Bregenzerwald

A scenic forested valley region in the northeastern Alps known for traditional alpine villages, hiking trails, and authentic farmhouse architecture with hand-painted decorations. It represents the quintessential Austrian alpine landscape and culture.

Things to do

• Hiking the Säntis Trail — A challenging but rewarding full-day hike offering panoramic views of the Appenzell Alps and the Rhine Valley from the 2,502m summit.
• Visit Schwarzenberg Village — Explore this picture-perfect village famous for its ornately hand-painted farmhouse facades and traditional Vorarlberg architecture.
• Bregenzerwald Railway Heritage — Ride the historic narrow-gauge railway through the valley to experience the region's landscape as travelers did in the early 20th century.
• Cheese Factory Tour in Bezau — Visit a working alpine dairy cooperative to learn how traditional Vorarlberg cheese is produced and sample fresh varieties.
• Mountain Biking the Trails — Access over 600km of marked trails ranging from gentle valley routes to steep alpine descents suitable for various skill levels.
• Kunsthalle Bregenz Art Museum Visit — While in nearby Bregenz, see contemporary art exhibitions in this striking modern building with views over Lake Constance.

Food to try

• Vorarlberg Käsespätzle — Hand-made egg noodles layered with melted mountain cheese and crispy onions, a hearty regional staple found in every traditional restaurant.
• Wälderhanf Bread — Locally-produced dark rye bread using traditional recipes and often incorporating regional hemp seeds for a distinctive nutty flavor.
• Bregenzerwald Alpkäse — A protected designation cheese made from unpasteurized milk in high alpine dairies, aged to develop complex nutty and herbaceous notes.
• Vorarlberg Erdäpfelpuffer — Pan-fried potato pancakes served with apple compote and sour cream, a beloved comfort food enjoyed throughout the valley.
• Fresh Alpenkräuter Herbal Teas — Locally foraged and dried alpine herbs blended into medicinal teas sold at farmers markets and guesthouses.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Quiet Hours Strictly — Austrian villages enforce afternoon rest hours (typically 12-14:00) and evening quiet times where noise must be minimal; locals take this seriously.
• Greet with 'Grüß Gott' Not 'Hallo' — Using the proper Vorarlberg greeting shows respect and cultural awareness; locals appreciate visitors who make this effort.
• Plan Around Church Bells — Church bells ring throughout the day and early morning in villages; this is integral to local life and schedules often align with bell times.
• Visit Farmers Markets on Market Days — Weekly or bi-weekly markets in towns like Dornbirn and Au feature local producers directly selling cheese, bread, and produce—the authentic way to shop.

Nearby

• Schwarzenberg — 5 km
• Bregenz — 23 km
• Rankweil — 28 km
• Dornbirn — 28 km