Schruns
The main town of the Montafon Valley, a major ski and hiking destination with excellent infrastructure, historic charm, and stunning views of surrounding peaks. It's Vorarlberg's premier alpine resort.
Things to do
- Ski the Silvretta Montafon — Access one of Austria's largest ski areas directly from Schruns with 140 km of slopes and modern lift infrastructure across the Silvretta massif.
- Hike the Paternsattel Trail — This scenic alpine walk connects Schruns to the Paternsattel pass with panoramic views of the Montafon Valley and surrounding peaks.
- Visit Schruns Town Center — Explore the charming historic core with traditional Vorarlberg architecture, local shops, and the parish church of St. Martin dating back centuries.
- Mountain Biking on Valley Trails — Ride well-maintained trails throughout the Montafon Valley with routes suitable for all skill levels and stunning alpine scenery.
- Visit the Montafon Museum — Learn about the valley's cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and mountain life through exhibits housed in a traditional building in town.
- Summer Paragliding from Alpine Heights — Launch from surrounding peaks for thermals and long-distance flights with breathtaking views across multiple mountain ranges.
Food to try
- Käsespätzle — A signature Vorarlberg dish of soft egg noodles layered with local cheese and crispy onions, often served with apple compote.
- Montafon Sura Kees — A traditional sour cheese produced in the valley using alpine milk and featuring a distinctive tangy flavor unique to this region.
- Erdäpfel-Suppe — A hearty potato soup typical of Austrian mountain cuisine, often enriched with local cream and topped with herbs.
- Vorarlberg Bergkäse — Award-winning alpine hard cheese made from milk of cows grazing high mountain pastures around the Montafon Valley.
- Kaiserschmarrn — Shredded pancake served warm with plum compote, a popular Austrian dessert found in most local restaurants and mountain huts.
Local customs & good to know
- Respect Mountain Weather Changes — Alpine weather can shift rapidly; always check forecasts and carry appropriate layers even on clear mornings.
- Greet with 'Grüß Gott' — Use this traditional Austrian greeting in shops and restaurants—it's considered polite and shows respect for local customs.
- Afternoon Closing Times — Many small shops and services close between 12-14:00 and on Sunday afternoons; plan shopping accordingly.
- Mountain Hut Etiquette — Book mountain restaurants in advance during peak season and remove boots before entering; many huts expect cash payment.