47 Pictures 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’ll discover cities and cities which might be directly medieval and fashionable: sustainable inexperienced roofs overlook centuries-old clocktowers, cobblestone streets and fashionable structure reside 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 fantastic individuals who can’t wait to point out you what makes their residence so particular.

Whilst you might 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 finest saved secret!

Psst: Planning a go to to Austria? Try 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 lovely Graz, Austria’s 2nd largest metropolis – check out her picture information to Graz, Austria from that journey!

However this 12 months, Lia spoke on the convention nearly (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 despite the fact 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 seek 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 little thing about my journey to Vorarlberg shocked me, and never simply because I didn’t even have time to do any preparation or analysis earlier than I packed my luggage and left (in my protection, the complete journey was absolutely and expertly deliberate by the fantastic 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 offers ingesting water for 5 million individuals.

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

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

So I … er, procrastinated for about 3 months… after which set to work. And I ended up with so many beautiful, colourful, vibrant images of gorgeous Vorarlberg that I made a decision to throw all of them into one submit. You’re welcome.

Vorarlberg Journey Suggestions & FAQ’s

Let’s begin with just a few of the essential issues to learn about visiting the Vorarlberg area! Listed here are all of the specifics you’ll want when you’re planning a visit to Vorarlberg.

• When to go to Vorarlberg: One of the 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 may be little rainfall, and the well-known Bregenzer Festspiele is occurring on the lake. And since Vorarlberg isn’t a serious 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 season getaway to Vienna or Salzburg, hop a prepare to Vorarlberg as an alternative to flee the crowds! The opposite finest time to go to is throughout the Christmas Market season, in early December. You’ll find two Christmas markets in Bregenz, and one in Dornbirn and Feldkirch. May we advise including Vorarlberg to your subsequent Christmas journey together with Vienna & Hallstatt?
• Easy methods to get to Vorarlberg: Whilst you might imagine Vienna can be the foremost metropolis to fly into to succeed in Vorarlberg, it’s actually on the other facet of the nation and eight hours away by prepare. Nonetheless, Bregenz, Vorarlberg is barely 2 hours by prepare from Zurich, Switzerland by means of lush, attractive countryside! I like to recommend your prepare choices on Rome2Rio.
• The place to remain in Vorarlberg: I break up my week in Vorarlberg between two inns, one in Mellau and one in Dornbirn. In Mellau, I stayed within the glamorous and opulent Resort Hubertus Mellau; whereas in Dornbirn I stayed within the beautiful boutique Resort Katharinenhof COMFORT, positioned a couple of 10 minutes’ stroll away from the Dornbin Market Sq.. I like to recommend both!
• Do I want a automotive? You completely don’t want a automotive inside Vorarlberg! Bregenz, Dornbirn, and Feldkirch are all accessible by prepare, and you may simply get between the three. The one outlier is Mellau, which is extra rural when you’re searching for countryside vibes. You’ll be able to take an hour bus experience from Bregenz, nonetheless, and might 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 excellent, 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 individuals – 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 individuals of Mellau favor 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 study native historical past and tradition. Mellau is a part of this route, and alongside the way in which you peer right into a rust-colored metal column that lights up and offers you a reality a couple of specific constructing, a pure characteristic, 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 way in which embody Naze’s Hus, a restaurant which is tons of of years outdated and has conventional Austrian shingles. What was as soon as a copper workshop belonging to a person named Naze, is now a conventional Austrian restaurant the place you possibly can see outdated wooden beams and historic furnishings and eat conventional meals.

Käsespätzle is a specialty, which is made out of pasta, cheese, potatoes, and fried onions. Mainly Austrian Mac n Cheese! I imply, how may 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 a lot of its residents reside in farmhouses which have been transformed into dwelling areas for prolonged households, there may be loads of streamlined, fashionable structure dotting this historic village as nicely.

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

And within the middle of city stands the Group Corridor of Mellau, the place the Propel Convention came about. Gentle-colored spruce and floor-to-ceiling home windows make this area the right place to attend a convention, the place you’re feeling directly sheltered and linked with nature.

Whereas in Mellau, make sure you try the Mellaubahn Cable Automotive, 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 excellent spot to unplug your mind and simply get pleasure from nature as it’s meant 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, try Kirsten Alana’s picture submit about Mellau!

Feldkirch, Vorarlberg

Feldkirch is a ravishing 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 – however it doesn’t appear so populous strolling across the historic metropolis middle.

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, individuals 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 evening!

As soon as midday comes round, town streets fill with residents on their lunch break, and you may 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 had been little question speaking about all of the unusual English-speaking journey bloggers, with cameras in hand posing for images in every scenic spot.

When visiting a Medieval city, it’s essential to have a really educated tour information, and we had 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 he or she was an actual countess… no 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 declaring historic landmarks.

We discovered about Rely Hugo I, who established the city and constructed Schattenburg (Shadow Citadel) in 1265, which nonetheless stands at the moment and serves as a museum that you could tour digitally right here (or in particular person, in case you are, , there).

Although Feldkirch appears idyllic at the 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 an enormous bell tower, constructed across the 12 months 500, which is likely 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 purpose. As you possibly can think about, I used to be sorely upset that the tower wasn’t full of precise cats.

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

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

Our convention periods in Feldkirch had been held on theMontforthaus Feldkirch, a kind of space-age convention middle that even received 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 right place to discover when you love outdated issues, actually outdated issues. And lovely 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 elements 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 appeal! Nooooo, Vorarlberg merely received’t stand for anyplace that isn’t merely lovely.

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

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

Lake Constance seems 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 will get a drink over the water!

Alongside the shore, you possibly can hire 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).

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

For example, an enormous mechanical (terrifying) clown head that moved all through the manufacturing of Rigoletto, to three big dragons and a crystal turtle for The Magic Flute, and even a big, rotating eye for his or her manufacturing of Tosca (which could 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 direction of the again so that everybody is ready to have entry to the humanities.

In case you are on the town throughout this time, YOU MUST GO, even when opera isn’t your factor! It is 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 outdated medieval wall the place you could possibly see Deuring schlössle, which I used to be satisfied was a citadel 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 crucial noticeable landmarks in outdated city, and positively provides a fairy story essence to town!

One of the weirdly lovely issues we noticed was a water characteristic exterior of theWeinstube Kinz Restaurant of a peeing man. We had been all like “What the hell is that?!“. Our beautiful 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“!

Facet word: 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 up to date, try the Kunsthaus Bregenz, which is a up to date museum that enables one artist to take over the 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 probably be in retailer right here.

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

Did I feel I used to be shedding my thoughts? Positively. Was it artwork? Properly, 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 displays change on a regular basis (and the exhibit is already totally different now). Positively 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 prepare experience. It seems 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 appeal I’ve come to anticipate from all over the place in Vorarlberg.

Whereas in Dornbirn I stayed within the beautiful boutique Resort Katharinenhof COMFORT, positioned a couple of 10 minutes’ stroll away from the Dornbirn Market Sq.. It’s such a comfortable and fashionable lodge – I want I may simply transfer right into a lodge like they do in outdated films and simply keep in Austria ceaselessly!

The primary star of Dornbirn, as we’ve 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 “fashionable market sq.” started with the Purple 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 at the moment it’s a restaurant serving conventional Austrian meals, and an ice cream parlor!

One of the thrilling issues to do in Dornbirn is to take the Karren Cable Automotive 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 steel 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 mountaineering trails and even a panoramic restaurant on the highest of the mountain.

Climbing Karren Mountain is a giant factor right here too, because it’s not terribly tall or very rugged. On the cable automotive 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 shortly you are able to do it!

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

Exploring Dornbirn is an efficient alternative to attempt some extra conventional Austrian meals, as a result of when you’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 mirror 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 facet of apple sauce? I don’t know why, and our Austrian host principally simply stated “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 business leaders…. and likewise 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 skills. Although the journey media business is fairly small, and the journey running a blog sector is even smaller, journey bloggers are all the time unfold out over the world on their very own adventures – and one thing actually magical occurs if you deliver all of them collectively. Concepts are shared, connections are made, and the business turns into much less about competitors and extra about up-lifting.

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

Oh, by the way in which~ when you’re questioning how on earth journey blogs make cash, 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 Assets & Journey Guides

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

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

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

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