Gaschurn
A small alpine village in the Montafon Valley known for its connection to the Silvretta High Alpine Road, one of Europe's most spectacular mountain passes with over 20 hairpin turns. It offers breathtaking alpine scenery and adventure.
Things to do
- Silvretta High Alpine Road — Drive or cycle the famous mountain pass featuring 22 hairpin turns, connecting Gaschurn to the Silvretta Reservoir with views across multiple peaks.
- Montafon Valley Hiking — Explore extensive trail networks from Gaschurn ranging from gentle valley walks to challenging alpine routes through meadows and past mountain huts.
- Silvretta Reservoir Visit — Hike to or drive near the alpine reservoir at 2,037 meters, surrounded by dramatic peaks and offering pristine mountain scenery.
- Mountain Biking Trails — Access challenging alpine mountain bike routes including sections of the Silvretta High Alpine Road and valley-floor single tracks.
- Montafon Museum in Schruns — Visit the nearby regional museum documenting Montafon's history, Alpine traditions, and cultural heritage just a short drive from Gaschurn.
- Winter Skiing at Silvretta Montafon — Access the nearby ski resort offering runs across multiple peaks with reliable snow and connections to the broader Vorarlberg ski network.
Food to try
- Vorarlberg Käsespätzle — This regional specialty combines egg noodles with melted cheese and crispy fried onions, served hot and reflecting Alpine dairy traditions.
- Montafon Sura Kees — A locally-aged hard cheese from the Montafon Valley dairies with a complex nutty flavor, perfect for sampling at village shops.
- Erdäpfelpuffer — Crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce or sour cream, a hearty Austrian Alpine comfort food found in local restaurants.
- Vorarlberg Schnitzel — Thin-cut breaded veal cutlet served with lemon and potatoes, representing the region's emphasis on quality local meat preparations.
- Alpine Milk Products at Local Dairies — Fresh yogurt, butter, and cream from mountain pasture-fed cattle are available at farmstands and restaurants throughout the valley.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect Mountain Weather Conditions — Alpine conditions change rapidly; always check forecasts before hiking or driving the Silvretta Road, and carry appropriate gear year-round.
- Valley Tradition of Alphorn Music — The Montafon region celebrates its heritage through traditional alphorn performances, especially during local festivals in summer months.
- Alpine Hut Etiquette — Mountain huts are community gathering spaces; respect their closing times, book ahead for meals, and greet locals with 'Grüß Gott' as a standard courtesy.
- Seasonal Alpine Pasturing Customs — Summer Alpine pasturing traditions are still observed in the region; you may encounter cattle drives and understand the cultural significance of transhumance.