47 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Charming Vorarlberg, Austria

Lush forested hills and crystal clear lakes cowl Vorarlberg, the westernmost area of Austria alongside the Switzerland border. Right here you will see cities and cities which are directly medieval and fashionable: sustainable inexperienced roofs overlook centuries-old clocktowers, cobblestone streets and fashionable structure stay 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 point out you what makes their dwelling so particular.

When you could not have heard a lot about Vorarlberg or the charming cities and cities which are the center of this area, you may 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 stored secret!

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

Lia visited Austria again in 2019 to talk on the first-everPropel Conference in lovely Graz, Austria’s 2nd largest metropolis – check out her photo guide to Graz, Austria from that journey!

However this yr, 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 Practical Wanderlust—went in her place! Speak about a dream job, proper??

Reality be informed, after I heard I’d be going to Vorarlberg, Austria I used to be like… “the place?” However despite the fact that I solely had a number of weeks to arrange, I knew I’d be consuming heavenly cheese (so much delicious 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 notice Austria had magic behind each flip and nook, ya’ll!

All the things 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 luggage and left (in my protection, all the journey was absolutely 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 offers consuming water for 5 million folks.

Or that there are Umgang Bregenzerwald, aka “Village Walks”, round 13 native villages the place you may 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 common 10-15 photographs.

So I … er, procrastinated for about 3 months… after which started working. And I ended up with so many gorgeous, colourful, vibrant photographs of gorgeous 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 a number of of the necessary issues to learn about visiting the Vorarlberg area! Listed below are all of the specifics you’ll want when you’re planning a visit to Vorarlberg.

• When to go to Vorarlberg: The most effective time of the yr 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 going on 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 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 in the course of the Christmas Market season, in early December. Yow will discover 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?
• Tips on how to get to Vorarlberg: When you might imagine Vienna can be the most important metropolis to fly into to achieve Vorarlberg, it’s actually on the other facet of the nation and eight hours away by prepare. Nonetheless, Bregenz, Vorarlberg is simply 2 hours by prepare from Zurich, Switzerland by lush, beautiful countryside! I like to recommend your prepare choices on Rome2Rio.
• The place to remain in Vorarlberg: I cut up my week in Vorarlberg between two motels, one in Mellau and one in Dornbirn. In Mellau, I stayed within the glamorous and splendid Hotel Hubertus Mellau; whereas in Dornbirn I stayed within the pretty boutique Hotel Katharinenhof COMFORT, situated 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 prepare, and you’ll simply get between the three. The one outlier is Mellau, which is extra rural when you’re searching for countryside vibes. You possibly can take an hour bus journey from Bregenz, nevertheless, and may examine availability on Rome2Rio.

Mellau, Vorarlberg

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

Within the first couple of minutes of arrival, you might be instantly overcome with a way of serenity – there isn’t any 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 means that you can 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 may 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 provides you a truth a couple of explicit constructing, a pure characteristic, or one thing particular in regards to 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 embrace 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 standard Austrian restaurant the place you may see outdated 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 dangerous? I in all probability ate it 4 occasions on my Austria journey and it was by no means not precisely what I wanted!

And although a lot of its residents stay in farmhouses which were transformed into residing areas for prolonged households, there’s loads of streamlined, fashionable structure dotting this historic village as properly.

You’ll discover fashionable structure in locations like Temple 74, a smooth and classy 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 Community Hall of Mellau, the place the Propel Convention befell. Mild-colored spruce and floor-to-ceiling home windows make this house the proper place to attend a convention, the place you are feeling directly sheltered and related with nature.

Whereas in Mellau, remember to try the Mellaubahn Cable Car, which takes you up into the rolling hills surrounding Mellau on a 6-minute scenic journey.

From the highest, you may 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 title sounds, is a mellow and great 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 photo post about Mellau!

Feldkirch, Vorarlberg

Feldkirch is a stupendous 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 the town sq., you may 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 for the reason that 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 same market square at night!

As soon as midday comes round, the 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 had 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 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… 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 Rely Hugo I, who established the city and constructed Schattenburg (Shadow Citadel) in 1265, which nonetheless stands in the present day and serves as a museum you can tour digitally here (or in particular person, if you’re, you understand, there).

Although Feldkirch appears idyllic in the present day, it does have a gritty historical past. The final witch trial was held right here in 1649, the place the church discovered a girl 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 yr 500, which is without doubt one of the most recognizable icons of Feldkirch. Katzenturm, or “Cats Tower”, received its title for as soon as housing cannons that includes the form of a cat, for some purpose. As you may think about, I used to be sorely disenchanted that the tower wasn’t crammed with 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 certain 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 truthfully largely is, not that I’m complaining).

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

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

After the three days of conferencing about journey weblog stuff, we broke into post-tour journey teams to discover completely 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 larger markets, a bustling city-center, and barely larger buildings.

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

Bregenz is most identified for its large lake which the 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 offers consuming water for 5 million folks. Nobody nation “owns” the lake, and it’s loved by residents on all sides.

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

Alongside the shore, you may rent little electric or paddle boats and head out on the stunningly clear blue water to get a brand new perspective of the town.

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

One in all 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.

For example, a large mechanical (terrifying) clown head that moved all through the manufacturing of Rigoletto, to three giant dragons and a crystal turtle for The Magic Flute, and even a giant, rotating eye for his or her manufacturing of Tosca (which can 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 huge and costly the present runs July-August for 2 successive years.

Although the reveals 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! This can be a world-class expertise.

Previous 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 walking 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 some of the noticeable landmarks in outdated city, and positively provides a fairy story essence to the town!

One of the crucial weirdly lovable issues we noticed was a water characteristic outdoors of theWeinstube Kinz Restaurant of a peeing man. We had 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 assume that’s what we name “Artwork“!

Facet be aware: 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 little bit extra modern, try the Kunsthaus Bregenz, which is a up to date museum that enables one artist to take over all the constructing and create their very own large-scale exhibit.

Previous artists have put in carpets of real grass and nature (together with bugs that received trapped within the constructing – for nature realness, I assume) and someone even flooded the place! You by no means know fairly what shall be in retailer right here.

Sadly (or not), after I visited, the exhibit didn’t characteristic bugs or flooding. I did see a music box-like mechanism that gave the impression of what I think about you’ll hear earlier than being murdered, a large projection of a person taking part in the violin with a snail riding back and forth on his bow, and a whole ground that was empty aside from what appeared to be quiet elevator music.

Did I believe I used to be dropping my thoughts? Positively. Was it artwork? Effectively, 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 completely 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 journey. 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 count on from in all places in Vorarlberg.

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

The primary star of Dornbirn, as we’ve got discovered is the case in so many Austrian cities, is the market square.

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 Red House, 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 in the present day it’s a restaurant serving conventional Austrian meals, and an ice cream parlor!

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

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

Although this will not be for the faint of coronary heart, there are additionally loads of mountain 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 may print out a ticket after which hike to the highest of Karren Mountain and see how rapidly you are able to do it!

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

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 nearly 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 normally comes with a facet of apple sauce? I don’t know why, and our Austrian host mainly simply mentioned “as a result of it does!”. I assume it’s to stability 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 Conference for journey bloggers! Then she received pregnant, and despatched me as an alternative, darn.

The Propel Conference consisted of a small and thoroughly chosen group of proficient journey bloggers, plus an unimaginable panel of educated, proficient audio system and veteran business leaders…. and likewise Lia! Simply kidding, she was a distant speaker this yr and did an unimaginable job.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to satisfy many superb journey bloggers on the convention, all of which have particular areas of experience and abilities. Although the journey media business 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 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 working towards superior journey running a blog strategies. We received into some actually horny 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~ when you’re questioning how on earth journey blogs make cash, we’ve received a complete guide to travel blog monetization!

For extra skilled journey blogger insights, learn 25 Things No One Tells You About Being a Full Time Travel Blogger or simply browse all of our blogging posts.

Extra Vorarlberg Sources & Journey Guides

Contemplating a visit to Vorarlberg now that you simply’ve seen how totally gorgeous it’s? Or simply cravingkäsespätzle? There are a bunch of incredible weblog posts revealed by the members within the Propel Journey Convention! Listed below are a few of my favourite sources that can 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 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 will help you plan your journey!

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Disclaimer: We had 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 numerous native companies who helped assist us throughout our go to! As at all times, all opinions, dangerous jokes, and implications thatkäsespätzle is Austria’s solely meals are 100% my very own and completely not their fault.