travel guide Bregenzerwald, Vorarlberg, Austria

travel guide

bregenzerwald

wi nter 2010/2011 Ideas and Addresses.

Your guide through the Bregenzerwald.

Editor:

Photographs:

Bregenzerwald Tourismus GmbH,

Adolf Bereuter (Cover, p. 10/20/30/48/66/76/88)

Impulszentrum 1135, 6863 Egg

Christoph Lingg (p. 65/68/70/72/74/86/91) Dietmar Walser www.walser-image.com (p. 12)

Design by:

Helmut Tiefenthaler (p. 54/55/56/57/64)

broger grafik, Andelsbuch

Ludwig Berchtold (p. 16/90) Monika Albrecht (p. 33)

Printed by:

Marc Van Landeghem (p. 69)

VVA, Dornbirn

Peter Mathis (p. 84/100) Roswitha Natter (p. 78/94)

Text by:

Rudolf Berchtel (p. 58/59/60/61/62)

Kinz Kommunikation

Markus Trettner (p. 82/83)

Florian Aicher (p. 6–7, 74–75, 76–78, 78–79, 80–81)

„Die Vorarlberger Barockbaumeister“, Franz Dieth (p. 81)

Kurt Bracharz (p. 88–89)

Archiv Au-Schoppernau Tourismus (p. 6/63/80) Archiv Bregenzerwald Tourismus (p. 50)

Carthography:

Archiv KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald (p. 92)

Aries Werbegrafik-Design

Archiv Damüls Tourismus (p. 2)

Text and planning of hiking routes: Dr. Rudolf Berchtel

Archiv Krumbach Tourismus (p. 93)

© Land Vorarlberg für Geodaten

Archiv Hotel Hirschen Schwarzenberg (p. 85) Archiv Hotel Krone Au (p. 96)

Data and prices subject to change. Typographical

Archiv Hotel Lifestyle Resort Sonne Mellau (p. 98)

errors cannot be excluded. Edition: August 2010

Archiv Skischule Schwarzenberg (p. 49)

contents

land & lives........................................... 2 The Bregenzerwald 2 For your orientation 4 Living space 6 Snow levels 8 ski & board............................................ 9 3-valley ski pass 10 Diedamskopf Au-Schoppernau 12 Damüls-Mellau-Faschina 16 Warth-Schröcken 20 Alberschwende 24 Bödele-Schwarzenberg 25 Egg-Schetteregg 26 Hochhäderich Hittisau-Riefensberg 27 Niedere Andelsbuch-Bezau 28 Hochlitten Riefensberg 29 Ski! Project 31 ski & freedom...................................... 31 Map of the area 32 Interesting information 33 Skiing tours 34 Variation skiing 36 xc skiing............................................... 37 Au-Schoppernau 38 Bezau-Bizau-Reuthe 39 Damüls 40 Hittisau 41 Mellau-Schnepfau 42 Riefensberg-Hochhäderich 43 Sibratsgfäll 44 Sulzberg 45 Warth-Schröcken 46

family tips........................................... 47 Kids’ programme 48 Day trip tips 52 active winter...................................... 53 Winter hiking 54 Snow-shoe hikes 66 Horse and carriage rides 68 Dog sleigh tours 69 Tobogganing 70 Paragliding 72 culture................................................. 73 Everyday culture 74 Architecture 76 Bregenzerwald Werkraum 78 Au Guild 80 Antony Gormley: »Horizon Field« 82 Cabaret & village culture 84 Music & literature salons in hotels 85 Exhibitions & museums 86 dining out........................................... 87 Bregenzerwald culinary delights region 88 berggut – good things from the Bregenzerwald 90 Exceptional specialties 91 well-being .......................................... 95 Health hotels 96 Wellness hotels 97 Wellness days 98 Vorarlberg How to reach us

100 101

1

2

the bregenzerwald

The Bregenzerwald is a winter region for the sensitive. Lively and ­spirited yet peaceful and tranquil at the same time, sure of itself and firmly rooted in a pleasantly perceptible way. It is part of the identity of the ­Bregenzerwald locals to offer good quality and well thought-out ideas.

Life and living 30,000 people live in the Bregenzer­ wald, in 22 villages in total. The Bregenzerwald locals have always made sure that their living space is carefully designed. This applies to themselves as well as to their guests. The villages are strikingly attractive. The exciting combination of old and modern wooden architecture takes you by surprise. The mountains have been moderately developed.

The accommodation and food are of high quality. In the well-tended inns and restaurants, the chefs are ­masters of pepping up regional specialities, making them into magnificent creations. Most of the produce used comes from local farms. Even during the winter months, the village dairy farms along the KäseStrasse Bregenzer­wald demonstrate how milk is made into cheese. Events and tasting sessions are features on the cheese culture agenda. Exhibitions and concerts allow you an insight into the cultural goings-on.

the bregenzerwald

3 land & lives ski & board culture dining out

Read on to discover the special ­qualities of the Bregenzerwald as well as ideas for your sporty, enjoyable and cultural activities.

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Practical: the distances between the skiing areas are short. The 3-valley ski pass links all skiing areas. It is also valid on the ski buses.

The wellness hotels offer baths, ­massages and all sorts of pampering treatments, including for day visitors.

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Ski tourers and those variation ­ skiers who like to leave their tracks on the unprepared slopes also ­benefit from the great deal of snow.

Conditions in the Bregenzerwald are great for both groups of people. Ski schools offer appropriate courses, and package deals can be booked at Bregenzerwald Tourismus.

Hiking and more There are plenty activities for those whose winter enjoyment is found away from the piste. Winter hiking paths guide you through picturesque landscapes to lovely viewpoints.

Cross-country ski runs follow rivers, penetrate woods and take you across white plateaux. If you prefer, you can hike through the wintery valleys on snow shoes. There are toboggan runs aplenty. There is a diverse, ­varied range of programmes on offer for families with children.

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Skiing and boarding Most visitors to the Bregenzerwald during winter come for the great ­skiing. Choose between skiing areas more appropriate for the athletic or for family fun. Top conditions reign: thanks to the great location on the northern edge of the Alps, the Bregenzerwald enjoys above-average snowfall.

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View from the Damüls skiing area to the mountains of southern Vorarlberg

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for your orientation

Kar

Widderstein

24

2533 m

A

l

l

g

ä

u

e

r

A

l

p

e

Lechtal Innsbruck Reutte

n

WARTH 1495 m

Hoher Ifen 2230 m

Diedamskopf 2090 m

Hochtannberg 1676 m

SCHR 126

SCHOPPERNAU 860 m Hirschberg 1834 m

AU 800 m Damüls

Winterstaude 1877 m

SIBRATSGFÄLL 929 m

Niedere 1711 m

Baumgarten 1620 m

Balderschwang (D)

Son 1 Hochhäderich 1566 m

SCHETTEREGG 1066 m HITTISAU 790 m Kojen 1300 m

Hochlitten 971 m

GROSSDORF 662 m LINGENAU 687 m

KRUMBACH 733 m

RIEFENSBERG 781 m Aach (D)

ANDELSBUCH 613 m EGG 564 m Tannerberg

MÜSELBACH 585 m

Dress

LANGENEGG 695 m DOREN 709 m

SULZBERG 1015 m

Oberstaufen (D) Oberreute (D) Buch 725 m Hirschberg Thal 598 m

1095 m

LANGEN 657 m

Pfänder 1062 m

F 73

Scheidegg

Hohenweiler

BR

Lindau Friedrichshafen München Ulm Stuttgart (D) Lochau

B

o

d

for your orientation 2403 m

Braunarlspitze

Mohnenfluh

Glatthorn

Zafernhorn

2134m

2107 m

2649 m

2544 m

Hochkünzelspitze 2397 m

Saloberkopf

Lech

Portlahorn 2010 m

Faschina 1486 m

Uga

1850 m

2095 m

2006 m

Ragazer Blanken

DAMÜLS 1431 m

Mittagspitze

Hohe Wacht

2051 m

Au

Kanisfluh 2044 m

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Körbersee

RÖCKEN 60 m

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Zitterklapfen

rhorn

416 m

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Hochblanken 2068 m

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Wildgunten 1705 m

Roßstelle 1391 m

SCHNEPFAU 734 m

Hoher Freschen 2004 m

BIZAU 681 m

nderdach 1208 m

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MELLAU 688 m REUTHE 650 m Hochälpelekopf

BEZAU 650 m

H Brüggelekopf 1182 m

1463 m

BERSBUCH 612 m

Staufen

SCHWARZENBERG 700 m

slerberg

Karren 976 m

DORNBIRN 475 m

Bildstein 760 m

Fluh 30 m

Kennelbach

SCHWARZACH 438 m

REGENZ

Bre gen zer ac he

s

e

e

St. Gallen (CH)

ein

Rh

HÖCHST

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Feldkirch Basel (CH) Zürich (CH) St. Gallen (CH)

LAUTERACH

400 m

e

Dornbirn Süd

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Pfändertunnel

Dornbirn Nord

WOLFURT 412 m

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ALBERSCHWENDE 721 m

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1465 m

BÖDELE 1139 m

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6

living space

Travelling the Bregenzerwald always means having to overcome dizzy heights to start with: from Bregenz you take the Pfänder, from the Rhine Valley the valley side which ascends 500 m, from the north you take the Sulzbergstock, from the east the Riedberg or Hochtannberg pass, from the south the Furkajoch or Faschinajoch.

Up and over is the way to go – the most impressive views are from the north and the west – and a space is revealed which, in all its diversity, is completely different to all that surrounds it, with the Bregenzerache uniting it all. Your route takes you through gorges and flat hollows – wide between the hills of the foothills of the Alps around Alberschwende and ­Lingenau, narrow between the mountains of the foothills of the Alps around Andelsbuch and Bezau, squeezed in between the alpine peaks of the Kanisfluh, Diedams­ kopf, Zitterklapfen and ­Widderstein around Schnepfau, Au, Schoppernau, Warth and Schröcken. This correlates with the division into the Vorderwald, ­Mittelwald and Hinterwald (front, central and rear regions of the ­Bregenzerwald) – a topographical

spectrum which, right at the start of tourism, had travellers extolling the “charming landscape” as an “enclosed park” whilst at the same time shuddering at the “Siberian exile” on the wild, upper course of the Ache. A valley area of contrasts, borders, crossings.

Crossings Cross-border experiences also leave their mark on the locals – they know how to set themselves apart from outside. Yet the scarce rural areas have never been sufficient to feed the population. The locals had to get moving, cross borders, leave behind their homes and families. This took on many different forms: the nomadic existence of alpine animal ­husbandry (home, mountain pasture, alp → page 88), or in the form of seasonal migrant work (baroque master b­uilders, Au Guild → page 80), outbound commuting or even emigration (to America in the 19th century in particular). Flexibility, ideas and self-help were essential to stave off poverty.

The area was only sparsely populated for a long time: only plot names give rise to assumptions about the border between Celtic and Rhaeto-Romanic

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7 land & lives ski & board active winter culture dining out well-being

This culture has succeeded in maintaining its vitality. Innovation and flexibility based on the acquired continue today in initiatives such as the Werkraum (→ page 78) and have turned the Bregenzerwald into a model European region.

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Hard cheese and lace It was during this time that the region developed in the form you see today.

Rational, mercantile methods gained importance in agriculture, desertedness became characteristic of the Vorderwald to the Mittelwald, production of hard cheese grew (alpine dairy → page 74) to such a sustainable

extent that the first dairy 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 (decoration and taste → page 75) before the railway provided factories in the Rhine valley with workers after 1902. Such changes were also accompanied by resistance – Franz Michael Felder, author and spokesman of the revolt, is still considered an exceptional character (Franz Michael Felder Museum → page 86) in the valley today, and which is why one’s own house and home are tenaciously clung to. New sources of income have to be continuously developed – the multitude of manual skills is proof of this.

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cultures. It was not until the High Middle Ages that Mehrerau Monastery in Bregenz encouraged the population of the area upwards of the Bregenzerache. From above, coming the opposite direction, you come across a second wave of population with the Walsers. The particle “Wald” (forest, wood) found in many of the names of places makes it clear how undeveloped this settlement area was for a long time. Naturally, the locals gladly take advantage of this remoteness: interesting as a hunting ground at best for the feudal rulers, extensive autonomy was allowed to develop which went down in literature as a “peasants’ republic”. It ended with the brief Bavarian occupation (1806 – 1814) as a result of the realignment of Europe by Napoleon.

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Au and the Kanisfluh

8

snow levels

175.1

179.8

170.7

156.8

97.5

91.5

16.9

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

Amounts of new snow expressed in cm (snow measured in Schröcken – 1,263 m above sea level – by the Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics: www.zamg.ac.at)

What makes winter into winter? Snow, of course! Thanks to its location on the northern edge of the Alps, an above-average amount of snow falls in the Bregenzerwald. With ­precipitation ­amounting to 2,000 mm per year (up to 3,000 mm at higher altitudes), the ­Bregenzerwald is one of the ­highest-precipitation regions in ­Austria (­average 900 mm).

For the latest snow reports, please see: www.bregenzerwald.at/uk

Damüls, a village at an altitude of 1,400 m, even bears the title “the world’s village most assured of snow”. During his ­investigations in 2005, a journalist from ­Nuremberg discovered that, thanks to their exposed backwater position, the ­villages along the northern Alps break records in their annual amounts of new snow. He then ­compared the measurements with those of recognised weather stations from the past five years. The result?

Per winter, almost 10 m of new snow falls in Damüls, which earned the village the title “the permanently inhabited village most assured of snow in the world”.

In 2008 the ­British “Daily Mail”, in turn, honoured Warth-Schröcken with the title “Europe’s skiing area most assured of snow”. The snow readings from a whole century formed the basis of this assessment. The average amount of new snow in Warth-Schröcken also exceeds 10 metres per winter.

9 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom xc skiing active winter

The Bregenzerwald’s skiing areas have pistes for all tastes and all levels, the most ­ up-to-date lifts, cosy mountain inns and lovely lookout points. Put simply: a joy for skiers and snowboarders!

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3-valley ski pass

In the Warth-Schröcken skiing area

The 3-valley ski pass is valid for 31 ­skiing areas in the Bregenzerwald, in the Große Walsertal, in the Lechtal, in Balderschwang (in Allgäu) and on the ski buses. You can choose from ski passes for between 2.5 and 21 days, special passes for between 2, 5 and 8 days and season passes.

These prices are valid for all those who produce a Guest Card from any town or village in the Bregenzerwald.

Anyone not possessing such a Guest Card pays an additional € 4 per ski pass.

Should the high and low seasons overlap, a mixed price is calculated.

It is possible to extend a 3-valley pass valid for at least 2.5 days by one day.

Group tariffs apply from 18 people.

Advance sales possible from 3 p.m. on the day before from the cable cars and from the information centre of Bregenzerwald Tourismus in Egg. All prices include smart card, are in euro and include VAT at 10%.

Season dates low season Start of the season by 23 December 2010 9 until 28 January 13 March until the end of the 2011 season high season 24 December 2010 until 8 January 2011 29 January until 12 March 2011 Age limits Senior ladies, born in 1951 and older Senior men, born in 1946 and older Youths, born in 1992 – 1994 Kids, born in 1995 – 2004 Snowman, born in 2005 or later Ski buses included Holders of the 3-valley ski pass can use the public buses to reach their chosen skiing area. In addition, ski buses which can also be used free of charge operate in numerous villages.

an m ow Sn

re i ld Ch

s th Yo u

on Ad Lo ul w ts se as on Pe ns io ne rs

A H dul ig ts h se as

tim ay s/ D

n

7 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 9

Prices in € * additional day immediately following the ski pass from 2.5 days ** valid for the entire season

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information 3-Täler-Infocenter Impulszentrum 1135 6863 Egg, Vorarlberg T +43 (0)5512 2365-30 info@3taeler.at www.3taeler.at

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Facts and figures Bregenzerwald skiing region 17 skiing areas 93 lifts, comprising 1 large cable car 4 cable cars 31 chair lifts 57 ski tows and practice lifts 259 km of prepared pistes, comprising 96 km of blue pistes 131 km of red pistes 32 km of black pistes

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18 48 53 66 79 91 101 111 121 131 140 149 156 163 169 176 182 187 192 196 200 39 90 130

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32 84 94 116 139 160 177 196 213 230 247 263 275 287 298 310 320 329 338 345 352 68 158 229

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35 91 101 125 150 172 191 211 230 248 266 284 297 310 322 335 345 355 365 373 380 74 171 247

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36 36 95 91 106 101 131 125 157 150 181 172 201 191 222 211 242 230 261 248 280 266 298 284 312 297 326 310 338 322 352 335 363 345 373 355 384 365 392 373 399 380 77 179 260

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VT* 2,5 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 2 x 1 day** 5 x 1 day** 8 x 1 day**

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3-valley ski pass

12

diedamskopf au-schoppernau

Diedamskopf with the panoramic cable car and mountain restaurant

The skiing area of Au-Schoppernau is located on the Diedamskopf, at an altitude of 2,090 m above sea level.

From the mountain plateau, you get a magnificent panorama as far as Lake Constance and way across the surrounding mountains. The ­Diedamskopf is also well-known for its colourful paragliding and hanggliding scene.

Night-time skiing at the Grunholz lift in Au The Grunholz lift is easy to reach in Au. The ski tow opens up two lovely, gently sloping pistes. This is one of the few places in the Bregenzerwald that you can ski and toboggan in the evening under floodlight. Evening opening times are every Wednesday and Friday between 7 and 10 p.m. The right-hand piste is open for skiers, the left-hand piste for tobogganists. The three-valley ski pass is valid on the lift.

Tip: The fit choose the 10 km-long valley descent, with a difference in altitude of 1,200 m!

Guest kindergarten in Didi’s kids’ adventure land On the top floor of the mountain ­station of the cable car, a kids’ adventure land 300 m² in size awaits with a bouncy castle, crawl tunnel, balancing boards, softball, climbing tower with slide, a tractor station, painting and handicrafts corner, and much more. Kids are supervised and can spend the whole day or a few hours playing here. Didi’s kids’ adventure land is open between 10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. when the cable car is operating, and is free for all 3 to 8-year-old guest children from Au-­Schoppernau. ­Children from other villages pay € 1.50 per hour. Lunch is also available upon request. There is a parent/ child area for children up to 3 years of age. Admission is free.

diedamskopf au-schoppernau

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après ski Schoppernau: Ski Inn, „Alte Schmiede“ Bar Au: Ur-Alp restaurant

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day ticket (high season) Adult: € 36.50 Child: € 20

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ski rental • Sport Gorbach, Au T +43 (0)5515 4141-1 www.gorbach.at • Sport Fuchs, Au T +43 (0)5515 2315 www.sportfuchs.com • Sport Matt, Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4120 www.matt.at

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ski school & children’s ski school Au-Schoppernau snow sports school T +43 (0)5515 2133 or +43 (0)664 1349318 www.au-schoppernau.at/ schneesportschule

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information Diedamskopf cable cars Au-­Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4110-0 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5515 4110-99 www.diedamskopf.at

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Tip: a part of Antony Gormley’s landscape installation can be seen on Diedamskopf. → page 82

pistes Lengths of the slopes: 44 km of which: 14 km are blue pistes 14 km are red pistes 7 km are black pistes 9 km of ski trails

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Sajas Diedamspark and Freeriding Sajas Diedamspark is run by QParks, the market leader. S ­ nowboarders and free skiers of all levels find the ideal elements such as rails, boxes and kickers on the site, perfectly suited to its use. In addition to steep shoots and gap jumps on the D ­ iedamskopf, you will find any amount of first-class sports for ­powder kickers. The runs in the ­hollow on the Krüzle lift are a classic. The terrain is fairly steep: and that is why it is imperative to always obey the avalanche warning levels! ­ www.diedamspark.at

lifts and cable cars 2 cable cars 2 chair lifts 4 ski tows

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Innovative and child-friendly: the snow sports school The Au-Schoppernau snow sports school was awarded the innovation prize by Vorarlberg Tourismus in 2006. Kids playfully take their first steps on skis in “Didiland”. There are three moving walkways, a carousel, shuggy boats, a snow igloo, a tent and a lot more. The ski courses for older children include an adventure and safety programme with a BBQ in the tepee, snow-rafting on a skidoo, abseiling and jumping on the bungee trampoline. The bungee trampoline allows you to train your physical condition and practice jumps. The snow sports school’s safety camps inform children about everything they need to know regarding “safety in snow sports”. The courses are held in two igloos.

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diedamskopf au-schoppernau

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diedamskopf au-schoppernau

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damüls-mellau-faschina

Powder snow run in Mellau

The merger of the Damüls and Mellau skiing areas in 2010 resulted in the largest skiing area in Bregenzerwald.

New: 6-Person chair lift to the Ragazer Blanken.

Cable car to the mountain top Starting in Mellau, the centrally located village at the foot of the mighty Kanisfluh, the cable car to the mountain top from the central station on the “Hohe Wacht” continues to Damüls. An eight-seater cable car transports ­skiers and snowboarders to the Damüls side of the skiing area in a flash. The union not only joins the southern slopes of Damüls with the northern slopes of Mellau – it also creates new pistes.

Damüls, the village most assured of snow In a comparison measurement over several years, a journalist from ­Germany ascertained that almost 10 m of new snow falls in Damüls each winter. This was the record value amongst all the villages measured. Hence, Damüls has been the

proud bearer of the title “the permanently inhabited village most assured of snow in the world” since 2005. Damüls, a picturesque, old Walser ­village, benefits from its location on the northern edge of the Alps at an ­altitude of 1,400 m above sea level. Most hotels and guest houses are ­situated directly on the slopes.

As soon as they step out of the front door, ­skiers step out on to the skiing area whose highest point is located at 2,100 m above sea level. A slope even passes the village church, worth seeing from a cultural historical point of view.

Burton Snowpark in Damüls Supervision and park management are the responsibility of Alton Skatehouse. A dedicated crew ensures that everything is in good order. The ­varied equipment includes diverse rails, tables, boxes (including straight rail, picnic table, skate box, curve box, Funny Rainbow, All Mountain Line, handrail on the staircase). There is also a chill-out area. www.snowparkdamuels.com

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In 2010, the Damüls-Mellau ­skiing area was acknowledged by the ADAC ski guide as the “Top Skiing Area 2010” in the category “Upcomer of the Year”. With this, the ADAC is honouring the ­outstanding endeavours made by the area to attract skiers and ­winter tourists.

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Bergbahnen Mellau T +43 (0)5518 2222 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5518 2222-23 www.bergbahnenmellau.com

après ski Damüls: s’Scharfe Eck, s’Damülser Après Ski, Alpenkluft, Schwartenstadl, Kiosk Uga Mellau: s’Bärle, Bärenhöhle, Metzgerstüble, Wein-Stadl, Tennisstüble, Après Ski Sandro

family tips

information Damüls cable cars T +43 (0)5510 600 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5510 600-14 www.seilbahnendamuels.at

day ticket (high season) Adult: € 41 Child: € 22.50

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pistes Lengths of the slopes: 109 km of which: 28 km are blue pistes 50 km are red pistes 10 km are black pistes 21 km of ski trails

ski rental • Madlener Sport, Damüls T +43 (0)5510 391 www.sport-madlener.at • manis rent sport center, Damüls T +43 (0)699 12109630 www.manis-center.at • Sport Broger, Mellau T +43 (0)5518 2240 www.bergbahnenmellau.com • Sport Natter, Mellau T +43 (0)5518 2262 www.sportnatter.com

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lifts and cable cars 2 cable cars 14 chair lifts 4 ski tows 4 practice lifts 1 rope tow 6 moving walkways

ski school & children’s ski school • Damüls ski school T +43 (0)5510 295 www.skischule-damuels.at • Mellau ski and snowboard school T +43 (0)5518 2222-24 www.skischule-mellau.at

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In Mellau, two kindergarten ­teachers look after children from 1 year between 9 a.m. and 12.15 p.m. and between 1 and 4 p.m., Monday to ­Friday.

Supervision is free of charge. All-day supervision on Saturday and Sunday costs € 7.50, half-day ­supervision costs € 5 per child.

17 land & lives

All the best for kids Damüls and Mellau both offer ­various skiing courses for children as well as entertaining programmes for the youngest guests. In Damüls, ­children up to 12 can take small snowmobiles through Bunny’s snowmobile course.

damüls-mellau-faschina

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damüls-mellau-faschina

Tip: afternoon of fun and sports Discover the Mellau-Damüls skiing area in the company of ski and ­snowboard instructors – by snow blades, sledski, Skifox skiing glider and airboards.

Meeting point: 1 p.m. at the office of Mellau ski school, valley station of Mellau cable car Date: 20 December 2010-25 April 2011, daily upon request Duration: approx. 2 hours Price per person: from € 35 per person, including fun sports equipment, excluding ski pass, minimum number of participants is 3, otherwise subject to a surcharge. information & registration Mellau ski and snowboard school T +43 (0)5518 2222-24 www.skischule-mellau.at

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dam端ls-mellau-faschina

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warth-schröcken

View of Warth

The alpine Walser villages of Warth and Schröcken with their skiing area located at between 1,500 and 2,050 m above sea level are assured of snow.

In November 2008, Daily Mail Ski & Snowboard crowned the skiing area Europe’s No. 1 spot for its amount of snow. On average, over 10 metres of new snow fall here per year. Thanks to the many northern slopes, skiing is possible well into the spring.

Skiing off piste Warth-Schröcken is also famous for its many off-piste skiing options.

Numerous skiing tours and variation tours start in Warth-Schröcken, for example. SAAC avalanche and safety camps are offered to skiers and snowboarders on certain dates. www.saac.at Bregenzerwald Tourismus and Warth-Schröcken Tourismus offer ­package deals for variation ­skiers and ski ­tourers wishing to ­undertake safe, guided tours. This includes information about the

right ­equipment, training in risk ­management and in the correct ­conduct away from the secured ­pistes and, naturally, ­extensive skiing training on the open terrain.

Salober Snow Park Salober Snow Park with its ­numerous obstacles, Easy Park for children and beginners, Main Park and unique Natural Park is located on the route covered by the Sonnencruiser fourseater chair lift. www.saloberpark.at Racing fever There are several options for groups and individuals alike to test their ­skiing speed. The Sonnencruiser has a 650-metre long, permanently prepared giant slalom racetrack with high-tech time-keeping. Next to the Kuchl lift is the cordoned-off, secured high-speed course for everyone. This is just the job for those wishing to attain their best speeds and test their limits. The best time to date is 94 km/h! Incidentally, ideal

ski school & children’s ski school • Snow sports school Schröcken-Hochkrumbach T +43 (0)5583 400-45 www.ski-schroecken.at • Ski and snowboard school Warth T +43 (0)5583 3443 www.skischule-warth.at

well-being

Tip: a part of Antony Gormley’s landscape installation can be seen in the Warth-Schröcken skiing area. The figures are installed at an altitude of 2,039 m right next to the mountain stations of the Wartherhorn and Karhorn cable cars and of the Saloberjet. → page 82

dining out

Ski lifts Schröcken Strolz GmbH T +43 (0)5583 4259-0 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5583 2255 www.snowworld.at

culture

information Ski lifts Warth GmbH & Co T +43 (0)5583 3601-0 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5583 3601-11 www.snowworld.at

active winter

pistes Length of the slopes: 66 km, of which: 30 km are blue pistes 17 km are red pistes 9 km are black pistes 10 km of ski trails

après ski Schröcken: Holzschopf, Café Bar Bistro Ritters, S1-Salober Warth: Best Of – Pub, Sennkuchi, ­Steffisalp – skiing hut and umbrella bar, S’Finale – Wartherhof

family tips

lifts and cable cars 11 chair lifts 4 ski tows

xc skiing

day ticket (high season) Adult: € 39.50 Child: € 21

ski & freedom

ski rental • Sport Schneller, Schröcken T +43 (0)5519 201 www.sportschneller.at • Sport Jug, Warth T +43 (0)5583 39827 or T +43 (0)664 5559910 www.sport-jug.at • Sport Knitel, Warth T +43 (0)5583 3612 www.sport-center-hotel-garni.at

ski & board

Playtime in the snow Kids have fun learning to ski in ­Pauli’s kids’ world next to the ­Kitzeliftle. They glide past fairytale figures and take the magic carpet to the top. A children’s skiing competition is held every Friday, f­ ollowed by a p ­ resentation ceremony. The fairyland next to the Salober v ­ alley ­station, with ski jump, obstacle course, practice lifts and magic carpet are perfect for our youngest skiers.

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r­ acing tracks for training and ­racing events are also to be found next to the Wartherhorn and the Salober lifts. Please contact the cable car ­information office for details.

warth-schröcken

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warth-schrรถcken

Tip: child care for toddlers From the 2010-11 winter season, Warth ski school is offering child care for children from 2 years of age in the new ski school building.

Place: Warth Meeting point: Warth ski school Date: 10 December 2010 until 1 May 2011 Length: half-days, full days, hourly Price per person: available upon request information & registration Warth ski and snowboard school T +43 (0)5583 3443 www.skischule-warth.at

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warth-schrรถcken

land & lives

ski & board

ski & freedom

xc skiing

family tips

active winter

culture

dining out

well-being

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alberschwende

lifts and cable cars 1 chair lift 6 ski tows pistes Length of the slopes: 18 km of which: 4 km are blue pistes 14 km are red pistes information Ski lifts Alberschwende T +43 (0)5579 4233 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5579 4323 or T +43 (0)5579 4233 www.alberschwende.at www.lift.alberschwende.net Tip: This is the ideal skiing area for beginners and families with small children. Also interesting: • Toboggan run at both the chair lift and at the platter lift • Night-time skiing on the Tanner­berg, Mon – Fri 7.30 to 10 p.m.

• 4 January 2011 at 1.30 p.m.: children‘s meeting at the Zipfel lift – fun and games in the snow for the whole family

ski school & children’s ski school Skiing and snowboarding courses Alberschwende T +43 (0)664 5835367 www.alberschwende.at ski rental Sport Spettel, Alberschwende T +43 (0)5579 4241 www.spettel.at day ticket (high season) Adult: € 24 Child: € 12.90

bödele-schwarzenberg

25 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom

day ticket (high season) Adult: € 27.10 Child: € 14.90

dining out well-being

Wind-sheltered skiing area for families and amateur skiers, with a view of Lake Constance.

culture

après ski ski school & children’s ski school s‘Garuda pub, Meierei • Ski school Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)664 2214075 www.skischule-schwarzenberg.at • Ski school Bödele T +43 (0)5512 3679 www.skischule-boedele.at

active winter

information Schwarzenberg Tourismus T +43 (0)5512 3570 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5572 7321 www.boedele.info

family tips

pistes Lengths of the slopes: 24 km of which: 9 km are blue pistes 12 km are red pistes 3 km are black pistes

ski rental • Bergsport Fink, Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 2918 www.bergfink.at • Skishop Bödele Berghof Fetz T +43 (0)5512 3679 www.skischule-boedele.at • Skifit Bödele Hochälpele ski lift, valley station T +43 (0)5512 26807 www.skifit.at

xc skiing

lifts and cable cars 1 chair lift 8 ski tows 1 connecting lift

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egg-schetteregg

lifts and cable cars 1 chair lift 5 ski tows pistes Lengths of the slopes: 10 km of which: 5 km are blue pistes 5 km are red pistes information Egger lift company T +43 (0)5512 4750 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5512 4750-13 www.schetteregg.at

ski school & children’s ski school Ski school Schetteregg T +43 (0)5512 4750-20 or T +43 (0)650 4266737 www.schi-schule.at ski rental Sport Waldner T +43 (0)5512 4750-21 www.sportwaldner.at day ticket (high season) Adult: € 27 Child: € 14.50 après ski Jokler inn

Tip: Kids’ land with moving ­walkway, ski carousel and super­ vision. Ideal for families with small children.

hochhäderich hittisau-riefensberg

27 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom

day ticket (high season) Adult: € 24.50 Child: € 17 après ski Umbrella bar at the valley station

culture

ski school & children’s ski school Ski and snowboard school Hittisau-Sibratsgfäll T +43 (0)664 2143723 www.ski-snowboard-schule.at

active winter

information Alpenarena Hochhäderich T +43 (0)5513 8254-0 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5513 8254-51 www.alpenarena.com

family tips

pistes Lengths of the slopes: 9 km of which: 4 km are blue pistes 3 km are red pistes 2 km are black pistes

ski rental • Jakobs Skishop, Hochhäderich T +43 (0)5513 8254-61 www.alpenarena.com • Sport Spettel, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 6341 www.spettel.at • Sport Gotthard, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 2260 www.sport-gotthard.com

xc skiing

lifts and cable cars 1 chair lift 4 ski tows

dining out well-being

Tip: Ideal for families with small children. Snow fun for the whole family. Child-safe quad cable car.

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niedere andelsbuch-bezau

lifts and cable cars 1 large cable car 2 chair lifts 4 ski tows 1 practice lift pistes Lengths of the slopes: 15 km of which: 5 km are blue pistes 9 km are red pistes 1 km are black pistes information Andelsbuch cable cars T +43 (0)5512 2540 Snow hotline: T + 43 (0)5512 2540 www.bergbahnen-andelsbuch.at Bezau cable car T +43 (0)5514 2254 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5514 2254 www.seilbahn-bezau.at

ski school & children’s ski school Ski school Andelsbuch T +43 (0)5512 2482 www.schneeprofi.at ski rental • Sport Dorner, Andelsbuch T +43 (0)5512 2482 www.schneeprofi.at • Bergsport Leitner, Bezau T +43 (0)5514 31441 www.alpinsports.com day ticket (high season) Adult: € 27.30 Child: € 15.80 après ski E-Werk, Mooser Stüble, s’piano in Gasthof Löwen

Tip: NEW: Bezau cable car, an aerial tramway with a stop at Sonderdach. This enables the transport of 360 people per hour. Plus: new panorama restaurant, seats approx. 150, in Baumgarten mountain station.

hochlitten riefensberg

29 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom active winter

information Ski lifts Hochlitten T +43 (0)5513 8312 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5513 8239 www.skilifte-hochlitten.com

day ticket (high season) Adult: € 22 Child: € 14.50

family tips

pistes Lengths of the slopes: 4.5 km of which: 4.5 km are blue pistes

ski school & children’s ski school Ski and snowboard school Hittisau-Sibratsgfäll T +43 (0)664 2143723 www.ski-snowboard-schule.at

xc skiing

lifts and cable cars 4 ski tows

culture dining out well-being

Tip: Located away from the ­hustle and bustle of large skiing areas. Small yet exquisite skiing area, ideal for families with small children.

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ski! project – skiing courses & coaching

Complex sequences of movement used during skiing are trained

SWAYING AND FLOATING – on the piste, through scattered powder snow or after an injury – this is the model for these skiing courses.

The Ski! project is an innovative, special skiing course programme held in conjunction with the Au ­Schoppernau snow sports school.

Method: the skiing days commence and end in the exercise studio, right next to the piste. There, you try out what you will need on the piste. By means of simple, playful movements, complex sequences of movement needed for carving or skiiing in deep snow are conveyed. Specially developed exercises intensify the awareness of one’s body, and stimulate coordination skills.

The advantage: it makes things much easier and quicker on the slopes!

Please note: The courses are held on specified dates. Booking is essential. You can only start on the first day of the course. An individual programme offers you details.

Trainer: Michael Widmer-Willam.

He is a passionate skier, dance and performance artist and, as a ski trainer, enjoys trying out new skiing techniques and movements. In his courses, his many years’ experience in teaching skiing and his extensive knowledge about the body and movement are combined with the simplicity of dance.

Offers: skiing courses for all levels, deep snow courses, skiing tours, freeride courses, courses for returnees following extended absences, injuries or physical weaknesses.

Includes: • 6-hour course (2 hours indoors, 4 hours on skis) • Constant video analysis • Individualised skiing model • Long-term course consultancy • Equipment consultancy • Cultural trips to the region (optional) information Au-Schoppernau Tourismus T +43(0)5515 2288 www.skiprojekt.at

31 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom xc skiing active winter

The conditions for off-piste skiing are ­perfect since there is so much snow about. Skiing tours and – the more leisurely version – ­variation ­skiing are enjoying increasing popularity.

family tips

ski & freedom

culture dining out well-being

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map of the area

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4

9

3

8

14

13

7

1

2 10

11 12

6

Skiing tours for beginners 1: Brendler Lug (1,767 m) 2: Portlahorn (2,010 m) 3: Hirschberg (1,500 m) 4: Hochälpele Kopf (1,464 m) 5: Feuerstätterkopf (1,645 m) Skiing tours for the advanced 6: Juppenspitze (2,412 m) 7: Üntschenspitze (2,135 m) 8: Kanisfluh (2,044 m) 9: Winterstaude (1,877 m) 10: Hochkünzelspitze (2,397 m)

Routes for variation skiing 11: Klemm via Salober 12: Bockbachtaltour 13: Around Hohen Ifen 14: Hochblanken Recommended reading: „Skitourenführer Bregenzerwald inkl. Großes Walsertal und Lechquellengebirge“ by A. Kempf/ R. Kempf published by Panico Alpinverlag (in German only)

interesting information

33 land & lives ski & board

emergency telephone numbers (free of charge) • 112 European emergency number • 140 alpine emergencies, Austria

active winter culture dining out

Respect your boundaries However, anyone out and about enjoying the countryside needs to keep in mind that it is also a very sensitive habitat for plants and ­animals which is worth ­protecting.

Please don’t take any short-cuts through forest paths, since they are often used by wild game as a ­refuge.

Moreover, the edges of skis and snowboards can easily damage the young forest. Observe the no-go hunting areas and, if necessary, choose a different tour destination. It is with this in mind that we also appeal to you to respect preservation and conservation areas and to observe any restrictions.

family tips

vorarlberg avalanche warning service • www.vorarlberg.at/lawine • T + 43 (0)5522 1588

xc skiing well-being

Safety tips for off-piste skiing Please note that you are skiing at your own risk! This brochure only contains suggested routes.

• Off-piste skiing is fun when you master the technique. The Bregenzer­wald ski schools offer courses to this end.

• It is essential to carefully plan a skiing tour. Base your planning on maps, and make sure you listen to the avalanche warning service and the weather report.

• The correct equipment and clothing are essential safety factors.

• Anyone skiing off piste needs ­avalanche equipment (­avalanche search equipment, probe, avalanche shovel, First Aid kit) and also needs to know how to use such equipment!

• Never set off too late. In ­winter, it starts getting dark at 4.30 p.m.

• Never set off if it is snowing/foggy.

• The skiing and mountain guides are familiar with the place and ­terrain and ensure that you safely reach your destination – and back home.

ski & freedom

Annalperjoch ascent

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skiing tours The Bregenzerwald is famous for its wide range of enjoyable skiing tours, comprising the very gentle through to the more arduous. ­Following an ascent taking 2 to 5 hours on crosscountry skis and skins, swing down the magnificent slopes off the prepared pistes and down into the ­valley.

You can rent the appropriate equipment such as skis and avalanche search equipment from the local ski rental shops.

At the following pages we present 10 recommended tours. We recommend that you only embark on these tours in the company of the ski schools’ mountain and skiing guides, or that you reserve one of our package deals.

This way, you’ll safely reach the loveliest places, and receive valuable tips on the way.

Package deals on offer Take your pick from our selection of package deals for ski tourers. Package deals for beginners and advanced ski tourers alike are presented on www.bregenzerwald.at, which is also the address for making reservations.

Skiing tour events: Hahnenköpfle race Date: presumably end of ­February/start of March 2011 www.fcbizau.at Diedams Extreme Date: 16 April 2011 www.diedamsextrem.at

Skiing tours for beginners 1: brendler lug (1,767 m) The gentle, classic skiing tour close to Au, with north-facing slopes and glades is most fun in the powder snow/new snow.

Difference in altitude: 950 m Starting point: car park of Au’s ­village hall 2: portlahorn (2,010 m) The straightforward panorama tour across the Damüls skiing area is extremely popular.

Difference in altitude: 400 m Starting point: Jägerstüble inn on the road between Oberdamüls and Furkajoch 3: hirschberg (1,500 m) This tour takes you through ­ fantastic skiing terrain in an area ­formerly home to pistes.

Difference in altitude: 700 m Starting point: valley station of the Hirschberg cable car 4: hochälpelekopf (1,464 m) This area is recommended particularly for beginners or those wishing to enjoy a short afternoon tour.

Difference in altitude: 450 m Starting point: Gmeind, part of the village of Schwarzenberg 5: feuerstätterkopf (1,645 m) This lovely, popular tour takes you across gentle ski slopes, without any flat spots.

Difference in altitude: 650 m Starting point: from Sibratsgfäll, Alpenrose inn

skiing tours

information Au-Schoppernau Tourismus T +43 (0)5515 2288 www.skiprojekt.at

dining out

family tips active winter culture well-being

10: hochkünzelspitze (2,397 m) The Hochkünzelspite offers the ­experienced ski tourer magnificent runs in an alpine setting.

Difference in altitude: 1,300 m Starting point: Schröcken, Landsteg bus stop, approx. 2 km to Bad Hopfreben

xc skiing

9: winterstaude (1,877 m) It is close to Egg that the most-used route is located: despite its steep grassy slopes, it is used astoundingly frequently.

Difference in altitude: 800 m Starting point: Egg-Schetteregg, lift car park

ski & freedom

8: kanisfluh (2,044 m) Dominating the entire Bregenzerwald, the mighty Kanisfluh – with its steep north side sloping over 1,200 m – takes you by surprise with an outstandingly lovely skiing tour on its south side.

Difference in altitude: 1,250 m Starting point: from Au, in the ­direction of Damüls, across the ­Argenbach bridge (car park)

ski & board

7: üntschenspitze (2,135 m) This tour, which covers lovely slopes to the south west and the north east, is hidden away on Schoppernau’s impressive very own mountain.

Difference in altitude: 1,150 m Starting point: Schoppernau, Bad Hopfreben inn

Ski! project tours Skiing in the deep powder snow and going on skiing tours are ­fascinating activities. However, problems frequently come from a lack of regard for safe skiing, skiing which doesn’t conserve one’s own energy or ­simply a lack of self-confidence. The Ski! project is tailor-made for such problems: it is a carefully coordinated course to ensure that the first swings on the open terrain are free of fear and stress and make you want more.

Participants in the tried-and-tested Ski! project start their day in the exercise studio. It is in this relaxed atmosphere that we prepare for the special demands required by skiing in the deep powder snow. We then practice what we have learned on the piste.

The runs are followed by relaxation exercises and gentle stretching exercises in the studio. Deep powder snow workshops are held for both beginners and advanced skiers. We also organise skiing tour and freeride workshops according to the Feldenkrais method as well as skiing tour workshops for tourers who haven’t toured for a while and for those wishing to return to touring with injuries or physical weaknesses. Cooperation partner is the Au-Schoppernau snow sports school.

Please note: The courses are held on specified dates. Booking is essential.

You can only start on the first day of the course. An individual programme offers you details.

land & lives

Skiing tours for the advanced 6: juppenspitze (2,412 m) This skiing tour has perfectly inclined and sunny slopes at higher altitudes.

Difference in altitude: 1,200 m Starting point: at Mohnenfluh hotel in Schröcken

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variation skiing Variation skiing in the leisurely, enjoyable form of skiing off piste.

Most ascents are taken by lift, and then you ski off piste.

Here are four recommended routes.

For reasons of safety and orientation, we recommend that you only embark on these tours in the company of the ski schools’ mountain and skiing guides.

Safety out and about In cooperation with the ­initiative “SAAC” (Snow and Avalanche Awareness Camps), the cable cars in Warth-Schröcken offer safety training in the “SAAC ­Competence Center Warth-Schröcken”. In ­practical workshops, certified mountain guides sensitise ski tourers and variation skiers about the alpine dangers away from the slopes. On offer are the free Basic Camps (2 days) in which the ­participants learn proper conduct off the piste. To follow on from this, the “SAACnd Steps” camps lasting several days (3.5 and 5.5 days) take you right into the deep powder snow experience.There is an avalanche search training field on the Steffisalp Express.

Interested participants practice searching using avalanche search equipment. dates, information & booking www.snowworld.at www.saac.at

Routes for variation skiers 11: klemm via salober Place: Warth – Schröcken – Lech Starting point: Salober Express Ascent: Auenfeld-Sattel, approx. 20 min.

Highest point: Mohnenfluhsattel 2,300 m Destination: Schröcken – ­Heimboden 1,270 m Difference in altitude: approx.

1,630 m run 12: bockbachtaltour Place: Warth – Steeg Starting point: Wartherhorn cable car Ascent: Wartherhornsattel, approx.

30 min., Wöstersattel, approx. 45 min.

Highest point: Rüfikopf 2,340 m Destination: Steeg 1,250 m Difference in altitude: approx.

1,800 m run 13: around hohen ifen Place: Schoppernau – Kleinwalsertal Starting point: Diedamskopf Ascent: approx. 300 m Highest point: 2,060 m Destination: Schönenbach near Bizau Difference in altitude: approx.

2,000 m run 14: hochblanken Place: Damüls – Mellau Starting point: Uga lift, Hohes Licht Ascent: approx. 30 min.

Highest point: 2,068 m Destination: Mellau valley station Difference in altitude: approx.

1,300 m run

37 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom family tips active winter

Cross-country skiing is very popular as an 足alternative to skiing or as a good way of 足recharging your batteries in the fresh air.

Especially when the cross-country ski runs are as well looked-after as they are in the Bregenzerwald.

xc skiing

xc skiing

culture dining out well-being

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au-schoppernau

Village cross-country ski run

cross-country ski runs 50 km of classic cross-country ski runs 9 km of skating runs

Tip: village cross-country ski run length 13.6 km

altitude 850 m preparation Mid-December until Easter

classification easy to difficult difference in altitude 85 m

cross-country skiing courses Au-Schoppernau snow sports school T +43 (0)5515 2133 ski rental • Sport Gorbach, Au T +43 (0)5515 4141-2 • Sport Fuchs, Au T +43 (0)5515 2315 • Sport Matt, Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4120

itinerary Schoppernau tourist information office – ­Gräsalp – on the causeway to Au – past the camp site – Au-­Neudorf – Kreuzgasse – along the Ache, later on the causeway of the Bregenzerache (underpass next to the church bridge) to the Reute cattle pasture – Argen­zipfel (cross the road) – continue above Argenzipfel, past the Grunholz lift as far as Wieden – Äuele – above Gräsalp (demanding) – Vorsäß Armengemach mountain ­pasture – Paradies – ­Schoppernau tourist information office chances to stop off for a drink/food in Au-Schoppernau

bezau-bizau-reuthe

39 land & lives ski & board

Tip: the circuit length 12 km

xc skiing

cross-country ski runs 20 km of classic cross-country ski runs 12 km of skating runs

ski & freedom

Circuit

altitude 650 m classification easy to intermediate difference in altitude 50 m itinerary The circuit takes you through all three villages, and can be ­commenced and terminated at any of the villages.

dining out

chances to stop off for a drink/food ­Inns in Bezau, Bizau and Reuthe

culture

characteristic Scenic, charming and varied ­circuit through the circlet of villages.

active winter

ski rental • Bergsport Leitner, Bezau T +43 (0)5514 31441 • Sport Bertsch, Bizau T +43 (0)5514 4127

family tips

preparation Mid-December until early March

well-being

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damüls

Stofel alpine cross-country ski run

cross-country ski runs 11 km of classic cross-country ski runs 6 km of skating runs

Tip: Stofel alpine cross-country ski run

altitude 1,500 – 1,650 m

length 5 km

preparation Early December until early April

classification intermediate

cross-country skiing courses Damüls snow sports school T +43 (0)5510 295

difference in altitude 80 m

ski rental Sport Madlener, Damüls T +43 (0)5510 391 tip The free local bus takes cross-­ country skiers to the starts of the ­cross-­country ski runs. dogs permitted

itinerary Zimba inn – circuit around the Stofel high plateau – Zimba inn characteristic Circuit with an impressive ­mountain panorama. chances to stop off for a drink/food Zimba inn

hittisau

41 land & lives ski & board

length approx. 70 km

preparation December until early April

classification easy to intermediate

fee for use of cross-country ski run Day ticket € 4.50, free for guests of the village

difference in altitude 240 m

cross-country skiing courses Ski school Hittisau-Sibratsgfäll T +43 (0)664 2143723

well-being

chances to stop off for a drink/food d’Sunna Sippersegg, Loipen­stüble/Biberstein, inns in ­Balderschwang and Hittisau

dining out

characteristic An extensive cross-country skiing tour which can be shortened according to wishes.

culture

ski rental • Sport Spettel, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 6341 • Sport Gotthard, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 2260 • Jakobs Skishop, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 8254-61

itinerary Hittisau centre – Helmisau – Dornbündt – Sippersegg – ­Biberstein – border with Germany– start of the Balderschwang ski-hiking network – return by bus or along the ­cross-country ski run stations

active winter

altitude 800 m

family tips

Tip: border country ­cross-country ski run

xc skiing

cross-country ski runs 30 km of classic cross-country ski runs 15 km of skating runs

ski & freedom

Border country cross-country ski run

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mellau-schnepfau

Cross-country ski run in Mellau, Hirschau, Schnepfau

cross-country ski runs 20 km of classic cross-country ski runs 5 km of skating runs

Tip: cross-country ski run in ­Mellau, Hirschau, Schnepfau

altitude 700 m

length 5 km

preparation December until March

classification easy

cross-country skiing courses Ski school Mellau T +43 (0)5518 2222-24

difference in altitude 40 m

ski rental • Sport Natter, Mellau T +43 (0)5518 2262 • Sport Broger, Mellau T +43 (0)5518 2240

itinerary Car park of Mellau cable cars – Enge – Hirschau – Schnepfau ­centre (return the same route or by bus) characteristc Lovely route at the foot of the ­Kanisfluh through the Enge mountain pasture. chances to stop off for a drink/food Inns in Mellau, Hirschau and Schnepfau

riefensberg-hochhäderich

43 land & lives ski & board

length 8.3 km

preparation December until mid-April

classification difficult

fee for use of cross-country ski run Day ticket € 5, with the regional Guest Card € 4

difference in altitude 151 m

ski rental Jakobs Skishop, Hochhäderich T +43 (0)5513 8254-61

characteristic The course takes you through the sunny high plateau on the Hochhäderich. Those experienced in skating techniques can take a detour to the Falkenhütte.

dining out

chances to stop off for a drink/food Hörmoosalpe, Hochwies inn, Hotel Hochhäderich

culture

cross-country skiing courses Ski and snowboard school Hittisau-Sibratsgfäll T +43 (0)664 2143723

itinerary Car park of the Hotel ­Hochhäderich – Hörmoos lake – car park of the Hotel Hochhäderich

active winter

altitude 1,300 m

family tips

Tip: Hörmoos cross-country ski run

xc skiing

cross-country ski runs 12 km of classic cross-country ski runs 4 km of skating runs

ski & freedom

Hörmoos cross-country ski run

well-being

44

sibratsgfäll

Cross-country ski run between Sibratsgfäll and Schönenbach

cross-country ski runs 25 km of classic cross-country ski runs 2 km of skating runs

Tip: cross-country ski run between Sibratsgfäll and Schönenbach

altitude 930 m

length 18 km

preparation Mid-December until early April

classification intermediate

fee for use of cross-country ski run Day ticket € 4.50, free for guests of the village

difference in altitude 150 m

cross-country skiing courses Ski school Hittisau-Sibratsgfäll T +43 (0)664 3054015 ski rental Engelbert Dorner T +43 (0)5513 2113

itinerary Krähenberg ski lift – walk to the base of the cross-country ski run at the Bilgeri snack bar – along the Subersach as far as Vorsäß Schönenbach mountain pasture – return the same route characteristic A route for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, not too technically demanding. Particularly scenic route through the valley of the Subersach. chances to stop off for a drink/food Bilgeri snack bar in Sibratsgfäll, Sägerstüble in Schönenbach

sulzberg

45 land & lives ski & board

length 7 km

preparation December until March

classification easy to difficult

cross-country skiing courses Available upon request from Sulzberg Tourismus T +43 (0)5516 2213-10

itinerary Leave Oberdorf – continue in the direction of Hochsträß – circuit (it is possible to turn off on to the Westallgäu network of cross-­ country ski runs)

night-time cross-country skiing

chances to stop off for a drink/food Hochsträßstüble

culture

tip It is possible to cross over the border to the Westallgäu network of crosscountry ski runs.

active winter

altitude 1,015 m

family tips

Tip: panorama cross-country ski run

xc skiing

cross-country ski runs 20 km of classic cross-country ski runs 5 km of skating runs

ski & freedom

Panorama cross-country ski run

dining out well-being

Austrian Cross Country ­championship in Sulzberg, 15 and 16 January 2011

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warth-schröcken

Around Kabelesee

cross-country ski runs 17 km of classic cross-country ski runs 4 km of skating runs

Tip: Around Kalbelesee length 2.5 km

altitude 1,600 m preparation December until mid-April fee for use of cross-country ski run Day ticket € 5 free for guests of the village cross-country skiing courses • Ski school Warth T +43 (0)5583 3443 • Ski school Schröcken T +43 (0)5583 40045 ski rental • Sport Schneller, Schröcken T +43 (0)5519 201 • Sport Jug, Warth T +43 (0)5583 39827 dogs permitted

classification easy difference in altitude 0 m itinerary Salober car park – around Kalbelesee – Salober car park characteristic flat cross-country ski run, suitable for beginners, in a sunny location chances to stop off for a drink/food S1, Salober self-service restaurant, Pasta-Pasta at Saloberjet valley station

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How about a lap around the ice rink? Or a 足lantern-lit ramble at dusk? Visits to the farm and the programme in the Eskimo 足village offer exciting insights into ways of life. 足Adventurers take the Flying Fox cable slide across the valley.

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kids’ programme

Fun in the ski school

The Bregenzerwald boasts the best conditions for enjoyable family ­holidays. Friendly hosts in the hotels, guest houses, holiday apartments and on the farms offering holidays ensure the right setting for this.

In the ski schools, the youngest guests playfully learn skiing. Those who prefer their winter and snow away from the slopes can take one of the numerous toboggan runs (→ from page 70) or participate in the varied programmes offered by many villages.

If the weather proves an obstacle to outdoor activities, there are many indoor swimming pools to try out, such as the swimming pool in the Hotel Quellengarten in Lingenau, the swimming pools in Bregenz and Dornbirn, and the Aquaria family adventure pool in Oberstaufen in the neighbouring Allgäu. (→ page 52).

Tobogganing with children Almost all towns and villages have one or several toboggan runs, many of which are illuminated in the evening. This includes many runs which children can ride alone, or on their parents’ toboggan. Toboggans are available for rent in many towns and villages. The starting points of several toboggan runs can be easily reached by lift. → page 70 Well-supervised in the ski schools The Bregenzerwald’s ski schools are well-known for their ­child-friendly programmes. You can find ­further information on selected offers in the chapter Ski and Board (→ from page 9) or example, about the Schwarzen­berg ski school and learning to ski with the magic wand (→ page 49), the AuSchoppernau snow sports school with its adventure programme (→ page 12) as well as Damüls ski school, which offers snowmobile rides for children (→ page 17). Warth ski and snowboard school offers child care for children from 2 years of age (→ page 22).

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Alberschwende artificial ice-skating rink Alberschwende has a floodlit ­artificial ice-skating rink. Admission fees for adults: € 4, for youths and OAPs: € 3, for children: € 2. Ice skates can be hired here (adults: € 2.50, children: € 1.50). information & opening times Alberschwende Tourismus T +43 (0)5579 4233

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Au-Schoppernau natural ice-skating area Schoppernau boasts a natural iceskating area. Depending on the weather, the area is prepared between December and February/March.

Ice skates can be hired right next to the ice-skating area. Ice-­skating is free of charge for guests from Au-Schoppernau. information & opening times Schoppernau Tourismus T +43 (0)5515 2495

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Learning to ski with the magic wand Learning to ski in four hours, with a guarantee of success? By means of a method developed by the school itself, all children from 3 1/2 years of age can take the practice lifts themselves after four individual lessons (only one hour per day). Should the child not succeed, the ski instruction continues free of charge until it does!

Price: € 47 per hour information Ski school Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)664 2214075 www.skischule-schwarzenberg.at

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Skiing with the magic wand

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Lanterns light up the path

Egg-Großdorf – Lantern-lit ramble Particularly well suited for families: a romantic ramble into the silence of the night. The light of the lanterns, of the moon and the stars, make the outing into a special experience.

Guide Marianne relates stories on the way.

Place: Egg-Großdorf Meeting point: Falken inn Date: 21 December until the end of March: every Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Register by 5 p.m. on Monday Length: approx. 1 hour Price per person: free of charge information & registration Egg Tourismus T +43 (0)5512 2426 www.egg.at/tourismus Mellau – Lantern-lit ramble Winter hiking guide Hans leads participants through the fairytale-like, snow-covered winter landscape at dusk. Hurricane lamps and torches light up the way.

Place: Mellau Meeting point: Tourist information office Mellau Date: 23 December 2010 until 21 April 2011: every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Length: approx. 1.5 hours Price per person: free of charge information & registration Mellau Tourismus T +43 (0)5518 2203 www.mellau.at Bizau – feeding the animals Gmeiner organic farm Pygmy goats, Cameroon sheep, Franziska the donkey, Vita the horse, cows and calves, a family of rabbits – they all want to be fed and petted! Children can help out at the evening feed and get to know the organic farm.

Place: Bizau Meeting point: village square Date: 27 December 2010, 3 January, 21 February, 28 February, 7 March 2011 at 5 p.m.

Length: approx. 1 hour Price per person: Free of charge No reservations required information Bizau Tourismus T +43 (0)5514 2129 www.bizau.at

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Warth-Schröcken – Flying Fox Park Safari 6 Flying Fox or zip slides surrounded by Mother Nature: rope course at a height of 20-90 metres over wild gorges: breath-taking views (suitable for families with children from the age of six) Place: Schröcken Meeting point: club house in ­Schröcken (parking available) Date: Sunday at 3.30 p.m. and Monday at 4.30 p.m., further dates upon request Length: approx. 2 hours Price per person: adults: € 17, ­ children: € 15 information & registration Alpinschule Schröcken, Josef Staggl T +43 (0)664 2525200 www.alpinschule-schroecken.at

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Warth-Schröcken – in the Eskimo village Children are building an igloo, take a ride with the snow mobile or enjoy a slide.

Place: Schröcken Meeting point: Salober valley station of the cable car at the fairyland Date: every Wednesday during the kids’ snow weeks (11 – 18 ­December 2010, 15 – 22 January, 19 March – 2 April 2011) at 3.30 p.m.

Length: approx. 2 hours Price per person: free for guest ­children from Warth and Schröcken information & registration Alpinschule Schröcken T +43 (0)664 2525200 www.alpinschule-schroecken.at

Warth-Schröcken – Flying Fox slide On the Flying Fox slide, participants swoosh from Vorarlberg to Tyrol. The area with the 200 m long cable slide and height of 50 m is a spectacular experience. Naturally, appropriate safety equipment is provided (­helmet, combination harness, safety loops, pulley).

Place: Warth Meeting point: Tourist information office Warth Date: during the winter season, any time upon request Length: approx. 1 hour Price per person: € 12 for adults, € 8 for children information & registration Alpinschule Widderstein Christian Fritz T +43 (0)660 2149207 www.alpinschulewidderstein.com

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Au-Schoppernau – farm experience Life on the farm has a magical appeal to children: animals large and small, tractors, work on the farm… children are allowed to stroke the animals and watch farmer Peter feed, care for and milk the animals.

Place: Au-Schoppernau Meeting point: Tourist information office Au Date: 28 December until 19 April 2011: every Tuesday at 5.30 p.m.

Length: approx. 1 hour Price per person: free of charge information & registration Au-Schoppernau Tourismus T +43 (0)5515 2288 www.au-schoppernau.at

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day trip tips There is plenty for families to do should the weather not play ball: Museums and exhibitions inatura – nature show in Dornbirn Touch, crawl in, try out, play and experiment. information T +43 (0)5572 23235-0 www.inatura.at Schattenburg in Feldkirch The medieval castle depicts life ­during the age of chivalry. information T +43 (0)5522 71982 www.schattenburg.at Toy Museum in Wolfurt The loveliest toys from Granny and Grandpa’s time are lovingly ­presented here. information T +43 (0)650 5000681 www.spielzeugmuseum-wolfurt.at Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen (Germany) The history and technology of aeronautics. information T +49 (0)7541 3801-0 www.zeppelin-museum.de

Indoor swimming pools Swimming pool in Hotel Quellengarten in Lingenau 25 m pool, kids’ pool information T +43 (0)5513 6461-0 www.hotelquellengarten.com Dornbirn municipal pool Family pool with toddler and parent area, tunnel slide, diving platform information T +43 (0)5572 22687 www.dasstadtbad.at Bregenz swimming pool 25 m pool, kids’ pool with slide information T +43 (0)5574 44242-0 www.stadtwerke-bregenz.at Aquaria adventure pool in Oberstaufen (Germany) Family swimming pool with water slides, diving platforms and much more information T +49 (0)8386 9313-0 www.aquaria.de Climbing hall K1 climbing hall, Dornbirn 2,000 m² of climbing area indoors, 400 m² of boulder area, 600 m² ­outside area, climbing courses, taster courses information T +43 (0)5572 394810 www.k1-dornbirn.at

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There are various ways to explore the winter landscapes. Hiking and tobogganing, for example. Or guided snow shoe tours. By horse and carriage or by husky-pulled sleighs. Or even paragliding or ice climbing.

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winter hiking

View of the Niedere, close to Andelsbuch

There are plenty activities for those whose winter enjoyment is found away from the piste. Winter hiking paths guide you through picturesque landscapes and to lovely viewpoints Tips for winter hikers We have compiled several tips for your hikes through the snow: make sure that you have the right equipment with you, such as adequate, waterproof footwear (e.g. climbing boots) and warm outerwear. ­Further useful items include: headgear, gloves, snow goggles or sunglasses, sun screen. “Shoe chains” prevent slipping on ice and snow: they are available from shoe shops and sport shops.

Sticks are also helpful.

notes on safety • Stick to the signposted hiking paths (pink signposts).

• Taking short steps and maintaining an even pace going uphill save your strength, and go easy on the joints going downhill.

• Slightly bending your upper body forwards when going downhill reduces the danger of slipping.

• Take plenty of drinks with you: it is also important to drink even if you are not thirsty.

• Ask your hosts about the weather forecast. Fog and bad weather can set in surprisingly quickly. Turn back in good time rather than risking getting into danger. As a winter hiker (or a summer hiker), you hike at your own risk.

signposts Winter hiking paths throughout the whole of the Bregenzerwald are clearly signposted in an easily ­visible pink.

Recommended reading: “Vorarlberg ­Winterwanderungen”

by Helmut Tiefenthaler, ­published by Tyrolia Verlag (in German only)

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55 land & lives ski & board family tips active winter

starting point Sulzberg-Schönenbühl, Hotel Linde bus stop culture on the route As the “village on the mountain”, the location of Sulzberg in ­Vorarlberg gives it a very special quality of its own. The parish church in the Empire style is exceptional. It was built in 1828/29 by Alois Negrelli, the designer of the Suez Canal. characteristic Scenic mountain path on mainly ­flattened hiking paths chances to stop off for a drink/food Hotel Linde (Schönenbühl), Sulzberg

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Negrelli’s church and endless views – Sulzberg mountain path From Vitalhotel Linde, Schönenbühl (820 m), a cleared agricultural path leads to the mountain farms in Unterköhler: from there, you take a flattened hiking path to the Oberköhler plot of land at 985 m, then you follow a forest path to the approach road on the sunny side to Sulzberg, which you then follow on past the parish church to Sulzberg ­village square (1,013 m).

Once you arrive at the village square, enjoy the endless views across the Bregenzer­wald. On the way back, enjoy the fascinating view across the Rhine valley through to the Swiss mountains.

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Through the open landscape close to Sulzberg

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Difference in altitude: up: 190 m/ down: 190 m Total hiking time: 2.5 hours

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winter hiking

Out and about on the Hochhäderich

Across the upland moor – the Hochhäderich circuit The route follows almost completely flattened hiking trails through the mountain valley basin between the Nagelfluh ridges of Hochhäderich and Kojen-Fluh. It takes you from the Hochhäderich car park (1,227 m) across the Austrian-German border, and takes you up to the plateau of the Hörmoos alp (1,270 m). From there, you go downwards for a while to the Hochwies alp (1,230 m), then to the Glutgschwanden alp (1,200 m) and finally back to the starting point via the Moos alp (1,224 m).

starting point Hochhäderich car park culture on the route The cross-border circuit connects the Bregenzerwald with Oberallgäu, i.e. Vorarlberg with Bavaria. Between the approach road and the Moos alp, the blanket of snow conceals the ­Kojenmoos, an upland moor which has been widely preserved and which is protected. The Riefensberg locals used to cut peat here, and ­convey it into the valley via a material ropeway. characteristic Lovely mountain path in the alp area of the Vorderwald chances to stop off for a drink/food Hotel Hochhäderich, Hörmoos alp, Hochwies alp, Glutgschwanden alp, Moos alp

Difference in altitude: up: 70 m/ down: 70 m Total hiking time: 2.5 hours

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Difference in altitude: up: 110 m/ down: 110 m Total hiking time: approx. 2 hours

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starting point Post office in Hittisau culture on the route With over 100 alps – making it the ­village with the most alps in ­Austria! – Hittisau has a long ­tradition in the art of alpine dairy ­farming, and was one of the first centres for full-fat cheese making in Vorarlberg. The route takes you right past the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum in Hittisau. Also worth a visit are the Women’s Museum in ­Hittisau and the objects on the “Wood + Culture” trail (please contact the tourist information office in ­Hittisau for more details and guided tours). characteristic A gentle walk with lovely views chances to stop off for a drink/food Hittisau

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A circuit with a view – around the village of Hittisau From the centre of the village (790 m), you follow a flattened ­hiking path along the cross-country ski run until you reach the Brand plot of land. Cross the road, where a path takes you up to Bütscheln (860 m). Via scenic hillside locations, you follow a flattened winter hiking path to the part of the village called Korlen. From here, take in the lovely views of Hittisau as you return to the starting point.

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Around the village of Hittisau

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winter hiking

Tannen close to Alberschwende

From the peak to the valley – Brüggele-Alberschwende Take the chair lift up to the Brüggelekopf. From Brüggelekopf mountain station (1,160 m), a partially paved, partially well-trodden winter path takes you down to Kaltenbrunnen (906 m). Here, the path turns northwards into a forest and then winds its way across sunny slopes through the Tannen and Lanzen plots of land back to Alberschwende (722 m).

starting point Alberschwende, valley station of the Brüggelekopf chair lift culture on the route The Lorena pass is an old crossing into the Bregenzerwald. Between the Middle Ages and the mid19th ­century, this was the most ­popular connection with the Rhine ­Valley. The scenic sunny slope of ­Kaltenbrunnen was used as a mountain ­pasture back in the Middle Ages, and has been permanently inhabited by several families since the 18th ­century if not earlier. characteristic Scenic valley hike chances to stop off for a drink/food Brüggele mountain inn, Alpenrose inn (Kaltenbrunnen), Alberschwende

Opening times of Brüggelekopf chair lift: T +43 (0)5579 4323 or 4233

Difference in altitude: down: 420 m Total hiking time: approx. 3 hours

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starting point Bödele, bus stop culture on the route It was on the Bödele, close to Losen pass, an ancient crossing into the Rhine Valley, that Otto Hämmerle, an industrialist from Dornbirn, erected a countryside summer resort. After the Arlberg, the Bödele is the second birthplace of Vorarlberg skiing (in 1903/1904 a ski jump was built, and the first ski race was held. In 1907, the first ski lift in the world was built here). characteristic Hike into the valley on wide-tracked winter paths chances to stop off for a drink/food Bödele, Lustenau hut, Bregenz hut, Schwarzenberg

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Panorama hike – Bödele-Schwarzenberg From the bus stop on the Bödele (1,140 m), take a short walk along the road to Schwarzenberg where you pick up the winter hiking path. Cross the pistes of the Hochälpele lift, hike through alpine forests to the Hochälpele alp (1,250 m, extensive views across the Bregenzerwald) and continue to Lustenau hut (1,250 m, chance to take a detour to the Bregenz hut).

From Lustenau hut, take a scenic path across the Klausberg mountain pasture down into Schwarzenberg (695 m).

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Hochälpele close to Schwarzenberg

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Difference in altitude: up: 120 m/ down: 570 m Total hiking time: 3 hours

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Alp landscape, Schetteregg

Where cattle graze in the summer – Schetteregg circuit The entire route follows flattened ­hiking trails. It takes you from ­Schetteregg (1,066 m) to the alpine pasture area of Eggatsberg and ­Hammeratsberg, with the lovely Bregenzerwald mountain ­pasture huts.

You soon arrive at the Untere Falz alp, where you get lovely views of the ­southern mountains of ­Bullerschkopf and ­Winterstaude (1,877 m). The route now takes you up to the Obere Falz alp and ­continues into the Ochsenhof alp area. Your return trip is rewarded with lovely views of Schetteregg and the foreland of the Bregenzerwald.

starting point Schetteregg car park culture on the route Eggatsberg and Hammeratsberg are two cooperative mountain pastures.

They are collective property, whereas the huts are private property.

The cattle are brought here for several weeks each spring and autumn, the milk is processed into butter and cheese in the collective’s own dairy.

During the summer, the pastures are mowed. The Falz alps are extensive dairy alps. characteristic Varied circuit through the peaceful mountain pasture and alp area chances to stop off for a drink/food Schetteregg, “Leo’s hut”

Difference in altitude: up: 180 m/ down: 180 m Total hiking time: 2.5 hours

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Difference in altitude: up: 200 m/ down: 200 m Total hiking time: from Krähenberg car park 3.5 hours, from the centre of Sibratsgfäll 4.5 hours

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starting point Car park at Krähenberg ski lift culture on the route Schönenbach is one of the loveliest, largest mountain pasture settlements in the whole of the Bregenzerwald. It was mentioned for the first time in 1491, comprises over 25 huts and one chapel. Cattle graze on the ­mountain pasture before and after the alp period. During the summer, the pastures are mowed. In the spring and autumn, the milk is processed into butter and cheese in a collective alpine dairy. characteristic Wild and romantic trail through the Subersach gorge chances to stop off for a drink/food Sibratsgfäll, Bilgeri’s in Krähenberg, Sägerstüble in Schönenbach

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To the loveliest mountain pasture – Sibratsgfäll-Schönenbach If you take the bus, you must first take the road or follow the ­flattened winter hiking path down to the car park in Krähenberg (approx.

30 ­minutes). From the Krähenberg car park, the road descends steeply to Bilgeri’s snack bar in Krähenberg.

The flattened winter path starts here (keep on the cross-country ski run). ­Crossing a narrow gorge with impressive views down to the ­Subersach is a lovely experience.

The valley soon reveals itself, and the beautifully located mountain pasture ­settlement of Schönenbach (1,025 m) is in front of you.

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Mountain pasture settlement, Schönenbach

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Below Damüls’ Mittagsspitze and Hochblanken

Out and about in the wild and ­romantic valley – Ulfern alp (Mellau) Following ascent with the Mellau cable car, the circuit takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes and up to the Ulfern alp area at an altitude of 1,400 m and which has a wild and romantic valley head beneath Damüls’ Mittagsspitze (2,095 m) and Hochblanken. The shady, steep north faces are covered with a thick layer of ice and icicles, offering an impressive spectacle of nature. The hiking path itself is well prepared, and there are only a little difference in altitude to overcome.

starting point Mellau cable car mountain station characteristic High-altitude circuit in a remote mountain valley. Due to the position of the sun, it is recommended going on the hike from mid-February. chances to stop off for a drink/food Mountain station (Roßstelle alp inn, Simma restaurant)

Operating times of Mellau cable cars T +43 (0)5518 2222-0

Difference in altitude: up: 50 m/ down: 50 m Total hiking time: approx. 1.5 hours

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Difference in altitude: up: 420 m/ down: 420 m Total hiking time: 3.5 hours

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Please contact the tourist ­information office in Au-Schoppernau for the ­opening times of the Bergkristall hut and the conditions for sledging.

T +43 (0)5515 2288

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starting point Au, village hall culture on the route The Boden mountain pasture, at an altitude of 1,200 m, is a rural ­settlement with a chapel. The land is ­collective property, whereas the huts are private property. This is where the farmers come with their cattle for several weeks before and after the summer. The Boden mountain ­pasture is one of the largest alpine dairy pastures in the Bregenzerwald. characteristic Rewarding hike in a tranquil, remote mountain valley chances to stop off for a drink/food Au, Bergkristall hut

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Walk up, toboggan down – Bergkristall hut in Au From Au (800 m), a perfectly ­prepared path takes you along the northern edge of the Lug, mainly through a forest, up into the ­Dürrenbachtal to the idyllically located Boden mountain pasture. This is also the location of the Bergkristall hut located at an altitude of over 1,200 m. This tranquil, beautiful mountain valley is surrounded by the impressive, steeply rising rock massifs of the Zitterklapfenstock (2,403 m). You descend the same way.

When the conditions are right, it is a good idea to take along a sledge for the descent into the valley.

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Hut in the mountain pasture settlement of Boden, close to Au

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Oberdamüls

On ancient Walser trails – the Damüls alpine circuit From Damüls (1,425 m), you follow the path towards Oberdamüls and continue on the fully prepared ­valley path next to the cross-country ski run as far as the Unterdamüls alp (1,486 m). From there, a steep ascent to the Jägerstüble (1,614 m) awaits.

From here, a mountain path takes you up to an altitude of approx.

1,700 m (views as far as the Rätikon), past the Oberdamüls alp (1,667 m) and to Oberdamüls. From Hotel Alpenstern, you walk along the road back to where you started.

starting point Damüls Post Office culture on the route Damüls is one of the first ­documented Walser settlements in ­Vorarlberg (enfeoffment with Uga alp in 1313, and with “Tamülls” alp in 1326). There is documentary evidence of its own parish church dating back to 1382. The late Gothic church (1484) has a remarkable interior such as frescoes from around 1490. characteristic A marvellous mountain circuit at an altitude of over 1,400 m with a unique view of the mountains chances to stop off for a drink/food Damüls, Jägerstüble, Oberdamüls

Difference in altitude: up: 290 m/ down: 290 m Total hiking time: 3 hours

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starting point Hochtannberg pass, bus stop characteristic Gentle ramble at altitudes above 1,600 m on prepared hiking paths chances to stop off for a drink/food Valley station of the Saloberkopf cable car, Hotel Körbersee

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To the hotel at the lake – Hochtannberg pass-Körbersee From the Hochtannberg pass (1,676 m), you follow the hiking path close to the road (take the red path for the circuit!), pass the ­Körber cross and take a considerable hike up to the Witelesattel (1,750 m) and then down to the Hotel Körbersee (1,665 m). If the snow conditions are good, it is worth following this up by taking another walk around the ­frozen Körbersee. If you take the right piste on the way back too, you will enjoy a circuit via various paths.

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Kalbelesee in Schröcken

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Difference in altitude: up: 90 m/ down: 90 m Total hiking time: approx. 2 hours

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snow-shoe hikes

Snow-shoe hiking on the Bödele

In many towns and villages, hiking and mountain guides take guests on snow-shoe tours.

Au-Schoppernau – Diedamskopf tour The cable car takes you to the mountain station and you walk in snow shoes uphill and downhill until you reach the Neuhornbachjoch. The adventurous can rush down to the Neuhornbachhaus lying on the “Airboard”. Back in the valley, participants race down the longest natural toboggan run in the Bregenzerwald (5.5 km).

Place: Au-Schoppernau Diedamskopf Meeting point: Au-Schoppernau snow sports school, next to the valley station of the cable car Date: 22 Dezember 2010 until 20 April 2011: every Wednesday at 9.30 a.m.

Length: approx. 6 hours incl. breaks Price per person: from € 60 ­depending on the number of participants (incl. cable car ticket, snow shoes and toboggan).

Minimum amount of participants: 4 people information & registration Schneesportschule Au-Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 2133 www.au-schoppernau.at

Egg-Schetteregg – mountain pasture landscape The guided hike commences in Schetteregg, which lies in a tranquil side valley. The hike takes you to two mountain pasture settlements.

Farmers and their cattle spend the spring and the autumn in the simple wooden huts. The milk is processed into butter and cheese in a collective alpine dairy. Along the way, you are rewarded over and over with lovely views of the Bregenzerwald.

Place: Egg-Schetteregg. Take the no.

32 ski bus from Egg. Meeting point: Waldner sports rental Date: 22 December 2010 until the end of March: every Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Register by Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Length: approx. 2 hours Price per person: € 8 (including snow shoe rental) information & registration Egg Tourismus T +43 (0)5512 2426 www.egg.at/tourismus Bizau – Schönenbach mountain pasture Discover the appeal of snow-shoe hiking with Konrad Feurstein. Share special insights and views with him.

family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

Recommended reading: “Schneeschuhwandern in ­Vorarlberg” by C. Butscher/ U. Längle/M. Jochum/ P. Hickersperger This book outlines the 38 loveliest tours to take in ­Vorarlberg, and is published by Kompass Verlag (in German only)

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Warth-Schröcken – evening hike, the quiet way This tour takes you off the beaten track, through unspoilt nature on the Hochtannberg.

Place: Schröcken Meeting point: 5 p.m. tourist office Date: every Tuesday Length: approx. 1,5 – 2 hours Price per person: € 10 Minimum number of participants: 4 people information & registration Alpinschule Schröcken, Josef Staggl T +43 (0)664 2525200 www.alpinschule-schroecken.at

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Bezau – Baumgarten high-altitude hike The Bezau cable car takes you ­comfortably to the mountain station: from there, the snow shoe tour with Pius takes you to Baumgarten.

Place: Bezau Meeting point: Valley station of Bezau cable car Date: every Friday at 1 p.m.

Length: approx. 2 hours Price per person: € 9 including the use of snow shoes, excluding return trip by Bezau cable car information & registration Bezau Tourismus, T +43 (0)5514 2295 www.bezau.at/tourismus

Mellau – romance and relaxation The easy snow-shoe hike takes you from the mountain station of ­Mellau cable car to Kanis alp (1,463 m), which is located in an idyllic mountain valley.

Place: Mellau Meeting point: 1 p.m. at the office of Mellau ski school Date: 20 December 2010 until 25 April 2011; daily, upon request Length: approx. 2 hours Price per person: € 30, including equipment, excluding return trip.

Minimum number of participants: 3 people information & registration Mellau ski and snowboard school T +43 (0)5518 2222-24 www.skischule-mellau.at

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Hittisau – to Burgl hut This very picturesque and moderate full-day tour takes you up to Burgl hut (1,428 m).

Place: Hittisau/Balderschwang Meeting point: car park at Schelpen lifts in Balderschwang Date: Friday, 10 a.m. (December to April, depending on the snow) Length: 4 – 5 hours Price per person: € 36 including snow shoes, sticks Minimum number of participants: 4; can be reserved individually for groups of 5 or more information & registration Alfons Silgener T +43 (0)664 1335206 www.schneeschuhtour.at

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Place: Bizau Meeting point: village square Date: 27 December 2010 until 28 March 2011: every Monday at 1.30 p.m.

Length: approx. 3 hours Price per person: free information & registration Konrad Feurstein T +43 (0)664 6324537 www.bizau.at

snow-shoe hikes

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horse and carriage rides

Out and about in Au-Schoppernau, with a view of the Kanisfluh

Tucked up warm in a blanket and pulled by powerful horses: aboard a horse and carriage, this is the ­particularly elegant way to glide through the winter landscape.

This is a delight offered by several ­Bregenzerwald coachmen.

Hittisau Gerhard Schelling, T +43 (0)664 3220952

Andelsbuch Metzler Elmar, T +43 (0)5512 4128

Lingenau Wendelin Stöckler, T +43 (0)664 6298827

Au-Schoppernau Mathias Erath, T +43 (0)5515 2298 Franz-Josef Dünser, T +43 (0)5515 2295 Rusch Jakob, T +43 (0)5515 2532 Jakob Lingg, T +43 (0)5515 2928 Bezau Christoph Moosbrugger, T +43 (0)5514 2901 Bizau Josef Moosmann, T +43 (0)5514 2515 Damüls Alfons Bischof, T +43 (0)664 3382257 Egg-Schetteregg Fam. Schneider, T +43 (0)664 3744794

Langenegg Riding and driving association, T +43 (0)664 3746501

Mellau Raimund Dietrich, T +43 (0)5518 2164 Gotthard Simma, T +43 (0)664 1155766 Josef Berbig, T +43 (0)5518 2336 Riefensberg Steinhauser family, T +43 (0)5513 8303 or +43 (0)664 4122915 Schwarzenberg Josef Schneider, T +43 (0)5512 4382 Sibratsgfäll Martin Bereuter, T +43 (0)5513 2643 Sulzberg Friesenhof Blank, T +43 (0)664 4411380

dog sleigh tours

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information & registration Husky & Co, Marc Van Landeghem T +43 (0)664 2407422 www.bauern-stube.at

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Husky trail The meeting point is the Hochtann­ berg pass, where participants are given a training session. Then you proceed to Hotel Körbersee or Hotel Jägeralpe across snowy hills. This tour, with its many uphill and downhill parts, is a great adventure for the dogs and the ­budding mushers.

Length: approx. 2 hours Meeting point: Salober car park No. of participants: 1 or 2 people Dogs: 2 – 3 dogs per person Prerequisite: sporting ability and a great love of dogs Price: € 180 for 2 people

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Travel through the wintry landscape on a husky-drawn sleigh – an ­adventure for the dog and budding musher alike.

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Dog sleigh tours in Warth-Schröcken

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Information: Due to the great demand, only guests holding a valid Guest Card from WarthSchröcken and Au-­Schoppernau can participate.

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tobogganing

Tobogganing - enjoyment for everybody

It is not only children that take great pleasure in visiting the natural ­toboggan runs that Bregenzerwald has to offer! Merry groups steering their toboggans into the valley are particularly abundant in the evening.

Alberschwende ** Brüggelekopf (accessible by chair lift) Length: 4 km Toboggan rental: Brüggelekopf chair lift T +43 (0)5579 4323 www.lift.alberschwende.net Au-Schoppernau * Snow-tubing run at ­Hotel-Gasthof Post in Au With moving walkway Happy toboggan rental: Tourist information office in Au T +43 (0)5515 2288 * Grunholz, Au Length: 650 m On special toboggans which can be rented at the valley station, you take the ski tow up the mountain. ­Tobogganing in the evening: Wednesday and Friday, 7 to 10 p.m. Toboggan rental at the Grunholz lift.

* Schrannenbach, Schoppernau Length: 300 m * Lebernau pasture, Au Length: 500 m * Lisse, Au Length: 750 m ** Hinterargenzipfel, Au Length: 870 m ** Godlachen, Au Length: 2.2 km *** Neuhornbach, Schoppernau Length: 5.5 km Toboggan rental: • Sport Fuchs, Au T +43 (0)5515 2315 www.sportfuchs.com • Sport Gorbach, Au T +43 (0)5515 4141-1 www.gorbach.at • Sport Matt, Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4120 www.matt.at Bezau * Gschwend Illuminated toboggan run daily until 11 p.m.

Length: 1.7 km Toboggan rental: Pius Feuerstein T +43 (0)664 1344358

tobogganing

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Key: * gentle, for children ** medium, for families *** strenuous, for adults

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Mellau * Dosegg Illuminated toboggan run, 3x per week Length: 800 m

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Sibratsgfäll ** Krähenberg toboggan run, illuminated daily 7 until 10 p.m.

Length: 800 m Toboggan rental: Hubert Nussbaumer T +43 (0)664 5251866

Warth-Schröcken ** „von der Höhi“ Illuminated toboggan run daily until 10 p.m. 2x a week toboggan party, ascent by tractor, hot mulled wine and alcohol-free punch for the kids.

Toboggans are provided. Start: 8 p.m.

Larger groups are requested to book.

Length: 700 m Toboggan rental Sport-Knitel +43 (0)5583 3612 ** Schröcken tobogganing party A tobogganing party is held twice a week on the illuminated toboggan run. The guests are pulled up to the start: at the finishing line, hot mulled wine and children’s punch await.

Length: approx. 1.2 km Toboggan rental: right next to the toboggan run

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Riefensberg *** Steinernes Tor Length: 1,000 m Toboggan rental: Alois Berkmann T +43(0)5513 8238

Sulzberg * village lift Length: 150 m *** Sulzberg-Stein Length: 950 m

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Damüls *** Uga (ascent by the Uga Express) Illuminated toboggan run, ­Wednesday and Friday 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. Ascents are not covered by the 3-valley pass.

Length: 3.5 km Toboggan rental: Sport Madlener T +43 (0)5510 391 www.sport-madlener.at

Schwarzenberg * Angelika-Höhe Length: 130 m and 140 m Toboggan rental: Bergsport Fink, Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 2918 www.bergfink.at

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Bizau * Escha Length: 1.2 km Toboggan rental: Sport Bertsch T +43 (0)5514 4127

Toboggan rental: Sport Natter T +43 (0)5518 2262 www.sportnatter.com

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** Baumgarten-Sonderdach (ascent by cable car) Length: 3 km Toboggan rental: Bezau cable cars T +43 (0)5514 2254

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paragliding

View from the Diedamskopf towards Damüls

The Bregenzerwald flying area (­Niedere close to Bezau-Andelsbuch and Diedamskopf close to Au-­ Schoppernau) is well-known for its laminar upwind and its pleasant thermal conditions.

The special thing about it is that an increasing number of flight/training areas can be offered within 10 km with each (wind) ­direction. The proximity and the easy accessibility of both flying areas ensure that training is both flexible and fast. On the ­Diedamskopf, you can take off towards the southerly, south-easterly and easterly directions across alpine, steep terrain.

From the approx. 10° in the pull-up area, the take-off area continually passes into a steep slope. Two take-off ramps are available for hang-gliders.

Also on offer: tandem flights. information & lessons Bregenzerwald flying school Jodok Moosbrugger T +43 (0)5514 3177 www.gleitschirmschule.at

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The reflective Advent season in 足Schwarzenberg, concerts, exhibitions and music salons in the hotels: the calendar of events promises an exciting mix of styles, even in the winter.

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culture

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74

everyday culture

The cheese-makers cast a critical eye

Anyone who allows himself the ­pleasure of watching cheese being made here – such as in ­Schoppernau alpine dairy – can understand how close the ties are between rural ­activities and everyday culture.

Alpine dairy The introduction of hard cheese ­making in the middle of the 18th ­century not only opened up new sources of income, it also changed the farmers. Initial failures are evidence of how much sweat and tears went into complying with the hygiene standards, into working out the complex production stages and the precise time standards. The alpine dairyman (hard cheese and lace → page 7) became a highly-­reputable skilled worker with extensive expertise whose circumstances demanded him to be what we these days call somewhat interdisciplinary. For Franz Michael Felder, the poet from ­Schoppernau, he is “a jack-of-alltrades: shoe mender, vet, ­launderer, carpenter, tailor, ­philosopher and much more”. A ­century earlier, the valley community had already proven that its people knew how to help

themselves in the face of adversity: in the form of the Au Guild (→ page 80), a new branch of industry was created from ­nothing: architecture and the building trade.

What: from nothing? Even though the background to this movement is unknown, one thing is for sure: it was born from necessity, and the resulting talent shown by the ­farmers of helping themselves.

And the architects’ contribution? ­Artistic talent (→ page 76) practiced for centuries.

Farmers’ palace and parlour However, none of the large buildings actually stand in the ­Bregenzerwald itself: they are constructed “­outside”: “inside” keeps house, tries to increase affluence and displays it with a reserved pride. When, in the early 19th century, agriculture started to prosper – especially in the Vorderand Mittelwald – new farmhouses were built which were soon known as farmers’ palaces and which, according to the ­relevant ­literature, were amongst the most magnificent in the whole of the alpine region. The log cabin was shingled, windows and

As a rule, these skills are practiced at home, with the individual ­members committed to the family. One is ­surrounded by one’s own craftsmanship. This is also true of the clothing.

The local costume stands out amongst all those from the alpine region: ornate, strict, proud – the “Juppe” is the first thing you notice. A four metre-long black piece of cloth is folded into numerous pleats, smoothed in several stages – this is the skirt. It is decorated only with one bright blue band. Then there are the half a dozen different pieces of headgear. The artistically embroidered blouse, which is a good indicator of social standing, is not the end of the magic. Inspired by fashion worn by 18th century courtiers in Spain, the costume still demands poise of the wearer today.

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The magic becomes even more ­physical when it comes to cooking and eating. Whatever is produced by the soil and the garden is cultivated: the cheese from the largest silage-free dairy region, for example, is unique. And you can taste the meaning of refinement when you compare local cheese “knöpfle” with cheese “spätzle” from other regions.

It is hardly surprising then that the Bregenzerwald has, by far, the most “chef’s hats” (culinary distinction) of all regions far and wide. Or that here, where one in three is employed as a craftsman, this refined everyday ­culture is a fixed source of income.

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Decoration and Taste And then there were the covers and textiles: textile processing – first of all weaving, followed from around 1760 by embroidery and lace-making for manufacturers from St. ­Gallen – soon proved so lucrative that farming was sometimes neglected: a repeated upturn was experienced from 1865 following the introduction of the “Parisian machine”. This can still be felt today: there is something ­missing in a Bregenzerwald parlour without the white, finely crocheted net curtains.

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doors were finely decorated in line with the ­Biedermeier period: more than anything else, however, people treated themselves to a panelled parlour, nice and bright thanks to large ­windows, cosy thanks to the tiled stove and special pieces of furniture. The sofa was one such piece: around the middle of the century, manufacture of this piece exploded, only to dwindle in a few decades: usually manufactured in the evening at home by “laymen”, today they are popular collector’s items (Werkraum → page 78). The stoves, too, were ­special: the artistic tiles came mainly from local potters whose trade flourished during this century.

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76

architecture

Modernism and tradition

If a ranking of the most ­significant architectural regions in the world were to be drawn up today, ­Vorarlberg would, without a doubt, be in the top ten. However, this doesn’t just mean the significance of the individual constructions, but also their number and density.

This phenomenon is ­comparatively new. Whilst it is true that V ­ orarlberg’s baroque master builders are a fixed feature in specialist literature (Au Guild → page 80), whenever the Vorarlberg school of architecture or architects are mentioned, they mean the generation born since 1950 which has been influencing the architecture here for about the past 30 years. Without counting the handful of pioneers that preceded them, this amounts to over 60 ­people: considering the 370,000 inhabitants, this is an amazing number. Such a ratio is only possible in a region where architecture is appreciated, where one in four houses is designed by architects.

From construction artists to architects However, this is the result, rather than the explanation, of a development. “Construction artists” is what the players called themselves at the start since, in the face of a ­vehement conflict with the “establishment” of the building industry and chamber, the title “architect” was refused.

According to one of the pioneers, public appearances, the joining of forces and dialogue were important right from the start. The ideal founded in terms of social ­policy – social, affordable, sustainable, regional – promoted the solidarity of a generation that was searching for new life forms and other ways of cultural expression, that was resisting the sell-out of their land, and that found expression in building. The new type of architecture started off in residential buildings – by way of examining already existing buildings or as a new structure, often for residential groups – and grew into a clear sign of the cultural restoration which soon extended to the economic elite and the public sector. However, as important as this environment was, there are always people who take

architecture

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Tip: Buildings worth visiting museums Angelika Kauffmann Museum, Schwarzenberg; Juppenwerkstatt, Riefensberg; Women’s Museum, Hittisau; Franz Michel Felder Museum, Schoppernau. inns and hotels Gasthof Adler, Schwarzenberg; Hotel Krone, ­Hittisau; Hotel Gams, Bezau; Hotel Post, Bezau; Hotel Sonne and Metzgerstüble, Mellau; Hotel ­Steffisalp, Warth. schools & kindergarten Doren; Egg; Warth. commercial buildings Molke Metzler, Egg; Wood ­workshop Faißt, Hittisau; Cheese cellar, Lingenau. municipal buildings Village halls in Sulzberg, ­Langenegg, Andelsbuch, Bizau. churches Alpe Niedere chapel, Andelsbuch

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Worth a visit It is hard to list remarkable buildings, since many of them are ­private residential buildings which are not accessible.

However, a walk through ­Hittisau or Schwarzenberg for ­example, can satisfy your curiosity. The village of Bizau is ­particularly suitable for such a walk: it boasts residential buildings from all epochs, estates, buildings for industrial, ­educational and local authority ­purposes, as well as inns: the ensemble was awarded the ArGeAlp prize.

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Landscape and wooden buildings Located somewhat off the beaten track, the Bregenzerwald was part of this development, although in a way of its own. In contrast to the densely populated, industrial and commercial Rhine Valley with its mainly suburban structure, landscape, nature and rural craftsmanship culture is of great importance in the ­Bregenzerwald. Outside of the Bregenzerwald, groups of houses and farms dominate, whereas inside the ­Bregenzerwald it is the single-ridge house (farmers’ ­palace and parlour → page 74); ­outside of the B ­ regenzerwald it is households which commission the building, whereas inside the ­Bregenzerwald it is the young craftsmen. The ­Bregenzerwälder have a greater ­affinity for craftsmanship in general (Werkraum → page 78): for example, it is in the carpentry trade that the Kaufmann family of architects has its roots. While, following the initial years, the formal experiment is in demand outside, the tendency towards stringency and sobriety increases inside. Rural pragmatism and the discipline of construction with timber, which is now state-ofthe-art, appears to be more effective here. Recently, examining the old buildings is also gaining in importance.

Above all, however, the new buildings fit in with the surrounding landscape with regard to material, size and proportion. Is it this attitude that shies at the eccentric and that searches for the typical rather than the unique which guarantees this way of building a wide basis? In any case, good

carpentry firms now build residential buildings which architects in other places wouldn’t be capable of building: it is these houses which graze casually in the field like the ­cattle which are as typical of the region as the farmhouses and the churches.

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responsibility, and Eberle, Gnaiger, Dietrich, Kaufmann and Ritsch have long since become international stars with chairs at renowned universities.

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bregenzerwald werkraum

Werkraum depot in Schwarzenberg

A festival week with an exhibition of artistic innovations, architectural delights, culinary offers, international guests – for the past decade, life in the Bregenzerwald has been richer by a major attraction. Every three years, the Werkraum invites people to “­Handwerk + Form”. All this arises voluntarily: a provisional building is provided free of charge, the efforts put in by the countless team ­members clearly increase, to culminate in the presentation of prizes (the actual reason behind the whole thing) at a major party lasting a week and featuring an exhibition. Each year the event attracts more and more visitors from near and far.

Game and competition This is how the Werkraum displays its mission: as part of a community, by means of teamwork, it accomplishes that which far extends beyond the strengths of its individual members.

And it encourages competition, challenges entrants to perform their very best. Objects created in the members’ workshops according to their own design or in conjunction with external designers are judged. The close relationship with the architects (→ page 76) is allowed to develop. Furniture, clothing, components – they must have a practical use, be proof of the highest level of craftsmanship and exemplary design.

Since its establishment in 1999, the competition has been the core of the registered society. Almost 100 firms are members, mainly involved in wood processing, such as joiners and carpenters, but there is also a handful of locksmiths, stonemasons, bricklayers, fitters, electricians, painters, upholsterers, textile processors and cobblers through to the exotic such as coppers and wood carvers. Most of the firms have up to around five

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Yet that is not all: the Werkraum has always been involved at a local level, such as in training, in schools, in ­specific construction projects, in dealing with historical building stock. It is a contribution towards the structural change of the region, and an example of social competence. Despite its international reputation, over 75% of all objects are still sold to clients in Vorarlberg, most of whom even live in the valley. And so these trades make an important contribution towards the prosperity of the valley community.

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Public relations work, advertising, marketing – the Werkraum provides all those advantages which industry has over trade. Yet without a huge budget: instead, it has capital typical to craftsmen – brains and ability, a network, links. And so an interested public in Vienna, Munich and Paris have seen exhibitions put on by the Werkraum, for example. The Werkraum is also a regular subject in the specialist press, and has been described as the “landscape of knowledge”.

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Werkraum depot The Werkraum depot is the ­communal exhibition platform for furniture and objects from the Bregenzerwald. On an area ­covering 300 m², the Werkraum members exhibit Bregenzerwald furniture and objects with a practical, daily use: tables, chairs, shoes, swings, sofas, chests, clogs and much more. opening times Thu 5 – 7.30 p.m. information & booking of guided tours Werkraum office T +43 (0)5512 26386 www.werkraum.at

introduced, the finish of coatings is expanded, for example: ­craftsmanship meets ­omnipresent engineering. Hence, it comes as no surprise that you can find ­kitchens from ­Hittisau in Athens, that the furnishings of a hall of residence in Massachusetts come from Schwarzenberg or that, in 2008, a ­living unit from Reuthe was visible on the roof of the MoMa in New York.

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Qualities of craftsmanship Work on the spot, reaction to special cases, direct commissioning, closeness to customers and flexibility are quality standards of this craftsmanship, specialised skills and a creative instinct are needed, acquired in a highly developed culture of craftsmanship (Au Guild → page 80) and naturally handed down to the next generation. This store of knowledge and skills is maintained and continually extended: raw materials – such as the silver fir – are cultivated to their most exquisite form, small batches in the field of furniture ­construction open up new markets, the pre-production of construction ­elements in the field of hotel construction, for example, is making progress. The latest manufacturing technologies such as CAM and CNC have been

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employees, some of them are oneman workshops, and only a few have double-digit employees.

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80

au guild

Au-Rehmen with the Diedamskopf

Imagine: in a hardly developed mountain valley, tucked away in the very last corner, in a village, a group of people gets together and leaves its mark on the construction activities within a radius of several hundred kilometres for 150 years. And that in the form of large structures for churches and monasteries, without any precursors, without any academies, with buildings made from stone although wood was the only building material used in the ­valley.

And then – as if appearing from nowhere, to vanish into thin air. Hard to believe, yet …

Initiative and self-help Around 1650, Michael Beer – then in his mid-forties – founded the Au Guild, named after the village of Au in the back of the Bregenzerwald.

This was preceded by his apprenticeship and years of travel, with stops in the Rhine Valley, Lower Austria ... not much else is known. Following the devastation caused by the Thirty Years’ War, which was coming to an end, and guided by the Counter-­ Reformation, construction thrived in South ­Germany. Michael Beer and his contemporaries started to build for these clients. Although the start of the collegiate church in Kempten was fraught with friction, 20 years later Thumb, Moosbrugger, Beer (to name only the most important of over 50 personalities) were sitting firmly in the saddle. Over the next 150 years, ­hundreds of churches were built, including highlights such as the churches in ­Ellwangen (from 1682), Obermarchtal (from 1686), Einsiedeln (from 1674), Disentis (from 1696), Irsee (from 1699), ­Weingarten (from 1715), St. Peter, Schwarzwald (from 1724), St. ­Gallen (from 1755), Birnau (from 1747).

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In all their planning, building and training, the master builders concentrated on bricklayers and stucco plasterers. In the spring, groups of builders comprising up to 200 men arrived at the building sites: from autumn, construction was stopped and the builders returned to the ­valley, an experience richer. The ­winter was spent learning, using the available literature (Serlio, Pozzo, Vignola). The development of the Guild was undoubtedly enriched by the formation of a concept that was essentially simple, repeatable, economic yet adaptable and variable, without turning into a rigid pattern.

Clients appreciated this fact. Yet, it cannot be said that the Au workmen were simple service providers, as ­displayed by the conflict surrounding Weingarten: Franz Beer threw the order at the feet of the abbots.

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Continuity and change More recent studies confirm that the builders contributed significant prosperity to the Hinterwald, as well as bringing fame and honour to their leaders: Franz Beer was awarded a title of nobility, and Peter Thumb was appointed councillor in Constance. This all had a widespread impact, as proven by the almost 2,000 released serfs by the end of the 18th century. This asset wasn’t lost when the clerical building activities stopped at the start of the new ­century. The radical change in agriculture meant new building tasks, such as new farms, which were praised by contemporary travellers as “farmers’ palaces” (→ page 74). History starts to repeat itself: the change-over from wood to stone is now successfully reversed.

The acquired skills are continued in a new guise, with new material, with new tasks. A century later, another upturn in the field of craftsmanship can be seen: this time, it is the ­Werkraum (→ page 78) which, with its furniture design, ­carries the Bregenzer­wald name out into the world.

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Building activities subsided in the second third of the 18th century, to cease entirely with secularisation.

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The baroque Einsiedeln monastery in Switzerland

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antony gormley: »horizon field«

Antony Gormley – Horizon Field © Antony Gormley and Kunsthaus Bregenz

Along with British artist Antony Gormley, Kunsthaus Bregenz is realising the unique landscape project “Horizon Field” in Vorarlberg which can be viewed in the mountains between August 2010 and April 2012.

»Horizon Field« comprises one hundred life-size casts of a human body made from solid cast iron distributed over an area of 150 square kilometres such that they form a horizontal line at 2,039 m above sea level. The specific positioning of the figures has no metaphoric or thematic relevance. The positioning is the result of the artist’s experience that this altitude is readily accessible yet remote from everyday life.

It is the greatest artistic and scenic intervention in Austria to date. In the form of the »Horizon Field« project in ­Bregenzerwald and in the Arlberg area in the municipalities of Mellau, Schoppernau, Schröcken, Warth, Mittelberg, Lech, Klösterle and Dalaas, this is the first time such an art project has been realised in the mountains – and at such a high altitude to boot. Antony Gormley is one of the most renowned artists in the world and is one of the most important contemporary sculptors in Great Britain. His works are concerned mainly with man and his complex relationships with society, with architecture and nature. The focus of his work is

antony gormley: »horizon field«

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The landscape installation »­Horizon Field« is a logical continuation of the artistic interventions for public display initiated

by KUB in Vorarlberg and, at the same time, represents a highlight, since the field of figures is realised in one of loveliest landscapes in Vorarlberg.

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Kunsthaus Bregenz During its 13-year history, ­Kunsthaus Bregenz (KUB) has advanced to become one of the leading exhibition centres for contemporary art in Europe. In the form of its exhibitions, it keeps on facing international challenges. At the same time, its work and its projects outside of the establishment make an important contribution towards the cultural identity of the region.

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information Kunsthaus Bregenz www.kunsthaus-bregenz.at www.antonygormley.com

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on the human figure which he, starting from his own figure, presents as individual figures and as part of large ensembles in new sculptural constellations. Kunsthaus Bregenz displayed an extensive individual exhibition

by Antony Gormley in the summer of 2009 which attracted great national and international attention.

The exhibition made an essential contribution towards presenting Gormley’s works to a wide audience and drawing attention to the approaching sculpture project. The field of figures is positioned in a landscape which stands for beauty and an idyllic situation yet also for sensitivity and vulnerability. Some of the sculptures will be located in places accessible via hiking paths or which you will pass by on the slopes during winter, others will be visible yet not accessible.

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Antony Gormley – Horizon Field © Antony Gormley and Kunsthaus Bregenz

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cabaret & village culture

Listed village square in Schwarzenberg

The cultural calendar also has plenty to offer during the winter: Advent in Schwarzenberg is particularly atmospheric. Music and cabaret are staged.

Schwarzenberger Advent 25 November – 19 December 2010 The atmospheric “Schwarzenberg Advent” has advanced to become a fixed date in the diaries of many guests and locals alike. 2010 also offers lots of interesting things to experience, to hear and to discover.

The highlights are the Christmas market (held between 3 and 8 p.m. on 26 and 27 November), the concert with the “Holstuonarmusigbigbandclub” and Augustin Jagg in the church, various readings and exhibitions around the village square. information Schwarzenberg Tourismus T +43 (0)5512 3570 www.schwarzenberg.at

Bahnhof Andelsbuch cultural society Andelsbuch railway station was built over a century ago. It is one of the last remaining historical railway buildings of the former ­Bregenzerwald railway. In recent years, the building has been carefully renovated, and in 2009 was enlarged.

The Bahnhof Andelsbuch cultural society has been based here since 1999. With “arrivals, stays and ­meetings” as their motto, around 40 events such as concerts, readings and exhibitions are held every year.

In 2006, the Bahnhof cultural society was awarded the Austrian State Prize for cultural innovations in the rural region. information Kulturverein Bahnhof T +43 (0)5512 4947 www.bahnhof.cc

music and literature salons in hotels

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Jazz in Steffisalp in Warth This is the place to finish off a day’s skiing to the sound of good jazz and lounge music. Live music in the Literature salon in Hotel Krone in ­fireside bar every Saturday.

Hittisau The “Literature on Saturday Afternoon” information cycle is a joint event hosted by Ensem- Sporthotel Steffisalp T +43 (0)5583 3699 ble 89 Hittisau and Gasthof Krone. www.steffisalp.at information & dates Hotel Gasthof Krone T +43 (0)5513 6201 Tip: Steffisalp open-air concert www.krone-hittisau.at On 25 April 2011 (Easter Monday), an open-air concert will be held Wälderness in Hotel Hirschen in featuring an open-air concert will Schwarzenberg be held featuring the party band Once upon a time, it was the “five3-Rad. o’clock-tea” which offered refined

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Advent music in Hotel Post, Bezau The small yet exquisite Advent ­festival in Hotel Post gets you in the mood for Christmas on the four Advent Sundays.

Date: 28 November, 5 December, 12. December, 19 December at 6 p.m. information & registration Hotel Post in Bezau T +43 (0)5514 2207 www.hotelpostbezau.com

entertainment after a day on the slopes: now it is the music salons held in the evening. Under the motto “Wälderness”, selected jazz, blues, rock and new folk music ensembles – all of which have a touch of inside tip about them – play in the Hotel Hirschen in Schwarzenberg every Thursday. information Hotel-Gasthof Hirschen T +43 (0)5512 2944 www.hirschenschwarzenberg.at or www.waelderness.at

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Several hotels in Bregenzerwald extend a warm invitation to attend music and literature salons held in the evening.

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Wälderness – Hirschen’s exquisite music salon

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exhibitions & museums

Die Bregenzerwälder Frauentracht

Insights into the history, lifestyle and creative activity are provided by lively museums and exhibitions.

Women’s Museum in Hittisau The Women’s Museum presents changing exhibitions. Until January 2011, the exhibition is dedicated to the animator, graphic artist and multi award-winning children’s book illustrator Susi Weigel (1914 – 1990). Along with Mira Lobe, she is responsible for classic children’s books such as “Das kleine Ich bin Ich”. Susi Weigel lived in Bludenz from 1952 until her death. opening times November – April: Thu 3 – 8 p.m., Fri 3 – 5 p.m., Sat, Sun 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m. as well as following prior appointment. information & guided tours T +43 (0)5513 6209-30 www.frauenmuseum.at

opening times 26 November 2010 until 9 January 2011 Fri – So 2 – 4 p.m. The museum is closed on 24 and 25 December 2010 as well as on 1 January 2011. Guided tours available upon request information & guided tours Tourismusbüro Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 3570 www.schwarzenberg.at

Franz Michael Felder Museum Schoppernau Franz Michael Felder was a farmer, writer and social reformer and is one of the most historically significant personalities from the Bregenzerwald.

The exhibition is an exploration of his life and works, displaying original documents, quotations and pictures, and featuring audio points. opening times Mon 4 – 6 p.m., Thu 9 – 11 a.m., Fri 5 – 7 p.m., Sun 9.30 – 11.30 a.m. information Angelika Kauffmann Museum Tourismusbüro Schoppernau Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5515 2495 The municipality of Schwarzenberg displays works from its art collection in www.au-schoppernau.at the Angelika Kauffmann Museum. The municipality owns many art treasures from the time of Angelika Kauffmann.

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The Bregenzerwald locals are masters in the art of cheese and cuisine. 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 skilfully master the art of cooking.

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bregenzerwald culinary delights region

Alpine dairy in Schnepfau

How come a valley community in which, a century ago, Sunday dinner comprised a sort of wheat flour mash (with maize grits the rest of the week) is now a gourmet region with specialities whose origins are protected and where refined gastronomy is at home in many restaurants?

The Bregenzerwald is an Austrian gourmet region. These days, the word “gourmet” is used all too frequently in advertising: however, the expression “gourmet region” has a specific meaning: it is a registered brand by the Austrian Ministry for Food and the AMA (Agrarmarkt Austria), wishing to remind consumers of regional specialities. The basic ­prerequisites are that the ingredients come from the region, that production is regional, and that the products are firmly rooted in regional gastronomy.

In the Bregenzerwald, this means alpine cheese. Every year, approximately 3,000 tons of alpine cheese are produced in the valley’s 17 dairies.

Every year, 200 tons of alpine cheese are handmade by the 90 or more dairy alps every summer. The special thing about this cheese is the silofree milk it is produced from, since only 2% of EU dairy farmers produce in this way, i.e. their cows never eat silo fodder – instead, between May and October, they only eat grass and herbs. During the winter, they only

bregenzerwald culinary delights region

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The passage of this modest alp fare to the current first-class restaurants in the Bregenzerwald – which now use over 50 regional types of cheese – went through a series of changes which demanded quality rather than ­quantity. These include the 1997 EU Protection of Origin of alpine and mountain cheeses, the establishment of the “­KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald” in 1998 as a network of farmers, alpine d ­ airies, craftsmen, publicans and businesses, the “Gourmet region of the ­Bregenzerwald” in 2005, the ­Vorarlberg quality marketing “luag druf” in 2005, the inclusion of ­Bregenzerwald mountain cheese into the “Ark of taste” by Slow Food 2008, and the “­Bregenzerwald Gourmet Days” by the KäseStrasse in July 2009. The toughest taste test is still the most regional however: every year, alpine and mountain cheese is judged in Schwarzenberg. The winner at this event is enough to ­satisfy any gourmet’s taste buds.

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The three-stage farming method in particular gives the alpine cheese the special flavour which means it can easily contend with the wellknown European full-fat cheeses.

It has been like this for a long time: back at the start of the 19th century, the inhabitants of the Bregenzerwald sold over 30.000 kg of cheese to the monarchy and abroad. In 1877, Karl von S ­ eyffertitz wrote: “Everywhere – including in the cheerful Vorderwald, in Hittisau and Lingenau, you will meet a unique people in strange national dress in wood-panelled parlours with floors scrubbed white, with shiny door handles – the men busy looking after a dairy breed of cow and overseeing the production of a popular, world-famous fine cheese, the women busy with elaborate whitework embroidery.” However, it wasn’t the producers back then who made all the money – it was the sellers. The Schnepfau local Josef Ambros Moosbrugger, for example, made so much profit from selling cheese that he could afford a city palace in Milan.

No doubt he dined differently to the 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 and cheese were the main ingredients.

The recipe for “­Schwozermus” – named for the woodcutters from Schwaz – was: “Water, flour, salt, dripping – and that’s it!” The lack of bread on the alp gave rise to the “­Käsknöpfle”, to “Sig”, known only in the Bregenzerwald and which is caramelised lactose, since they wanted to make a further product from the whey.

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eat the air-dried hay from valley meadows. In the so-called three-stage farming method, following their ­winter in the barn, the animals graze on the mountain pastures located at medium height (around 900 m) ­during the spring and the autumn, and on the high mountain pasture during the summer. The mountain pastures are run as a collective, since the farmers only have an average of 12 cows in the barn.

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berggut – good things from the bregenzerwald

Good things from the Bregenzerwald

Really good bread with country-style butter and alpine cheese, a fluffy local pancake made with eggs from happy chickens, a juicy schnitzel from a mountain pig: the limelight has recently been on regional delicacies offered by mountain inns and restaurants catering for day-trippers.

For fresh, natural produce tastes better, and short delivery distances are good for the environment. A special menu informs diners which ingredients come directly from regional farms and manufactories – or even from the restaurant’s own garden!

Many things are still hand-made: the excellent alpine and cream cheese, crispy bread, best butter and creamy yoghurts. “BERGGUT” partners also offer farm-made ice-cream made from milk produced by hay-eating cows, fresh fruits and regional ingredients.

Almhotel Hochhäderich Alpenarena Hochhäderich, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 8254-0 www.alpenarena.com opening times 11 December 2010 to 3 April 2011

Bergrestaurant Simma Mellau cable cars, Roßstelle T +43 (0)5518 2761 or T +43 (0)5518 2760 www.restaurant-simma.at opening times 4 December 2010 to 25 April 2011 Panoramarestaurant Diedamskopf cable cars Au-Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4110-0 www.diedamskopf.at opening times 11 December 2010 to 25 April 2011 Elsenalpstube mountain inn Damüls cable cars, Uga Express T +43 (0)5510 297 www.elsenalpstube.at opening times 4 December 2010 to 25 April 2011 Hochalpe hiking hut Steffisalp cable car, Warth T + 43 (0)5583 4250 www.jaegeralpe.at opening times 10 December 2010 to 1 May 2011

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Gasthof Gams in Bezau T +43 (0)5514 2220 www.hotel-gams.at Hotel Krone in Au T +43 (0)5515 2201 www.krone-au.at

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

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Restaurant Schulhus in Krumbach T +43 (0)5513 8389 www.schulhus.com

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Hotel Post in Bezau T +43 (0)5514 2207-0 www.hotelpostbezau.com

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information www.mundart-restaurants.at

Gasthof Krone in Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 6201 www.krone-hittisau.at

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The following award-winning ­Bregenzerwald inns and restaurants have made it their business to adopt “MundArt” as their motto.

Gasthof Hirschen in Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 2944-0 www.hirschenschwarzenberg.at

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MundArt The term “MundArt” has two meanings in the Bregenzerwald: firstly, it means the special dialects maintained in this region – even the Vorarlberg locals don’t understand it all! Secondly, “MundArt” stands for the creativity displayed by the Bregenzerwald catering trade. For them, it is a matter of etiquette to use produce from local farms in their kitchens: meat, vegetables, herbs and dairy products.

Gasthof Adler in Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 2966 www.adler-schwarzenberg.at

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The Bregenzerwald has a considerable number of restaurants and inns for those who enjoy good food. This includes a few exceptional addresses.

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Regional cuisine with creative touches

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execptional specialties

Villa Maund in Schoppernau

Extravagant: Villa Maund The Villa Maund close to ­Schoppernau is a historical gem. ­Originally built as a hunting villa for an English banker, today it is part of the “Gämsle inn” in Schoppernau, and is used for culinary evenings and exquisite events. information Wirtshaus zum Gämsle T +43 (0)5515 30062 www.villamaund.com Enjoyment with Hildegard von Bingen The kitchen in the Hotel Schwanen in Bizau is orientated towards the teachings of abbess Hildegard von Bingen.

Fresh produce from the region and the hotel’s own garden is lovingly prepared into delicious meals. information Gasthof Schwanen T +43 (0)5514 2133 www.schwanen.at

Naze’s Hus in Mellau Naze’s (short name of Ignaz) Hus in Mellau, a small restaurant and B&B, uses only local produce. Naze’s Hus is accommodated in a carefully-renovated Bregenzerwald house listed for preservation with its typical, woodshingle façade.

Awarded the status of traditional inn in 2008 by “Vorarlberg isst…”. information Naze’s Hus T +43 (0)650 4627929 www.nazes-hus.at Hotel Wirthaus zum Gämsle in Schoppernau The inn and small hotel are housed in a typical Bregenzerwald house.

The establishment’s philosophy: to make everything as natural as ­possible – from the cuisine to the furnishings in the rooms. Declared “Vorarlberger Genuss Wirt” in 2009. information Hotel Wirthaus zum Gämsle T +43 (0)5515 30062 www.gaemsle.at

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Gasthof Adler T +43 (0)5513 8156-0 www.adler-krumbach.at

Kur- und Gesundheitshotel Rossbad T +43 (0)5513 5110 www.rossbad.com

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Krumbacher Stuba T +43 (0)5513 8724 www.krumbacher-stuba.at

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Restaurant Schulhus T +43 (0)5513 8389 www.schulhus.com

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Moor restaurateurs, Krumbach Four restaurateurs have taken up the topic of “Krumbach’s moorlands” as their mission. As “moor restaurateurs”, they offer their guests guided tours, cookery courses and moorland days to experience the moorland in full. At least one dish related to the moors is included in the menu throughout the year. The seasonal moor drink delights gourmets with various fragrances and aromas from the moor. The Spring and Autumn Moor Weeks are the culinary highlights in the annual calendar of the moor restaurateurs.

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Krumbach’s moorlands in the winter

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Ms Kaufmann in her cooking studio

Ms Kaufmann: learning to cook the home-made way “Ms Kaufmann” teaches her students to cook a four-course meal according to old recipes, either sticking to the original or applying contemporary changes. The side dishes always depend on the produce currently available at the market. Everybody participates in each course, either cooking or observing. The individual dishes are eaten as soon as they are ready, served with a suitable wine.

Depending on the subject, interesting guests, experienced cooks, farmers or wine-growers are invited along. The cooking session includes the recipes, an aperitif, enjoyment of the meal together – including wine – and a taster for home.

The “Ms Kaufmann” cookery school is located in the former Gasthaus Engel in Egg, whose substance is almost 300 years old. Located on a historic trading route, the Engel was once frequented by horse dealers, business people and coachmen. It has been lovingly renovated. information Karin Kaufmann T +43 (0)676 4954144 www.fraukaufmann.at

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Who doesn’t occasionally long for a retreat, for a ­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.

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health hotels

The perfect way to finish off active winter days

Curative or preventative: if you want to lend your health a helping hand, you are in the right place!

Kur- und Gesundheitshotel Rossbad*** Therapeutic fasting, Moor vitality weeks, Kneipp treatments, wholefood cuisine.

Krumbach T +43 (0)5513 5110 www.rossbad.at Vitalhotel Quellengarten*** Active hotel offering sports and relaxation activities. Spacious bathing and sauna complex plus fitness centre (open to the public).

Lingenau T +43 (0)5513 6461-0 www.bregenzerwaldhotels.at

Gesundhotel Bad Reuthe**** Applications using mud, wellness and beauty package deals. Lovely 足bathing house with a sauna and wellness complex and pool in the garden (open to the public).

Reuthe T +43 (0)5514 2265-0 www.badreuthe.at Pension Engel*** Therapeutic fasting according to Dr. Buchinger.

Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 6231-0 www.fastenkur.at Hotel Schwanen*** Detox and wellness programmes according to the teachings of Abbess Hildegard von Bingen.

Bizau T +43 (0)5514 2133 www.schwanen.at

Sonne Lifestyle Resort****S modern-yet-cosy designer rooms and suites, spacious comfort-zone spa.

Mellau T +43 (0)5518 20100-0 www.sonnemellau.com

Sporthotel Steffisalp**** Modern, elegant hotel with spacious Steffis spa.

Warth T +43 (0)5583 3699 www.steffisalp.at

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Romantik Hotel Das Schiff**** Lovely, new rooms and suites, ­spacious wellness area with ­swimming pool and garden, ­excellent cuisine.

Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 6220 www.schiff-hittisau.com

Landhotel Hirschen*** Yoga and herb weeks, wellness days, therapeutic fasting according to Dr Buchinger, talks on herbs, own herb garden and cellar.

Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 2320 www.landhotel-hirschen.at

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Damülser Hof**** Wellnesshotel Location offering a breathtaking view at an altitude of 1,400 m above sea level.

Damüls T +43 (0)5510 210 www.damuelserhof.at

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Hotel Post**** Voted the best wellness hotel in Europe in 2008 by Geo Saison.

Modernised in style in 2009.

Bezau T +43 (0)5514 2207 www.hotelpostbezau.com

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Vital Hotel Linde**** Wellness and golf hotel with the elegant Sunset spa and a magnificent view. (open to the public) Sulzberg T +43 (0)5516 2025 www.bregenzerwaldhotels.at

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GAMS, Genießer- & Kuschelhotel****S “Blütenschloss” with cosy suites, The Da Vinci spa has been extended in 2009.

Bezau T +43 (0)5514 2220 www.hotel-gams.at

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Hirschen Wohlfühlhotel**** Informal establishment, adventure swimming pool with panoramic view of the countryside.

Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 21150 www.hirschen.at

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Hotel Krone**** Sky spa in the fourth and fifth storeys with a view of the countryside. ­Bathing lake in the garden. The swimming pool and the ­massage and beauty areas were modernised in 2009.

Au T +43 (0)5515 2201-0 www.krone-au.at

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These hotels are particularly orientated towards pampering their guests with pleasurable and exciting sensations for body, mind and soul.

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wellness days

Architecture for a feeling of well-being

Some of the health and wellness hotels in the Bregenzerwald also offer wellness days for visitors who are not guests of their establishments. Prior reservations are required for all these programmes.

The prices are per person.

Kur- und Gesundheitshotel Rossbad*** Krumbach T +43 (0)5513 5110 www.rossbad.at Rossbad wellness day Full-body massage, Scottish salt bath in the flotation lounger, affusion stimulating to the skin, use of the sauna and wellness area, including breakfast buffet, lunch and evening meal. â‚Ź 140

Gesundhotel Bad Reuthe**** T +43 (0)5514 2265-0 www.badreuthe.at Relax day 1 mud pack with freshly cut natural mud or herbal bath, 1 all-over body massage, 1 facial exfoliant and mask, including day ticket to the thermal bath and sauna and wellness world, fitness room. â‚Ź 98,70 Vitalhotel Quellengarten*** Lingenau T +43 (0)5513 6461-0 www.bregenzerwaldhotels.at Chill-out day 1 back massage, 1 wellness bath of your choice, 1 solarium session, day ticket to the bathing and sauna world, use of the fitness room. â‚Ź 85

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Landhotel Hirschen*** Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 2320 www.landhotel-hirschen.at Wellness day 1 hot stone massage or 1 herbal stamp massage, 1 coloured light and sound therapy, 1 herbal bath of your choice, use of the sauna and steam bath. € 108

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Sporthotel Steffisalp**** Warth T +43 (0)5583 3699 www.steffisalp.at “Desire for pampering moments” Bathrobe and slippers, sauna towels, use of the wellness area including vitality pool and four different saunas (8 a.m. until 8 p.m.). € 19

Vital Hotel Linde**** Sulzberg T +43 (0)5516 2025 www.bregenzerwaldhotels.at Wellness day – pure relaxation 1 pack of fresh hay flowers or almond oil bath, 1 back massage, day ticket to our Sunset spa with wellness pool, sauna complex, fitness room. € 68,50

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Sonne Lifestyle Resort****S Mellau T +43 (0)5518 20100-0 www.sonnemellau.com Sunny day Includes relaxation treatment for the face and a paraffin intensive pack for the hands, back and neck massage with a special aromatic oil, Cleopatra pack in the flotation lounger, use of the wellness complex covering 1,500 m², drinks and snacks in the tea & juice corner. € 149 All offers can be combined with breakfast from the large buffet in the Marktwelt between 8 and 9 a.m. for € 17 per person.

Hirschen Wohlfühlhotel**** Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 2115-0 www.hirschen.at Enjoyment day A sparkling welcome, snugly bath robe, pampering facial, relaxing partial-body massage, light wellness lunch, relaxation in the whirlpool, in the sauna, in the steam bath, on waterbeds, total immersion in the panoramic adventure pool (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). € 125

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Hotel Post**** Bezau T +43 (0)5514 2207 www.hotelpostbezau.com Aktive Regeneration Active regeneration Relaxation treatment, all-over body massage using aromatic oils (40 ­minutes), reflexology massage, herbal and whey bath. Use use of the bathhouse, fitness room, vitalising ­aperitif and light lunch. € 217

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vorarlberg

Vorarlberg – pioneering territory for alpine

Vorarlberg: unearthed! Vorarlberg is a cosmopolitan province interested in art, located in the most westerly corner of Austria. An alpine idyll and vibrant cultural ­centre at the same time. Exciting and full of the joys of life.

For over a century, all types of winter sport have been playing an important role in the mountainous land between Lake Constance and the ­Arlberg.

Despite this, however, the ­villages haven’t been transformed into small “skiing stations”, and not all mountain peaks have been d ­ eveloped for winter sports. The skiing areas have been gently adapted to the natural features, which is very pleasing on the eye.

The fact that Vorarlberg is a ­thriving winter sports country is, of course, also thanks to the lovely ­landscape: the interplay of ­gentle and ­challenging slopes, of pistes, areas for ­freeriders and variation ­skiers, and tranquil retreats for ­winter ­hikers and nature lovers.

Visitors to the area also love the atmospheric villages with their ­masterly and surprisingly brave blend of old and new (wooden) ­architecture. Standards of accommodation are high – from the ­five-star hotel through to the private room.

You will find some of the best food in Austria here. information Vorarlberg Tourismus Poststraße 11 6850 Dornbirn, Austria T + 43 (0)5572 377033-0 F +43 (0)5572 377033-5 info@vorarlberg.travel www.vorarlberg.travel

how to reach us

Munich 216 km

Friedrichshafen 62 km Memmingen 103 km

Lake Constance

D

Altenrhein 41 km Zurich 140 km

CH

Bregenzerwald Klein walsertal

BodenseeVorarlberg Großes Walsertal FL

Arlberg

Innsbruck 200 km

Alpenregion Bludenz A

Montafon CH

Distances to Egg in the Bregenzerwald

By car from the north • Stuttgart-Ulm-Lindau • or München-Memmingen-Lindau from the west via Swiss ­motorways* via Zurich-St. GallenSt. Margrethen from the south via the routes • Brenner motorway-Innsbruck-­ Arlberg pass-Lech-Warth** • or Arlberg road tunnel*-BludenzGroßes Walsertal- Bregenzerwald • or Arlberg road tunnel*-FeldkirchDornbirn-Bregenzerwald • Como-San Bernardino-ChurSt. Margrethen*-Bregenzerwald from the east • Innsbruck-Arlberg pass-LechWarth** • or Arlberg road tunnel*-BludenzGroßes Walsertal-Bregenzerwald • or Arlberg road tunnel*-FeldkirchDornbirn-Bregenzerwald

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toll road

** closed in winter

toll sticker required by law A toll applies to the use of Austria’s motorways and dual carriageways.

Types of toll sticker: “­corridor” toll (border of Germany to the H ­ ohenems exit, close to the Swiss border), 10-day, 2-month and yearly stickers. ­Information: www.asfinag.at By train The closest railway stations (distances to Egg): • Bregenz (A): 26 km • Dornbirn (A): 20 km • St. Margrethen (CH): 32 km • Lindau (D): 35 km Timetable information: www.oebb.at Onward travel by public buses: www.vmobil.at By aeroplane • Zurich (CH): several direct train connections to Bregenz • Friedrichshafen (D) • Memmingen (D) • Munich (D) • Innsbruck (A) Transfers from the airports to the Bregenzerwald: www.mytransfer.at

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Bregenzerwald Tourismus Mon – Fri: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat, Sun, bank holidays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Impulszentrum 1135 . 6863 Egg . Vorarlberg . Austria T +43 (0)5512 2365 . F +43 (0)5512 3010 info@bregenzerwald.at . www.bregenzerwald.at