Winter Bliss
Winter 2014/15 in Vorarlberg
Current Media Information
Downloadable from www.vorarlberg.travel/press
At www.vorarlberg.travel/en/images you may download matching
photos for use in a tourist context and only in combination with
coverage on Vorarlberg.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststraße 11 | Postfach 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
The data contained in this compilation were collected in June/July 2014.
They are based on our own research and on information provided to us
by the regions, lift companies and other partners. Quoted prices and
dates indicated are usually accurate. However, we do recommend that
you check their correctness as appropriate.
VORARLBERG AT A GLANCE ............................................................. 4
Living Space .............................................................................................. 5
Arrival by car and air ................................................................................ 7
INVESTMENTS AND AWARDS ........................................................... 8
Investments in the Ski Areas .................................................................... 8
Investments in Hotels............................................................................... 8
NEW: Montforthaus in Feldkirch ............................................................. 8
Vorarlberg Tourism Innovations 2014 ..................................................... 9
New Prizes and Awards ............................................................................ 9
DESCENDING AND MOUNTING....................................................... 10
Ski Destination Vorarlberg ..................................................................... 10
Open-Terrain Skiing................................................................................ 10
Ski Ride Vorarlberg ................................................................................. 10
Hints and Offers for Freeriders and Open-Terrain Skiers ...................... 11
Ski Safaris ............................................................................................... 12
Hints and Offers for Ski Touring ............................................................. 12
Safety First.............................................................................................. 13
 Connoisseur TIP: HochjochTotale in the Montafon .......................... 13
Be the First to Hit the Slopes.................................................................. 13
Ski & Dance in the “ski!Project” in the Bregenzerwald.......................... 13
Rails & Kickers: Snowparks..................................................................... 14
Après Ski ................................................................................................. 14
Interactive Ski Areas ............................................................................... 14
FIS Snowboardcross World Cup in the Montafon .................................. 15
The White Ring – The World’s Longest Ski Round in Lech Zürs ............. 15
Olympic Youth Games in Vorarlberg ...................................................... 15
Freeriding in the Montafon .................................................................... 15
Telemarking in the Kleinwalsertal .......................................................... 15
MOUNTAIN ACTIVITY..................................................................... 16
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Winter Hiking ......................................................................................... 16
Interactive Winter Hiking ....................................................................... 16
 Connoisseur TIP: Culinary Winter Hikes in the Bregenzerwald ........ 16
Culinary Winter Hike in the Grosses Walsertal ...................................... 16
NEW: Long-Distance Winter Hiking in the Bregenzerwald .................... 17
Winter Hiking for You and Your Dog ...................................................... 17
Sun-Seeker Rates for Winter Hikers....................................................... 17
Winter Mountain Advenutre ................................................................. 17
Pedestrian Safari in the Montafon ......................................................... 18
berge.hören (hear.the.mountains) at Alpenregion Bludenz .................. 18
Kleinwalsertal: The First Lebensfeuer® Region ...................................... 18
 Connoisseur TIP: Frozen Breitachklamm in the Kleinwalsertal ........ 18
Gliding cross-country ............................................................................. 19
Montafon: Vorarlberg’s Highest Cross-Country Trail ............................ 19
Nordic Sport Park in the Bregenzerwald................................................ 19
‘Walser Omgang’ Cross-Country Trails in the Kleinwalsertal ................ 19
NEW: Try Biathlon in the Kleinwalsertal ................................................ 19
Heading Down the Valley on a Toboggan .............................................. 19
 Connoisseur TIP: On Tour with Husky-Tony in the Brandnertal ....... 20
Up and Down the Bregenzerwald with Huskies..................................... 20
Ice Climbing in Lech, in the Klostertal and the Brandnertal .................. 21
Wellbeing and Fitness at sport.park.lech............................................... 21
Europe’s Biggest Himalaya Salt Grotto in the Klostertal........................ 21
MOUTH-WATERING AND PALATE-PLEASING................................... 22
Ever so tasty Vorarlberg ......................................................................... 22
“Vorarlberg isst ...“................................................................................. 22
Mouth Art - Fine Dining in the Bregenzerwald ...................................... 22
Önsche Walser Chuche’ (Our Walser Cuisine) ....................................... 22
bewusstmontafon .................................................................................. 23
vo:dô in Lech Zürs am Arlberg ............................................................... 23
Page 2
Lech Zürs Treats Gourmets by the ’Spoonful‘ ........................................ 23
Culinary Delights in the Brandnertal ...................................................... 23
Klostertal Gourmet Weeks ..................................................................... 23
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on Lake Constance ....................... 23
Cookery, Bakery and Dairying Courses .................................................. 24
Visiting Cheese and Dairy Farms ............................................................ 24
INSIGHTS AND DISCOVERIES .......................................................... 25
vorarlberg museum in Bregenz .............................................................. 25
Kunsthaus Bregenz ................................................................................. 25
Jewish Museum Hohenems ................................................................... 25
Angelika-Kauffmann Museum Schwarzenberg ...................................... 25
Women’s Museum Hittisau.................................................................... 26
Kleinwalsertal: Day & Night Museum Visit ............................................ 26
Museums in Vorarlberg.......................................................................... 26
 Connoisseur TIP: Tanzcafé Arlberg ................................................... 26
NEW: Montfort Overtones in Feldkirch ................................................. 26
Music and Culture Salons in the Bregenzerwald.................................... 26
Night Owl Tours...................................................................................... 27
Advent Markets in the Towns and Villages ............................................ 27
Werkraum and the Werkraum Building in the Bregenzerwald.............. 28
NEW: BUS:STOP Krumbach im Bregenzerwald ...................................... 28
Architecture land vorarlberg and Modern Hospitality ........................... 28
Skiing and Horse-Back Riding in the Brandnertal .................................. 30
Brandnertal – With a Ski Concierge to the Slopes ................................. 30
NEW: Natursprünge in the Brandnertal................................................. 30
Schettis Kidsland in Egg-Schetteregg ..................................................... 30
Cruising Lake Constance with St. Nicholas............................................. 31
Discover Life and Animals on a Farm ..................................................... 31
Holidays at a Baby and Kids Farmhouse ................................................ 31
BOOKABLE .................................................................................... 32
CULTURE SUMMER 2015 – A PREVIEW ........................................... 33
OUR SERVICE FOR YOU .................................................................. 34
Useful Folders ........................................................................................ 34
Media Service......................................................................................... 34
ENTERTAINMENT FOR TODDLERS AND TEENS................................. 29
Vorarlberg Family Club ........................................................................... 29
Value for Money, Warm Welcome for Kids ........................................... 29
Ski Courses with a Guarantee ................................................................ 29
Special Bargains for Families .................................................................. 29
Ski Safari for Children at Golm in the Montafon .................................... 29
With Burmi through the Kleinwalsertal ................................................. 29
Dogsled Riding School in the Brandnertal .............................................. 30
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
The  Connoisseur TIPS in the text are offers/programmes specially
recommended by Vorarlberg tourism experts.
Page 3
Vorarlberg at a Glance
Vorarlberg is supremely located in the very heart of the four-country
spanning Lake Constance region, where Austria, Germany, Switzerland
and the principality of Liechtenstein form a vibrant cultural area. As
Austria’s westernmost province, Vorarlberg is setting the trend in many
different ways. Visitors love the varied natural landscape and the highquality programmes on offer.
Vorarlberg’s hosts have honed the skill of individualisation to perfection.
This manifests itself in tailor-made ideas and offers for visitors with highly
refined tastes. More and more hotel-keepers are currently developing
their own style of design and interior decoration together with architects
and craftspeople from the region. Chefs cultivate their own herbal and
vegetable gardens and closely cooperate with local farmers. Lift operators
focus on utmost convenience, but also on extra features such as early-bird
skiing in small groups. Ski, hiking and snow shoeing guides will accompany
you to when venturing into free terrain, or even across Vorarlberg.
And since we are talking about nature adventure: Owing to its location at
the northern rim of the Alps, Vorarlberg’s winter regions usually enjoy an
abundant natural snow cover. Winter’s splendour can be explored in many
different ways, depending on individual predilections.
Six Holiday Regions in Vorarlberg
 More Space – More Time: With the ski areas of Lech Zürs, Klösterle and
Stuben on the Vorarlberg side, and the new connection to WarthSchröcken, the Arlberg ranks among the world’s finest and most
successful ski resorts, confirmed by a string of award-winning listings.
97 cableways/ifts, 340km of runs, 200km of deep powder descents, up
to 2,800m altitude.
 Alpine & Family-style: the Brandnertal, the alpine city of Bludenz, the
Klostertal and the Grosses Walsertal. The family-friendly ski areas in
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel




the Brandnertal and on Sonnenkopf in the Klostertal feature 23
cableways/lifts, 85km of runs up to 2,300m. Winner of the EDEN
award, the Grosses Walsertal biosphere park promotes winter sports in
unspoilt nature. The ski areas of Faschina (combined tickets with
Damüls), Sonntag-Stein and Raggal feature 10 cableways/lifts and
26km of runs, Damüls has 29 cableways/lifts and 109km of runs.
City and Snow: City life and winter fun can be perfectly combined in
the Lake Constance-Vorarlberg region and the towns of Bregenz,
Dornbirn, Hohenems and Feldkirch. The ski areas of Laterns (6 lifts) and
Bödele overlooking Dornbirn (9 lifts, winter hiking and cross-country
trails) are intermediate in size.
The Elegance of Simplicity: Bregenzerwald and its typical architecture –
a ski area to enjoy nature and all good things in life. Abundant snow
cover, rich in natural snow, a delight for devotees of ski touring and
off-piste skiing. 91 cableways/lifts, 255km of runs, altitude up to
2,060m.
Holidays with a long-lasting effect: In the Kleinwalsertal, the ski area
starts right in the village and extends up to 2,200m above sea level.
Perfectly groomed winter hiking trails and cross-country trails promise
undiluted holiday enjoyment. In Austria’s prime gourmet region, locally
sourced products and hospitality reign supreme. 46 cableways/lifts,
128km of runs up to 2,200m above sea level.
Genuine mountains. Genuine experience. The Montafon with the ski
resorts Silvretta Montafon, Golm (Tschagguns/Vandans), Gargellen and
Kristberg (Silbertal) holds out a poweful attraction for winter sports
devotees. 61 cableways/lifts, 220km of runs, altitude up to 2,430m.
More information at www.vorarlberg.travel/en/regions
Page 4
Living Space
Extending over a surface of 2,600 km², Vorarlberg is four times the size of
Vienna, and comparable to the German state of Saarland or the Grand
Duchy of Luxembourg. Two thirds of the country is situated above 1,000m.
The total number of inhabitants is 374,000. Piz Buin (3,312 m), which rises
in the Montafon and along the Swiss border, is the highest peak. The
largest city in Vorarlberg is Dornbirn (46,000), ahead of Feldkirch (31,000)
and the state capital of Bregenz (28,000). Other major towns are Bludenz
and Hohenems.
Vorarlberg stretches some 100km from north to south. From the shores of
Lake Constance (400m), it takes just 90 minutes by car to reach the highalpine Silvretta mountains with their glacier-capped peaks at over 3000m.
Activity Space
Vorarlberg is a leisure paradise, both in summer and in winter. Despite all
attractions, it has guarded and preserved its cultural landscape. The
mountains and valleys have been developed on a human scale, nature
lovers will still find countless quiet spots and remote corners. A host of
initiatives promote public transport and e-vehicles.
Language Space
Vorarlberg is Austria’s only state with a population of Alemannic origin,
with the rest of Austria having Bajuwaric roots. And it is this very
Alemannic descent to which people ascribe qualities such as hard-working,
frugal, assiduous and home-loving. The close kinship with the Swiss,
Alsatians and Swabians is obvious.
The Alemannic descent is also audible in the dialect, or better dialects,
which differ from village to village, and from valley to valley. To sample
some sound bites, browse through the Vorarlberg State Tourist Board’s
folder on Vorarlberg dialects “Vorarlbergerisch für den Urlaub”.
www.vorarlberg.travel/prospekte (folder available in German only)
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Business Space
Vorarlberg is a thriving business region and heavily export-oriented.
Vorarlberg’s flagship companies are Doppelmayr Lifte, the world-market
leader in ropeway construction, Blum GmbH (fittings), Alpla (plastic
packaging), Zumtobel (light design), Wolford (bodywear) and the fruit
juice manufacturers Rauch and Pfanner.
Energy efficiency and a sparing use of natural resources rank prime. Six of
Austria’s most energy-efficient communities are found in Vorarlberg.
Culture Space
Vorarlberg has a passion for art and culture, always at the vanguard of
daring, innovative projects. Modern (timber) architecture and designoriented craftsmanship are striking examples.
When it comes to music, Vorarlberg boasts the largest number of brass
bands per capita in Austria. Several bands such as HMBC (Vo Mellou bis ge
Schoppernou) re-interpret traditional songs in a novel way.
On the literary front as well, many writers have hit the headlines. Awardwinning authors who are well known locally and beyond include Michael
Köhlmeier and Arno Geiger, as well as the columnist and writer Doris
Knecht.
Souvenir Space
Whether culinary or hand-crafted, the typical holiday souvenirs from
Vorarlberg are:
 Spicy mountain cheese and alp cheese which is manufactured in many
small dairy-farms and on alpine farmsteads
 Sura Kees (sour cheese), a spicy low-fat cheese from the Montafon
 Vorarlberg cheese is on sale in several online shops, such as:
www.kaesestrasse.at, www.molkeprodukte.at, www.kaesehaus.com,
www.alpensepp.com, www.kaes.at, www.bergkaese.at (in German
only)
Page 5
 Distilled fruit brandies such as the typical Vorarlberg Subirer pear
brandy
 Father Joe Egle’s brandies in Gaschurn, wholesome elixirs that work
wonders against all kinds of ailments
 Corn meal and apple cider by Dietrich Kostbarkeiten from Lauterach
 Cornmeal whiskey by the Broger family in Klaus
 Höchstgenuss dried fruit, from apples to strawberries, which are
desiccated in a particularly gentle process by the Schobel family from
Höchst on Lake Constance
 Fresh berries – from strawberries to gooseberries, jams, liqueurs and
juices by the Winder family in Dornbirn
 Hand-crafted chocolates by Fenkart Schokolade (Hohenems) or Café
Troy (Bregenz)
 Spice mixtures, home-made products, decorative & practical kitchen
utensils and tableware by Ms. Kaufmann in Egg in the Bregenzerwald
 Honey specialties such as wild honey, mountain blossom cream honey,
or propolis tincture manufactured by the Bentele brothers in Egg
 Elaborately composed herbal salt that is expertly prepared by women
from 14 hand-picked herbs and medicinal plants found at the
Holdamoos nature reserve (on sale at the dairy-farm in Au-Rehmen)
 Herbal treacles, herbal vinegar and herbal salt from the “Green
Heroes“ in Bizau im Bregenzerwald
 Luxuriant herbal products such as soaps, unctures, oils, balms, spices,
tea etc. by the Alchemilla herbal women from the Grosses Walsertal
biosphere park
 Regional Kleinwalsertal specialties from different producers such as
mountain hay mustard, mountain hay flower treacle, fir tree-top
vinegar or delicious, mouth-watering smoked venison ham – available
from www.einfachgut.at (in German only)
 Specialities such as honey, cheese, sausages, brandies, herbal tea from
the Klostertal Bauerntafel, beautifully wrapped in timber boxes,
available at the Dalaas tourist office.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
 Premium-grade vegetable oils, including linseed oil, sesame oil and
rarities such as tomato seed oil and chili seed oil from the Hittisau oil
mill in the Bregenzerwald
 Cold-pressed oils (anything from apricot stone to walnut) from the
Götzis oil mill
 Lustenau mustard, which is manufactured in different varieties in
Lustenau
 Montafon tables with artful inlay work
 Furniture and textiles by the Bregenzerwald Werkraum artisans
 Wooden clogs and cowskin boots by Devich shoemakers from Bezau
in the Bregenzerwald
 Elegant, hand-made lamps by Anna-Claudia Strolz from
Schwarzenberg in the Bregenzerwald
 Classic ‘Ländle-Rodel’ timber toboggans by the Bereuter family from
Alberschwende in the Bregenzerwald.
 The new Bregenzerwald series of beauty products from local herbs and
high-grade essences, consisting of a muscle fluid, hand cream, foot
balm and lip balm.
 Whey beauty products by Ingo Metzler from Egg in the
Bregenzerwald
 Soap and bath confections from “Garten Eder“ in Gaissau
 Luxuriant beauty and skin-care products by Susanne Kaufmann (Hotel
Post Bezau) – the ingredients are derived from organic farming or wildgrowing plants.
More information at www.vorarlberg.travel/en/souvenir
Page 6
Arrival by car and air
Vorarlberg is within easy reach by all modes of transports and via all
routes. The local public transport network is highly developed. Like in a
major city, all rail and bus services as well as tariffs are dovetailed within
the Vorarlberg transport network.
In some regions, ski shuttles are run in addition to scheduled bus services.
Visitors in the Kleinwalsertal may use the Walserbus free of charge.
By car: On the A96 (Munich – Lindau/Lake Constance) you reach Bregenz
from Munich in two hours in normal traffic conditions.
At Memmingen, the A7 joins the A96. From Kempten (A7) the B19
(expressway) connects you to the Kleinwalsertal, which can be reached
without a toll sticker.
Motorways and expressways in Austria are subject to toll. Various stickers
are available for driving in Vorarlberg:
 10-day sticker (EUR 8.70)
 2-month sticker (EUR 25.30)
 one-year sticker (EUR 84.40)
Prices indicated refer to passenger vehicles.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Fly to Vorarlberg: A number of conveniently accessible regional airports
and international airports serve Vorarlberg. Most airports are connected
to train stations. The nearest regional and international airports are:
 Lake Constance-Airport Friedrichshafen (G), 35 km from Bregenz, with
direct connections to the international airport in Frankfurt. The lowfare carrier Intersky operates services to/from Vienna, Graz, Berlin,
Hamburg, Düsseldorf as well as by Germanwings to/from Cologne.
 St. Gallen-Altenrhein (CH), 20 km from Bregenz, with direct service
operated to/from Vienna.
 Allgäu-Airport Memmingen (G),77 km from Bregenz, with services
within Europe
 Zurich (CH, 119 km), intercontinental connections.
 Innsbruck (A, 184 km), services within Europe.
For current information on how to best reach Vorarlberg see
www.vorarlberg.travel/service
Page 7
Investments and Awards
Whether lift operators or hotel-keepers: ongoing investments guarantee
top quality and even more convenience. A number of awards honour the
commitment and innovative spirit of Vorarlberg hosts.
Investments in the Ski Areas
 In the Montafon the new Silvretta Montafon panorama lift cuts the
riding time from Kapell near Schruns up to Grasjoch from previously 40
to now 8 minutes. This 8-seater gondola lift – Vorarlberg’s longest ski
lift – now offers even more convenience and dazzling views to skiers
and winter hikers.
 In Damüls the Sunnegg-Bahn lift is being given an overhaul. The old 2seater will be replaced by a 6-seater chairlift.
 In the Brandnertal the new Frööd mountain restaurant is being built at
the mountain terminal of the panorama lift. The timber construction
with a panorama terrace is designed as an energy neutral building
according to the latest state of the art.
Investments in Hotels
 Hotel Engel in Mellau is being redeveloped in the autumn of 2014. The
building will be modernised both outside and inside, with barrier-free
access. www.hotel-engel.at/en/home
 After a serious facelift, Hotel Walliserstube in Damüls will open in
winter 2014. The former 3-star hotel is being revamped into a 4-star
hotel www.walliserstube.at (in German only).
 Bödele Alpenhotel is set to open in September 2014. This small,
exclusive health hotel caters to guests for whom a healthy lifestyle is
essential, or who are looking to adopt a healthier way of living. The
signature offer is a vegan diet. www.boedele.at (in German only)
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
 Opened in 2014, Schneiderei Schoppernau is a new holiday
destination for large families or small groups. A tailor’s workshop in
former time, holiday cottage accommodates 5 beautifully appointed
bedrooms on three floors, a large kitchen, a living room, as well as
shower and bath. www.schneiderei-schoppernau.at/en
 As of September 2014, Gesundhotel Bad Reuthe in the Bregenzerwald
has added rooms. A newly developed part of the building in the style of
contemporary Vorarlberg timber architecture with a shingle-clad
façade accommodates 44 rooms and spacious ‘Freethinker’ lofts with a
terrace on the 4th floor. Creating a light and airy atmosphere, the
interior furnishings, materials and colours have taken their inspiration
from surrounding nature – the private natural moor, grasses and
berries. www.badreuthe.at (in German only)
 Fritsch am Berg is the name of a new hotel featuring a mental spa
which opened in Lochau in July 2014. From the newly built hotel,
visitors can enjoy superb views of Lake Constance.
www.fritschamberg.at (in German only)
NEW: Montforthaus in Feldkirch
The redesigned Montforthaus in Feldkirch is to re-open in January 2015,
hosting cultural events and conventions. The redevelopment was to strike
a balance between state-of-the art design and sustainability. The
building’s round forms blend harmoniously with the historic townscape
and make for an interesting contrast with the old town at the foot of
Schattenburg fortress. Importantly, the halls all enjoy excellent acoustics,
since Montforthaus will also be the home of the Vorarlberg Symphony
Orchestra. In addition, there are meeting rooms of different sizes as well
as a restaurant. www.montforthaus.at (in German only)
Page 8
Vorarlberg Tourism Innovations 2014
Each year, the Vorarlberg Tourist Board presents awards for highly
innovative projects. This year, the jury conferred three main prizes for
trailblazing projects and offers:
 Bus:Stop Krumbach enriches the Bregenzerwald community of
Krumbach by seven eye-catching bus stops, designed by seven
international firms of architects.
 The new Freeride Concept of Silvretta Montafon Bergbahnen
combines riding fun and safety with first-rate infrastructure.
 Teamcard Lech Zürs promotes the quality of life of all staff members in
both resorts, granting a number of benefits and discounts and access
to the Team Club.
This contest awards prizes for outstanding buildings in the Germanspeaking area which are then presented to the interested public in an
itinerant exhibition.
Two other initiatives received a recognition award:
 Internal Brand Communication is a project launched by the
Bregenzerwald Tourist Board designed to raise brand awareness along
the entire service chain and, in consequence, to improve staff and
guest satisfaction, as well as a tourism-friendly attitude among the
local residents.
 Irma Renner’s Sunday Inn Adler in Egg-Grossdorf. Here professionals
and hobby chefs take turns preparing their favourite dishes. As the
name suggests, the inn opens on Sundays only.
New Prizes and Awards
 Lech Zürs am Arlberg received yet another award: In late 2013, the
team of www.skiresorts-test.com ranked Lech Zürs am Arlberg and
Warth-Schröcken first in a world-wide ranking of the top 250 ski
resorts. The interconnection of the two ski resorts has given rise to
Vorarlberg’s largest ski region with a diverting offer also for freeriders.
 The firm of architects Andreas Cukrowicz and Anton Nachbaur received
the “Best Architects 14” label for the vorarlberg museum in Bregenz.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Page 9
Descending and Mounting
As the cradle of Alpine skiing, Vorarlberg offers ideal conditions for
skiers, snowboarders and ski touring devotees. In a number of guided
activities, skiers can discover and try out new things.
Ski Destination Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg looks back on a long tradition as a ski destination – more than
100 years ago, the very foundations of Alpine skiing were laid here, resting
on unfailing commitment to quality and ideal topographic conditions.
Some two thirds of Vorarlberg are situated at over 1,000m above sea
level. The valleys and mountain ranges divide the area into compact and
pleasantly small natural spaces. Owing to its favourable location on the
northern rim of the Alps, Vorarlberg enjoys a rich cover of natural snow.
Many ski areas extend up to snow-sure altitudes of 1,400 to 2,400m. From
countless sites, lovely views of the surrounding mountains unfold. The
landscape is awe-inspiring, but not craggy, which might be the case at
higher altitudes. There is ample space for a good mix of gentle and
demanding slopes. Many ski resorts also offer varied combinations of
groomed and ungroomed slopes. In all regions of Vorarlberg, notably on
the Arlberg, open-terrain skiing has a long-standing tradition.
www.vorarlberg.travel/skiing
Open-Terrain Skiing
It looks effortless and elegant when professionals swing through deep
snow and etch their own trails somewhere in the open terrain. There is a
special attraction to skiing in open terrain which is drawing a growing
crowd of followers. Open-terrain skiing is not so much about challenge
and excitement, but about peace and serenity and the magic spell of the
winter landscapes.
And since you usually venture into open terrain in small groups, this form
of skiing becomes a special team-building experience.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Open terrain skiing is practiced in three different forms:
 Ski touring – where skiers strap skins onto their skis and ascend the
mountain before making their way down in open terrain
 Freeriding – freeriders use the lift to ascend the mountain, perhaps
mounting for a short while on skis, before venturing on ungroomed
runs down to the valley. For some freeriders, the feeling of thrill and
excitement is the main attraction.
 Off-piste skiing – is a particularly enjoyable form of freeriding.
For a region of such small size, Vorarlberg offers plenty of variation for offpiste skiing. The main ski areas lie above 1,800m, i.e. above the treeline.
This is important to remember in terms of nature conservation, since
skiing forests in winter may harm the trees and disrupt the animals.
Respect Your Limits is an awareness-raising campaign calling on all skiers
in open terrain to exercise self-responsibility and be considerate in nature.
1. When skiing in open terrain, always be attentive to the weather and
snow conditions. Make sure to be accompanied by a professional guide
who is familiar with the local terrain. To prepare, you are strongly
recommended to attend one of many freeride camps which are organised
by various alpine organisation.
2. The emergency equipment required can often be rented. The basic
gear includes an avalanche beacon (transceiver), a probe and a shovel. A
protective helmet and an avalanche airbag are highly recommended. Also,
make sure to heed current avalanche warnings.
Ski Ride Vorarlberg
Ski Ride Vorarlberg is a guided tour of Vorarlberg in which you can explore
Vorarlberg within one week on skis in the company of a professional. On
seven days, the tour takes skiers across ski areas and into open terrain,
from the Kleinwalsertal in the north to the Montafon in the south. Every
day, the party discovers new views of Vorarlberg. The landscape and the
Page 10
views change from one valley to the next. In spite of the geographical
vicinity, the architecture, the dialects and the regional dishes are different.
Ski Ride Vorarlberg can be booked as a complete package, for groups of up
to six persons. The price includes accommodation and an experienced
guide as well as ski passes, transfers and transport of luggage.
www.vorarlberg.travel/en/skiride

Hints and Offers for Freeriders and Open-Terrain Skiers
 The winter sports portal www.skiinfo.de has rated the Silvretta
Montafon area Austria’s best ski area for freeriders and open-terrain
skiing. There is a choice of selected ski routes, freeride routes for
beginners and professionals, the freeride center at Grasjoch, four
avalanche beacon checkpoints and guided tours.
www.silvretta-montafon.at (in German only) | www.montafon.at/en
 Nidla in Gargellen is the legendary deep snow run in Gargellen which
boasts 387 turns. It is the longest and most rhythmic of its kind and
widely considered the most beautiful. The ski school offers guided
descents daily. Participants need proper equipment (beacons available
for rent) and must have a valid lift pass; registration is required by the
previous night. The price of this adventure is EUR 82 per person.
www.gargellen.at
 Mounting Zamangspitze (2,386m) above Schruns is a demanding
challenge for physically fit and technically proficient skiers and
snowboarders. The effort of mounting, which requires surefootedness,
is rewarded by a fine descent through deep powder or firn down to St.
Gallenkirch. Meet on Thursdays at 8:15 a.m. at the valley terminal of
Grasjoch-Bahn in St. Gallenkirch. Here participants collect their safety
gear, before mounting a considerable stretch by cable car. The price
(excluding ski pass) is EUR 42. www.montafon.at/mountainexperiences
 Father Müller‘s Freeride Tour: Father Johann Müller from Warth was
probably the first ski pioneer in the Bregenzerwald. In the 1890s, he
got himself skis sent from Sweden to get along easier and faster in the
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel




alpine terrain between the two parishes of Warth-Schröcken und Lech
Zürs which he served. The 5-hour tour follows the footsteps of Father
Müller and takes skiers through open terrain, accompanied by the ski
guides of the Warth ski schools. Participants should have some practice
riding in deep snow, safety gear is a must. The price is EUR 72 per
person. www.skischule-warth.com/en/home
Exploring the terrain off-piste in four days: This is made possible by the
Hike & Ride offer of the Warth-Schröcken ski school. Ski guides will
accompany you through the awe-inspiring nature at Hochtannberg and
in the Arlberg region. You mount by taking the lift, so that only brief
ascents are required. The package can be booked at given dates.
www.warth-schroecken.com/en
Off-piste Ski Days accompanied by Markus Moosbrugger, a ski and
mountain guide from Schoppernau, promise easy ascents and long
descents. Tours are held daily on request and last 5-6 hours. Prices
starting from EUR 70 per person. www.mitmoses.at (in German only) |
www.bregenzerwald.at/s/en
On Wednesdays (13 December to 12 April) experienced guides in the
Kleinwalsertal show skiers and snowboarders the finest freeride
slopes. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Walserhaus in Hirschegg. The price for
participation in the approx. 5-hour programme is EUR 90 per person
excluding the ski pass. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
The ski schools in Lech Zürs am Arlberg explore on-piste and off-piste
terrain with master-class participants, i.e. practiced skiers.
In the Grosses Walsertal biosphere park, Walser guides accompany
beginners in their first deep powder experience. During the two-day
programme, you train freeride technique, learn how to handle the
safety equipment and how to move safely in open terrain – from
effort-saving ascents to pleasurable descents. The price of EUR 290
includes three nights in an apartment and the two-day programme
Page 11
organised by the Walser guides. Extension days with guided ski tours
can be booked as an extra. www.walsertal.at/en
 Magnificent powder runs await freeriders at Sonnenkopf in the
Klostertal. In addition to a number of demanding tours, freeriders with
experience in open terrain may use the three-km long off-piste run
down to Nenzigasttal. The ski school in Klostertal runs courses,
including freestyle and snowboarding classes.
www.skischule-klostertal.com | www.alpenregion-vorarlberg.com/en
More information at www.skischulen.at
Ski Safaris
 The Silvretta Ski Safari is a superb journey through the snow from the
Montafon to the Paznauntal valley in neighbouring Tyrol, which can be
undertaken individually or accompanied by a ski guide. The tour starts
in the early morning in Partenen. After a ride up on Vermuntbahn, you
take the tunnel bus to Bielerhöhe heights and the frozen Silvretta
reservoir. Then descend to Galtür, followed by a transfer on a snow cat
up to Zeinisjoch. The culminating highlight is the descent down to
Partenen. The price for the transfers is EUR 18, excluding ski pass and
guide. www.montafon.at/mountain-experiences
 Madrisa Circuit – Switzerland and back: this border–crossing,
technically undemanding day tour takes skiers from Gargellen/
Montafon to Switzerland and back. During the seven-hour tour, skiers
and snowboarders will marvel at stunning natural scenery and enjoy
fantastic descents on varied slopes. Avalanche gear is required and can
be rented on site. www.montafon.at/mountain-experiences
 The ski safari Kleinwalsertal starts with a ride up on the Ifenbahn
cableway. After mounting to Hahnenköpfle you will take the long
descent to Schönenbach in the Bregenzerwald. On the skidoo you head
to Bizau, and by taxi to Hochkrumbach. The last ascent will take you to
Widdersteinhütte, before descending to Gemsteltal or Bärgunttal. This
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
demanding safari requires safe skiing in open terrain and will be run
even for one person. The price is EUR 260 per person, and EUR 90 per
person for groups of 3 persons. www.bergschule.at
Hints and Offers for Ski Touring
 The Bregenzerwald offers ideal conditions for off-piste skiing and ski
touring. Customized packages with guided ski tours for beginners and
advanced-level skiers as well as a several-day ski safari can be booked
with the Bregenzerwald Tourist Office. www.bregenzerwald.at/en
 In the Kleinwalsertal, there is an opportunity to try a ski tour on
Mondays (13 December to 12 April). Participants must be able to ski
confidently and have enough stamina for a 2-hour ascent. Safety gear
is provided. Touring skis with skins can be rented on demand. The price
for participating in the 4-5 hour programme is EUR 90 per person.
www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
 Find out how a ski resort works after the lifts have stopped operating
on the Gargellen Piste Tour. On Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m., a ski instructor
on touring skis takes you on a two-hour tour of the snow-carpeted
mountains. Starting in Gargellen, the itinerary takes the party to the
Schafberghüsli mountain restaurant. From there, the participants will
swing down the valley in the glimmer of their headlights. Participants
must bring a transceiver, an avalanche probe and a shovel - equipment
can also be rented on site. www.montafon.at/mountain-experiences
 One of the most challenging ski tours runs up to the highest summit of
the Rätikon massif, the 2,965m high Schesaplana. Mounting from from
the village of Brand near Bludenz will take a good five hours. Skiers will
be rewarded by lovely summit views and a wonderfully long descent.
Totalphütte provides overnight shelter, if necessary. Professional ski
and mountain guides can be booked with BergAKTIV Brandnertal
www.alpenregion-vorarlberg.com/en
Page 12
Safety First
How to behave sensibly in open terrain? Interested skiers will get valuable
tips and hints at a conference, in safety camps, and at safety checks.
 The Snow & Safety Conference has been scheduled from 4-7 December
for the third time in Zürs am Arlberg. In presentations, workshops and
panel debates, participants can share information, talk to experts, test
the latest products, and thereby raise their awareness about existing
hazards off the groomed runs. www.snowandsafety.com,
www.lechzuers.com/off-piste
 The ski area of Warth-Schröcken boasts one of the most modern
avalanche practice areas in the Alps. At this firmly mounted installation
at the Steffisalp Express you can learn how to use an avalanche
transceiver, train search strategies, and prepare for an emergency in
realistic conditions. At certain dates, SAAC avalanche and safety
camps are organised for skiers and snowboarders. www.saac.at (in
German only) | www.warth-schroecken.com/en
 Freeride Safety Checks are held on Tuesdays (13 December to 12 April)
in the Kleinwalsertal. In the 3-hour course, participants learn how to
comport themselves in open terrain, about avalanches and the proper
handling of gear. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the valley terminal of
Walmendingerhornbahn. The price for participating is EUR 24.50
excluding the ski pass. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
 At the freeride checks in the Silvretta Montafon, freeriders learn to
judge the hazard of avalanches. In an intensive course, participants
also learn how to handle avalanche gear properly (avalanche
transceiver, shovel, probe, ABS airbag). How awe-inspiring sliding snow
masses are will be demonstrated as a special highlight: participants can
witness the blasting of an avalanche in front of their very eyes, of
course from a safe distance. www.montafon.at/mountain-experiences
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
 Connoisseur TIP: HochjochTotale in the Montafon
A treat for which rising early is worth the effort: For a maximum of 100
skiers, skiing fun at HochjochTotale starts on Wednesdays at 7:20 a.m. At
an elevation loss of 1,700m, HochjochTotale is Vorarlberg’s longest
downhill run. Starting at Grasjoch-Bahn in St. Gallenkirch, the tour finishes
at Kapellrestaurant above Schruns. The price is EUR 33 per person
excluding the ski pass. www.montafon.at/mountain-experiences
Be the First to Hit the Slopes
Space unlimited on the freshly groomed slopes and a glorious morning
mood are the draws of early bird ski tours. All programmes end with a
mountain breakfast.
 The most athletic option takes skiers to the Montafon Totale from
Gaschurn to Schruns. The rally starts at 7:00 a.m. in the morning at
Versettla Bahn, ending at the Kapell restaurant. In between, the skiers
negotiate 36km and 8,000m in altitude loss/gain.
 Fridays at 7:20 a.m. Versettla Bahn in Gaschurn starts operating for a
maximum of 80 skiers. The price for participating in the Nova Exklusiv
outing is EUR 32 per person (excluding ski pass).
 Ländle Früah Sport: Early-bird sports in Vorarlberg: Zamang Bahn and
the new Panorama Bahn of Bergbahn Silvretta Montafon start
operating as early as 7:30 a.m. www.montafon.at/mountainexperiences
 Early-bird outings for skiers in the Kleinwalsertal: In the middle of
March 2014, the lifts at Ifen start operating at 7:45 a.m. in the
morning. The restaurant opens at 9:00 a.m., serving a hearty breakfast
for early-bird skiers. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
Ski & Dance in the “ski!Project” in the Bregenzerwald
The ski!Project is a teaching method inspired by contemporary dance
which approaches skiing in an altogether different manner. Alpine skiing
courses are held in Au-Schoppernau and the Diedamskopf ski area in
Page 13
cooperation with the snow sports school in Au-Schoppernau for all levels
of skiing, as well as ski & physiotherapy courses for skiers out of practice
after a lengthy break or injury. The programme also features freeriding
courses and ski tours based on the Feldenkrais method.
www.skiprojekt.at (in German only) | www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Rails & Kickers: Snowparks
 Montafon: The Nike Snowpark Montafon at Grasjoch is a huge,
creatively designed park. Fully mounted, it consists of more than 40
elements with rails, kickers and boxes for beginners and professionals.
The programme features contests and events where you can rub
shoulders with the stars of the snowboard and freeski scene.
The Golm-X-Cross course in the Golm ski area is 350m long. Skiers and
snowboarders can enjoy kickers, camel humps, bank (steep) turns, a
step-up and a kickerline with 3 jumps. www.montafon.at/en
 Bregenzerwald: Funslope Steffisalp in Warth-Schröcken combines a ski
run with jumps, obstacles and a cross run, the outcome being an
attractive mix for snowboarders and skiers alike
www.warth-schroecken.com/en
The Snowpark Pleasure Diedamspark offers perfect park terrain and is
ideal for every proficiency level. With ten kickers, nine boxes, five rails,
a hip and a T-Bone XL it is the largest park in the region.
www.diedamskopf.at (in German only) | www.bregenzerwald.at/s/en
Snowboarders love the Burton Snowpark with a chill-out area and the
new small park in Damüls. www.damuels.at
 Kleinwalsertal: At the Crystal Ground Snowpark Kleinwalsertal in
Riezlern diverting rail and kickerlines offer the right setup for every
level of proficiency. And with floodlights, it is also possible to ’shred’
(=ride) at night. A guided programme with useful tips and hints for
beginners is organised on Wednesdays (17 December to 25 March).
The price for participating in the 2.5 hour programme is EUR 24.50
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
excluding the ski pass. www.crystalground.com
Another large boarder park is the Fellhorn park in the KanzelwandFellhorn ski area. www.fellhornpark.de (in German only) |
www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
 Lech am Arlberg: Conveniently located at Schlegelkof, the Lech
Snowpark holds attractions for all riders. On an area of 3.6 hectares it
features some 20 perfectly groomed obstacles. Freestylers have a
choice between the Fun Run, the Rail Line and a Pro Line. Bystanders
can watch from the Schlegelkopf lift, from where they enjoy the very
best of views. www.lechzuers.com
 Brandnertal: The Backyard snowpark stands out for its length, the
graffiti and trash obstacles such as oil drums and tractor tyres. It is
located near the Glattjochbahn and hosts regular events
www.backyards.at (in German only) | www.alpenregionvorarlberg.com/en
 Klostertal/Sonnenkopf: Funpark where beginners can gain first
freestyle experience, featuring five beginner and medium park
elements, as well as a kickerline with jumps between three and five
metres. www.alpenregion-vorarlberg.com/en
Après Ski
Vorarlberg’s ski areas offer a variety of different opportunities to end a
day of skiing in a convivial atmosphere. On the website www.vorarlbergisst.at you will find information on mountain restaurants, ski lodges and
après ski bars in all regions under the heading “Vorarlbergs Schihütten für den idealen Einkehrschwung“. www.vorarlberg-isst.at (in German
only).
Interactive Ski Areas
Panorama maps of all ski areas in Vorarlberg, detailed information on onpiste and off-piste skiing, current snow reports and offers are available at
www.vorarlberg.travel/skiing
Page 14
COMPETITIONS | SPORT FESTIVALS
FIS Snowboardcross World Cup in the Montafon
The Montafon launches the ski season with a high-key event: between 4
and 14 December the World Cup professionals will enter the FIS
Snowboardcross World Cup contest at Silvretta Montafon and compete in
spectacular races on the steep and curvy cross run at Seebliga.
Music gigs down in the valley will heat up the ambiance surrounding the
competitions. The German hip hop band Die fantastischen Vier will
perform on 6 December, and the British cult band Bastille on 13
December. www.montafon.at/en
The White Ring – The World’s Longest Ski Round in Lech Zürs
The world’s longest ski round is set to start on 18 January. This winter
again, contestants must negotiate some 22km of runs and 5,500m of
elevation gain/loss at the White Ring ski circuit. The maximum number of
skiers allowed to enter the White Ring race is 1,000. Tickets will be
allocated as of September 2014. Early registration is advisable, as open
slots tend to fill within a matter of minutes. www.derweissering.at |
www.lechzuers.com
hockey (Schruns-Tschagguns), figure skating (Dornbirn), snowboad
(Schruns) and Nordic combination (Tschagguns, Gaschurn) events.
www.eyof2015.org
Freeriding in the Montafon
The programme of the freeride festival from 6-8 March in and around
Schruns features interesting events and dashing parties.
www.montafon.at/en
Telemarking in the Kleinwalsertal
Show your heels and bend your knees: In recent years, the Kleinwalsertal
has garnered a reputation as a destination par excellence for telemarking.
Each year, the valley hosts the international German Telemarking
Championships. On the sidelines of this event, a Telemark meeting with
courses will be held from 12 to 16 March. Telemark equipment can be
rented on site www.kleinwalsertal.com/en.
Olympic Youth Games in Vorarlberg
For 22 years, the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) has been hosted
at biannual intervals. In 2015, two countries will for the first time ever
host this event jointly. And for the first time, Austria will act as a host.
The EYOF will take place from 25 to 30 January 2015 in Vorarlberg, mainly
in the Montafon, and in Liechtenstein. 1,600 athletes and coaches from 40
countries will compete against one another in disciplines such as biathlon,
ice hockey, figure skating, cross-country skiing, Nordic combination, Alpine
skiing, ski jumping and snowboarding. The course is all set: A new ski
jumping centre has been opened in Tschagguns featuring a 108m regular
jump and three training jumps (66, 44 and 22 metres). In addition to the
ski jumping events, Vorarlberg will also host the biathlon (Bürserberg), ice
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Page 15
Mountain Activity
Winter hiking, snow shoe rambling, cross-country skiing, tobogganing or
first-time biathlon: Vorarlberg’s mountains form a perfect backdrop to
explore nature in many different ways.
Winter Hiking
 Some 400 signposted and partly illuminated winter hiking trails and
snowshoe rambling routes criss-cross the Montafon. Bartholomäberg,
a perfect sun trap, is highly recommended.
 In the Bregenzerwald some 200km of winter hiking trails take hikers to
sites of outstanding natural beauty. All trails are uniformly marked in
conspicuous pink.
 Brandnertal, Bludenz and Klostertal boast 150km of uniformly marked
winter hiking and snowshoe rambling trails. Scenic winter hiking trails
can be found at the Tschengla high plateau in the Brandnertal
(1,250m), at Muttersberg near Bludenz (1,400m), and at Sonnenkopf in
the Klostertal. The 7km walk from Sonnenkopf to Muttjöchle (2,074 m)
and to the panorama restaurant Muttjöchle are high up on the list of
favourite spots.
Weekly guided snow shoe rambles (half and full day tours) as well as
full moon hikes are run in the Brandnertal.
 In the Grosses Walsertal biosphere park hikers are spoilt by a choice of
60km of winter hiking and snow shoe rambling trails. Guests staying at
BERGaktiv partner businesses may participate in guided snow shoe
rambles free of charge, cable car and bus fare not included.
 50km of groomed and prepared winter hiking trails can be found in the
Kleinwalsertal. The 3km (optionally 5km) long “Snow Dune
Experience” circuit on the Gottesacker high-alpine plateau at 2,000m
altitude is a special tip. Starting at the mountain terminal of the
Ifenlifte, the trail runs in a loop across high snow dunes, with superb
vistas into the valley.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
 A 40km network of winter hiking trails runs around Lech Zürs am
Arlberg with sun terraces, alpine huts, and several stops en route to
pause for a rest.
 Hikers are spoilt for choice in the Bodensee-Vorarlberg region with
trails running along the shores of Lake Constance as well as panoramic
mountain trails. The network of winter hiking trails on mount Pfänder,
which is accessible from Bregenz by cable car, is extensive. From there,
magnificent views of Lake Constance unfold. The Karren near Dornbirn
is also accessible by cable car. Several hiking trails start at the
mountain terminal.
More Information: www.vorarlberg.travel/en
Interactive Winter Hiking
Interactive hiking maps provide to-the-point online information on hiking
trails. Check out www.vorarlberg.travel/winterwanderwege (in German
only) for accurate maps and details about selected trails.
 Connoisseur TIP: Culinary Winter Hikes in the Bregenzerwald
A new offer which combines hiking and fine dining: on day tours which are
bookable at the Bregenzerwald tourist office, you walk from breakfast to
lunch and then to your dessert. Each meal is served in a different
mountain inn or restaurant. There is a choice of hiking routes in
Alberschwende (with descent by toboggan), Hittisau/Hochhäderich
(including a horse-sleigh ride), Mellau-Bizau-Bezau and SibratsgfällSchönenbach. Prices for day tours from EUR 33.
www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Culinary Winter Hike in the Grosses Walsertal
The Culinary Winter Hike programme in the Grosses Walsertal biosphere
park combines a snow-shoe hike and a four-course meal which is taken at
different stops. In the company of a hiking guide, the party sets out in
Sonntag-Stein heading for a serene winter wonderland. En route, they
stop to savour culinary delicacies. www.walsertal.at/en
Page 16
NEW: Long-Distance Winter Hiking in the Bregenzerwald
Hiking wintry Bregenzerwald at one’s own pace in three day legs from
Alberschwende to Mellau; making concessions to the cooler
temperatures, the legs last between two and four hours. The longdistance hiking package can be booked from 8 January to 2 April 2015. The
price includes four nights including half board in selected 3- and 4-star
hotels, hotel-to-hotel luggage transport, as well as transfers from/to the
Bregenz or Dornbirn train stations. Prices starting from EUR 429 per
person sharing a double room with half board, from EUR 623 in a single
room, arrival Thursdays to Sundays. www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Winter Hiking for You and Your Dog
The Lex Lupo team in the Bregenzerwald arranges Time for Two, i.e. for
people and their dogs. The winter programme features guided walks,
snow shoe rambles included, which can be booked individually. At given
dates, snow-shoe hiking days are organised for groups.
www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Sun-Seeker Rates for Winter Hikers
Some cable cars and lifts offer discounts on rides up and down the
mountain for winter hikers and sun-seekers. Two companies, Montafon
and Lech Zürs, offer several-day lift passes, called sun passes. The 7-day
sun pass for all lifts in the Montafon sells at EUR 74 for adults, EUR 48 for
children and EUR 67 for senior citizens. In Lech Zürs, the price of a 7-day
sun pass is EUR 98 for adults and EUR 59 for children.
www.montafon.at/en | www.lechzuers.com




Winter Mountain Advenutre
 Torch hike in the Montafon: The torch walk to Garfrescha is a romantic
and adventurous experience. Having mounted on Valiserabahn and
braced yourself in the rustic Gäßbarga inn (a vernacular expression for
a goat shed), which is famed and popular for its regional specialty,
Käsknöpfli (or cheese dumplings), the party will hike across the wintery
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
spruce forest. Return to the valley either on a toboggan or on the
Garfrescha cable car. Meet Thursdays at 4:20 p.m. at the valley
terminal of the Valiserabahn cableway. The price for this excursion is
EUR 32. www.montafon.at/mountain-experiences
Flying Fox Adventure Night Golm: From the Golmerbahn cableway in
Latschau, participants mount on snow shoes to Kristakopf during
sunset. Having reached the start of the Flying-Fox-Golm, a hot drink
will brace them for the thrilling experience which awaits them: flying
through the night on the Flying-Fox-Golm across the Latschau
reservoir. The evening ends with a hearty plate of cheese knoepfle at
Gasthof Sulzflug in Latschau. www.montafon.at/mountainexperiences
Flying-Fox in the Bregenzerwald: At the flying fox course of
Alpinschule Widderstein adrenaline junkies can swoosh from Warth to
the Lechtal valley. The 500m long suspended rope course is among the
most spectacular in Europe. It goes without saying that everything will
be in place to ensure your safety. Flying Fox rides can be booked any
time on request. Tickets are sold at EUR 12 for children, and at EUR 14
for adults. www.warth-schroecken.com/en
Diedamskopf Snowshoe Rambles in the Bregenzerwald: The snow
sports school Au-Schoppernau organises snow shoe rambles with a
toboggan ride down to the valley to end the tour. Meet Wednesdays
or Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. between 15 December 2014 and 21 April
2015 for this six-hour excursion. The price is EUR 65 per person and
includes the ride up on the cableway, rental snow shoes, and the
toboggan ride back home. www.au-schoppernau.at/en/holiday
Snow Shoeing at Full Moon in the Bregenzerwald: Snowshoe rambling
through the Lecknertal valley in nocturnal silence during full-moon
nights (05 Jan, 04 Feb and 06 March 2015) expertly guided by Helga
Rädler. The hike starts at 8:00 p.m. at the village fountain of Hittisau
and lasts 1.5 hours. Price per person including snowshoe and pole
rental EUR 20. www.kulturinbewegung.at
Page 17
 Snowshoe Rambles in the Kleinwalsertal: On Mondays (13 December
to 12 April), beginners may enrol in a guided snow shoe ramble. Meet
at 1:30 at Walserhaus in Hirschegg. Depending on the snow cover, the
tour lasts up to three hours. The price for the tour is EUR 24.50, snow
shoes and poles are provided. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
 Gottesacker Tour in the Kleinwalsertal: On Thursdays (20 December to
12 April) a show shoe tour takes ramblers across the snow dunes at
Gottesacker. The route runs through high-Alpine terrain and requires a
good level of fitness. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Ifen valley terminal. The
price for participating in the 6-hour tour (walking time approx. 4 hours)
is EUR 54 excluding the lift pass. Snow shoes and poles are provided.
www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
 Regenerative Snowshoe Rambles in the Kleinwalsertal: Accompanied
by hiking guide Daniela, participants learn about the seven pillars of
vitality and health. The focus is on nature awareness and on breathing.
These 3-hour walks are organised Fridays from 13 December 2014 to
12 April 2015. Meet at 9:30 at the valley terminal. The price is EUR
24.50. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
 Segway Tours in Brandnertal: In Brand you can now explore winter
wonderland on a Segway. On offer are two-hour rides during daytime
or the early evening, with a minimum of 5 participants. The outing
ends in an inn or in an alpine lodge. www.alpenregionvorarlberg.com/en
Pedestrian Safari in the Montafon
On Wednesdays at 7:20 a.m., before the ski lifts open, winter hikers may
explore the Silvretta Montafon ski area. The Grasjoch and Hochalpila
cableways take them from St. Gallenkirch to the highest lift-served point
in the ski area. After a 45-minute hike, the early birds will reach the
mountain terminal of the Sennigrat lift and enjoy a hearty mountain
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
breakfast at the nearby Kapell alp. The price is EUR 33 per person.
www.montafon.at/mountain-experiences
berge.hören (hear.the.mountains) at Alpenregion Bludenz
This programme of themed cultural & culinary walks, which won the
Vorarlberg Tourist Board innovation award in 2011, is organised also in
winter. In the company of musicians or writers, the party hikes through
winter landscapes, listens to music or stories, and enjoys a culinary treat
at an alpine lodge or inn. The dates for berge.hören, this full-blown
sensory experience, are 10 and 24 January 2015.
www.alpenregion-vorarlberg.com/en
Kleinwalsertal: The First Lebensfeuer® Region
The Kleinwalsertal is the world’s first Lebensfeuer® region. Trained
Lebensfeuer® coaches offer this diagnostic measurement of vital energy,
or ‘lifefire’, in six premium partner hotels. In addition, free-lance coaches
offer their services at a number of other hotels.
In order to measure lifefire, a small device is used to record a person’s
heart rate over a period of 24 hours which is then mapped in a coloured
graph. The measurement furnishes information on vital health issues:
What is my biological age? Which untapped energies slumber in my body?
How much stress can I take? How much time do I need to regenerate
physically and mentally? This method was invented by Dr. Alfred
Lohninger, scientific and medical director of Autonom Health®. Based on
these findings, the lifefire coaches will suggest measures and activities to
restore your personal rhythm, starting already during your holidays in the
Kleinwalsertal. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
 Connoisseur TIP: Frozen Breitachklamm in the Kleinwalsertal
A winter atmosphere you will come across nowhere else in Vorarlberg:
snow and ice turn the Breitachklamm gorge into a fairy-tale landscape of
glittering icicles, mighty ice curtains, frozen waterfalls and mysterious
Page 18
caves. Just as impressive are torch-lit hikes which are organised at given
dates. The Breitachklamm gorge is open daily, admission is EUR 3.50 per
person. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
Gliding cross-country
Cross-country skiers will find a variety of different cross-country trails for
classic-style skiers and skaters in all of Vorarlberg’s regions.
The largest number of cross-country trails are in the Bregenzerwald (more
than 300km), with Sulzberg, Hittisau-Balderschwang (G) and AuSchoppernau as centres.
The Montafon is criss-crossed by 80km of classic cross-country trails and
some 20km of skating trails. High-altitude trails such as the Kristberg
panorama trail (11 km) and the trails on Silvretta-Bielerhöhe (22 km) are
particularly popular.
Alpenregion Bludenz boasts some 50km of cross-country trails in the
Brandnertal and Klostertal valleys and in the Grosses Walsertal biosphere
park. From the 15km long Rona panorama trail at 1,250 m on the
Tschengla high-lying plateau, skiers can take in the views of 5 valleys.
The network of cross-country trails in the Kleinwalsertal is 50km long.
Moreover, the major cross-country skiing area of Oberstdorf (G) is close.
Lech Zürs am Arlberg has cross-country trails of 27km. These snow-sure
trails take you through outstandingly beautiful landscapes.
Snow conditions permitting, cross-country trails are also prepared in the
low-lying planes of the Rhine valley and the nearby-mountains in the
Bodensee-Vorarlberg region.
Montafon: Vorarlberg’s Highest Cross-Country Trail
Enjoy Vorarlberg’s highest cross-country trail on the frozen reservoir at
Silvretta-Bielerhöhe at 2,000m altitude in the Montafon. Aside the 6km
trail on the reservoir lake, there are another 16km of trails on Bielerhöhe
heights. www.silvretta-bielerhoehe.at
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Nordic Sport Park in the Bregenzerwald
In winter, Sulzberg metamorphoses into a Nordic Sport park featuring
40km (20km classic and 20km skating) of cross-country and winter hiking
trails, a village nursery lift and tobogganing slope for the little ones, and a
kiosk. A biathlon range can be tested by prior arrangement. There is a 4km
run that is flood-lit Mondays to Fridays from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
www.bregenzerwald.at/en
‘Walser Omgang’ Cross-Country Trails in the Kleinwalsertal
Vital energy and regeneration become measurable on the Walser Omgang
cross-country trails which are categorized by different stimuli. Here,
health-minded visitors may shed their day-to-day worries, re-energize
and, above all, reconnect with their inner selves and their own pace. Snow
shoe rambles and winter hikes are organised from mid-December to early
April as part of the Walser holiday programme.
www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
NEW: Try Biathlon in the Kleinwalsertal
Biathlon – a combination of cross-country skiing and shooting – is gaining
an increasing number of followers. In the Kleinwalsertal, those who are
interested may give biathlon a try. On Thursdays (13 December to 12
April) experts will show you how to move correctly on the trail and how to
hit the mark at the air rifle shooting stand. Participants must bring along
their own cross-country gear. Meet at 2:00 p.m. at Gasthof Bergblick. The
price for the two-hour programme is EUR 20. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
Heading Down the Valley on a Toboggan
All of Vorarlberg’s winter resorts feature tobogganing runs, some are
illuminated at night for night-time tobogganing fun.
 Montafon: Gallenkirch - Garfrescha is home to Vorarlberg’s longest
night-time tobogganing run (5.5km). You reach the point of departure
on the Garfrescha lift, which runs from 6:00–9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays,
Page 19
Thursdays and Saturdays.
Daytime tobogganing on the natural tobogganing course Kapell opens
daily during the operating hours of the Hochjoch lift. The tobogganing
course at the Golm is also open daily, and Wednesday and Friday
nights.
 Vorarlberg’s first Alpine Coaster at the Golm, a state-of-the-art
tobogganing run, is a genuine attraction all year round. www.golm.at
 Bregenzerwald: A splendid tobogganing course is the 3km run from
the Sonderdach mountain terminal of the Bezau cable car down to the
valley. Rental toboggans are available at the mountain terminal. The
most popular night-time tobogganing run is at the Grundholz lift in AuSchoppernau. Here you can ride a classical toboggan or a tyre-like
Happy Tobogganing tube. The course in Damüls Uga promises 3.5km
and that in Mellau Dosegg 2km of undiluted tobogganing fun
www.bregenzerwald.at/en
 Brandnertal, Klostertal and the Grosses Walsertal biosphere park: A
marked tobogganing safari trail in the Brandnertal runs in three
different variants from the mountain terminal of the panorama cable
car down to Brand, return to the point of departure by coach.
At 6km, the natural tobogganing run in Schattenlagant is one of the
longest tobogganing runs in Vorarlberg. It follows the motor road to
the Lünerseebahn cableway from Brand, meandering down to the
valley in countless large and small bends. For a break, try
Schattenlagant lodge.
The tobogganing run from Eggen to Brand can be reached on the
Dorfbahn cableway. Some sections of the run are illuminated, here
night-time tobogganing is possible. Night-time tobogganing is also
possible on the 1.4km long natural tobogganing run between the valley
and mountain terminals of the Einhornlift in Bürserberg. The 2km
tobogganing run from the mountain to the middle terminal in the
Sonnenkopf ski area is highly popular among families.
The 4.8km long tobogganing run in Sonntag-Stein in the Grosses
Walsertal biosphere park runs from the mountain terminal of the
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
chairlift via Alpen Oberpartnom, Unterpartnom and Steinbild to the
mountain terminal of the gondola ropeway. For a rest or a bite, stop at
Seilbahnstüble or at Partnom Hüsle. www.alpenregionvorarlberg.com/en
 Laternsertal/Bodensee-Vorarlberg: In Laterns, tobogganists can hustle
down 355m in altitude. From the valley terminal of the lifts in
Innerlaterns, you reach the start at the Gapfohl nursery lift
conveniently, either on foot or by cable car. From there, enjoy a
thrilling descent down to the valley. The ski lifts in Lanterns offer day
tickets for tobogganists at EUR 21.50 for adults, and EUR 13 for
children up to 16 years. www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com/en
 Connoisseur TIP: On Tour with Husky-Tony in the Brandnertal
Adults and children love them: In Bürserberg im Brandnertal Husky-Tony
organises workshops for small groups, special programmes for children,
exclusive rides for two with 12 dogs, and husky workshops extreme with
three touring sleighs and overnight in a mountain camp. As these
programmes are highly popular, early reservation is strongly
recommended. www.husky-toni.at (in German only) | www.alpenregionvorarlberg.com/en
Up and Down the Bregenzerwald with Huskies
The husky tours offered by Marc Van Landeghem in Warth-Schröcken are
immensely popular. From the Hochtannberg pass, participants ride their
dog teams up and down across snow-clad hills to the idyllically located
hotel at lake Körbersee or to Jägeralpe. The outing lasts approx. two hours
and comes at a price of EUR 195 per person. Given the brisk demand for
the tour, the offer is mainly geared to guests from Warth-Schröcken and
Au-Schoppernau. www.bauern-stube.at (in German only) |
www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Page 20
Ice Climbing in Lech, in the Klostertal and the Brandnertal
 The ice climbing garden in Lech am Arlberg is a perfect terrain to begin
ice climbing and a good spot for practicing ice climbing.
Alpincenter Lech is in charge of the facilities from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., by
request also during the day. Gear is available for rent. For ambitious ice
climbing freaks, the Alpincenter Lech will organise longer ice climbing
tours on request on one of the many frozen waterfalls in the
surroundings. www.alpincenter-lech.at/schneesportschule_english
 Other ice climbing areas can be found in the Klostertal (Fallbach) and in
the Brandnertal. www.alpenregion-vorarlberg.com/en
Wellbeing and Fitness at sport.park.lech
sport.park.lech, a building designed in the style of contemporary
Vorarlberg timber architecture, accommodates a spacious sauna, a fitness
centre, a tennis court, bowling courses, a climbing and boulder wall, and a
café. www.sport-park-lech.at/en
Europe’s Biggest Himalaya Salt Grotto in the Klostertal
Gasthof Post in Dalaas in the Klostertal is home to Vorarlberg’s first salt
grotto. Europe’s largest man-made salt grotto was designed with 44 tons
of Himalayan salt and accommodates two rooms which are publicly
accessible. In both rooms, the salt-containing air generates a soothing
micro-climate. Staying in the salt grotto re-invigorates spent energies,
revives jaded spirits and gives a boost to the immune system. Patients
suffering from bronchitis, allergies and neurodermitis may also find that
the salt grotto has a wholesome effect. Visits are possible only by prior
appointment, the price for one-time admission is EUR 13 for adults.
www.vorarlberg-salzgrotte.at
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Page 21
Mouth-Watering and Palate-Pleasing
Locally sourced produce is part and parcel of Vorarlberg’s fine
reputation. An increasing number of initiatives forge networks between
farmers and gastronomists, to the delight of food connoisseurs who are
treated regally in Vorarlberg.
Ever so tasty Vorarlberg
Whether you opt for a rustic inn or an award-winning restaurant:
Vorarlberg has many delectable surprises in store for food lovers, offering
high quality and excellent value-for-money.
The formula of success all chefs rely on is their long-standing cooperation
with local farmers. Wherever possible they use regional and seasonal
delicacies to concoct either hearty, traditional fare, or light and creative
dishes. Initiatives such as the Bregenzerwald CheeseRoad, the MundArtRestaurants in Bregenzerwald, bewusstmontafon, Önsche Walser Chuche
(Our Walser Cuisine) in the Kleinwalsertal, vo:dô (= from here) in Lech Zürs
am Arlberg as well as events in the Brandnertal, Klostertal and in the
Grosses Walsertal biosphere park promote interaction between
gastronomists and farmers.
Cheese, notably the spicy Bergkäse, a hard mountain cheese, is
Vorarlberg’s best known culinary specialty. It is manufactured in many
small dairy-making farms, partly during the summer on high-alpine
homesteads. Other delicacies include the milder alp cheese, Emmental,
and tender cream cheese made of cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s milk. Creamy
camemberts round off the product line. Typical for the Montafon is Sura
Kees, a mild and aromatic low-fat cheese.
Some of Vorarlberg’s brandy distilleries are among the finest in Austria.
The “classical” Vorarlberg brandy is the exquisite Subirer, distilled from a
plain must pear.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
“Vorarlberg isst ...“
“Vorarlberg dines … better” is the standard of excellence to which
Vorarlberg’s gastronomists have subscribed. Whether regional or ethnic
cuisine, rustic inn or gourmet restaurant, in-crowd eatery or wine cellar –
customer satisfaction reigns supreme. Criteria include not only the quality
of food and drink, but also the setting, interior design and servicemindedness of hosts and their staff. Under the heading “Vorarlberg ski
huts”, the website www.vorarlberg-isst.at informs about places to stop for
a bite and après-ski bars in all ski areas.
Genuss und Erlebnisguide Vorarlberg is a restaurant guide which lists
quality-rated places of fine dining in Vorarlberg. Available at bookstores, in
all Vorarlberg Raiffeisen banks, and at www.vorarlberg-isst.at (in German
only).
Mouth Art - Fine Dining in the Bregenzerwald
“Mouth Art - Creative cuisine with a regional twist“ is the motto to which
eight inns and restaurants in the Bregenzerwald have subscribed. All of
these are run by Bregenzerwald families and have won listings in gourmet
guides. Altogether, they offer exceptional food as well as an atmospheric
dining experience, either in a traditional and cosy Bregenzerwald stube or
a carefully modernised setting. www.mundart-restaurants.at (in German
only), www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Önsche Walser Chuche’ (Our Walser Cuisine)
Under this motto, seven restaurants and chefs in the Kleinwalsertal
prepare traditional and modern Walser cuisine that revolves around
regional produce and wants to revive the culinary heritage of the Walser
with new ideas. Ingredients typically used in traditional Walser dishes, as
in other Alpine regions, are flour, cornmeal, wheat semolina, eggs, cheese,
lard, meat, wild berries and herbs. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
Page 22
In 2014, the Kleinwalsertal won the Top Foodie Region award. 14
innkeepers from the Kleinwalsertal took part in this Austrian-wide
initiative, offering mainly regional produce such as game or beef from the
Kleinwalsertal. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
bewusstmontafon
“bewusstmontafon“ is an association promoting regional products from
the Montafon. Farmers offer their produce on the digital market place.
Innkeepers and chefs can then search for what is on offer regionally and
seasonally. The member hotels and restaurants must satisfy a number of
criteria, mainly offering a minimum amount of regional products and
providing appropriate information to guests and staff training.
www.bewusstmontafon.at (in German only) | www.montafon.at/en
vo:dô in Lech Zürs am Arlberg
Farmers, gastronomists and hotel-keepers have joined forces in Lech Zürs
am Arlberg in order to treat locavores to premium local food. vo:dô –
meaning “from here“ in local dialect is the name of this network which
promotes zero-km dishes and regionally sourced products. The specialities
from Lech include, among others, hay milk, mountain trout, char and
bread from the wood-fired stove. www.lechzuers.com
Lech Zürs Treats Gourmets by the ’Spoonful‘
’Spoonful’, the successful gourmet series, will be revived this year anew.
At different dates throughout the winter season, restaurants in Lech Zürs
take turns in staging themed culinary nights in cooperation with renowned
guest chefs, winemakers, artists or speakers. This premium offer includes
the programme and an 8-course meal with aperitif, wine pairing and
coffee. www.lechzuers.com
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Culinary Delights in the Brandnertal
 Five creative chefs from the Brandnertal stage fine dining events,
serving traditional and contemporary fare. The themed nights at given
dates are dedicated to regional and seasonal delicacies. The fee is EUR
60 per person, incl. drinks and aperitif.
 Palüd Exquisit is a programme combining a night-time ride up the
mountain, a torch-lit hike and 4-course dinner served in the cable car
and in different restaurants on the mountain or in the valley. These
culinary outings are staged on 18 Dec, 8 Jan, 5 Feb and 5 March.
Participants meet at 6:00 p.m. at the valley terminal of Palüdbahn. The
menu differs on each date. The price of EUR 92 per person covers the
dinner and the mountain ride.
 Rustic fare – in contemporary interpretation - is the motto of
UR.MODERN. During this themed culinary week in March 2015 that is
dedicated to Vorarlberg veal, the region’s most creative chefs rustle up
surprise combinations in the mountain restaurants and eateries down
in the valleys. www.alpenregion-vorarlberg.com/en
Klostertal Gourmet Weeks
“Farmer meets innkeeper“ is the motto in the Klostertal. For the sixth
consecutive time, the Klostertal Gourmet Weeks are staged in April in
cooperation with the “Klostertaler Bauerntafel“. Bauerntafel is a pool of
regional producers manufacturing sausages, jam, honey, tee and distilled
brandies. Their products are served to visitors in surprising combinations.
A gourmet rally of the participating businesses will kick off the Klostertal
gourmet weeks. www.klostertal.info
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on Lake Constance
For a series of years, Vorarlberg Lines have been offering New Year’s Eve
cruises with an exquisite buffet, music, dance, tombola and huge
fireworks. There is a choice of two options: cruise cum buffet at EUR 128
per person, and the all-inclusive variant including drinks at EUR 159.
Page 23
The New Year’s Day brunch during a two-hour round trip is a perfect start
into the New Year. The price for the cruise with copious brunch buffet is
EUR 36.90 Euro for adults and EUR 18.30 for children. Night owls may
prefer the New Year’s Day cruise in the afternoon with coffee and cakes
on board at EUR 17.70 for adults and EUR 8.80 for children.
www.vorarlberg-lines.at/english
Cookery, Bakery and Dairying Courses
Do it yourself is the mantra – with professional guidance from well-known
cooks, bakers and dairy-farmers.
 Vorarlberg’s leading chefs cultivate creative cuisine using regionally
sourced produce whenever possible. In special cookery classes they
are happy to share their philosophy and let interested hobby chefs into
the secrets of their art.
The most sought-after cookery courses are those of Heino Huber
(Deuring Schlössle in Bregenz), Michael Schwarzenbacher (Restaurant
Mangold in Lochau), Michael Ritter (Kochagentur in Götzis), Gabi
Strahammer (“Schulhus” in Krumbach), Valentin Bargehr (Gasthaus
Rössle in Braz near Bludenz), Tibor Danka (Gasthaus Mohren in
Rankweil) and the five ’palate-pleasing’ chefs in the Brandnertal.
 At Ludescherberg, accessible from Raggal in the Grosses Walsertal
biosphere park, interested visitors can re-discover the art of bread
baking with Pauline. At her hay barn turned idyllic seminar house, with
dazzling views of the Walgau, she stages regular cookery classes
featuring various experts of fine dining. www.paulinarium.at (in
German only)
 In Egg in the Bregenzerwald the motto of the cookery classes offered
by Ms Kaufmann in the former Gasthaus Engel is ‘Home-made’. At the
“Engel” Karin Kauffmann has set up her own store selling spice
mixtures, home-made products and kitchen utensils such as a soup
pearl sieve which she designed in cooperation with local craftspeople
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
from the Bregenzerwald. There is also an online shop accessible via the
website www.fraukaufmann.at (in German only)
Visiting Cheese and Dairy Farms
If you are interested in finding out more about the famous Vorarlberg
cheese, how it is manufactured and stored, there is an opportunity to visit
cheese and dairy farms. Some farms even offer a dairying course where
you can manufacture your own cheese in just a couple of hours.
 The Bregenzerwald Cheese Road offers a number of interesting sites
for lovers of cheese. The cheese cellar in Lingenau, where some
thousand loaves of cheese are stored to ripen, is a must see.
Moreover, there is a small cheese shop onsite. Inglo Metzler in Egg
offers dairying courses. Metzler is a pioneer who is famous for his
beauty products made of whey, which are all on sale on his farm
outlet, alongside cheese made from cow and goat milk. You can also
visit the huge free stall barn which houses cows and sheep
www.kaesestrasse.at | www.naturhautnah.at (in German only)
 Käsehaus Montafon in Schruns is always worth a visit. Reconstructed
some years ago, the building accommodates a dairying school, an onfarm outlet and an inn. www.kaesehaus-montafon.at (in German only)
 Haus Walserstolz is accommodated in a modern timber construction in
Sonntag-Stein in the Grosses Walsertal. There you can visit the
demonstration dairy farm, an exhibition on the region, and the shop.
Dairying courses are held at the adventure dairy farm.
www.hauswalserstolz.at (in German only)
Page 24
Insights and Discoveries
Some museums open also in winter. Concerts and appealing après-ski
events round off winter activities in the mountains. Advent markets set
the tone for Christmas. Unique buildings and exhibitions provide insights
into building culture in Vorarlberg.
MUSEUMS | EXHIBITIONS
vorarlberg museum in Bregenz
Reopened in summer 2013, the redeveloped and enlarged vorarlberg
museum in Bregenz pays allegiance to the region’s past and present.
Exhibitions on “Vorarlberg. A Making-of“,“Romans, or so“, and “Sein &
Mein“ – an acoustic journey of Vorarlberg are on show. The exhibition
“Me, Felder. Poet and Rebel“ commemorating the 175th anniversary of
Franz Michael Felder runs until 16 November. Bregenzerwald-born Felder
was a farmer, writer and social reformer.
In addition, the museum stages guided tours, talks with scientists, talk
cafés and a string of other events. www.vorarlbergmuseum.at (in German
only)
 Connoisseur TIP: Views from atop the vorarlberg museum in Bregenz
The vorarlberg museum combines interesting insights and unusual views:
Located in the very heart of the city, the building impresses by its
architectural design: more than 16,000 flowers adorn the façade. On the
fourth floor, behind an inconspicuous door, you will step into an exhibition
room of a special kind. From the dark-coloured room, views of the
permanently changing Lake Constance scenery unfold from a huge
panoramic window. The new museum building which integrates listed
elements, was designed by the Vorarlberg firm of architects Andreas
Cukrowicz and Anton Nachbaur. www.vorarlbergmuseum.at (in German
only)
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Kunsthaus Bregenz
Designed by the renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, Kunsthaus
Bregenz (KUB) is one of Europe’s leading museums of contemporary art.
Apart from a few days in the year, Kunsthaus is open all year round.
Varying exhibitions are on show, which the artists usually design
specifically for KUB. Works by the Canadian Jeff Wall will be exhibited
from 18 October to 11 January 2015. Wall has fully devoted himself to
photography. In his works since the mid-1990s, he makes reference to
classical street photography as well as to film noir.
The KUB Arena on the ground floor accommodates smaller exhibitions,
performances and events. By late 2014, the dates of the 2015 exhibitions
will be online at www.kunsthaus-bregenz.at.
Jewish Museum Hohenems
The exhibition “Jewish Vinyl. A Jewish Century on Records“ portrays the
triumph of the record and the gramophone, both invented and patented
in the late 19th century by Emil Berliner, a Jew of German descent. Vinyl
records and the gramophone player with the distinctive large horn
became objects of cult in the new century and have remained so to this
very day (21 October 2014 to March 2015).
The permanent exhibition at Villa Heimann-Rosenthal documents the 300year history of the Jewish community from its origins to its end after 1938.
www.jm-hohenems.at/en
Angelika-Kauffmann Museum Schwarzenberg
From 28 Nov 2014 to 4 Jan 2015, the Angelika Kauffmann Museum will be
showing works from the art collection of the village of Schwarzenberg,
titled “The Best“, featuring – amongst others – engravings, oil paintings
and china cups decorated by the renowned Baroque paintress Angelika
Kauffmann. tourismus.schwarzenberg.at/en
Page 25
Women’s Museum Hittisau
Accommodated in a building designed in contemporary Vorarlberg timber
architecture, the Women’s Museum in Hittisau is the only one of its kind
in Austria. Changing exhibitions portray the history of womankind and the
individual fates of women in a colourful spectrum. The exhibition on
“Embroidered Morality. Linen Cloths between Tradition, Assigned Roles
and Illusion“ runs until 8 February 2015. The collection of linen cloths
embroidered with aphorisms features thoughtful, religious, sometimes
moralising wisdoms – always a mirror of the times.
www.bregenzerwald.at/en/
Kleinwalsertal: Day & Night Museum Visit
Bergschau Kleinwalsertal is an exhibition which informs at four different
stations in the valley and on the mountains about geology and the
fascination of the mountains. In addition, there is a series of info points all
across the valley. These are inconspicuous steles with 3-D images of the
landscape. At the different stations, interested visitors can find out more
about how the valley formed since the Stone Age, and will learn that
Africa and Europe actually meet here www.bergschau.at (in German only).
How did the Walser, the original settlers of the Kleinwalsertal, live? What
legends and myths exist from that time? Nocturnal torch hikes followed by
a visit of the Walser Museum give unusual insights. These 2-hour walks
are organised on Fridays, from 13 December to 12 April. Meet at 7:30
p.m.at Kanzelwandbahn. The price is EUR 9 per person (with a guest card)
and EUR 15 for all other participants. www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
Museums in Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg boasts some 55 museums, many of which also open during the
winter. For an overview of all museums in Vorarlberg, see
www.vorarlberg.travel/en/museums.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
MUSIC | CONCERTS
 Connoisseur TIP: Tanzcafé Arlberg
From 29 March to 12 April 2015, Tanzcafé Arlberg stages après-ski events
in the fashion of the good old times. As end-of-season special, live bands
will be playing jazz, soul, rock’n roll and swing at Rüfiplatz, in Hotels and
Restaurants. In 2013, this dance-music initiative won a recognition at the
Vorarlberg Tourism Innovation Awards. www.lechzuers.com
NEW: Montfort Overtones in Feldkirch
The new Montforthaus in Feldkirch is launching a series of events under
the motto “Time Spaces between Dialogue and Music - Winter.Summer.
Autunm“. On three dates, a total of 40 individual events will be hosted,
from an intimate salon dialogue to a high-key orchestra concert featuring
not only international stars of classical music, but also Vorarlberg artists.
Dates: Starting – About Beginning (16 February to 1 March), Quarrelling –
Luckily there is conflict! (1-5 July) and Believing – Between Doubt and
Revelation (16-29 November).
Music and Culture Salons in the Bregenzerwald
Some Bregenzerwald hotels offer classy entertainment at the end of the
day or in the evening.
 ‘Wälderness’ is the motto of a string of still-undiscovered events
featuring sophisticated jazz, blues, rock and new popular music
ensembles, staged on Thursdays at Gasthof Hirschen in
Schwarzenberg.
 Live bands perform regularly at the fireside bar of Hotel Steffisalp in
Warth.
 Once every three months, Gasthof Krone in Hittisau organises a
“Literature on Saturday” afternoon. Starting at 3:00 p.m. literary titbits
are presented, accompanied by coffee, tea and cakes.
Page 26
 At the Adventsvierklang international jazz and classics stars will be
throwing in a performance at Hotel Post Bezau. Concerts have been
scheduled for 11 and 13 December.
 “Krone meets Art“ is the motto of the salon music concerts at Hotel
Krone in Au performed by young artists studying at the Vorarlberg
Province Music Conservatoire. Hotelier Walter Lingg regularly arranges
guided visits with organ recitals at the parish church of Au.
GUIDED TOURS | MARKETS
Night Owl Tours
Equipped with a lantern and in historic costume, a night guard will take
you to historic and romantic places in the old town of Bludenz, sharing
stories from bygone days. The tour lasts 1.5 hours. Dates by prior
appointment (Albert Burtscher, www.vguide.at (in German only)).
In Feldkirch, a night guard runs a tour of the narrow lanes of the medieval
town on 11 and 18 December. www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com/en
Advent Markets in the Towns and Villages
 The atmospheric Christmas market in the medieval town of Feldkirch
opens from 28 November to 24 December. This year’s traditional
advent singing will be held on 29 November, 6 and 14 December
 From 21 November to 23 December, the Bregenz Christmas market
presents arts & crafts, regional delicacies as well as gifts and souvenirs.
Seasonal music sets the tone for Christmas. The artisanry and culinary
Christmas market in the idyllic upper town opens on Advent weekends
in December.
 The Schwarzenberg Advent in the picturesque village of
Schwarzenberg in the Bregenzerwald has garnered a reputation for its
unique ambience. Opening from 27 Nov to 21 Dec it features concerts,
readings, exhibitions and the advent market on 28 and 29 Nov.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
 There is a nostalgic touch to the Christmas Market in Dornbirn from 29
Nov to 23 Dec. Visitors can savour regional delicacies, buy original
artisanry objects, Christmas decorations, and listen to choir and brass
band music.
 The Christmas market in Bludenz opens from 27 Nov to 24 Dec.
 In the Kleinwalsertal, locals gather on 29 Nov for the traditional
“Advent E'Lüüta“ which heralds the beginning of the Advent season,
featuring bonfires, music, horse-driven carriage rides as well as food
and drink. The St. Nicholas market opens on 6 December in Riezlern,
with a Krampus run and advent concert performed by the local brass
band in traditional costumes. The beautifully decorated stands sell arts
& crafts, as well as home-made treats. On 23 December the
Kleinwalsertal men’s choir will sing “Stille über'm Dorf“ and other
carols to set the tone for Christmas.
 “Peace and contemplation“ is the theme of the Montafon Winter
Magic from 1 Dec 2014 to 6 Jan 2015. The programme features over
100 events, including concerts, winter hikes, and the Montafon advent
calendar which promises a special event every day at a different place
that will put you in the mood for Christmas.
Page 27
BUILDING DESIGN/ARTISANRY
Werkraum and the Werkraum Building in the Bregenzerwald
The Bregenzerwald has garnered a reputation for innovative
craftsmanship. Some 85 craftspeople – from carpenters to textile
designers – have teamed up in the Werkraum Bregenzerwald. This joint
platform organises exhibitions, competitions, lectures and talks, and
engages in research and development.
The Werkraum Building in Andelsbuch was opened in summer 2013.
Designed by the renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor the building is
home to varying exhibitions all year round.
From 13 September to 11 October, the exhibition “Getting Things Done“
portrays current developments in architecture in Vorarlberg. Designed as
a travelling showcase, it starts at Werkraum Bregenzerwald and will then
be on show worldwide at Austria’s Cultural Forums.
Scheduled from 31 January to 2 May 2015, a furniture exhibition deals
with “heirlooms“. Bregenzerwald people have always attached particular
importance to high-quality home furnishings. Many of these elaborately
crafted and impeccably manufactured pieces of furniture have survived
the centuries as “heirlooms”. How are these favourite objects of our
ancestors perceived today? Which stories attached to them? Which
contemporary piece of furniture holds the potential of being equally
loved, preserved and used over generations? This exhibition will look at
furniture from the angle of these questions. www.werkraum.at (in
German only) | www.bregenzerwald.at/en
participating architects come from Russia, Norway, Belgium, Spain, Chile,
Japan and China; each of them worked in partnership with a local
Vorarlberg firm of architects. www.kulturkrumbach.at
Architecture land vorarlberg and Modern Hospitality
Published by the Vorarlberg Architecture Institute and the Vorarlberg
Tourist Board, the booklet architecture land vorarlberg informs about the
unique characteristics of contemporary Vorarlberg architecture and
presents unusual sites. The Modern Hospitality supplement presents 22
hotels and apartments of outstanding architectural interest.
Information on architecture and the booklets are available free of charge
from the Vorarlberg State Tourist Board, phone +43 (0) 5572-377 033-0,
info@vorarlberg.travel and for download at
www.vorarlberg.travel/brochures.
You will find more information on art and culture in Vorarlberg and an
overview of all museums and events at www.vorarlberg.travel/en/cultureand-pleasure-austria.
NEW: BUS:STOP Krumbach im Bregenzerwald
An unusual project was completed in spring 2014 in Krumbach. This small
community in the Bregenzerwald invited a string of renowned architects
from all over the world to design seven bus stops, called “Wartehüsle“ in
local dialect. Ever since, these bus stops do not only render service to
passengers waiting to be picked up, but are the object of admiration of an
international flock of people interested in architecture. The seven
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Page 28
Entertainment for Toddlers and Teens
Practicing the very first turns on snow, learning to ski in a playful
manner, cruising with St. Nicholas on board, and exploring life on a farm:
Family holidays in Vorarlberg promise fun and entertainment where you
can also leave your little ones in professional hands.
Vorarlberg Family Club
The Vorarlberg Family Club is a pool of businesses specialising in familyfriendly programmes. Its members are a number of hotels as well as the
resorts of Au-Schoppernau, the Brandnertal, Gargellen, Kleinwalsertal,
Lech Zürs am Arlberg and Schruns-Tschagguns. They all cater to the needs
of families with children: child-friendly equipment, practical all-inclusive
services and tailor-made activities for children. For more information on
the family-friendly hotels and resorts, visit www.vorarlberg.travel/en.
Value for Money, Warm Welcome for Kids
Most of Vorarlberg‘s ski regions offer free supervised activities for infants
and children at (ski) nurseries and in different playworlds. All ski schools
in Vorarlberg offer customized courses for children where they can learn
to ski in a playful manner. For more details about ski nurseries and ski
kindergartens, consult the info sheet which can be downloaded from
www.vorarlberg.travel/brochures
Ski Courses with a Guarantee
 Learn to ski as if by magic– four hours of one-on-one tuition by a
special method, and children aged three or more will be able to
negotiate the practice run all on their own. This is guaranteed by the
ski school of Schwarzenberg im Bregenzerwald.
 The ski school at Bödele above Dornbirn guarantees that children aged
four and older can negotiate the slope downhill after 2 x 2 hours of
one-to-one coaching. www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
 Children aged five and older learn to do turns within three days at the
ski school in Klostertal. Those who fail to reach that aim may continue
the course for free. www.klostertal.info (in German only) |
www.vorarlberg-alpenregion.at/en
Special Bargains for Families
 Family-friendly Montafon: From 28 March to 12 April children and
youngsters up to 17 years (born 1997 and later) benefit from a 50%
discount on accommodation and ski passes. In addition, all resorts
offer a diverting programme of activities. www.montafon.at/en
 Kid’s Snow in Bregenzerwald: The Kid’s Snow Package makes family
holidays between13-20 Dec, 10-17 Jan, 14-21 March and 21-28 March
even more affordable. During those periods, children between three
and six can ski (born 2009/2010/2011) and attend a 4-day ski course
for free, if accompanied by at least one adult staying seven nights.
Moreover, the local tourist offices in the partner resorts organise
special activities for children such as lantern walks, farmhouse visits or
jolly tobogganing outings with torches. www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Ski Safari for Children at Golm in the Montafon
A fun-filled, action-packed day awaits ski kids at the ski safari at the Golm
accompanied by a ski instructor. The day starts with a downhill run in
deep powder, followed by story-telling and riddle-solving; in the break, a
barbecue is organised in the forest. At the end of the day, the group skis
down to the Gauertal valley or takes the snowcat to the middle station. To
be able to participate, kids must have mastered the parallel turn. Ski
safaris are held on Thursdays, the price is EUR 32.
www.montafon.at/mountain-experiences
With Burmi through the Kleinwalsertal
In winter, Burmi is the unchallenged star in the Kleinwalsertal ski schools.
Children simply love meeting the marmot. Burmi is an abbreviation for
Page 29
Burmenta, the vernacular expression for a marmot or groundhog. Burmi
accompanies the little ones to the slopes. Burmi Express takes them on a
train ride through the valley, and Burmi gondola whisks them up to the
peak.
Safety panels have been mounted along the Burmi descent in the Heuberg
Arena explaining the most important piste rules. The Burmi cross-country
trail makes for a welcome change to family skiing. Here, children learn the
first groundings of cross-country skiing in a playful manner. On a seesaw, a
magic wave, archways and kidland figures lining the run, the little ones
can train their sense of balance and stability. During holiday times, a
diverting programme of adventures for the whole family is organised in
the afternoons and evenings, Mondays through Fridays.
www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
Dogsled Riding School in the Brandnertal
Husky Tony in the Brandnertal offers a dogsled driving licence for kids.
Children aged 8 and older first learn the important things and behaviours
concerning the dogs. After a short test, the children do some dry practice;
as newly trained husky guides they are then allowed to ride the dogsled
themselves for a while. A husky driving licence marks the end of the
programme. www.husky-toni.at (in German only) | www.alpenregionvorarlberg.com/en
Skiing and Horse-Back Riding in the Brandnertal
Familienhotel Beck**** in Brand offers an interesting combo for young
equestrians: the daily programme features a riding lesson or outing on
horseback, plus three hours of ski or snowboard instruction. The price of
EUR 410 includes a 6-day ski pass, not including accommodation.
www.sporthotel-beck.at
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Brandnertal – With a Ski Concierge to the Slopes
The fam family hotels Lagant and Scesaplana in Brand are offering a new
service to make the life of holiday-makers a lot easier: Special ski
concierges will spare you the irksome task of carrying your gear or
queuing for tickets. He (or she, for that matter) will make sure that all ski
passes and ski school tickets are available for pick-up at your hotel on
arrival, and that the skis are always where you need them. The fam ski
school shuttle whisks fam hotel guests conveniently to the station.
Moreover, hotel Scesaplana and an outlet near hotel Lagant operate a
rental service at discount rates. www.lagant.at | www.scesaplana.at
NEW: Natursprünge in the Brandnertal
Natursprünge is the name of an interactive educational trail which opened
in summer 2014. Developed in cooperation with the inatura nature
exhibition in Dornbirn and negotiable also in winter, this innovative trail
invites visitors to grasp and experience nature hands-on. Hikers will learn
in a playful manner how the Alps came into being, and about the vital
function of water and soil. At the different stations you can find out more
about alpine fauna and flora, forest exploitation, how game is looked
after, and about alpine hazards. www.alpenregion-vorarlberg.com/en
Schettis Kidsland in Egg-Schetteregg
The ski resort of Egg-Schetteregg in the Bregenzerwald is highly popular
among families with children. Its major draw is Schettis Kidsland featuring
a ski carousel, magic carpet, igloo, climbing hill, tubing run etc. which is
freely accessible. Moreover, every ski run has a mascot informing about
which abilities children need to master that run, ranging from snowplough
turns on the Hedgehog Circuit to confident swings on the Bear Slope and
dynamic carving on the Lynx Run. www.schetteregg.at (in German only) |
www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Page 30
Cruising Lake Constance with St. Nicholas
During the winter months, the vessels of the Lake Constance fleet operate
at given dates. St. Nicholas cruises are highly popular among families.
During the ride, St. Nicholas gift stockings are handed out to the kids, and
an on-board magician will keep them entertained. There dates have been
scheduled for St. Nicholas cruises: 5, 6 and 7 December 2014.
www.vorarlberg-lines.at/english
Discover Life and Animals on a Farm
Several farmsteads in the Bregenzerwald let children discover life on a
farm and work with animals. Most activities are free of charge.
 Vorarlberg’s first open farmhouse built by the Metzler family in Egg.
Apart from the dairying school and the modern building in which the
Metzler family processes whey into beauty products, visitors may also
visit the imposing cattle pen, and a goat house cum visitors’ gallery.
With this near-nature project by the name of NATURHAUTNAH, the
Metzler family has created a place of energy-efficient and sustainable
management where visitors can experience and learn hands-on about
everything that goes on at a farm. The project has won several Austrian
and international awards. www.naturhautnah.at (in German only)
 On a visit to the cuddle zoo of Erlebnisgästehaus Kanisfluh in Bezau
the little ones may not only pet the animals, but also help feeding
them. Meet Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. at the village square fountain.
 On the adventure farm in Au-Schoppernau animals can be petted and
the kids may watch the farmer feeding, tending to and milking the
animals. Meet Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the local tourist office in Au
from 16 Dec 2014 to 7 April 2015; the visit takes one hour.
 Thursdays (31 January – 28 February 2015) at 4:30 p.m. the lantern
walk to a farm starts in Andelsbuch. On arrival, the party is allowed to
take a look around inside the stable. Participation in the one-hour
programme is free.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
 Farmhouse detectives in the Klostertal and the Grosses Walsertal
biosphere park: Adventure and suspense for families at the Nigsch
family in Sonntag and the Mottnerhof farm in Braz. A fee of EUR 15 per
child is charged for participation in the 3-hour programme (minimum
of 5 participants).
 Animal adventure trail Brand: the animal adventure trail in Brand is a
highlight for children, also during winter. The trail is most atmospheric
in the pre-Christmas season, when life-size crib figures are mounted
next to the animals in the shed.
Holidays at a Baby and Kids Farmhouse
A number of farmhouses in Vorarlberg rent out cosy rooms and
apartments. Eight of these, all in the Bregenzerwald, are specialised baby
and kids farmhouses. The hosts cater specifically to the needs of families
with children, making their holidays as pleasant as possible, and sharing
farm life with interested visitors. www.urlaubambauernhof.at/vorarlberg
More information on packages and programmes for family holidays in
Vorarlberg at www.vorarlberg.travel/en/family-holiday-austria.
Page 31
Bookable
Vorarlberg has a wealth of programmes and activities within a compact
area in store. As good as all ski resorts boast high-end hotels as well as
cosy B&Bs and apartments. All-in packages which the different regions
offer at given times are a good choice if you want to discover Vorarlberg’s
ski resorts at bargain rates. For more information on holidays that
perfectly fit your bill, contact the local tourist offices. Current offers are
also available at www.vorarlberg.travel/en.
Powder Snow Weeks in Lech Zürs am Arlberg from EUR 665
Stay in an exclusive 3-star hotel and swing down pristine powder slopes:
Prices from EUR 665 for seven nights with buffet breakfast and a 6-day
Arlberg ski pass. Bookable between 7 and 24 Jan 2015.
www.lechzuers.com/packages
Untramelled ski fun in the Kleinwalsertal from EUR 199
This package promises skiing fun on 128km of snow-sure runs with the
Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal 2-country ski pass. The package includes the
chosen number of nights in a hotel category of your choice and the ski
pass for the time of your stay. Bookable during the advent skiing weeks (6
-25 December 2014), the dream ski weeks (10-30 January 2015) and the
sunshine skiing weeks (7 March–12 April 2015). Three nights with
breakfast and ski pass from EUR 199 per person.
www.kleinwalsertal.com/en
 Winter.Sun.Montafon: Between 16-27 March, accommodation, ski
passes and rental equipment sell at a 15% discount.
www.montafon.at/en
SKI Bregenzerwald from EUR 309
The package includes four nights (Sun to Thurs) or three nights (Thurs to
Sun) accommodation in select partner businesses, as well as a 3-day 3valley ski pass. If you book the package Sun-to-Thurs you will get four
nights at the price of three. Bookable from 8 Jan to 5 April 2015 (except 12
Feb to 22 Feb) at EUR 309 in a hotel with half board. Accommodation in an
apartment or B&B also possible. www.bregenzerwald.at/en
Brandnertal: Family Ski Aktiv from EUR 631.50
This package is bookable from 12 December to 12 April 2015 and promises
ski fun for the entire family. It includes five nights in an apartment and a 4day ski pass. Price: from EUR 631.50 for two adults and two children
between six and twelve years. www.alpenregion-vorarlberg.com/en
Bodensee-Vorarlberg: Delightful Advent Time
Soak up the atmosphere on the Christmas markets in Feldkirch, Dornbirn
or Bregenz: the package includes one night with buffet breakfast in a
three- or four-star hotel, a themed four-course set Christmas menu and
culinary titbits on two different markets. Bookable from late November to
Christmas. www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com/en
Holidays at a bargain in Montafon
 Winter.World Cup.Montafon: Between 5-19 December, visitors pay
20% less for their accommodation, ski passes and ski rental.
 Winter.Sports.Montafon: Between 12-23 January, accommodation, ski
passes and rental equipment sell at a 15% discount.
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Page 32
Culture Summer 2015 – A Preview
Bregenz Spring: The Bregenz Spring Dance Festival from March to May at
Festspielhaus Bregenz features modern dance performed by international
ensembles. www.bregenzerfruehling.at (in German only)
Bregenz Festival: From 22 July to 23 August 2015, the Bregenz Festival will
be performing Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Turandot“ on the lakeside stage.
The programme also features operas, orchestra concerts, theatre
performances and the Kunst-aus-der-Zeit series of contemporary art.
www.bregenzerfestspiele.com
Schubertiade: The Schubertiade in Schwarzenberg is scheduled from 20-28
June and from 22-30 August 2015 in Schwarzenberg in the Bregenzerwald.
May, July, September and October, Schubertiade concerts will be hosted in
Hohenems. A star-studded cast will perform lieder recitals, chamber music
and concerts. www.schubertiade.at
4th Lech Classic Music Festival: The programme of this young festival from
5-8 August is a blend of conventional and offbeat music, featuring gospels
and spirituals as well as soloist concerts and opera performances.
www.lech-classic-music-festival.com
19th Philosophicum Lech: From 16-20 September, this prestigious
symposium addresses a topical social policy issue. In the course of the
event, the Tractatus will be awarded in recognition of philosophical essay
writing. www.philosophicum.com
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Page 33
Our Service For You
Media Service
Useful Folders
The media team of the Vorarlberg Tourist Board is at your service:
_ Each year, the Vorarlberg Journal singles out a different theme. The
2014 issue highlights building culture and presents interesting buildings
and personages. It also features tips and hints for sports lovers and
foodies. The topic of the 2015 Journal, due in early March 2015, is “In
Movement”. Brochure available in German only.
_The Winter-Folder portrays Vorarlberg’s winter regions in a compact
form with survey maps of the ski areas.
__Architektur Land Vorarlberg and Modern Hospitality. This folder takes
you to outstanding architectural sites and hotels.
_Convention Partner Vorarlberg informs about all facilities for convention
and meeting organisers from convention halls to hotels and suggestions
for side events.
PHOTOS: Pick your choice from a wealth of photos in the online photo
archive at www.vorarlberg.travel/press. Photos may be used free of
charge but only in a tourist context and only for coverage about
Vorarlberg.
_Interactive winter: ski resorts, winter hiking routes, maps etc. at
www.vorarlberg.travel
All brochures are available for download free of charge at
www.vorarlberg.travel/brochures. Print copies are also available free of
charge at:
FILM FOOTAGE: At www.vorarlbergvonoben.at you will find a large
selection of summer and winter footage. You may contact us to obtain this
raw footage in HDTV quality.
TEXT: We support you with in-depth and detailed media and background
reports from our current text data base.
STUDY TRIPS: You want to travel to Vorarlberg to find out more? Simply
contact us.
Your contact:
Andrea Masal, BA
T +43 (0) 5572-37 70 33-0 | andrea.masal@vorarlberg.travel
Vorarlberg Tourismus | P.O. Box 99, 6850 Dornbirn – Österreich | Austria|
T +43 (0) 5572-37 70 33-0 (Mon-Sat 8-18 hs) | info@vorarlberg.travel |
www.vorarlberg.travel/en | www.facebook.com/urlaubsland.vorarlberg
Media Information Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Poststrasse 11 | P.O. Box 99 | 6850 Dornbirn | Austria
T +43.(0)5572.377033-0 | F +43.(0)5572.377033-5 | info@vorarlberg.travel | www.vorarlberg.travel
Page 34