices proceeds benefit the internatio- nal relief ­organisation ROKPA. Mindelheim via ferrata in Warth Date: 6 September 2014 Degree of difficulty: medium www.7berge.at Walking time: approx. 2 ½ hours to the start – from Warth-Lechleiten 4th Sparkasse Wälderlauf run

Difference in altitude:approx. 200 m “Vo Mello bis ge Schoppernou” familytips The stretch, approximately 13 km Karhorn Warth via ferrata, in length, takes you along the East and west ridge Bregenzerzache via the cycling Length/height: 1,200 m and forest path as far as Schop- Degree of difficulty: medium to pernau. At the starting line you ­difficult (B to D) will find professionals as well barrier free barrier Walking time: 2 – 4 hours as amateur runners and Nordic Difference in altitude: 250 m walkers in the various starting Starting point/end: ascent with blocks “Mit tau”, “Guat tau” and the Steffisalp cable car (walking “Weh tau”. time to the start, approx. 45 min) – Date: 21 June 2014 ­Karhorn peak www.waelderlauf.at Supporting programme: “Weh culture K1 climbing hall, Dornbirn tau! Festival” with an evening 2,000 m2 indoor climbing area, trip to the midsummer celebra- 400 m2 boulder area, 600 m2 tions on the Diedamskopf (19 outdoor climbing area, climb- June), new folk music in the ing courses, taster courses, “Weh tau! Arena” in Schopper-

­competitions, therapy programmes nau (20 June) and a morning pint out dining information on the Diedamskopf (22 June). www.k1-dornbirn.at www.wehtau.at

tip: via ferrata set rental well-being Alpinschule Widderstein, Warth T +43 (0)660 2149207 42 rope parks

Damüls forest rope course Damüls forest rope course and Flying Flying-Fox Warth Fox slide On the Flying Fox slide (500 m long, Rope courses of various degrees 70 m high, 4 slides) which crosses of difficulty are located at heights the border between Vorarlberg and between 2 and 13 m. You are secured Tyrol, you glide down into the val- before you cross the individual ley – wearing of course the correct courses. You don’t have to be par- safety equipment (helmet, harness, ticularly fit. The Flying Fox is the sling, pulley). highlight: with its length of 200 m, it information connects the valleys of the Bregen- Alpinschule Widderstein & zerwald with the Große Walsertal. ­Outdoorpoint-Warth information Christian Fritz Bernd Burtscher/Alexander Schäfer T +43 (0)660 2149207 T +43 (0)664 4147137 scheduled by appointment www.das-seil.at www.alpinschulewidderstein.com

Schröcken adventure park Aqua rope course A climbing experience above water, Rope course above the water, below in the forest, on a rock face. 42 the Schwarzenberg climbing gar- rope courses, 3 Flying Fox zip lines, den: abseiling, climbing rock, via Climbing at a height of 3 – 15 m, ferratas combined with rope course exciting team course for groups, elements. families, etc. Starting point: Gasthof Ritter, information Andelsbuch Alpinschule Schröcken information Josef Staggl Aktivzentrum Bregenzerwald T +43 (0)664 2525200 Manfred Fink/Lutz Schmelzinger or +43 (0)664 7575500 T +43 (0)676 7837878 www.alpinschule-schroecken.at www.aktiv-zentrum.at www.abenteuerpark.net mountain- & watersport 43 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Water sports on the Bregenzerache

The Bregenzerwald outdoor Climbing and mountain tours ­specialists offer playful and adven- Widderstein alpine school Christian Fritz

turous activities pertaining to the familytips topic of mountain and water. T +43 (0)660 2149207 www.alpinschulewidderstein.com Rafting, canoeing, canyoning Bungee jumping – 106 metres Canyoning, climbing, HIGH 5 outdoor GmbH group programmes T +43 (0)5513 4140 Schröcken alpine school barrier free barrier www.outdoor.at Josef Staggl T +43 (0)664 2525200 Canyoning www.alpinschule-schroecken.at Alpine-Passion, Jürgen Riegger T +43 (0)664 9400515 Canyoning, climbing and www.alpine-passion.at mountain tours Thomas Dietrich culture Rafting, canoeing, canyoning T +43 (0)664 46 83 999 Guided cave tours in the Schnecken- www.der-gipfel.at lochhöhle outdoor input for life Climbing and mountain tours T +43 (0)676 7837878 Skiing and mountain guide

www.outdoorinput.com Markus Moosbrugger out dining T +43 (0)664 3429465 Canyoning and adventure programmes www.mitmoses.at Holzschopf.com – outdoor and more Jürgen Strolz T +43 (0)664 3801540 www.holzschopf.com well-being 44 archery

Riefensberg archery range

Archery is one of the oldest forms Doren 3-D archery range of hunting known to man. In the Archery in the wild landscape of Bregenzerwald, the main focus is the Dorener Gschlief. Its impressive on the fun-and-games aspect of the landscape and its geological back- sport. ground make sure that you have a special experience on this range. Riefensberg 3-D archery range Rental: Adler inn Go back to the days of Robin Hood, Opening hours: open daily between be at one with the bow and arrow. 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. from early April Archery is one of the best “stress- through to the onset of winter. free” disciplines there are, and a Please reserve. relaxing supporting programme information & reservation for seminars, company outings or Otto Nöckl, T +43 (0)5516 2014 families. Günter Schmuck, T +43 (0)5516 2114 The day fee enables you to cover www.bogenparcours-doren.at the course as often as you like. Beginner‘s course on request. Aktivzentrum Bregenzerwald Place: close to the border, old Introduction to the art of traditional Gschliefstraße to Riefensberg archery: hunt using a bow and arrow Rental: upon request, rental equip- on a 3-D course. Includes the rental ment is available for occasional of archery equipment. archers. Date: to be arranged Opening hours: May – October Place: Andelsbuch, Gasthof Ritter information & reservation information & reservation Ingrid Fink-Nöckler Aktivzentrum Bregenzerwald T +43 (0)664 5323102 oder T +43 (0)676 7837878 +43 (0)664 8776333 www.aktiv-zentrum.at www.kreativbewegen.at paragliding 45 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Pleasant thermal conditions enable great flying experiences

The Bregenzerwald flying area services (­Niedere close to Bezau-Andelsbuch Training, further training, sale,

and Diedamskopf close to Au-­ consultancy, checks familytips Schoppernau) is well-known for its Tandem passenger flight with the laminar upwind and its pleasant Bregenzerwald Guest Card: € 90 thermal conditions. Tandem passenger flight: € 100 Thermal currents passenger Ever since paragliding started, flight: € 125 ­Bregenzerwald flying school has Taster course: from € 90 barrier free barrier been training pilots in the perfect terrain for it. The high-altitude information sites in Andelsbuch, Bezau and Flugschule Bregenzerwald on Diedamskopf present a multi- Jodok Moosbrugger tude of opportunities, launching T +43 (0)5514 3177 sites in practically any direction, a T +43 (0)664 5127765 (tandem flight fantastic view of Bregenzerwald, its reservation) culture mountains, and the region of Lake www.gleitschirmschule.at Constance. dining out out dining well-being 46 fishing grounds

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18 For your orientation – fishing grounds: Data subjet to change. Detailed maps and information about fishing groud boundariesavailable are from issuing offices.

Information Fishing club Mittelbregenzerwald: www.bregenzerach.at Flyfishing Elmenreich: www.elmenreich.com Fishing Association for the State of Vorarlberg: www.fischereiverband-vbg.at­­­ fishing grounds 47 land & lives & land The Bregenzerwald’s rivers, streams 3: weissach 2 and lakes are ideal fishing grounds. Season: 1 May to 15 September Fly-fishermen also discover lovely Fishing club: Bregenz fishing grounds. The waters in the Ticket sales: Tourist offices Bregenzerwald are classified as the Alberschwende, Doren, Krumbach, trout region. The main fish here is Langenegg, Lingenau, Riefensberg the brown trout, although the odd Special features: Ban on live bait, hiking rainbow trout and grayling can also triple hooks be found. Day tickets are available for all the listed fishing grounds: 4: bolgenach 2 (with reservoir) ­prices range between approx. € 15 Season: 1 April to 30 September

and € 35. Precise information about Fishing club: Hittisau summer active fishing limits, minimum fish lengths, T +43 (0)5513 620914 fishing ground boundaries, etc. is Ticket sales: village hall Hittisau available from the appropriate issu- Special features: Only for guests ing offices. staying at least two nights in ­Hittisau, Sibratsgfäll, Riefensberg or 1: bregenzerache from Balderschwang, upon presentation

­kennelbach to lingenau of the guest card familytips Season: 1 May to 15 September Fishing club: Bregenz 5: subersach 1 Ticket sales: Tourist offices in Season: 1 May to ­­­30 September ­Alberschwende, Doren, Egg village ­­­Fishing club: ­Mittelbregenzerwald hall, Krumbach, Langenegg, Lin- Ticket sales: Flyfishing ­Elmenreich, genau, Riefensberg Egg, T +43 (0)664 4146482, village barrier free barrier Special features: ban on live bait, hall Egg, Lingenau, Hittisau and the triple hooks inn Nussbaumer Sibratsgfäll Special features: exclusively fly- 2: fishing rotach fishing; in the Sibratsgfäll section Season: 1 June to 31 August blinkers with one hook without barb Fishing club: Doren allowed. T +43 (0)5516 2018 culture Ticket sales: village hall Doren 6: subersach 2 Special features: Fly-rod/spin-rod Season: 1 May to 30 September fishing, only fly fishing, no live bait Fishing club: Mittelbregenzerwald Issue: locals with their place Ticket sales: Flyfishing ­Elmenreich, of ­residence in Vorarlberg: Egg, T +43 (0)664 4146482

­presentation of a fishing ID or Special features: exclusively out dining ­confirmation of a fishing permit fly-fishing Guests: a fishing ticket can be ­purchased upon presentation of a guest card. well-being 48 fishing grounds

Fly-fishing in Schönenbach

7: rubach in sibratsgfäll 9: bregenzerache from Season: 1 June to 15 September andelsbuch to bezau Ticket sales: village hall Sibratsgfäll Season: 1 May to 30 September T +43 (0)5513 2112 Fishing club: ­Mittelbregenzerwald Ticket sales: Flyfishing­Elmenreich, 8: bregenzerache in egg Egg, T +43 (0)664 4146482 Season: 1 May to 31 August Special features: exclusively Managed by: fishing club Egg fly-fishing Ticket sales: village hall Egg, T +43 (0)5512 2216-12 10: bezegg stausee andelsbuch Special features: Fishing allowed Season: 1 June to 31 October with a fishing rod. Only fly-fishing Managed by: T +43 (0)5512 2565 is allowed from the confluence of Ticket sales: tourist office the Pfisterbach upriver to the upper Andelsbuch ­territorial boundary. Special features: ticket sales only Only locals with their place of with fishing permit, ban on live bait residence in Egg and guests in Egg ­bearing a guest card may 11: bregenzerache in only ­purchase a fishing card upon bezau/­reuthe and schnepfau ­presentation of a fishing permit; Season: 1 May to 30 September minimum age: 18 Managed by: fishing club Bezau/ Issue: max. 4 day tickets per year, Reuthe per person, and no more than 3 Ticket sales: tourist office Bezau tickets per day

tip: hotel post in bezau for fly-fishing Fly-fishing courses, fly-fishing guiding, day tickets, rental equipment, fly-fishing package deals Information: Hotel Post Bezau, T +43 (0)5514 2207-0, www.hotelpostbezau.com fishing grounds 49 land & lives & land 12: bizauer bach 16: krumbach with bregetzbach Season: 1 May to 30 September and argenbach in damüls Managed by: fishing club Bezau/ Season: 16 June to 30 September Reuthe Managed by: village hall Damüls, Ticket sales: tourist office Bizau, Hotel Adler, Damüls, T +43 (0)5514 2129 T +43 (0)5510 6210 Special features: only guests in Bizau Ticket sales: village hall Damüls, hiking from 3 nights’accommodation Hotel Adler Damüls Special features: sold only with 13: bregenzerache in mellau guest card/Bregenzerwald Guest Season: 1 May to 30 September Card

Fishing supervisor: Bertram Haller summer active T +43 (0)5518 2875 17: bregenzerache in schoppernau Ticket sales: tourist office Mellau, Season: mid June to mid September Hotel Engel, Lara petrol station Fishing club: Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 2495 14: bregenzerache in schnepfau Ticket sales: tourist office Season: April to September ­Schoppernau

Ticket sales: at the village hall – for familytips residents and guests with 3-day min. 18: bregenzerache in schröcken length of stay Season: May to late September T +43 (0)5518 2114 Managed by: Fischerei ­Interessenschaft (fishing club) 15: bregenzerache/argenbach in au Ticket sales: tourist office­ Schröcken, Season: early May to mid September T +43 (0)5519 2670 barrier free barrier Fishing club: Au, T +43 (0)5515 2288 Special features: day ticket, fishing Ticket sales: tourist office Au, fish permit pond Au, Hotel Krone in Au 19: seebachsee – dorfsee warth Season: end June to late September Fishing club: village Warth T +43 (0)5583 3515 culture Ticket sales: tourist office Warth Special features: day ticket, fishing permit dining out out dining

Garden inn Felder in Bersbuch At the Felder family in Bersbuch, right next to Bregenzerache, families discover a small idyll for passing­­ the time, a beer garden and the chance to bathe in natural water. Fresh trout, smoked trout or trout fried in butter well-being served with home-made potato salad are the specialities offered here. Info: Family Felder, T +43 (0)664 9551652 50 bregenzerwald golf park

Bregenzerwald Golf Park in Riefensberg-Sulzberg

The internationally renowned Golf Park in Riefensberg and the ­architect Kurt Rossknecht designed Oberstaufen-Steibis Golf Club. the first 18-hole golf course in Guests of the founder and partner ­Vorarlberg in its time between hotels of the two golf complexes Riefensberg and ­Sulzberg: not enjoy a reduced green fee. Guests of only that – it is one of the loveliest the Vorarlberg founder and partner golf courses, nestled as it is in the hotels also benefit from ­discounted country­side. green fees at the five other golf courses in Vorarlberg. The undulating landscape and the numerous little inlets to the Bregenzerwald Golfing School Weißach have been perfectly inte- Learn how to play golf with head pro grated into the game. Artificial lakes Jan Vonavka. The motto according and selectively positioned bunkers to the latest teaching and learning complement the natural obstacles. methodology is: “The simple way Along with the slopes and slants, the to learn golf”. Includes important corridors and the impressive view, tips on driving, strategy, tactics and they make golfing in this park into mental training. The golfing permit an experience which never fails to is also recognised in Germany and leave a lasting impression. Switzerland.

Discount green fee information The “Unlimited golfing fun” green Golfpark Bregenzerwald and fee entitles the holder to a discount Golfschule ­Bregenzerwald of up to 30%, and applies to two T +43 (0)5513 8400-0 18-hole courses: the Bregenzerwald www.golf-bregenzerwald.com 51 land & lives & land hiking active summer active familytips family tips Climbing, discovering gorges and caves, barrier free barrier learning more about herbs, visiting the cows on the farms, riding the “Wälderbähnle” – there is any amount of things for families and kids to do! Heart-felt supervision included. culture dining out out dining well-being 52 rambling with the pram

Herb garden in Holdamoos, close to Au

Au-Schoppernau – in the starting point fragrant herb garden Au-tourist office The Holdamoos natural experience destination illustrates 400 years of alp history. Au-tourist office A “Vorsäßhütte” – a mountain itinerary pasture hut – dating back 400 years Au-Argenau (tourist office, 810 m) – and still in its original condition, a Rehmen – direction to Schoppernau suspension bridge, a small lake and a via Halde to Holdamoos (890 m) – herb garden boasting over 150 dif- Lebernau – Lugen – Au centre of ferent herbs lie in the middle of the town cultivated, natural landscape. This is chances to stop off a gentle ramble on wide paths along for a drink/food the Bregenzerache and through the inns in Au ­settled region of Au. rest & play Hazelnut spot, small lake, BBQ ­station, herb garden, old mountain pasture hut information An all-terrain buggy is ­recommended, since some of the hiking path is a forest road.

Difference in altitude: 90 m Trail category: yellow-white Total hiking time: 2 ½ hours

Detailed directions are available from the tourist office. rambling with the pram 53 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Adventure playground next to Almhotel Hochhäderich

Hittisau-Riefensberg – cross-border starting point circular ramble on Hochhäderich Car park at Almhotel Hochhäderich

This gentle ramble takes you along a destination familytips wide, secure path right through the Car park at Almhotel Hochhäderich Kojental nature reserve, a natural itinerary upland moor. The alpine adventure Almhotel car park – towards Hochwi- path offers some variety: water- esalpe – alpine adventure trail – Alpe drawing, barefoot trail, footbridge Moos – Alpe Kojen – Almhotel car across the upland moor, information park barrier free barrier plaque on the “Smugglers’ Trail”. chances to stop off From the Alpstüble Moos, you can for a drink/food take a 3-minute detour to the “Stony Moosstüble Riefensberg, Almhotel Gate” natural monument. Hochhäderich rest & play Adventure playground at Almhotel Hochhäderich, alpine adventure trail culture with barefoot path, water drawing station and other varied stations and information plaques, playground at Alpstüble Moos information

An all-terrain buggy is out dining ­recommended, since the hiking path is a forest road.

Difference in altitude: 40 m Trail category: yellow-white and white-red-white well-being Total hiking time: 2 hours Detailed directions are available from Almhotel Hochhäderich. 54 rambling with the pram

On the goat pasture

Mellau – hike to the goat pasture starting point This hike along the Mellenbach stream Mellau-centre of town takes you to Buchen goat pasture, destination home to around 150 goats, 20 cows Mellau-centre of town and a few alpine pigs during the sum- itinerary mer. The Mellau village circular path Mellau village centre (688 m) – takes you first of all along the Mellen- Unterrain – Mellental trail – Buchen bach. Turn left in front of the new fire ­pasture – Mellental trail – Unter- station, and walk through the Unter- rain – ­Mellau village centre rain plot past the last houses. Stay chances to stop off to the left at the fork, and follow the for a drink/food service route which meanders along Buchen goat pasture the Mellenbach through Mellental. rest & play Once you have arrived at Buchen goat Hüslarbündt playground, ­swimming pasture, you can still your hunger and pool, bathing in the Mellenbach, vis- quench your thirst over a substantial iting the goats and cows on Buchen alpine snack accompanied by a glass pasture of milk. information An all-terrain buggy is ­recommended, since most of the hiking path is a forest road.

Difference in altitude: 172 m Trail category: yellow-white Total hiking time: 2 hours rambling with the pram 55 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Kalbelesee at Hochtannberg Pass

Warth-Schröcken – from lake to lake starting point The two lakes on the Hochtannberg Schröcken-Hochtannbergpass

mountain are your guide on this destination familytips ramble. The Batzenalpe is a licensed Schröcken centre of town alpine pasture. Here, in the alp itinerary museum, you discover what life Hochtannbergpass (1,675 m) – in earlier times was like. From the ­Kalbelesee – Körbersee (1,670 m) – Hochtannberg pass, an extended, Batzenalpe – Schröcken centre of wide path takes you to the Körber- town (1,250 m) barrier free barrier see, which lies at approximately the chances to stop off same altitude as the Hochtannberg for a drink/food pass. From there, a wide agricultural Hotel Körbersee, Batzenalpe (during path takes you downwards across the alp season from mid/late June to the Batzenalpe to Schröcken. mid September), inns in Schröcken rest & play Short trip in a rowing boat on the culture Körbersee, brooks, Batzenalpe information An all-terrain buggy is ­recommended, since the hiking path is a forest road. dining out out dining

Difference in altitude: 450 m Trail category: yellow-white Total hiking time: 2 hours well-being

Opening times Alpmuseum T +43 (0)5519 2670 56 kids’ programme

Watching the farmer at work

Variety and playful enjoyment are Au-Schoppernau: on offer in the form of the supervised Experience cattle grazing programmes held in several villages. On the Grunholz cattle pasture, There is a great deal of interesting ­children can watch how the farmer information out there to learn and milks and feeds his cows. They can discover. try out the fresh, “cow-temperature” milk straight away. Au-Schoppernau: Place: Au-Schoppernau Hut magic and magic herbs Meeting point: tourist office Au The children listen to stories about the Date: 1 July to 19 August very old mountain pasture hut and, in every Tuesday at 6.15 p.m. the herb garden, find out which herbs Duration: approx. 1 ½ hours (medicinal plants) can soothe a bee Price per child: included in the sting, which can make you strong as Bregenzerwald Guest Card an ox, and which ones are delicious on information bread. Then you cross the fun wobbly Au-Schoppernau Tourismus bridge to the mysterious hazelnut spot. T +43 (0)5515 2288 Place: Au-Schoppernau www.au-schoppernau.at Meeting point: church in Au-­ Rehmen Damüls: Date: 10 July to 4 September every Outside voyage of discovery ­Thursday at 9.30 a.m. Children spend the afternoon play- Duration: approx. 2 ½ hours fully discovering the outdoors. For Price per child: included in the children from 6 years of age. Bregenzerwald Guest Card Place: Damüls information & registration Meeting point: 1 p.m. at Damüls Au-Schoppernau Tourismus tourist office T +43 (0)5515 2288 Date: 2 July to 3 September, every www.au-schoppernau.at Wednesday between 1 and 5 p.m. kids’ programme 57 land & lives & land Price per child: € 10 / free of charge Schwarzenberg: for guest children from members of Horse play hour BERGaktiv establishments Fantasies, sensations, movement and information & registration play are on the programme for child- by 5 p.m. on the day before ren between the ages of 3 and 10. Damüls – Faschina Tourismus Place: Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5510 620 Meeting point: Berchtold Farm, hiking Stangenach 150 Sulzberg: Date: 10 a.m. Thursdays, June to Ponies and horses September (other times available Pony riding upon request)

Once you have become acquainted Price per child: € 12 summer active with and groomed the ponies, we go information & registration to the riding ground. The children are by Wednesday, 6 p.m. led on various ponies and may also Yvonne Berchtold “lead” a pony themselves. T +43 (0)664 4388422 Place: Sulzberg www.farm-berchtold.at Date: 9 July to 28 August

every Wednesday at 4.30 p.m. Au-Schoppernau: familytips Duration: approx. 1 ½ hours Forest experience Price per child: € 5 Shrouded by beeches, pines and firs, information & registration kids discover the green kingdom: by Barbara Baldauf means of amusing games, children T +43 (0)664 6327820 engage all their senses to discover interesting information about indi- barrier free barrier Ride in a horse and carriage genous forest animals and trees. Place: Sulzberg Age group: for all children between 5 Date: June to October following and 10 interested in the forest ­booking, every Fr at 6 p.m. Place: Au-Schoppernau information & registration Meeting point: valley station of the Baldauf family, T +43 (0)664 9319896 Diedamskopf cable cars Date: 9 July to 3 September culture Horse-and-carriage rides pulled by every Wednesday at 2 p.m. Fresian horses Duration: approx. 2 ½ hours Take the black Fresian horse-pulled Price per child: included in the carriage through Sulzberg and its ­Bregenzerwald Guest Card environs. information & registration

Place: Sulzberg the day before: until 4 p.m. out dining Date: March to October, daily Schoppernau Tourismus ­following booking, in dry weather T +43 (0)5515 2495 only www.au-schoppernau.at Price: € 45 for up to 4 people, € 5 for each additional person information & registration well-being the day before Silke Blank, T +43 (0)664 4411380 58 kids’ programme

Adventure day in Schröcken

Au-Schoppernau & Warth-Schröcken: Au-Schoppernau: Adventure Day Rock climbing for children A day full of sights and sounds: Josef teaches children their first abseil training, the Flying Fox slide, ­climbing moves, several knots and barbequing, etc. (for children between how to abseil down the rock face. 7 and 15 years of age) (3 hours, Minimum age: 6) Places: Au-Schoppernau and Warth- Place: Au-Schoppernau Schröcken Meeting point: 4.30 p.m. at the Date: 9 July to 3 September car park of Schröcken-Unterboden every Wednesday ­adventure park Meeting point: 8.30 a.m. at the tourist Date: 6 July to 31 August, every office in Au, 8.45 a.m. at the tourist Sunday office in Schoppenau, 9 a.m. at the Price: € 12 for guest children from tourist office in Schröcken and Warth ­Au-Schoppernau. € 24 for children Return: approx. 4 p.m. from other places. Included in the Price per child: € 19, including equip- price are rented climbing equipment, ment, barbeque sausages and transfer and a knotted rope for the children to for guest children from Au-Schopper- take home with them. nau and Warth-Schröcken, € 39 for Equipment required: climbing boots children from other places or trainers with treaded sole, full Equipment required: rucksack, full water bottle, snack water bottle, climbing boots, rainwear information & registration information & registration Sunday until 12 a.m.: by 12 noon on Tuesday (in the tourist Alpinschule Schröcken offices) Warth, T +43 (0)5583 35150, T +43 (0)664 7575500 Schröcken, T +43 (0)5519 2670, www. au-schoppernau.at Au, T +43 (0)5515 2288, Schoppernau, T +43 (0)5515 2495 www.au-schoppernau.at and www.warth-schroecken.at kids’ programme 59 land & lives & land Mellau: Warth-Schröcken: Children-Climbing and ­crossing a Mini and Teenie Canyoning gorge An adventure programme for the Hiking guide Hans shows children whole family. Start the tour by jum- how to cross a gorge and how to ping into the water! climb safely. Place: Warth-Schröcken Meeting point: Mellau cable car val- Meeting point: Restaurant Holz- hiking ley station schopf, Schröcken Date: 7 July to 8 September, every Date: every Tuesday and Thursday Monday at 1 p.m. (July to September) Programme: supervised climb- Price per person “Kids”: € 25

ing and crossing a gorge (approx. Price per person “Teens”: € 35 summer active 3 ½ hours) for children from 5 years information & registration of age the day before: Holzschopf.com – On bad-weather days: climbing in ­Outdoor and more the mountain rescue hall, meeting T +43 (0)664 3801540 point: Mellau tourist information www.holzschopf.com office Au-Schoppernau: Price per child: € 3 plus ticket for the familytips cable car Felt workshop for children information & registration An afternoon for all mouse lovers, by 10 a.m. on Monday in Mellau big and small. Using water, soap and ­tourist information office a felt-making technique, mouse-grey T +43 (0)5518 2203 sheep’s wool is transformed into www.mellau.at whimsical mice. For children from 6 barrier free barrier years of age. Schnepfau: Place: Au-Schoppernau Treasure hunting by GPS Meeting point: 2 p.m. at Filzwerk- Armed with the coordinates of the statt Marianna Moosbrugger treasures, GPS devices guide you to in Au, Rehmer Halde 152 unique places in Bregenzerwald. Date: 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays, 24 June to Place: Schnepfau 2 September culture Meeting point: Outdoor input, Price: € 8 per person, incl. materials ­Schnepfau information & registration Date: 15 May to 15 October Tourist office Au, by Tuesday, 10 a.m. Programme: guided GPS trea- T +43 (0)5515 2288 sure hunt including rented GPS www.au-schoppernau.at

­equipment out dining Price per person: from € 22 Geocaches on the Bödele information & registration Armed with a GPS device or smart­ the day before: Outdoor input, Lutz phone, you set off on a treasure Schmelzinger hunt in the Bödele hiking area. T +43 (0)676 7837820 Tip: a special geocache – the www.outdoorinput.com “Tschröuwe-Galari”. well-being Precise coordinates: www.geocaching.com 60 kids’ programme

The Wälderbähnle on its way from Andelsbuch-Bersbuch to Bezau

Egg: NEW: free of charge for all children Feltwork with children information How are sheep’s wool, water and soap Bergbahnen Diedamskopf turned into lovely, unique, hand-­ T +43 (0)5515 4110-0 crafted works of art? Children can find www.diedamskopf.at out for themselves during an after- noon in the “VERFILZT-Raum” in Egg. Bezau: Minimum number of participants 4, The “Wälderbähnle” maximum number of children 8 The “Wälderbähnle” is a ­carefully Place: Egg, Natter farm, Pfister 17 maintained nostalgic railway which Meeting point: 1.30 p.m., Natter farm runs between Bezau and Schwarzen- Date: every Tue from 1.30 to 4.30 p.m. berg Stations. The railway, pulled by Price per child: € 15 (incl. material) ­historical diesel or steam engines, information & registration runs on weekends between 31 May Marianne Flatz, T +43 (0)664 78 21 379 and 5 ­October, and also on Thursdays Herma Natter, T +43 (0)664 32 44 061 between 17 July and 28 August. Please www.landhand.org see the website for special trips. Departure: 10.45 a.m., 1.45 p.m. and Au-Schoppernau: 3.45 p.m. from Bezau. Didi’s children’s adventure land Journey time: return trip: approx. 1 The mountain station of the hour ­Diedams­kopf cable car boasts a information & registration supervised children’s adventure land Bregenzerwaldbahn with a surface area of 300 m2. T +43 (0)664 4662330 Opening times: 10 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. www.waelderbaehnle.at every Sat, Sun and on bank holidays; daily from 5 July to 7 September when tip: market day in bezau the cable car is operating, for children steam train on the occasion of the between 3 and 8 years of age. There is “Gallo Mat” (Gallus market) in Bezau, a parent-child area for children up to 11 October 2014, Bezau, from 2 p.m. 3 years of age. dairy farming up close 61 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

The family-run dairy operation Molke Metzler in Egg

The project NATURHAUTNAH Farm visit (NATURE HANDS ON) allows visitors for individual visitors, groups,

to experience up close the world of ­kindergartens and schools familytips the farm and everything that comes with it. Tasty treats from the farm Milk goats and cows and the region, and refreshing fruit with brunch/cheese buffet and whey drinks can be tasted following whey drinks a guided tour of the Molke Metzler family-run enterprise. Alpine dairy school barrier free barrier Making cheese – with a focus on The project NATURHAUTNAH has smelling, touching and tasting. created a place for energy-efficient and sustainable farming where visi- Please reserve for all programmes! tors can experience all agricultural processes up close and in person. information & reservations Visitors can grasp, literally and Metzler Käse - Molke GmbH culture figuratively, life at the farm and eve- Bruggan 1025 rything that it involves or creates; an 6863 Egg experience that inspires an appetite T +43 (0)5512 3044 for nature. From the imposing cow www.molkeprodukte.at pens and the turbulent goat romp-

ing house with its visitor gallery, to out dining the small animal cuddling zone, the herb garden, the high-tech cooling and heating system, through to the cheese production, on to whey-based cosmetic processing and the farm shop with its choice range on offer: well-being there is nothing to hide. 62 day trip tips – around lake constance

From Vorarlberg, it doesn’t take Germany you long to reach the loveliest day Minimundus in Meckenbeuren trip destinations for the family in (Germany) the neighbouring area where three The small world of great attractions. ­countries meet. information T +49 (0)7542 9466-0 Vorarlberg www.minimundus-bodensee.de inatura – nature show in Dornbirn With Science Centre: touch, crawl in, Lake dwelling museum in try out, play and experiment. ­Unteruhldingen (Germany) information The reproduced village on stilts T +43 (0)5572 23235-0 depicts daily life during the Stone www.inatura.at Age and the Bronze Age. information Boat trip on Lake Constance, Bregenz T +49 (0)7556 92890-0 Sightseeing tours and scheduled www.pfahlbauten.de trips to numerous destinations on Lake Constance. Ravensburg theme park in information Meckenbeuren (Germany) T +43 (0)5574 42868 The world’s biggest playroom! www.bodenseeschifffahrt.at information T +49 (0)7542 400-0 Schattenburg in Feldkirch www.spieleland.com The medieval castle depicts life dur- ing the age of chivalry. Legoland in Günzburg (Germany) information Built from 50 million Lego bricks. T +43 (0)5522 71982 information www.schattenburg.at T +49 (0)180 5700 75701 www.legoland.de Toy Museum in Wolfurt The loveliest toys from Granny Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen and Grandpa’s time are lovingly (Germany) ­presented here. The history and technology of information ­airships. T +43 (0)650 5000681 information www.spielzeugmuseum-wolfurt.at T +49 (0)7541 3801-0 www.zeppelin-museum.de Switzerland Conny-Land amusement park Skywalk Allgäu – tree-top path in in Lipperswil (Switzerland) Scheidegg (D) Dolphinaria with sea lions and A 540-metre path through the canopy ­dolphins, petting zoo, pirate ship. of trees, wobbly bridge and tube slide; information adventure playground, barefoot path, T +41 (0)52 7627272 barrier-free nature trail www.connyland.ch information T +49 (0)8381 8961800 www.skywalk-allgaeu.de 63 land & lives & land hiking active summer active familytips barrier free There is a host of things to do in the Bregenzerwald barrier free barrier for people with special needs: barrier-free rambling paths and and cable cars. culture dining out out dining well-being 64 barrier-free rambling

Dörnlesee in Lingenau

Between the village square and the starting & finishing point swimming pool: wellness in Lingenau Lingenau village square (car park) Lingenau is located in the gently Variant: Vitalhotel Quellengarten undulating countryside of the (car park) Vorderwald. The hospitable village itinerary has won the Vorarlberg Horticul- Lingenau village square (685 m) – tural Competition several times, Gschwend – St. Annakapelle and has received awards for being (669 m) – Vitalhotel Quellen­ a community whose buildings are garten – Dörnlesee – village square; suitable for the disabled. Lingenau is ­signposted as a yellow-white ram- also well-known for its barrier-free bling path swimming pool with adjacent hotel. barrier-free refreshments & wc It also offers various wellness treat- Hotel Löwen, Gasthaus Traube, ments: from massages through to ­Vitalhotel Quellengarten physiotherapy. swimming pool Vitalhotel Quellengarten, Lingenau T +43 (0)5513 6461-0 www.bregenzerwaldhotels.at

Distance: 3 km Condition of the path: pavements and roads with little difference in height, all tarmacked barrier-free rambling 65 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

View of the Kanisfluh, close to Au

At the foot of the Kanisfluh – starting & finishing point from Mellau to Schnepfau Mellau cable cars, car park

The Kanisfluh could easily give itinerary familytips rise to the argument whether this, Mellau cable cars (705 m) – the Bregenzerwald’s most striking Engevorsäß (705 m) – Ach bridge mountain, is more impressive on towards Hirschau – Schnepfau the curved southern side of Au or on (734 m, car park) – return via the the northern face between Mellau same way; signposted for the most and Schnepfau. On our route, the part as cycle and hiking paths barrier free barrier rocks of the northern face tower up barrier-free refreshments to 1,300 meters above the bottom Mellau cable cars, Herwig’s Imbiss of the valley. If you take a really with tables outside close look, you can detect a mosaic barrier-free wc of completely different natural Schnepfau village hall (on workdays) habitats. culture dining out out dining

Distance: 10.4 km Condition of the path: tarmacked well-being throughout, more or less level for the most part, with differences in height at stream crossings 66 barrier-free viewing experience

Taking Bezau cable car for a wonderful view

Two mountains are wheelchair- Seilbahn Bezau accessible by cable car, and offer a A new, modern cable car leaves unique viewing experience. Bezau to Sonderdach and the Baum- garten mountain station, which Diedamskopf Au-Schoppernau features a panorama restaurant and The ­Diedamskopf near Au-Schopper- viewing terrace. All entrances to nau is one of the loveliest penoramic the cable car and the restaurant are mountains in Bregenzerwald. A trip barrier-free. (→ page 9) to the peak is always worthwhile. information Two disabled parking spaces are Seilbahn Bezau available right at the valley station. T +43 (0)5514 2254 The entrance to and exit from the ­­­www.seilbahn-bezau.at cable car with the wide 8-seater gondola lift is easily accessible by lift. The restaurant in the mountain station and the sun terrace are also accessible by lift, and the WCs pro- vide barrier-free access. (→ page 9) information Bergbahnen Diedamskopf ­Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4110-0 www.diedamskopf.at tip: wheelchair-accessible accommodation Wheelchair-accessible establish- ments in the Bregenzerwald are listed in the Bregenzerwald ­Accommodation Directory, available from Bregenzerwald Tourismus. 67 land & lives & land hiking active summer active familytips culture Traditional, classic, modern. Music, the theatre, barrier free barrier exhibitions – for a rural region, the events calendar is anything but provincial! The locations are atmospheric, and pleasantly informal. The surrounding countryside gets in on the act. culture dining out out dining well-being 68 architecture

Contemporary architecture

If a ranking of the most ­significant From construction artists to architects architectural regions in the However, this is the result, rather than world were to be drawn up today, the explanation, of a development. ­Vorarlberg would, without a doubt, “Construction artists” is what the be in the top ten. However, this players called themselves at the start doesn’t just mean the significance since, in the face of a ­vehement con- of the individual constructions, but flict with the “establishment” of the also their number and density. building industry and chamber, the title “architect” was refused. Accord- This phenomenon is ­comparatively ing to one of the pioneers, public new. Whilst it is true that Vorarlberg’s­ appearances, the joining of forces and baroque master builders are a dialogue were important right from fixed feature in specialist literature the start. The ideal founded in terms ­whenever the Vorarlberg school of social ­policy – social, affordable, of architecture or architects are sustainable, regional – promoted the mentioned, they mean the genera- solidarity of a generation that was tion born since 1950 which has been searching for new life forms and other influencing the architecture here ways of cultural expression, that was for about the past 30 years. Without resisting the sell-out of their land, and counting the handful of pioneers that found expression in building. that preceded them, this amounts The new type of architecture started to over 60 ­people: considering off in residential buildings – by way of the 370,000 inhabitants, this is examining already existing build- an amazing number. Such a ratio ings or as a new structure, often for is only possible in a region where residential groups – and grew into a architecture is appreciated, where clear sign of the cultural restoration one in four houses is designed by which soon extended to the economic architects. elite and the public sector. However, as important as this environment was, there are always people who take responsibility, and Eberle, Gnaiger, architecture 69 land & lives & land Dietrich, Kaufmann and Ritsch have ings which architects in other places long since become international stars wouldn’t be capable of building: it is with chairs at renowned universities. these houses which graze casually in the field like the ­cattle which are as Landscape and wooden buildings typical of the region as the farmhouses Located somewhat off the beaten and the churches. track, the Bregenzerwald was part hiking of this development, although in Worth a visit a way of its own. In contrast to the It is hard to list remarkable buildings, densely populated, industrial and since many of them are ­private resi- commercial Rhine Valley with its dential buildings which are not acces-

mainly suburban structure, land- sible. However, a walk through ­Hittisau summer active scape, nature and rural craftsman- or Schwarzenberg for ­example, can sat- ship culture is of great importance isfy your curiosity. The village of Bizau in the ­Bregenzerwald. Outside of the is ­particularly suitable for such a walk: Bregenzerwald, groups of houses and it boasts residential buildings from all farms dominate, whereas inside the epochs, estates, buildings for indus- ­Bregenzerwald it is the single-ridge trial, ­educational and local authority

house (farmers’ ­palace and parlour → ­purposes, as well as inns: together, familytips page 76); outside of the ­Bregenzerwald they form an ensemble which was it is households which commis- awarded the ArGeAlp prize. sion the building, whereas inside the ­Bregenzerwald it is the young Buildings worth visiting craftsmen. The ­Bregenzerwälder have museums a greater ­affinity for craftsmanship Angelika Kauffmann Museum, barrier free barrier in general (werkraum → page 70): for Schwarzenberg; Juppenwerkstatt, example, it is in the carpentry trade Riefensberg; Women’s Museum, that the Kaufmann family of archi- Hittisau; Franz Michel Felder tects has its roots. While, following the Museum, Schoppernau. initial years, the formal experiment inns and hotels is in demand outside, the tendency Gasthof Adler, Schwarzenberg; towards stringency and sobriety Hotel Krone, ­Hittisau; Hotel Gams, culture increases inside. Rural pragmatism Bezau; Hotel Post, Bezau; Hotel and the discipline of construction Sonne and Metzgerstüble, Mellau; with timber, which is now state-of-the- Hotel ­Steffisalp, Warth. art, appears to be more effective here. schools & kindergarten Recently, examining the old buildings Bizau; Doren; Egg; Warth.

is also gaining in importance. Above commercial buildings out dining all, however, the new buildings fit in Molke Metzler, Egg; Wood with the surrounding landscape with ­workshop Faißt, Hittisau; Cheese regard to material, size and propor- cellar, Lingenau, ­Werkraum tion. Is it this attitude that shies at House, Andelsbuch. the eccentric and that searches for the municipal buildings typical rather than the unique which Village halls in Sulzberg, well-being guarantees this way of building a wide ­Langenegg, Andelsbuch, Bizau. basis? In any case, good carpentry churches firms now build residential build- Alpe Niedere chapel, Andelsbuch. 70 werkraum bregenzerwald

Werkraum Haus in Andelsbuch

The culture of building and living is A house dedicated to craftsmanship everywhere you look in the Bregenzer- After four years of intensive wald. The locals have been apprecia- ­planning, the Werkraum Haus in ting the artisan production methods Andelsbuch opened its doors in July employed in small and medium-sized 2013. The architect of the house is enterprises since way back when. Peter Zumthor, from Switzerland – an Reliability, sound finishing and a good internationally renowned architect design mean that craftsmanship and with close ties to craftsmanship. It trade are the largest employers in the was during the building of the Kun- Bregenzerwald. Around 40% of the sthaus in Bregenz that he met and working population are employed in came to appreciate the craftsmen such enterprises. in the Bregenzerwald Werkraum. Nowhere else in Europe will you Since then, many craftsmen from the find such a comparable density of Bregenzerwald have been working workshops. The baroque churches and for the maestro from Switzerland. monasteries created by the repre- His design for the Werkraum Haus is sentatives of the Au Guild of Master based on two ideas: on the one hand, Builders in earlier times, are works of the building serves as a meeting art-historical significance. Today it is place. On the other hand, it is a large the craftsmanship, with its beautifully showcase for the culture of crafts- designed and practical products, that manship in the Bregenzerwald. This has made a name for itself beyond the idea finds expression in a protruding region. The Handwerk+Form com- roof made from wood and a façade petition, held every three years for made from glass. There is no distinc- over 20 years now, shows the public tion between inside and outside – the how experts from all areas of design landscape flows through the build- cooperate with craftsmen from the ing. The craftsman community in Bregenzerwald in order to develop Andelsbuch is getting a facelift right useful objects which do justice to their in the middle of the village. material and shape. werkraum bregenzerwald 71 land & lives & land Bregenzerwald Werkraum from Schwarzenberg or that, in 2008, a Since its establishment in 1999, the living unit from Reuthe was visible on Bregenzerwald Werkraum, organised the roof of the MoMA in New York. as an association, has been providing Public relations work, advertising, a platform for innovative craftsman- marketing – the Werkraum uses those ship in the Bregenzerwald. It ­currently advantages which industry has over comprises 85 innovative firms, trade. Yet without a huge budget: hiking mainly involved in wood processing, instead, it has capital typical to crafts- such as joiners and carpenters, but men – brains and skills, a network, there is also a handful of locksmiths, links. And so exhibitions put on by the stonemasons, bricklayers, plumbers,­ Werkraum have been presented to an

­electricians, lighting producers, interested public in Vienna, Munich summer active ­painters, upholsterers, tailors and and Paris, for example. A regular topic cobblers, through to coopers and felt- in the specialist press, the Werkraum workers. Most of the firms have up to has been described as a “landscape around five employees, some of them of knowledge”. Yet that is not all: the are one-man workshops, and only a Werkraum has always been involved few have ten or more employees. at local level, such as in training, in schools, in specific construction familytips Qualities of craftsmanship projects, in dealing with historical Work on site, consideration of special building stock. It is a contribution cases, direct commissioning, close- towards the structural change of ness to customers and flexibility are the region, and an example of social quality standards of this craftsman- competence. ship; specialised skills and a ­creative barrier free barrier instinct are par for the course, Werkraum Haus in Andelsbuch acquired in a highly developed culture The Werkraum Haus is a platform of craftsmanship, naturally handed for exhibitions and information down from generation to generation. regarding the culture of craftsman- This store of knowledge and skills is ship in the Bregenzerwald. The maintained and continually extended: advantages of products made by raw materials – such as the silver fir – craftsmen are communicated to culture are cultivated to their most exquisite the visitor. form, small batches in the field of Services: freely accessible furniture construction open up new presentation of products by the markets, the pre-production of con- Werkraum members, communica- struction elements, e.g. in the field of tion of the main focuses and the

hotel construction, is making progress. work of the member firms, sale of out dining The latest manufacturing technolo- regionally produced craft products, gies such as CAM and CNC have been industry and commerce, training introduced; the finish of coatings, for and seminars, workshops for child- instance, has been expanded – crafts- ren, children’s building site manship meets engineering. opening times Hence, it comes as no surprise that Tue – Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. well-being you can find kitchens from Hittisau in information & booking Athens, that the furnishings of a hall Werkraum, T +43 (0)5512 26386 of residence in Massachusetts come www.werkraum.at 72 journeys to architecture and the culture of wood

In Andelsbuch power station

There are various ways and means Architecture in Sulzberg for discovering the peculiarities of Sulzberg and the part of the ­village the Bregenzerwald’s architectural known as Thal to the north of the and wooden culture – either under Bregenzerwald are home to several your own steam, or on a guided tour. architectural gems: from the Empire-style church, designed by Art Nouveau power station Alois Negrelli, planner of the Suez During the era of the Austro- Canal, through to the “1740 Ichs” Hungarian monarchy, Andelsbuch (1740 Mes) installation of hair locks power station, opened in 1908, was which adorns the new village hall. one of the biggest, most modern Two new circular paths now lead power stations of its time. Although you to 21 selected buildings and Andelsbuch power station has been works of art, planned in the most continuously renewed, renovated part by renowned architects. As an and extended over the decades, it accompaniment, the “Journeys to still maintains its unique character. Architecture” brochure tells interest- Place: Andelsbuch ing stories. Guided tours with Mayor Meeting point: 10 a.m. at the Helmut Blank are held on certain power station dates in the summer. Date: every Thursday (except information bank holidays) between May and www.sulzberg.at September Dates for groups by appointment Programme: guided tour Price: free Registration: not necessary recommended reading: information “Baukunst in Vorarlberg seit www.andelsbuch.at 1980” (Architecture in Vorarlberg since 1980), a guide to 260 build- ings worth visiting, written by Otto ­Kapfinger (in German only) journeys to architecture and the culture of wood 73 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Carpenters at work

Wood culture in Hittisau else. Hiking which combines culture, As a raw and building material wood the countryside and the sampling of

has always played – and still plays – Hittisau mountain cheese. familytips an essential role in the design of Dates: Friday, 20 June, 18 July, living spaces and daily functions 15 August 2014 in the Bregenzerwald. Visitors can Meeting point: 10.30 a.m., Hittisau find out more about wood and the Women’s Museum part it plays in the way of life in the Duration: approx. 3 hours Bregenzerwald during rambles and information & guided tours barrier free barrier guided tours. Hittisau Tourismus The following can be visited: T +43 (0)5513 6209-50 • Three wooden bridges, including www.hittisau.at the oldest bridge in Vorarlberg • Three sawmills, from the listed 9th Bregenzerwald craftsmanship ensemble through to the export- exhibition orientated large concern 13 – 17 August 2014 culture • Workshops, including the only The forte of Bregenzerwald crafts- commercially operating master manship is in the way it combines cooper for miles around the proven with the new. From • Arts centre and fire station roofers to metalworkers and design • A biomass power station which joiners, firms of craftsmen from

­provides over 50 local properties the whole of the Bregenzerwald are out dining with heat represented in Bezau, where they show an international audience “Up hill, down dale” their best ideas and products. The Experience the wood culture of building of Bezau business schools is HolzKultur Hittisau and Nagelfluh the location. national park. The Engenlochschlucht information well-being offers you a more impressive www.handwerksausstellung.at ­experience of the Nagelfluh rock than you are likely to get anywhere 74 experiencing energy

Energy portals in Langenegg

The Vorderwald “Energy Region” has the harvesting of firewood, the region an ambitious vision: energy auton- has a wealth of experiences to offer. omy. A key component in its efforts is (→ page 31) that people become more sensitive to Vorderwald’s moors provide an energy issues and more aware both opportunity for an entirely different of their energy consumption and of kind of experience: preserving of the sources of the energy they use. the moors means preserving huge stores of CO2 – so the green-house Experiencing energy gas remains bound up in the soil and Under the motto “Energy in agricu- is not released into the atmosphere. lture”, interested hikers in the Vor- Expert moor guides reveal the secrets derwald Energy Region can explore concealed in Krumbach’s moors. various forms of energy, either on Moving around in nature is a form of their own or as part of a guided tour. energy consumption – yet it is also a The Hittisau Water Trail leads you, source of energy for the spirit. for instance, to the energy of water – (→ page 101) which can be quiet, refreshing, The Langenegg Energy Portal guides bubbly, but also roaring and even you to various places, where you overwhelming. The trail leads from can experience the spiritual side of the Bolgenach reservoir to the Bar- energy and more. (→ page 30) tenstein sawmill, which is operated with a water wheel for display pur- tip: excursion guide poses. (→ page 26) The new excursion guide for the On a circuit trail on Rotenberg, energy region of vorderwald con- walkers can enjoy and learn about tains over 20 tips. Available from the woodland, which is so impor- the eight towns which make up tant for Vorderwald as a source of the energy region of vorderwald, construction material and energy. at Bregenzerwald Tourismus and From the special forms of agriculture in the Energieinstitut Vorarlberg. found in Plenterwald to the local tree www.energieregion-vorderwald.at varieties, particularly the silver fir, to bus:stop krumbach 75 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Bus stop (model)

Architects from seven different the interplay of man and nature, ­countries are designing seven of tradition and the modern age, of

­different bus stops in Krumbach: craftsmanship and building culture. familytips small buildings for the good of the Bränden bus stop public. However, this is only one Sou Fujimoto, Japan aspect of a courageous project. Unterkrumbach Süd bus stop The other is an unusual dialogue Architecten de Vylder Vinck Taillieu, with ­Vorarlberg tradition, building Belgium ­culture and craftsmanship. Unterkrumbach Nord bus stop barrier free barrier Ensamble Studio, Spain Krumbach is well-known for its sce- Zwing bus stop nic beauty (→ page 101) and a lively pub Smiljan Radic, Chile culture. In recent years, the village Oberkrumbach bus stop has made a name of itself with its Alexander Brodsky, Russia multi-award-winning architecture. Kressbad bus stop Most recently with the bus:stop RintalaEggertsson Architects, culture krumbach project: in cooperation ­Norway with the Architekturzentrum Wien Glatzegg bus stop and the Vorarlberg Architektur Wang Shu, Ly Wenyu, China Institut, seven architectural firms information from Russia, Spain, Belgium, Norway, www.kulturkrumbach.at

Japan, China and Chile were invited out dining to design seven bus stops. In close cooperation with local craftsmen and regional partner architects, seven bus stops are being built in 2014 – as a tribute to the use of ­traditional materials, skilled well-being manufacturing techniques and the landscape. And to that which continues to characterise the region: 76 everyday culture

The cheese-makers cast a critical eye

Anyone who allows himself the munity had already proven that its ­pleasure of watching cheese being people knew how to help themselves made here – such as in ­Schoppernau in the face of adversity: in the form alpine dairy – can understand how of the Au Guild, a new branch of close the ties are between rural industry was created from ­nothing: ­activities and everyday culture. architecture and the building trade. What: from nothing? Even though Alpine dairy the background to this movement The introduction of hard cheese is unknown, one thing is for sure: ­making in the middle of the 18th it was born from necessity, and ­century not only opened up new the resulting talent shown by the sources of income, it also changed ­farmers of helping themselves. the farmers. Initial failures are And the architects’ contribution? evidence of how much sweat and ­Artistic talent (→ page 68) practiced tears went into complying with the for centuries. hygiene standards, into working out the complex production stages Farmers’ palace and parlour and the precise time standards. However, none of the large buildings The alpine dairyman (hard cheese actually stand in the ­Bregenzerwald and lace → page 7) became a itself: they are constructed “­outside”: highly-­reputable skilled worker “inside” keeps house, tries to with extensive expertise whose increase affluence and displays it circumstances demanded him to be with a reserved pride. When, in what we these days call somewhat the early 19th century, agriculture interdisciplinary. For Franz Michael started to prosper – especially in Felder, the poet from ­Schoppernau, the Vorder- and Mittelwald – new he is “a jack-of-all-trades: shoe farmhouses were built which were mender, vet, ­launderer, carpenter, soon known as farmers’ palaces and tailor, ­philosopher and much more”. which, according to the ­relevant A ­century earlier, the valley com- ­literature, were amongst the most everyday culture 77 land & lives & land magnificent in the whole of the As a rule, these skills are practiced at alpine region. The log cabin was home, with the individual ­members shingled, windows and doors were committed to the family. One is finely decorated in line with the ­surrounded by one’s own craftsman- ­Biedermeier period: more than ship. This is also true of the cloth- anything else, however, people ing. The local costume stands out treated themselves to a panelled amongst all those from the alpine hiking parlour, nice and bright thanks to region: ornate, strict, proud – the large ­windows, cosy thanks to the “Juppe” is the first thing you notice. tiled stove and special pieces of A four metre-long black piece of furniture. The sofa was one such cloth is folded into numerous pleats,

piece: around the middle of the smoothed in several stages – this is summer active century, manufacture of this piece the skirt. It is decorated only with one exploded, only to dwindle in a few bright blue band. Then there are the decades: usually manufactured in half a dozen different pieces of head- the evening at home by “laymen”, gear. The artistically embroidered today they are popular collector’s blouse, which is a good indicator of items (werkraum → page 70). The social standing, is not the end of the

stoves, too, were ­special: the artistic magic. Inspired by fashion worn by familytips tiles came mainly from local potters 18th century courtiers in Spain, the whose trade flourished during this costume still demands poise of the century. wearer today.

Decoration and Taste The magic becomes even more And then there were the covers and ­physical when it comes to cooking barrier free barrier textiles: textile processing – first of and eating (→ from page 87). What- all weaving, followed from around ever is produced by the soil and the 1760 by embroidery and lace-making garden is cultivated: the cheese from for manufacturers from St. ­Gallen – the largest silo-free dairy region, for soon proved so lucrative that farming example, is unique. And you can taste was sometimes neglected: a repeated the meaning of refinement when you upturn was experienced from 1865 compare local cheese “knöpfle” with culture following the introduction of the cheese “spätzle” from other regions. “Parisian machine”. This can still It is hardly surprising then that the be felt today: there is something Bregenzerwald has, by far, the most ­missing in a Bregenzerwald parlour “chef’s hats” (culinary distinction) without the white, finely crocheted of all regions far and wide. Or that

net curtains. here, where one in three is employed out dining as a craftsman, this refined everyday ­culture is a fixed source of income. well-being 78 schubertiade schwarzenberg

Musicians on their way to the Schubertiade concert

The Schubertiade Schwarzenberg information & ticket sale is considered the most important Schubertiade GmbH ­Schubert festival in the world. The T +43 (0)5576 72091 music of Schubert and his contem- www.schubertiade.at poraries harmonises with the rural atmosphere in this choice, lovely Bregenzerwald Tourismus has ­village – for an atmospheric effect. ­compiled attractive deals for visitors to the Schubertiade (hotel + 3 tickets 21 – 29 June and per person). 23 August – 31 August 2014 information & arrangements & The programme boasts around room reservations 50 events: chamber concerts, song Bregenzerwald Tourismus GmbH recital evenings, piano concerts, Impulszentrum 1135, 6863 Egg readings and ­master class courses. T +43 (0)5512 2365 Every year, exceptional artists and F +43 (0)5512 3010 ensembles make a guest appear- www.bregenzerwald.at/uk ance in the ­Angelika Kauffmann Hall, which affords a view of the meadows and mountains. Special ­Schubertiade buses depart from many places to take visitors to the concerts in ­Schwarzenberg. bregenz festival 79 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Performance on the lake

Visit the Bregenz Festival, and stay information & ticket sale in the Bregenzerwald: this is easily Bregenzer Festspiele

­combined, since it is a mere half to T +43 (0)5574 407-6 familytips one-hour drive from the Bregenzer­ www.bregenzerfestspiele.com wald to Bregenz. Details are available from the 24 July – 24 August 2014 programme you can order from Bregenz Festival 2014 will be ­Bregenzerwald Tourismus. performing Wolfgang Amadeus Bregenzerwald Tourismus has barrier free barrier Mozart’s “Magic Flute” on the largest ­compiled attractive package deals lake stage in the world. for prospective visitors. The Magic Flute” combines a love information & arrangements & story with the major questions of room reservations the Enlightenment, presents jolly Bregenzerwald Tourismus GmbH bird-catcher charm alongside regal Impulszentrum 1135, 6863 Egg vindictiveness and enchants with its T +43 (0)5512 2365 culture music ranging from lively melodies F +43 (0)5512 3010 and impassioned arias to breakneck www.bregenzerwald.at/uk coloraturas and mysterious chorales. dining out out dining well-being 80 exhibitions & museums

Angelika Kauffmann: Self-portrait with the bust of Minerva (detail), Bündner Art Museum Chur

Insights into the history, lifestyle Special exhibition: Swabian children and creative activity are provided by “dahoam und foat” (“at home and lively museums and exhibitions. abroad”) The objective of the exhibition, which Angelika-Kauffmann Museum is part of a project about Swabian ­Schwarzenberg children, is to provide insights into 1 May – 26 October 2014 the world of Swabians/children in a Angelika Kauffmann. rurally structured community such as Heyday, London Schwarzenberg in the 19th and early After years spent teaching and travel- 20th centuries. ling in Italy Angelika Kaufmann, at The focus is placed on the children’s the tender age of 25, established her situation: the children that stayed at first studio in London in 1766. Only a home, and the children that had to week after her arrival, she visited the move away to Swabia. famous painter Sir Joshua Reynolds. The influential peer and the young opening times artist painted each other’s portraits. 1 May – 26 October 2014 When, in 1768, the Royal Academy of Tue to Sun 10 to 5 p.m. Arts was established with Reynolds guided tours for the public as its ­president, Angelika Kauffmann Tuesdays 4 p.m., Sundays 10.30 a.m. and the still life painter Mary Moser information were the only female founding Schwarzenberg Tourismus ­members. Commissions from the royal T +43 (0)5512 3570 family and from the nobility started www.schwarzenberg.at off Kauffmann’s career in England. www.angelika-kauffmann.com ­Kauffman also experienced successes in the field of historical painting. exhibitions & museums 81 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Women’s Museum in Hittisau

The Women’s Museum in Hittisau June 2014 to February 2015 Hittisau Women’s Museum is the Embroidered morals

first and only museum dedicated to “There’s no place like home”, “Home familytips women in Austria. Its mission is to sweet home”, “Bless this house”: visualise and document the creative ­cotton and linen tea towels ­bearing works of women and women’s such sayings were a staple in (hi)stories. practically every home once upon a Hittisau Women’s Museum presents time. Embroidered wishes, words of changing exhibitions which examine wisdom and aphorisms in the kitchen barrier free barrier topics from the fields of history, art, and the living room, bedroom and architecture, social history, ethnology, laundry room gave the inhabitants craftsmanship, etc. from a female point appropriate, religious, moral or even of view. Attention is paid to switching ironic and subversive pieces of wis- between or combining regional and dom to help them through the day. international points of view. Tea towels bearing sayings had their To accompany the exhibitions, the heyday in the period between 1870 culture Women’s Museum offers an extensive and 1930. However, they could still be supporting programme of individually found in the kitchens of many a home organised special guided tours, talks, right through to the 1950s. Originally workshops, concerts, readings and film made fashionable by the bourgeoisie showings. of the “Gründerzeit” (promoterism),

the embroidered textiles soon found out dining opening times their way into the homes of farmers, Thur and Fr 10 a.m. to noon the petty bourgeois and workers. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sat and Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. guided tours for the public Mon 6 p.m. well-being information T +43 (0)5513 6209-30 www.frauenmuseum.at 82 exhibitions & museums

Juppenwerkstatt in Riefensberg Juppenwerkstatt Riefensberg Bezau local history museum Visitors to the Juppenwerkstatt Riefens- A typical residential building, main- berg can find out how the highly com- tained in its original style. It holds plicated national ­costume worn by the national costumes, offers insight ladies of the ­Bregenzerwald is made by into the style of home furnishing in coming along to the Juppenwerkstatt. A days gone by, and displays a valuable very special technique is used to make ­collection of sacral art. up to 500 pleats in the black dress, opening times with guided tours for example. The building – former October to June: Tue 2 p.m., July outbuildings of the Krone inn, adorned to September: Tue, Thur and Sat with a new glass façade, and extending 3.30 p.m., Wed 10 a.m. For further over three storeys – is also worth visit- guided tours (including of groups), ing for its architectural value. please register at: opening times T +43 (0)664 73513036 May to October information Tue 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fri 10 a.m. to Bezau Tourismus, T +43 (0)5514 2295 12 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m., guided tours following prior appointment Mesmer’s barn in Alberschwende information Agricultural museum Riefensberg Tourismus opening times T +43 (0)5513 8356 upon request www.juppenwerkstatt.at information Alberschwende Tourismus Alberschwende local history museum T +43 (0)5579 4233 Bregenzerwald style of home furnish- ings: “From flax to linen” Angelika-Kauffmann Museum opening times in Schwarzenberg upon request 19th century style of furnishing in information the Bregenzerwald, Angelika Alberschwende Tourismus ­Kauffmann exhibition in the new T +43 (0)5579 4233 wing ( → page 80). exhibitions & museums 83 land & lives & land Egg Museum Franz Michael Felder Museum Oldest museum in the valley area in ­Schoppernau (founded in 1904). Special exhibi- Franz Michael Felder was a farmer, tions with a regional theme. writer and social reformer and is one opening times of the most historically significant Thur, Fri, Sat 3 to 5 p.m., personalities from the Bregen- Sun 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. zerwald. The exhibition is an explo- hiking information ration of his life and works. T +43 (0)664 1124341 opening times www.eggmuseum.at Mo 4 to 6 p.m., Thur 9 to 11 a.m., Fri 5 to 7 p.m., Sun 9.30 to 11.30 a.m. Hittisau alpine dairy farm museum

groups: reservation required summer active Historical alpine dairy kitchen with information cheese-making and milk processing Schoppernau Tourismus equipment, guided tour and cheese T +43 (0)5515 2495 tasting. opening times Kulisse Pfarrhof in Damüls Wed 10 a.m. with guided tour 100 years’ skiing history and tourism

(reserva­tion required) and following in Damüls: Exhibition “Woods.Walser. familytips prior request Winter sport” information opening times Hittisau Tourismus June to October, Tue and Fri 2 to 5 p.m. T +43 (0)5513 6209-50 Groups upon request information Images of 19th century life in Hittisau Damüls Tourismus barrier free barrier The life and works of five excep- T +43 (0)5510 620-0, www.damuels.at tional personalities all born around 1800 in Hittisau are exhibited. Felber’s Crooked House in Sibratsgfäll opening times In 1999, 70 million cubic metres upon request of rock swept down into the valley, information destroying forest, field and alpine Hittisau Tourismus areas in its wake, in addition to 17 culture T +43 (0)5513 6209-50 buildings. Since then, Felber’s house has been crooked, and can be visited “uf m Tannberg” alpine museum as part of guided tours. in Schröcken opening times Alpine life in days gone by. Wall upon request

charts on the subject of “Swabian information out dining children”. Sibratsgfäll Tourismus opening times T +43 (0)5513 2112-13 June: every Sun from 1 to 4 p.m. July to mid September: every Thur & Sun from 1 to 4 p.m. October: upon request well-being information Warth-Schröcken Tourismus T +43 (0)5519 2670 www.alpmuseum.at 84 cabaret & culture

Andelsbuch railway station, events location

Cultural initiatives in several towns the media alike. Moreover, it is the and villages liven up the events birthplace of the most exciting new calendar with small yet exquisite band to come from Austria at the programmes. The various folk music moment – the Holstuonarmusigbig- festivals are major meeting places. bandclub (HMBC). information Bahnhof Andelsbuch cultural society Kulturverein Bahnhof Culture is a regular visitor to the T +43 (0)664 2507789 “bahnhof”, the converted imperial www.bahnhof.cc and royal station in Andelsbuch from the abandoned Wälderbahn. Bezau Beatz It hosts over 50 events every year. music from all genres Exhibitions (including the “Long It is the aim of Bezau Beatz to share Night of the Museums”), lectures music in all the splendour and variety and discussions, fairy story times, that exists beyond the listening habits lieder evenings and concerts attract imposed upon the listener by main- locals as well as visitors from Swit- stream radio. Lively music performed zerland, Germany and Liechtenstein by artists who are wholeheartedly to the bahnhof events location. It dedicated to what they do. is the objective of those running BEZAU BEATZ Festival Weekend the bahnhof to bring global culture 7 to 9 August 2014 to Bregenzerwald and, in the form information & dates of the bahnhof, to show the world www.bezaubeatz.at which culture thrives in these parts, be it the art of young avant-gardists or of the artistic craftsmanship of people from Bregenzerwald. Music has proven particularly popular in the bahnhof. It enjoys an ­international reputation amongst musicians, music agencies and cabaret & culture 85 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Hans Bach moving pictures

Hans Bach moving pictures Cultural Outings in Vorarlberg The vague, constant purring of the Bregenz: Kunst­haus Bregenz, Fes-

35-mm projector, the massive, heavy tival House with its lakeside stage, familytips rolls of film, the minor mishaps old town. putting in the next reel of film, and an Dornbirn: inatura with Science audience which couldn’t be more dif- Centre, Rolls Royce Museum ferent if it tried – this and much more Rankweil: basilica worth a visit are conjured up on the first Sunday of Feldkirch: medieval old town, every month at the cinema evening Schattenburg barrier free barrier in the Jöslar – presented by Hans Bach Montafon: Silvretta high-moun- moving pictures. Interested cineastes tain road sit wherever they can find a place – a Großes Walsertal biosphere park: cinema seat, a chair or a bar stool – and parish in St. Gerold, Walserstolz indulge in best of cinematic fare. And house (dairy and cheese making, drinks, of course. exhibitions) Date: the first Sunday of every month, Cultural trips in the region where culture 8 p.m. Austria, Germany and Switzer- information land meet Jöslar inn, Andelsbuch Germany: island town Lindau, www.jöslar.at Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen, www.hansbach.at medieval wine town Meersburg,

T +43 (0)5512 2312 Mainau flower island, Birnau mon- out dining astery, historical council town Con- stance, Reichenau island (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) Switzerland: monastery and library St. Gallen (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), Einsiedeln well-being monastery Principality of Liechtenstein: Vaduz, art museum 86 cabaret & culture

Traditional brass band 49th Bregenzerwald Regional Music Culture and cheese get-together in Festival in Langenegg Alberschwende 26-29 June 2014 3 July – 21 August 2014 The Langenegg music association is Every Thursday from 7 p.m., entertain- the organiser of the 49th Bregenzer- ment with a supporting programme wald Regional Music Festival with the is on offer in the village square. This motto “There’s an echo in the wood”. offers locals and guests the opportu- The entire village will be dominated by nity to get together for the evening. brass music for a whole weekend. Alpine dairy farmers, farmers and pub Programme preview: landlords offer regional delicacies. Thu: parade Admission is free. The event is held Fri: an afternoon with the young in the Hermann-Gmeiner Hall in the Zillertaler event of bad weather. Sat: marching competition, procession information of the shooting clubs and wearers of Alberschwende Tourismus the “Juppen” national costume www.alberschwende.at Sun: procession information Summ’r Hock in Andelsbuch www.wald2014.at 11 July – 22 August 2014 The Summ’r Hock series of events is Dorfklang – the sound of the village organised by a different association 25 April in Krumbach from Andelsbuch every Friday from 7 15 August in Bezau p.m. in the school yard. Each evening Music and singing can heard in the has its own motto, with live music various pubs throughout the evening. and regional delicacies on offer. Local music and delicacies specific to Thanks to the canopy, Summ’r Hock the Bregenzerwald provide this eve- will be held whatever the weather. ning a very special flair of its own. Admission is free. information information www.dorfklang.at Andelsbuch Tourismus www.andelsbuch.at 87 land & lives & land hiking active summer active familytips dining out The Bregenzerwald locals are masters in the art barrier free barrier of cheese and cheese culture. The Bregenzerwald KäseStrasse with its selection of enjoyable stations is dedicated to the subject of cheese. The chefs in the multi award-winning restaurants and inns also skilfully master the art of cooking. culture dining out out dining well-being 88 bregenzerwald culinary delights region

Alpine dairy in Schnepfau

How come a valley community in In the Bregenzerwald, this means which, a century ago, Sunday dinner alpine cheese. Every year, approxi- comprised a sort of wheat flour mash mately 3,000 tons of alpine cheese (with maize grits the rest of the week) are produced in the valley’s 17 dairies. is now a gourmet region with speci- Every year, 200 tons of alpine cheese alities whose origins are protected are handmade by the 90 or more and where refined gastronomy is at dairy alps every summer. The special home in many restaurants? thing about this cheese is the silo- free milk it is produced from, since The Bregenzerwald is an Austrian only 2% of EU dairy farmers produce gourmet region. These days, the word in this way, i.e. their cows never eat “gourmet” is used all too frequently silo fodder – instead, between May in advertising: however, the expres- and October, they only eat grass and sion “gourmet region” has a specific herbs. During the winter, they only meaning: it is a registered brand by eat the air-dried hay from valley the Austrian Ministry for Food and meadows. In the so-called three-stage the AMA (Agrarmarkt Austria), wish- farming method, following their ing to remind consumers of regional ­winter in the barn, the animals graze specialities. The basic ­prerequisites on the mountain pastures located are that the ingredients come at medium height (around 900 m) from the region, that production is ­during the spring and the autumn, regional, and that the products are and on the high mountain pasture firmly rooted in regional gastronomy. during the summer. The mountain pastures are run as a collective, since the farmers only have an average of 12 cows in the barn. bregenzerwald culinary delights region 89 land & lives & land The three-stage farming method The lack of bread on the alp gave rise (inscribed in the Austrian national to the “­Käsknöpfle”, to “Sig”, known UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural only in the Bregenzerwald and which Heritage in the spring of 2011) in is caramelised lactose, since they particular gives the alpine cheese the wanted to make a further product special flavour which means it can from the whey. easily contend with the well-known hiking European full-fat cheeses. It has The passage of this modest alp fare been like this for a long time: back to the current first-class restaurants at the start of the 19th century, the in the Bregenzerwald – which now inhabitants of the Bregenzerwald use over 50 regional types of cheese –

sold over 30,000 kg of cheese to the went through a series of changes summer active monarchy and abroad. In 1877, Karl which demanded quality rather than von ­Seyffertitz wrote: “Everywhere – ­quantity. These include the 1997 EU including in the cheerful Vorderwald, Protection of Origin of alpine and in Hittisau and Lingenau, you will mountain cheeses, the establishment meet a unique people in strange of the “­KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald” national dress in wood-panelled in 1998 as a network of farmers,

parlours with floors scrubbed white, alpine ­dairies, craftsmen, publicans familytips with shiny door handles – the men and businesses, the “Gourmet region busy looking after a dairy breed of of the ­Bregenzerwald” in 2005, the cow and overseeing the production of ­Vorarlberg quality marketing “luag a popular, world-famous fine cheese, druf” in 2005, the inclusion of the women busy with elaborate ­Bregenzerwald mountain cheese into whitework embroidery.” However, it the “Ark of taste” by Slow Food 2008, barrier free barrier wasn’t the producers back then who and the “­Bregenzerwald Gourmet made all the money – it was the sell- Days” by the KäseStrasse in July 2009. ers. The Schnepfau local Josef Ambros The toughest taste test is still the most Moosbrugger, for example, made so regional however: every year, alpine much profit from selling cheese that and mountain cheese is judged in he could afford a city palace in Milan. Schwarzenberg. The winner at this event is enough to ­satisfy any gour- culture No doubt he dined differently to the met’s taste buds. people back home, where cooking over an open fire resulted above all in simple pan-fried dishes such as the “Riebel” and the “­Schwozermuas”. Up

on the alp, flour, salt, butter, quark out dining and cheese were the main ingredi- ents. The recipe for “­Schwozermus” – named for the woodcutters from Schwaz – was: “Water, flour, salt, dripping – and that’s it!” well-being 90 käsestrasse

Alpine dairyman on the alp

The KäseStrasse isn’t a street or a Bregenzerwälder KäseHerbst road in the usual sense: it is a union Bregenzerwald celebrates its fifth of experts from various disciplines. season from early September Throughout the whole year, the through to the end of October. members organise events, invite people Visitors can experience the culinary to tasting sessions, and initiate the and cultural highlights of autumn uninitiated into the secrets of cheese here: stopping off in an cheese inn production. or restaurant, paying a visit to the cheese-makers, experiencing the A journey of discovery for the senses lively hustle and bustle you get at KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald is a union livestock and farmers’ markets, visi- of farmers and alps, alpine dairymen ting alpine dairies, testing the wares, and cheese-makers, cheese restaurants etc. The alpine day and the market in and inns, museums and railways, tour- Schwarzenberg are traditional. ist organisations and partners from information the fields of trade and industry. The T +43 (0)5513 42870-41 thing that unites over 160 partners www.kaesestrasse.at in the KäseStrasse network is the ­cultivation and the maintenance of tip: “rehmer sennhus” in au culinary delights and regional culture. dairying according to old tradition . Further stations on KäseStrasse The cheese wire and cheese cloth include: the modern cheese cellar are used to make cheese at Au- in Lingenau, where approx. 32.000 Rehmen alpine dairy. In addition blocks of cheese are left to mature; the to the manually produced cheese, Käsehaus in Andelsbuch, open seven other traditional dairy products days a week selling the entire range of are on sale: “Gisg”, Zieger and cheeses and delicacies from Bregen- “Seagen” (a type of whey soup). zerwald, the alpine dairy school in Egg information (Metzler Molke → page 61), where you Rehmer Sennhus can make your own cream cheese in a T +43 (0)5515 2995 course. berggut – good things from the bregenzerwald 91 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Good things from the Bregenzerwald

The limelight is on regional delica- “Hochalp” hiking hut, Warth cies offered by mountain inns and T +43 (0)5583 4250

restaurants catering for day-trippers. www.jaegeralpe.at familytips ­­­­­opening times BERGGUT – good things from the 27 June to 5 October Bregenzerwald is the motto of the ­initiative. A special menu informs Almhotel Hochhäderich, Hittisau diners which ingredients come T +43 (0)5513 82540 directly from regional farms and www.alm-hotel.at barrier free barrier manufactories – or even from the opening times restaurant’s own garden! Mid-July to end of October (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) “BERGGUT” breakfast Almhotel Hochhäderich: every Bergrestaurant Simma, Mellau Sunday between 8 and 10 a.m. T +43 (0)5518 2761 Bergrestaurant Simma: daily www.restaurant-simma.at culture between 9 and 11.30 a.m. opening times Elsenalpstube: every Sunday 14 June to 12 October between mid-June and the end of September Panoramarestaurant Diedamskopf, Hochalp hiking hut: every Au-Schoppernau

Thursday from 9 a.m. T +43 (0)5515 4110 0 out dining Panoramarestaurant Diedamskopf: www.diedamskopf.at every Tuesday between 17 June and opening times 16 September from 8 to 11 a.m. 29 May to 12 October “BERGGUT” brunch Almhotel Hochhäderich: 21 June Elsenalpstube mountain inn, Damüls from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with regional T +43 (0)5510 297 well-being products and music as entertain- www.elsenalpstube.at ment – on the sun terrace in good opening times weather. 7 June to 12 October 92 culinary hikes

Step by step from course to course

Step by step from course to course – Schwarzenberg (1 May – 31 October) wander through a lovely selection Following a mountain breakfast in Berg­ of Bregenzerwald landscapes and hof Fetz, you hike across alpine meadows enjoy breakfast, lunch and dessert to Gasthof Alpenrose, where lunch is ser- with regional specialties in a range of ved. Following the hike back to Schwarzen­ mountain inns or restaurants. berg, enjoy dessert in Café Angelikahöhe. Walking time: approx. 4 ½ hours Bezau (14 June – 5 October) To enjoy your mountain breakfast, Schröcken (25 June – 4 September) take the cable car upwards from Bezau Walking time: approx. 4 ½ hours to the panorama restaurant. On the After a short ascent, the day begins with mountain path with a view, you hike an alpine breakfast on Felle alp. Lunch to the mountain pasture settlement is enjoyed in Hotel Körbersee next to of Schönenbach, where you are served the idyllic Körbersee. Back in the valley, delicious cheese spätzle in Gasthaus dessert is served in Hotel Tannberg. Egender. You take the bus back to Walking time: approx. 4 ½ hours Bezau for dessert in Café Katrina. Walking time: approx. 3 ½ hours price per person: Mellau (14 June – 12 October) € 30 – 50* (depending on the hike) You take the cable car from Mellau * discount available with the Bregen- to Rossstelle mountain station. zerwald Guest Card or a season ticket Following your mountain breakfast includes the following in Simma mountain restaurant, you - Description of the hiking route and hike on the Kanisfluh, one of the most hiking map striking mountains to be found in the - vouchers for the meals Bregenzerwald. Once you have made - Tickets for the cable car and bus it to the summit, lunch is served in the information & booking Alpengasthaus Edelweiß. Following Bregenzerwald Tourismus GmbH a hike, enjoy dessert in Nazes Hus in T +43 (0)5512 2365 Mellau. Walking time: approx. 5 hours www.bregenzerwald.at exceptional specialties 93 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Ms Kaufmann in her cooking studio Ms Kaufmann: learning to cook tip: wine and schnapps the home-made way FranzMichl-Vinothek

“Ms Kaufmann” teaches her stu- The cosily furnished wine bar in familytips dents to cook a four-course meal the centre of Schoppernau has a according to old recipes, either large selection of fine wines. sticking to the original or applying opening times contemporary changes. Everybody Tue, Fri 5 p.m. to midnight, participates in each course, either ­Saturday 4 to 11 p.m. cooking or observing. The individual NEW: beer garden 5 to 10 p.m. barrier free barrier dishes are eaten as soon as they are information ready, served with a suitable wine. T +43 (0)680 500 1002 Depending on the subject, inter- www.franzmichl.at esting guests, experienced cooks, farmers or wine-growers are invited Löwen mountain distillery along. The cooking session includes A modern mountain distillery the recipes, an aperitif, enjoyment of with a small shop has been culture the meal together – including wine – erected in the former Gasthof and a taster for home. zum Löwen in Au-Rehmen, which The shop and the online shop are is under a preservation order. perfect for all those who wish to take Stillman Bartle is faced with the the pleasurable atmosphere of the challenge of compressing and

cooking lessons home with them. concentrating the essentials in out dining The shop and the restaurants are fruits, herbs and roots. open every Friday between 3 and 7 opening times p.m. during the school year. daily from 3 to 6 p.m., tasting information ­sessions and guided tours Karin Kaufmann ­available upon request T +43 (0)676 4954144 Information well-being www.fraukaufmann.at T +43 (0)5515 25964 www.zum-alten-loewen.at 94 exceptional specialties

Regional cuisine with creative touches

The Bregenzerwald has a consider- Gasthof Adler in Schwarzenberg able number of restaurants and inns T +43 (0)5512 2966 for those who enjoy good food. This www.adler-schwarzenberg.at includes a few exceptional addresses. Gasthof Hirschen in Schwarzenberg MundArt T +43 (0)5512 2944-0 The term “MundArt” has two www.hirschenschwarzenberg.at meanings in the Bregenzerwald: firstly, it means the special dialects Gasthof Krone in Hittisau maintained in this region – even the T +43 (0)5513 6201 Vorarlberg locals don’t understand www.krone-hittisau.at it all! Secondly, “MundArt” stands for the creativity displayed by the Gasthof Gams in Bezau Bregenzerwald catering trade. For T +43 (0)5514 2220 them, it is a matter of etiquette to www.hotel-gams.at use produce from local farms in their kitchens: meat, vegetables, Hotel Krone in Au herbs and dairy products. T +43 (0)5515 2201 www.krone-au.at The following award-winning Bregenzerwald inns and restaurants Hotel Post in Bezau have made it their business to adopt T +43 (0)5514 2207-0 “MundArt” as their motto. www.hotelpostbezau.com

information Hotel Das Schiff in Hittisau www.mundart-restaurants.at T +43 (0)5513 6220 www.schiff-hittisau.com

Restaurant Schulhus in Krumbach T +43 (0)5513 8389 www.schulhus.com exceptional specialties 95 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Gabi Strahammer from Restaurant Schulhus gathering herbs

Moor restaurateurs, Krumbach dawn on the moors – Four restaurateurs have taken up the breakfast on the moors

topic of “Krumbach’s moorlands” Saturday, set off at 6 a.m. at the familytips as their mission. As “moor restau- ­appropriate inn, breakfast at 8 a.m. rateurs”, they offer their guests 7 June, Restaurant Schulhus guided tours, cookery courses and 5 July, Krumbacher Stuba moorland days to experience the 9 August, Kurhotel Rossbad moorland in full. At least one dish 6 September, Gasthof Adler related to the moors is included in Price per person: € 17 (incl. guided barrier free barrier the menu throughout the year. walk on the moors and breakfast) reservations required literature on the moors Aperitif, two-course meal, walk moor weeks on the moors and musical accom- 26 April – 4 May and paniment by an ensemble from 27 September – 5 October 2014 ­Krumbach music association, and Culinary delicacies culture literary entertainment by Bregenzer- wald poet Birgit Rietzler. The moor ­restaurateurs Time: 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Gasthof Adler Culinary delights and the romance T +43 (0)5513 8156-0 of the moors www.adler-krumbach.at

5 June 2014, Restaurant Schulhus Restaurant Schulhus out dining Top dining with moorland humour T +43 (0)5513 8389 3 July 2014, Krumbacher Stuba www.schulhus.com Fine dining and enjoyment Kur- und Gesundheitshotel Rossbad 7 August 2014, Kurhotel Rossbad T +43 (0)5513 5110 Tasty treats pepped up word-for- www.rossbad.com word Krumbacher Stuba well-being 4 September 2014, Gasthof Adler T +43 (0)5513 8724 Price per person: € 35 www.krumbacher-stuba.at (reservations required) 96 feasting in the bregenzerwald

Chefs from the Bregenzerwald invite 21 June 2014, 6 p.m.: Fawn and cheese you to an exclusive dining event – a Terrace of the panorama restaurant five-course meal. Dinner is taken Baumgarten in Bezau outside if the weather is good – on a Aperitif on the roof terrace. Chef Gernot farm, in front of a hut, in the garden Reheis and the suppliers provide details or on the moor or, if the weather is about the food. Maximum 30 guests. not so good, then indoors. Price per person: € 92

15 May 2014, 7 p.m.: 4 July 2014, 6 p.m.: Venison and beer Arctic char, trout and steak Mountain pasture hut in Bizau Werkraum Haus, Andelsbuch The chefs of the Schwanen serve dinner. Karin Kaufmann does the cooking. Antonia Moosbrugger (Schwanen) tells The suppliers are there, join in the guests about Hildegard von Bingen. cooking and impart interesting Beer sommelier Emanuel Moosbrugger information about their products. provides special types of beer to accom- Maximum 30 guests. pany the courses. Hubert Egender and Price per person: € 92 organic farmer Ludwig Greußing talk about venison and good quality food. 24 May 2014, 6.30 p.m.: Maximum 20 guests. Goat’s cheese and herbs Price per person: € 94 The garden of Villa Maund, ­Schoppernau 18/19/20 July 2014, 6.30 p.m.: Willi Muxel from Adler inn in Schop- Moorland pork and moorland herbs pernau does the cooking. Annemarie Moorraum in Krumbach Bär explains the herbs, Manuel Zelzer Gabi Strahammer from the Schulhus plays the guitar. Maximum 30 guests. in Krumbach does the cooking. With Price per person: € 96 a reading by Michaela Bilgeri and a culinary dialogue with Herbert and Gabi 5 June 2014, 7 p.m.: Strahammer. Maximum 18 guests. Whey, veal and goat Price per person: € 99 Herb garden on Ingo Metzler’s farm, Egg 5 September 2014, 6.30 p.m.: Engelbert Kaufmann from Adler inn Whitefish and sig in Schwarzenberg does the cooking. Hotel Hirschen in Schwarzenberg Ingo Metzler talks about whey, Ariel Mario Herrmann from Hotel Hirschen Lang recites texts by and about Franz does the cooking. With an art tour by Michael Felder. Maximum 30 guests. patron Franz Fetz and 70s-style music. Price per person: € 99 Maximum 30 guests. Price per person: € 93 13 June 2014, 7 p.m.: Veal and cheese Field on the Hochstadel, Doren information & reservation Brigitte and Otto Nöckl from Adler inn Bregenzerwald Tourismus in Doren cook with meat from their T +43 (0)5512 2365 own farm, and cheese from the multi- www.bregenzerwald.at award-winning Doren Huban alpine dairy. Maximum 30 guests. Price per person: € 85 97 land & lives & land hiking active summer active familytips well-being Who doesn’t occasionally long for a retreat, for a barrier free barrier leisurely pace, for stimuli which pamper the body and soul? The Bregenzerwald is such a retreat. With a great selection of specialised hotels and range of services for your very own well-being. culture dining out out dining well-being 98 health hotels

Wellness with a view

Curative or preventative: if you want Vitalhotel Quellengarten*** to lend your health a helping hand, Active hotel offering sports and you are in the right place! Some health ­relaxation activities. Spacious bathing hotels also offer wellness days for and sauna complex plus fitness centre visitors who are not guests of their (open to the public). establishments. Prior reservations are Lingenau, T +43 (0)5513 6461-0 required for all these programmes. www.bregenzerwaldhotels.at Chill-out day Gesundhotel Bad Reuthe**** 1 back massage, 1 wellness bath of Applications using mud, wellness your choice, 1 solarium session, day and beauty package deals. Lovely ticket to the bathing and sauna world, ­bathing house with a sauna and use of the fitness room. ­wellness complex and pool in the Price per Person: € 92.30 ­garden (open to the public). Reuthe, T +43 (0)5514 2265-0 Kur- und Gesundheitshotel Rossbad*** www.badreuthe.at Therapeutic fasting, Moor vitality Relax day weeks, Kneipp treatments, wholefood 1 mud pack with freshly cut natural cuisine. mud or herbal bath, 1 all-over body Krumbach, T +43 (0)5513 5110 massage, 1 facial exfoliant and mask, www.rossbad.at including day ticket to the thermal Rossbad wellness day bath and sauna and wellness world, Full-body massage, Scottish salt bath in fitness room. the flotation lounger, affusion stimulat- Price per Person: € 108 ing to the skin, use of the sauna and wellness area, including breakfast buffet, Hotel Schwanen**** lunch and evening meal. Certified organic hotel, Detox and well- Price per Person: € 150 ness programmes according to the teach- ings of Abbess Hildegard von Bingen. Bizau, T +43 (0)5514 2133 www.schwanen.at wellness hotels 99 land & lives & land These hotels are particularly ori- ­restaurant, snacks and drinks in the entated towards pampering their tea & juice corner. guests with pleasurable and exciting Deal including voucher worth € 100, sensations for body, mind and soul. can be redeemed against all spa treat- Some also offer wellness days for ments and therapies. visitors who are not guests of their Price per person: € 139 establishments. Prior reservations hiking are required for all these pro- Damülser Hof**** Wellness & Spa grammes. Family-run establishment with an informal atmosphere in a picturesque GAMS, Genießer- & Kuschelhotel****S location at an altitude of 1,500 m above

Blossom palace and cocoon with 52 sea level, large wellness area (1,500 m²) summer active romantic suites. Da Vinci Spa dream with swimming pool, panorama sauna, world with 2,000 m² of wellness. quiet room, fitness room; applications Bezau, T +43 (0)5514 2220 such as massages, beauty packs and www.hotel-gams.at wellness baths. Damüls, T +43 (0)5510 210 Hotel Post****S www.damuelserhof.at

Mother Nature and sports, spa and familytips detox, enjoyment and culture come Romantik Hotel Das Schiff**** together for the perfect holiday. enjoyment the metzler way: Bezau, T +43 (0)5514 2207 Lovely, new suites, enlarged relaxa- www.hotelpostbezau.com tion area with pool and large garden, 1 day All-round healthy multi award-winning kitchen. Relaxing tuina massage for the face Hittisau, T +43 (0)5513 6220-0 barrier free barrier and head, back massage, herb and www.schiff-hittisau.com whey bath in the crystal/coloured light/magnetic field tub, full-day Hirschen Wohlfühlhotel**** use of the wellness area, welcome Informal establishment, adventure aperitif, light lunch swimming pool with panoramic view Price per Person: € 186 of the countryside. Schoppernau, T +43 (0)5515 21150 culture Sonne Lifestyle Resort****S www.hirschen.at Modern-yet-cosy designer rooms and Wellness day suites, spacious [comfort zone] spa. A sparkling welcome, snugly bath Mellau, T +43 (0)5518 20100-0 robe, pampering facial, relaxing www.sonnemellau.com partial-body massage, light wellness

Wellness day in the Comfort Zone lunch, relaxation in the whirlpool, out dining day spa for him and her in the sauna, in the steam bath, on 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. waterbeds, total immersion in the Long breakfast from the Marktwelt panoramic adventure pool (open daily between 7.30 and 10.30 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). a.m.); swimming bag including Price per Person: € 132 bathrobe, slippers, towel for use well-being during your stay; bathing and nude zone, fitness centre. Wellness vitality snack in the 100 wellness hotels

Hotel Krone**** Water & moor Modern wooden architecture, Well- Riefensberg barefoot course ness area, Sky spa in the fourth and You can train your five motor fifth storeys with a view of the coun- skills at the 22 stations of the new tryside. ­Bathing lake with spacious barefoot and fitness course. This garden and relaxation complex. covers coordination, stamina, Indoor pool, wellness ­treatments. strength, agility and speed. Au, T +43 (0)5515 2201-0 information www.krone-au.at Riefensberg Tourismus T +43 (0)5513 8356 Wellnesshotel Linde**** www.riefensberg.at Wellness and golf hotel with the elegant Sunset spa and a magnificent Bizau – where water tickles your view. (open to the public) toes Sulzberg, T +43 (0)5516 2025 The Ulvenbach flows in the wide www.bregenzerwaldhotels.at valley plane, close to the centre Wellness day of Bizau. It is here that visitors 1 pack of fresh hay flowers, 1 back can walk barefoot over a stretch massage, day ticket to our Sunset spa about 0.6 km in length, take in with wellness pool, sauna complex, the natural sights and sounds fitness room. of the stream, and admire rare Price per Person: € 74.50 plants. information & brochure Sporthotel Steffisalp**** Bizau Tourismus Modern hotel with SteffisSpa. T +43 (0)5514 2129 Warth, T +43 (0)5583 3699 www.bizau.at www.steffisalp.at Wellness day at SteffisSpa Moorbad Sibratsgfäll Use of vitality pool, sauna complex, Surrounded by Mother Nature steam bath and infra­red cabin. on all sides, a paddling basin, two Price per person: € 19 (incl. bathrobe mud baths and a natural-water and towels ) swimming pool await. (Early June to late September) Landhotel Hirschen*** information Yoga and herb weeks/days, wellness Sibratsgfäll Tourismus days, Moon week, forest experience T +43 (0)5513 2112-13 days, base fasting, therapeutic fasting www.sibra.at according to Dr Buchinger, talks on herbs, own herb garden. Hittisau, T +43 (0)5513 2320 www.landhotel-hirschen.at Wellness day 1 massage of your choice, 1 coloured light and sound therapy, 1 bath of your choice, use of the sauna, steam bath and wellness oasis. Price per Person: € 120 water and moor 101 land & lives & land hiking active summer active

Moor seats with integrated information plaques

Vital energy in the moor (ditches), the night draws closer again. How do moors contribute to climate Your animal spirits will certainly return

protection? What plants and animals for good when you kick the water in familytips are found there? How do we obtain vital the cool ditches, if not before. Those energy there? The access points to the who wish can make their way barefoot Krumbach moors are diverse. Some- up towards the Moorraum, where times one may not find one’s way into the morning’s vibrancy is sure to be them right away. The moor guides bring celebrated! vibrant knowledge and exciting stories guided walking tours of the moor barrier free barrier to your journey between the centre of Dates: 3 to 31 May & 6 June to 27 Sep- the village and the Rossband nature tember, every Saturday, 10 a.m reserve. Bio-mass enrichment of the 5 June to 28 August, water-saturated environment means every Thursday, 9.30 a.m that carbon dioxide has been stored Duration: 2 hours up in the moors since their initial Price per person: € 5, children under formation. For that reason alone they 14: free of charge culture deserve our respect and protection. At the Moorsitze (moor seats), the nature Small Blue and moor lemonade and history of the moors are brought to Children discover the moors life. Beyond the main roads, the Moor- for children between 5 and 10 years raum (moor room) is definitely worth a of age

visit, regardless of the weather. Insiders Dates: Saturday, 26 April and out dining recommend visiting the Krumbach 4 October 2014 moors between five and seven in the Meeting point: 10 a.m., tennis court morning. In the summer, an early walk in Krumbach through the moors promotes vitality. Starting in Rossbad, walkers make their information & booking way through the dawn light to Moorsitz Krumbach village hall well-being Engisholz. Condensation on the cool T +43 (0)5513 8157 ground causes the moor to steam and www.krumbach.at sparkle. Passing by the Wüstegraben 102 care products

Bregenzerwald skin-care range Bregenzerwald skin-care range Nature and culture. Sports and Soap-boiling course in pleasure. The Bregenzerwald offers Au-Schoppernau inspiration for the body and soul all Soap boiling is an old handicraft year round. There is a range of skin- with a long tradition. Various care products to actively pamper you. vegetable fats and oils, caustic Made from plants which are blended to soda and Schoppernau spring produce an effective mixture to care for water serve as the basis. your skin and muscles. Produced and Flowers and herbs from her own packaged locally, the skin-care products garden and the surrounding are a holiday souvenir you can take mountain pastures are addi- home for yourself or give as a present. tives which give the hand-made inform­­­ation ­natural soap its colour, texture www.bregenzerwald.at and other properties. (From 14 years of age) Whey body care products Place: Au-Schoppernau The Metzler family offers a wide Meeting point: Karin Beer, selection of whey products: cosmetics, Schoppernau, Halde 395 refreshing drinks, bath salts, etc. Date: 1 July until 26 August 2014, (→ page 61) every Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. inform­­­ation Duration: approx. 2.5 to 3 hours www.molkeprodukte.at Price per person: € 39 including material and detailed manuscript Susanne Kaufmann Spa Cosmetics with recipes. A clear look and essences from information & reservation Bregenzerwald nature determine the by telephone until the day before products. They are available in the Karin Beer Hotel Post and in the online shop. T +43 (0)664 4155330 inform­­­ation www.susannekaufmann.com vorarlberg 103

A look at the Bregenzerwald

Vorarlberg – where Lake Constance, such a small space. Many hotels have mountains, major festivals and adopted the new style in recent years. modern architecture are a source of Natural materials bestow the rooms inspiration. with a special, feel-good atmosphere. The cultural scene can be described It is easy to get around Vorarlberg, as cosmopolitan. World-class festivals the state in the far west of Austria. and discerning exhibitions are on the Everything is comfortably close. There agenda the whole year round. The cui- is any amount of opportunities for sine in the numerous excellent pubs discovering the exceptional treasures and restaurants relies on regional around Lake Constance and in the products, with an imaginative twist. mountains, to discover things you Many of the delicacies come from had never even dreamt about, and small farms or workshops specialising to spend an intensive time here. in delicacies. Enjoy great opera outdoors on Lake The active can walk or take the cable Constance. Admire the interplay of car to the mountains or to impressive traditional and contemporary wooden viewing points. Thematic trails tell architecture. Enjoy sporting activities stories about the water, the woods, the in the mountains. Discover miracles moors, plants and animals. Artistically of nature with the family. designed paths stimulate the senses. Interesting buildings in towns and villages surprise you. Nowhere else in Austria will you find as much well- built, contemporary architecture in information tip: vorarlberg in 31 stages Vorarlberg Tourismus “Min Weag” – circular walk with 31 T + 43 (0)5572 377033-0 stages [email protected] inform­­­ation www.vorarlberg.travel www.vorarlberg.travel/min-weag 104 how to reach vorarlberg

How to reach Vorarlberg by train

Munich The closest railway stations Friedrichshafen 216 km 62 km (distances to Egg): Memmingen Lake 103 km • Bregenz (A): 26 km Constance D

Altenrhein • Dornbirn (A): 20 km 41 km • St. Margrethen (CH): 32 km Zurich CH Bregenzerwald 140 km • Lindau (D): 35 km Klein Bodensee- walsertal Timetable information: www.oebb.at Vorarlberg

Innsbruck Brandnertal – Alpen- Arlberg 200 km How to reach Vorarlberg by aeroplane FL stadt Bludenz – Kloster- tal – Großes Walsertal

A Zurich (CH), Friedrichshafen (D),

Montafon Memmingen (D), Munich (D),

CH Innsbruck (A); Transfers from the airports to the Bregenzerwald: www.airport-drivers.com Distances to Egg in the Bregenzerwald How to reach Vorarlberg by car Public buses in the region from the north The Bregenzewald has an ­excellent • Stuttgart-Ulm-Lindau public bus service. Use of the • or München-Memmingen-Lindau ­Bregenzerwald rural bus is included from the west via Swiss for holders of the Bregenzerwald ­motorways* via Zurich-St. Gallen- Guest Card (→ page 8) St. Margrethen Timetables, fares and information: from the south via the routes www.vmobil.at • Brenner motorway-Innsbruck-­ Arlberg pass-Lech-Warth** Taxis in the region • or Arlberg road tunnel*-Bludenz- Rüf Transporte Großes Walsertal Au, T +43 (0)5515 2280 • or Arlberg road tunnel*-Feldkirch- Taxi Fechtig Dornbirn Bezau, T +43 (0)5514 2311 • Como-San Bernardino-Chur- Taxi Alfons Bischof St. Margrethen* Damüls, T +43 (0)5510 233 from the east Taxi Ernst Bischof • Innsbruck-Arlberg pass-Lech- Damüls, T +43 (0)5510 275 Warth** Hagspiel Touristik • or Arlberg road tunnel*-Bludenz- Hittisau, T +43 (0)5513 6335 Großes Walsertal Felder Reisen • or Arlberg road tunnel*-Feldkirch- Mellau, T +43 (0)5518 2257 Dornbirn Ritter Tours *toll road / ** closed in winter Schröcken, T +43 (0)5519 211 toll sticker required by law Taxi Zündel A toll applies to the use of Austria’s Schwarzenberg, T +43 (0)664 98 53 113 motorways and dual carriageways. Taxi Hörburger Types of toll sticker: 10-day, 2-month Krumbach, T +43 (0)664 1851333 and yearly stickers. ­ Information: www.asfinag.at