47 Images That Will Make You Wish to Go to Charming Vorarlberg, Austria

Lush forested hills and crystal clear lakes cowl Vorarlberg, the westernmost area of Austria alongside the Switzerland border. Right here you can find cities and cities which might be without delay medieval and trendy: sustainable inexperienced roofs overlook centuries-old clocktowers, cobblestone streets and trendy structure dwell in concord alongside fairytale-esque castles. And past the aesthetic attraction, you’ll discover a charming tradition with a slower lifestyle, scrumptious regional specialties, and great individuals who can’t wait to indicate you what makes their dwelling so particular.

Whilst you could not have heard a lot about Vorarlberg or the charming cities and cities which might be the guts of this area, you possibly can anticipate finding loads of historical past, artwork, tradition, pleasant locals, and unimaginable meals. Though this area is totally under-discovered by most vacationers, right here’s why Vorarlberg is Austria’s greatest saved secret!

Psst: Planning a go to to Austria? Take a look at a few of our different posts that can assist you plan your journey!

Lia visited Austria again in 2019 to talk on the first-everPropel Convention in stunning Graz, Austria’s 2nd largest metropolis – check out her photograph information to Graz, Austria from that journey!

However this 12 months, Lia spoke on the convention just about (as a result of she was knocked up and tremendous nauseous), whereas I, Richie Goff—the Editor-in-Chief of Sensible Wanderlust—went in her place! Speak about a dream job, proper??

Fact be advised, once I heard I’d be going to Vorarlberg, Austria I used to be like… “the place?” However regardless that I solely had just a few weeks to arrange, I knew I’d be consuming heavenly cheese (a lot scrumptious cheese!) and wandering round villages a lot older than something I used to be going to search out in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Quick ahead three weeks and I discovered myself amongst flower markets on cobblestone streets, hanging out on mountains with different journey bloggers, and having the time of my life.

I didn’t understand Austria had magic behind each flip and nook, ya’ll!

Every thing about my journey to Vorarlberg stunned me, and never simply because I didn’t even have time to do any preparation or analysis earlier than I packed my baggage and left (in my protection, your complete journey was totally and expertly deliberate by the great Go to Vorarlberg tourism board).

Like, I didn’t know that Vorarlberg’s capital is Bregenz, which sits on a transparent blue, 207-square-mile lake that additionally borders Germany and Switzerland and gives consuming water for 5 million folks.

Or that there are Umgang Bregenzerwald, aka “Village Walks”, round 13 native villages the place you possibly can find out about native historical past and tradition by strolling round and peering into rust-colored metal columns that dispense attention-grabbing native tibits and information.

I returned from Vorarlberg the place I frolicked in Mellau, Feldkirch, Dornbirn, and Bregenz with roughly a zillion photographs, and located myself overwhelmed by the duty of paring down my experiences into our regular 10-15 photographs.

So I … er, procrastinated for about 3 months… after which started working. And I ended up with so many beautiful, colourful, vibrant photographs of lovely Vorarlberg that I made a decision to throw all of them into one publish. You’re welcome.

Vorarlberg Journey Ideas & FAQ’s

Let’s begin with just a few of the necessary issues to find out about visiting the Vorarlberg area! Listed below are all of the specifics you’ll want if you happen to’re planning a visit to Vorarlberg.

• When to go to Vorarlberg: The very best time of the 12 months to go to Vorarlberg is between June and August, when the excessive temperatue is within the low 70s and there’s little rainfall, and the well-known Bregenzer Festspiele is occurring on the lake. And since Vorarlberg isn’t a significant vacationer vacation spot like each different metropolis in Europe you’ve ever heard of, it’s quiet and never crowded in any respect. So subsequent time you’re reserving a summer time getaway to Vienna or Salzburg, hop a practice to Vorarlberg as an alternative to flee the crowds! The opposite greatest time to go to is through the Christmas Market season, in early December. You’ll find two Christmas markets in Bregenz, and one in Dornbirn and Feldkirch. Would possibly we advise including Vorarlberg to your subsequent Christmas journey together with Vienna & Hallstatt?
• Methods to get to Vorarlberg: Whilst you might imagine Vienna could be the key metropolis to fly into to achieve Vorarlberg, it’s actually on the alternative aspect of the nation and eight hours away by practice. Nevertheless, Bregenz, Vorarlberg is barely 2 hours by practice from Zurich, Switzerland by means of lush, beautiful countryside! I like to recommend your practice choices on Rome2Rio.
• The place to remain in Vorarlberg: I cut up my week in Vorarlberg between two accommodations, one in Mellau and one in Dornbirn. In Mellau, I stayed within the glamorous and opulent Lodge Hubertus Mellau; whereas in Dornbirn I stayed within the pretty boutique Lodge Katharinenhof COMFORT, positioned a couple of 10 minutes’ stroll away from the Dornbin Market Sq.. I like to recommend both!
• Do I want a automobile? You completely don’t want a automobile inside Vorarlberg! Bregenz, Dornbirn, and Feldkirch are all accessible by practice, and you’ll simply get between the three. The one outlier is Mellau, which is extra rural if you happen to’re in search of countryside vibes. You may take an hour bus experience from Bregenz, nonetheless, and may verify availability on Rome2Rio.

Mellau, Vorarlberg

Mellau is a kind of little cities that sits between rolling hills, the place cows roam in open fields and a river runs by means of the city giving it that good, pastoral centerpiece.

Within the first couple of minutes of arrival, you’re instantly overcome with a way of serenity – there isn’t a site visitors, no tall buildings, and barely any folks – there are solely 1300 residents within the tiny city!

Whereas the city turns into busier within the winter for ski season and fills its 1500 lodge beds (that means there are extra visiting skiiers than the precise inhabitants!), coming in the summertime lets you decelerate, drink within the nature, and study that the folks of Mellau desire high quality over amount of life.

Mellau’s declare to fame is the Umgang Bregenzerwald, or “Village Walks”, which takes you round 13 native villages the place you possibly can find out about native historical past and tradition. Mellau is a part of this route, and alongside the best way you peer right into a rust-colored metal column that lights up and offers you a truth a couple of explicit constructing, a pure function, or one thing particular concerning the space.

The trail takes you on a loop across the village, over their babbling river and previous rolling hills. Stops alongside the best way embody Naze’s Hus, a restaurant which is a whole bunch of years previous and has conventional Austrian shingles. What was as soon as a copper workshop belonging to a person named Naze, is now a standard Austrian restaurant the place you possibly can see previous wooden beams and historic furnishings and eat conventional meals.

Käsespätzle is a specialty, which is constituted of pasta, cheese, potatoes, and fried onions. Principally Austrian Mac n Cheese! I imply, how might that be unhealthy? I in all probability ate it 4 instances on my Austria journey and it was by no means not precisely what I wanted!

And although lots of its residents dwell in farmhouses which have been transformed into residing areas for prolonged households, there’s loads of streamlined, trendy structure dotting this historic village as properly.

You’ll discover trendy structure in locations like Temple 74, a modern and classy award-winning condo advanced, that marries the normal small shingle facade with a minimal but luxurious inside.

And within the heart of city stands the Neighborhood Corridor of Mellau, the place the Propel Convention happened. Gentle-colored spruce and floor-to-ceiling home windows make this area the proper place to attend a convention, the place you are feeling without delay sheltered and related with nature.

Whereas in Mellau, make sure you take a look at the Mellaubahn Cable Automobile, which takes you up into the rolling hills surrounding Mellau on a 6-minute scenic experience.

From the highest, you possibly can hike up the Kanisfluh massif, a crag-like mountain that’s a landmark within the Bregenz Forest, or just benefit from the views of Mellau beneath or seize a bit to eat or a beer at Restaurant Simma.

All-in-all, Mellau, very like the identify sounds, is a mellow and great spot to unplug your mind and simply take pleasure in nature as it’s supposed to be.

Nowhere to hurry right here, simply benefit from the greenery, the flowers, and feeling your ft tread alongside unspoiled wilderness.

For extra Mellau eye sweet, take a look at Kirsten Alana’s photograph publish about Mellau!

Feldkirch, Vorarlberg

Feldkirch is an attractive Medieval city that has been splendidly preserved, and strolling across the cobblestone streets actually takes you again to 1218 when it was first chartered (although it was talked about in writing early as 830!).

Although Feldkirch appears small, it’s the second-largest metropolis in Vorarlberg with 34,192 residents – nevertheless it doesn’t appear so populous strolling across the historic metropolis heart.

Strolling down town sq., you possibly can anticipate finding a flower market overflowing with sunflowers, dahlias, and birds of paradise, with an vintage water fountain and loads of buildings painted in pastels or with medieval themes. Markets have been held right here Tuesdays and Saturdays because the thirteenth century!

Right here, folks sit at road cafes chatting, and the slower tempo of life appears simply as alive right here as in Mellau. Er, except there’s a spy mission afoot, anyway: this spot seems within the 2008 James Bond film “Quantum of Solace,” the place he drives down this identical market sq. at night time!

As soon as midday comes round, town streets fill with residents on their lunch break, and you’ll see what I might name “Austrian babushkas” – grandmothers with scarves on their heads chatting in little teams. The day I used to be there they have been little question speaking about all of the unusual English-speaking journey bloggers, with cameras in hand posing for photographs in every scenic spot.

When visiting a Medieval city, it’s necessary to have a really educated tour information, and we have been fortunate to have Felkirch’s very personal Countess Mechthild present us round! Don’t know who Countess Mechthild is? I didn’t both! However I used to be excited to be assembly an actual Countess. And she or he was an actual countess… not less than, within the center ages.

The themed tour was led by a really educated actress in full costume posing because the medieval countess, guiding us down hidden alleyways and mentioning historic landmarks.

We discovered about Depend Hugo I, who established the city and constructed Schattenburg (Shadow Citadel) in 1265, which nonetheless stands right this moment and serves as a museum you could tour digitally right here (or in particular person, if you’re, you recognize, there).

Although Feldkirch appears idyllic right this moment, it does have a gritty historical past. The final witch trial was held right here in 1649, the place the church discovered a lady named Martha Lochbüchlerin responsible of witchcraft after brutal torture and sentenced her to demise.

Fortunately for her, she died in jail earlier than the general public execution. In order that’s… cheery.

We additionally visited a large bell tower, constructed across the 12 months 500, which is without doubt one of the most recognizable icons of Feldkirch. Katzenturm, or “Cats Tower”, bought its identify for as soon as housing cannons that includes the form of a cat, for some cause. As you possibly can think about, I used to be sorely disenchanted that the tower wasn’t full of precise cats.

Katzenturm additionally has one of many largest bells within the area weighing 8.5 tons, which chimes out at 3pm each Friday, which I’m positive both delights residents or scares the residing daylights out of them.

Not that Feldkirch is all beautiful market locations, rustic towers, and precise castles (although it actually principally is, not that I’m complaining).

Our convention classes in Feldkirch have been held on theMontforthaus Feldkirch, a kind of space-age convention heart that even gained a sustainability award in 2017. I think about this has one thing to do with their beautiful inexperienced roof that overlooks town, the place we had wine within the night after our tour.

Feldkirch is the proper place to discover if you happen to love previous issues, actually previous issues. And beautiful buildings, and historical past. Actually, simply come right here and inform me how a lot you adore it, okay?

After the three days of conferencing about journey weblog stuff, we broke into post-tour journey teams to discover totally different components of Vorarlberg, and I headed off to see Bodensee.

Bregenz, Vorarlberg

Bregenz is the capital of Vorarlberg, and although it has a smaller inhabitants than Feldkirch, it feels barely extra metropolitan and city-like with greater markets, a bustling city-center, and barely greater buildings.

Not that it’s missing in attraction! Nooooo, Vorarlberg merely gained’t stand for anyplace that isn’t merely lovable.

Bregenz is most identified for its large lake which town stands on, which is known as the “soul of Europe”.

Bodensee, or Lake Constance because it’s known as in English, isa transparent blue, 207-square-mile lake that additionally borders Germany and Switzerland and gives consuming water for 5 million folks. Nobody nation “owns” the lake, and it’s loved by residents on all sides.

Lake Constance looks like the guts of town, with a harbor, eating places, and lengthy promenades stretching alongside its banks. There’s even a bit of gazebo bar the place you may get a drink over the water!

Alongside the shore, you possibly can lease little electrical or paddle boats and head out on the stunningly clear blue water to get a brand new perspective of town.

In the summertime, you possibly can deal with your self to milkshakes from a mushroom-shaped stand that basically “stands out” towards the shoreline (sorry for that horrible pun).

One in every of Bregenz’s largest claims to fame is their Bregenzer Festspiele, the place elaborate productions (typically Opera) are carried out on a floating stage with essentially the most intense, large-scale units you’ve ever seen.

As an illustration, a large mechanical (terrifying) clown head that moved all through the manufacturing of Rigoletto, to three large dragons and a crystal turtle for The Magic Flute, and even a large, rotating eye for his or her manufacturing of Tosca (which will be seen within the 2008 James Bond film “Quantum of Solace”).

They are saying Vienna is the classical music capital of Europe, however frankly, Bregenz is bringing operatic drama and I’m right here for it.

The productions are completely extraordinary, and the units are so monumental and costly the present runs July-August for 2 successive years.

Although the exhibits are so elaborate, they nonetheless have cheap seats in the direction of the again so that everybody is ready to have entry to the humanities.

If you’re on the town throughout this time, YOU MUST GO, even when opera isn’t your factor! This can be a world-class expertise.

Outdated City Bregenz is a medieval city, established round 1250, and is simply as charming as Feldkirch with quaint cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and many charming architectural options.

Alongside our self-guided strolling tour, we strolled throughout an previous medieval wall the place you might see Deuring schlössle, which I used to be satisfied was a fort with an epic historical past. In actuality, some fabulously wealthy particular person on the finish of the fourteenth or early fifteenth century constructed it, after which a rich timber service provider named Johann Albert von Deuring purchased it in 1660 and expanded it, including its very iconic “onion cap” – the higher for wanting down on the plebes in fashion, I suppose. It’s positively one of the noticeable landmarks in previous city, and positively provides a fairy story essence to town!

Probably the most weirdly lovable issues we noticed was a water function exterior of theWeinstube Kinz Restaurant of a peeing man. We have been all like “What the hell is that?!“. Our pretty information Katja with Bodensee Vorarlberg Tourism thought our response was hysterical, and identified his pee puddle is definitely within the form of Lake Constance. I suppose that’s what we name “Artwork“!

Aspect observe: why are peeing statues a factor in Europe? There are THREE of them in Brussels. I discover this so weird. Am I only a prudish American!?

For one thing a bit of extra modern, take a look at the Kunsthaus Bregenz, which is a recent museum that enables one artist to take over your complete constructing and create their very own large-scale exhibit.

Previous artists have put in carpets of actual grass and nature (together with bugs that bought trapped within the constructing – for nature realness, I suppose) and somebody even flooded the place! You by no means know fairly what will likely be in retailer right here.

Sadly (or not), once I visited, the exhibit didn’t function bugs or flooding. I did see a music box-like mechanism that seemed like what I think about you’ll hear earlier than being murdered, a large projection of a person enjoying the violin with a snail driving backwards and forwards on his bow, and a complete ground that was empty aside from what appeared to be quiet elevator music.

Did I believe I used to be dropping my thoughts? Undoubtedly. Was it artwork? Nicely, that’s what they inform me.

If empty rooms and snail violins aren’t your factor, you’re in luck as a result of the reveals change on a regular basis (and the exhibit is already totally different now). Undoubtedly a spot to go to for a wild expertise!

Dornbrin, Vorarlberg

Dornbirn is simply north of Bregenz, and is definitely accessible by a ten-minute practice experience. It looks like an extension of Bregenz each due to its proximity and vibe. Each cities exist within the sprawling valley by the lake, and each have that medieval attraction I’ve come to anticipate from in all places in Vorarlberg.

Whereas in Dornbirn I stayed within the pretty boutique Lodge Katharinenhof COMFORT, positioned a couple of 10 minutes’ stroll away from the Dornbirn Market Sq.. It’s such a comfortable and trendy lodge – I want I might simply transfer right into a lodge like they do in previous films and simply keep in Austria without end!

The principle star of Dornbirn, as now we have discovered is the case in so many Austrian cities, is the market sq..

The historical past of the Dornbirn space started in 719 when the monastery of St. Gallen was based by Otmar von St. Gallen, and the “trendy market sq.” started with the Pink Home, erected in 1639 by a husband and spouse for use as a residence, inn and dance venue.

The remainder of the market sq. sprung from this iconic constructing, and right this moment it’s a restaurant serving conventional Austrian meals, and an ice cream parlor!

Probably the most thrilling issues to do in Dornbirn is to take the Karren Cable Automobile as much as the highest of Karren Mountain, the place you get sweeping views of Dornbirn and Bregenz on Lake Constance.

On the prime, you possibly can stroll onto an overlook with a see-through metallic grate, supplying you with a glimpse down 3,202 ft beneath (eek!).

Although this might not be for the faint of coronary heart, there are additionally loads of climbing trails and even a panoramic restaurant on the highest of the mountain.

Mountaineering Karren Mountain is an enormous factor right here too, because it’s not terribly tall or very rugged. On the cable automobile station you’ll discover a machine the place you possibly can print out a ticket after which hike to the highest of Karren Mountain and see how rapidly you are able to do it!

The full journey is a 3.4-mile loop if you happen to’re feeling athletic – or simply take within the beautiful views from the cable automobile!

Exploring Dornbirn is an effective alternative to strive some extra conventional Austrian meals, as a result of if you happen to’re something like me, your lust for cheese and wine won’t ever be satiated.

Gasthaus Gemsle has an virtually 100-year historical past in Dornbirn, and the comfy picket decor and hearty Austrian dishes replicate that.

Käsespätzle, a scrumptious cheese, potato, fried onion, and macaroni concoction, is a should eat whereas in Vorarlberg. And did I point out, käsespätzle often comes with a aspect of apple sauce? I don’t know why, and our Austrian host principally simply mentioned “as a result of it does!”. I suppose it’s to steadiness the richness of the cheese with a pop of sweetness. It offers it a little bit of a child-like vibe, such as you’re ordering off the child’s menu, solely it’s far more decedent and culinary than a field of Kraft mac n cheese.

Why Was I in Vorarlberg, Once more?

Lia was invited to talk on the second annual Propel Convention for journey bloggers! Then she bought pregnant, and despatched me as an alternative, darn.

The Propel Convention consisted of a small and thoroughly chosen group of gifted journey bloggers, plus an unimaginable panel of educated, gifted audio system and veteran trade leaders…. and in addition Lia! Simply kidding, she was a distant speaker this 12 months and did an unimaginable job.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to fulfill many superb journey bloggers on the convention, all of which have particular areas of experience and abilities. Although the journey media trade is fairly small, and the journey running a blog sector is even smaller, journey bloggers are at all times unfold out over the world on their very own adventures – and one thing actually magical occurs while you carry all of them collectively. Concepts are shared, connections are made, and the trade turns into much less about competitors and extra about up-lifting.

We spent 3 days studying, discussing, and practising superior journey running a blog strategies. We bought into some actually attractive stuff, like Search Engine Optimization and Lengthy-Time period Model Partnerships and Passive Revenue Methods – that final one was Lia’s discuss.

Oh, by the best way~ if you happen to’re questioning how on earth journey blogs generate profits, we’ve bought an entire information to journey weblog monetization!

For extra skilled journey blogger insights, learn 25 Issues No One Tells You About Being a Full Time Journey Blogger or simply browse all of our running a blog posts.

Extra Vorarlberg Sources & Journey Guides

Contemplating a visit to Vorarlberg now that you simply’ve seen how completely beautiful it’s? Or simply cravingkäsespätzle? There are a bunch of improbable weblog posts revealed by the contributors within the Propel Journey Convention! Listed below are a few of my favourite sources that may make it easier to plan a visit to Graz.

Able to pack your baggage and take off on a visit to Vorarlberg? Had you ever heard of Vorarlberg earlier than? Did our photographs make you need to go to? Drop us a remark beneath!

Psst: Planning a go to to Austria? Take a look at a few of our different posts that can assist you plan your journey!

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Disclaimer: We have been invited to go to Vorarlberg by the Propel Convention, and our complete journey was organized & hosted by Go to Vorarlberg. We’re deeply grateful to them, in addition to the various native companies who helped help us throughout our go to! As at all times, all opinions, unhealthy jokes, and implications thatkäsespätzle is Austria’s solely meals are 100% my very own and completely not their fault.