Travel Guide Bregenzerwald - Winter 2018-19

travel guide

wi nter 2018/19 Ideas and Addresses.

Your guide through the Bregenzerwald.

www.facebook.com/BregenzerwaldTourismus www.youtube.com/bregenzerwaldtourism www.instagram.com/visitbregenzerwald

Published by:

Photo credits:

Bregenzerwald Tourismus GmbH,

Au-Schoppernau Tourismus (p. 2)

Gerbe 1135, 6863 Egg

Rudolf Berchtel (p. 62) Ludwig Berchtold (p. 12/56/92/94/96)

Design by:

Adolf Bereuter (Titel, p. 4/6/25/26/33/34/48/61/

broger grafik, Andelsbuch

65/67/69/76/77/78/83/84/90/102/106/107) Kilian Blees (p. 32)

Text by:

Christa Branz (p. 49)

Kinz Kommunikation

Hubert Cernenschek (p. 59)

Florian Aicher (p. 2 – 3, 76 – 77)

Markus Curin (p. 95)

Kurt Bracharz (p. 90 – 91)

Damüls Faschina Tourismus (p. 63)

Christian Zillner (p. 78 – 79)

Markus Gmeiner (p. 97) Thomas Gretler (p. 45)

Carthography:

Hotel Hirschen Schwarzenberg (p. 86)

Aries Werbegrafik-Design

Hittisau Tourismus (p. 57)

© State of Vorarlberg for geographic information

Alex Kaiser (p. 8/16)

system data

Christian Kerber (p. 98)

Text and planning of hiking routes: Dr Rudolf Berchtel

Hotel Krone, Au (p. 104) Marc Van Landeghem (p. 70)

Printed by:

Björn Matt (p. 82)

VVA, Dornbirn

Alois Metzler (p. 58) Molke Metzler (p. 100/105)

Dates and prices subject to change. Typographical

Mathias Moosbrugger (p. 74)

errors cannot be excluded. Issue: August 2018

Naturpark Nagelfluhkette (p. 71) Roswitha Schneider (p. 80) Konrad Stadelmann (p. 60) Elisabeth Stöckler (p.88) Helmut Tiefenthaler (p. 54/55/64)

Holiday Destination Austria – give feedback and win!

See here for the survey: tmona.at/l7u2

contents

land & lives...................................... 2 The Bregenzerwald 2 Snow levels 4

family tips...................................... 47 Kids’ programme 48 Day trip tips 52

ski & board....................................... 5 3-valley ski pass 6 Warth-Schröcken Ski Arlberg 8 Damüls-Mellau-Faschina 12 Diedamskopf Au-Schoppernau 16 Bödele-Schwarzenberg 20 Egg-Schetteregg 21 Hochhäderich Hittisau-Riefensberg 22 Niedere Andelsbuch-Bezau 23 Hochlitten Riefensberg 24 Snowparks & Freestyle 25 Ski! Project 26

active winter................................. 53 Winter hiking 54 Snow-shoe hikes 66 Horse-drawn sleigh rides 69 Out and about with animals 70 Nagelfluhkette nature park 71 Tobogganing 72 Paragliding 74

ski & freedom................................ 27 Map of the area 28 Skiing tours 29 Variation skiing 32 Interesting information 34 xc skiing......................................... 35 Au-Schoppernau 36 Bezau-Bizau-Reuthe 37 Damüls 38 Hittisau 39 Mellau-Schnepfau 40 Riefensberg-Hochhäderich 41 Schwarzenberg 42 Sibratsgfäll 43 Sulzberg 44 Nordic Sport Park Sulzberg 45 Warth-Schröcken 46

culture........................................... 75 Architecture 76 Umgang Bregenzerwald 78 Werkraum Bregenzerwald 80 Hand-made 82 BUS:STOP Krumbach 84 Cabaret & village culture 85 Culture in hotels and pubs 86 Exhibitions & museums 87 dining out...................................... 89 Käsestrasse & Bregenzerwald Culinary Delights Region 90 Culinary winter hikes 92 Cuisine guide 94 Dairy farming up close 100 well-being ....................................101 Health hotels 102 Wellness hotels 103 Natural products 105 Reisemagazin Bregenzerwald Getting there, buses & taxis

106 108

1

2

the bregenzerwald

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

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

Crossings Cross-border experiences also leave Up and over is the way to go – the most their mark on the locals – they know how to set themselves apart from outimpressive views are from the north side. Yet the scarce rural areas have and the west – and a space is revealed which, in all its diversity, is completely never been sufficient to feed the population. The locals had to get movdifferent to all that surrounds it, with ing, cross borders, leave behind their the Bregenzerache uniting it all. Your homes and families. This took on route takes you through gorges and many different forms: the nomadic flat hollows – wide between the hills existence of alpine animal ­husbandry of the foothills of the Alps around Alberschwende and ­Lingenau, narrow (home, mountain pasture, alp → between the mountains of the foothills page 90), or in the form of seasonal migrant work outbound commuting of the Alps around Andelsbuch and Bezau, squeezed in between the alpine or even emigration (to America in the 19th century in particular). Flexibility, peaks of the Kanisfluh, Diedams­ ideas and self-help were essential to kopf, Zitterklapfen and ­Widderstein stave off poverty. around Schnepfau, Au, Schoppernau, The area was only sparsely populated Warth and Schröcken. This correlates for a long time: only plot names give with the division into the Vorderrise to assumptions about the border wald, ­Mittelwald and Hinterwald between Celtic and Rhaeto-Romanic (front, central and rear regions of the cultures. It was not until the High ­Bregenzerwald) – a topographical

the bregenzerwald

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

This culture has succeeded in maintaining its vitality. Innovation and flexibility based on the acquired continue today in initiatives such as the Werkraum (→ page 80) and have turned the Bregenzerwald into a model European region.

family tips

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

Rational, mercantile methods gained importance in agriculture, desertedness became characteristic of the Vorderwald to the Mittelwald, production of hard cheese grew (alpine dairy → page 90) to such a sustainable extent that the first dairy farm

school in the Habsburg Empire was established. The new rulers were the cheese barons who amassed staggering wealth with the products of the new form of agriculture, and textile manufacturers who supplied material produced by the textiles home industry before the railway provided factories in the Rhine valley with workers after 1902. Such changes were also accompanied by resistance – Franz Michael Felder, author and spokesman of the revolt, is still considered an exceptional character (Franz Michael Felder Museum → page 87) in the valley today, and which is why one’s own house and home are tenaciously clung to. New sources of income have to be continuously developed – the multitude of manual skills is proof of this.

xc skiing

Middle Ages that Mehrerau Monastery in Bregenz encouraged the population of the area upwards of the Bregenzerache. From above, coming the opposite direction, you come across a second wave of population with the Walsers. The particle “Wald” (forest, wood) found in many of the names of places makes it clear how undeveloped this settlement area was for a long time. Naturally, the locals gladly take advantage of this remoteness: interesting as a hunting ground at best for the feudal rulers, extensive autonomy was allowed to develop which went down in literature as a “peasants’ republic”. It ended with the brief Bavarian occupation (1806 – 1814) as a result of the realignment of Europe by Napoleon.

ski & freedom

Au and the Kanisfluh

4

snow levels & weather

Measurement of snow in the Bregenzerwald

What makes winter into winter?

Snow, of course! Thanks to its location on the northern edge of the Alps, an above-average amount of snow falls in the Bregenzerwald.

With ­precipitation ­amounting to 2,000 mm per year (up to 3,000 mm at higher altitudes), the ­Bregenzerwald is one of the ­highest-precipitation regions in ­Austria (­average 900 mm).

Info: SNOWGRID was developed at the Central Institute for M ­ eteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) for analysing and forecasting snow nationally. Every day at approx.

7.30 hrs, ZAMG p ­ ublishes maps of the current overall snow height and the change over the last 24 hours (caused by new snow, melting and/or s­ ettlement of the snow). This data is a ­ vailable to all and free of charge. information www.zamg.ac.at/incaanalyse

Wetter-Apps und Links: weather forecast for vorarlberg: wetterring / www.wetterring.at wetter.orf.at weather forecast for austria: www.zamg.ac.at metgis global weather forecast: www.metgis.com skiing areas and weather: bergfex/Ski Lite avalanche information app: snowsafe / www.snowsafe.at tour app and mountain weather: alpenverein / www.alpenvereinaktiv.com The apps are available in the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and the Google Play Store for Android.

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

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

family tips

ski & board

culture dining out well-being

6

3-valley ski pass

In the Damüls-Mellau skiing area

The 3-valley ski pass is valid for 31 ­skiing areas in the Bregenzerwald, in the Große Walsertal, in the Lechtal, in the Allgäu and on the ski buses.

You can choose from ski passes for between 2.5 and 21 days, special passes for between 2, 5 and 8 days and season passes.

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

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

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

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

Group tariffs apply from 18 people.

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

Season dates low season Start of the season until 21 December 2018 6 until 25 January 2019 16 March 2019 until the end of the season high season 22 December 2018 until 5 January 2019 26 January until 15 March 2019 Age limits Seniors, born in 1954 and older Youths, born in 2000 – 2002 Kids, born in 2003 – 2012 Snowman, born in 2013 or later Ski buses included To go skiing, holders of the 3-valley ski pass can use the public buses to reach the skiing area of their choice (excluded: skiing areas of Oberstaufen). In addition, ski buses which can also be used free of charge ­operate in numerous villages.

an Sn

ow

m

n re i ld Ch

s th Yo u

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

A H dul ig ts h se as

e tim ay s/ D

7 land & lives culture dining out

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

active winter well-being

Facts and figures Bregenzerwald skiing region 15 skiing areas 88 lifts, comprising 1 large cable car 5 cable cars 32 chair lifts 50 ski tows and practice lifts 247 km of prepared pistes, comprising 94 km of blue pistes 119 km of red pistes 34 km of black pistes

family tips

*AD = additional day immediately following the ski pass from 2.5 days **Choose between 2x1 day, 5x1 day and 8x1 day: valid for 2 or 5/8 days within an entire winter season Ski pass prices are valid upon presentation of a Guest Card: otherwise, a surcharge of â‚Ź 4 per ski pass applies.

xc skiing

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

*AD 48 46 46 43 24 4 2x1 day** 100 - 95 88 50 8 5x1 day** 233 - 222 206 117 8x1 day** 337 - 321 297 169 -

ski & freedom

123 117 117 109 62 13 139 133 133 123 70 14 170 162 162 150 85 16 201 191 191 177 101 18 233 222 222 206 117 20 260 247 247 229 130 22 288 274 274 254 144 24 313 298 298 276 157 26 337 321 321 297 169 28 359 342 342 316 180 30 381 362 362 336 191 32 400 380 380 352 200 34 418 398 398 368 209 36 436 415 415 384 218 38 453 431 431 399 227 40 466 443 443 411 233 42 479 456 456 422 240 44 493 469 469 434 247 46 503 478 478 443 252 48 512 487 487 451 256 50

ski & board

2.5 (from 11.30) 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

3-valley ski pass

8

warth-schröcken ski arlberg

Skiing in Warth-Schröcken

lifts and cable cars 14 cable cars 46 chair lifts 28 ski tows pistes Length of the slopes: 305 km davon: of which: 132 km are blue pistes 123 km are red pistes 50 km are black pistes information • Ski lifts Warth GmbH & Co T +43 (0)5583 3601-0 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5583 3601-11 • Ski lifts Schröcken Strolz GmbH T +43 (0)5583 4259-0 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5583 2255 www.warth-schroecken.at day ticket (high season) Warth-Schröcken: Adult: € 52.50 Child: € 26 Arlberg: Adult: € 54.50 Child: € 32.50

Ski-Arlberg ski tickets Discounted Ski Arlberg ski tickets (→ page 9) ski school & children’s ski school • Ski and snowboard school Salober-Schröcken T +43 (0)5583 4259600 • Ski and snowboard school Warth T +43 (0)5583 3443 • Schröcken-Hochkrumbach ski sports school Josef Staggl M +43 (0)664 7575500 • Arlberg Snowsports ski school Marcel Fetz, M +43 (0)664 4277942 ski rental • Sport Schneller, Schröcken T +43 (0)5519 201 • Sport Jug, Warth M +43 (0)664 5559910 • Sport Knitel, Warth, T +43 (0)5583 3612 après ski Schröcken: Holzschopf, Café Bar Bistro Ritters, Salober S1 Ski Lounge Warth: Best Of – Pub, Sennkuchi, ­Steffisalp – skiing hut and umbrella bar, ’s Finale – Wartherhof

warth-schröcken ski arlberg

culture dining out well-being

Chamois on the piste On ski run 262 “Gamssprung” , 1,150 metres in length, again and again you get an eyeful of stunning impressions of the mountains. The marking is original: a prancing chamois points the way on the ski run.

active winter

Salober Northface The three black pistes on the Salober Northface are just the job for those who love it really steep. The gradient of the black slope 253 “Ochsenkopf” exceeds 70 %.

family tips

Kinderland of the Ski School Warth Pauli’s favourite place is the VIP area for kids attending the ski school.

Funslope Steffisalp A change from the classic fun on the pistes is on offer by the slopes with two lines featuring numerous waves, steep bends, fun boxes, butter boxes and a snail. A pleasure for skiers both big and small.

xc skiing

Warth guest kindergarten Children aged between 2 and 4 years of age are supervised by the hour or the day at the Bambiniclub at Warth ski school.

Speed check All visitors get the chance to set their very own record on the secured highspeed track next to the Kuchl lift, and compare their time against that of the Olympic champion Hubert Strolz, a native of Warth. He hit the 92 km an hour mark on this track.

ski & freedom

For families and children Paulis Ski Arena Salober Paulis Ski Arena at the Salober-jet valley station is a training and adventure area.

It has three training lifts, nursery slopes and any amount of space for having fun in the snow.

New: Pauli‘s Kids Cross

Giant slalom racing track The giant slalom racing track, 650 metres in length and secured, is located next to the Sonnencruiser lift and enables you to record your time.

ski & board

Special features Selection of lift tickets Guests in Warth-Schröcken have a number of different ski passes to choose from: - Warth-Schröcken ski pass, 1 to 2.5 days - Three-valley ski pass (Bregenzerwald, Großes Walsertal, Lechtal), 2.5 to 21 days - Ski Arlberg ski pass (Warth-Schröcken, Lech Zürs, St. Anton), 1 to 30 days Holders of three-valley ski passes (2.5 to 21 days, season tickets) and of WarthSchröcken season passes are also entitled to buy discounted Ski Arlberg ­flexible day tickets

Variety Ski movie racing track Skiers can have themselves filmed on the giant slalom track by the automatic video camera on the ski movie track next to the Steffisalp-Express and also have their time recorded. Download from www.warth-schroecken.at

land & lives

The mountain villages of Warth and Schröcken, with their diverse pistes and free-ride slopes, are located at an altitude of between 1,300 and 1,500 metres, and are ensured a good covering of snow. The northern and eastern slopes guarantee the best possible conditions until well into spring. Skiers take the cable car to the Ski Arlberg skiing area, which, with 305 km of pistes and over 200 km off deep snow pistes, is currently the largest connected skiing area in the whole of Austria.

9

10

warth-schröcken ski arlberg

Avalanche transceiver training centre and SAAC camps Off-piste skiers can practice using avalanche transceivers and search strategies for emergencies on the permanently installed site next to the Steffisalp Express Freeride courses: www.skischule-salober.at Telemark: www.skitannberg.at “Five-star skiing area” award according to Skiresort.de, the world’s biggest test portal for skiing areas.

warth-schrĂścken ski arlberg

11 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom xc skiing family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

Ski & Concert Warth Dates: From early February, 3 p.m. on Saturdays, free admission Venue: open-air stage Sporthotel Steffisalp, Warth. www.skiandconcert.at Après-Ski & Live music in the S1 Ski Lounge Dates: Saturdays from 2.30 p.m. on selected dates from 12 January to the end of the season, free admission Venue: S1 Ski Lounge in the Salober Ski Arena. www.s1skilounge.at

12

damüls-mellau-faschina

Varied ski runs in Damüls-Mellau

lifts and cable cars 2 cable cars 15 chair lifts 2 ski tows 4 practice lifts 2 rope tows 6 moving walkways pistes Lengths of the slopes: 109 km of which: 28 km are blue pistes 50 km are red pistes 10 km are black pistes 21 km of ski trails information • Damüls cable cars T +43 (0)5510 600 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5510 600-14 • Mellau cable cars T +43 (0)5518 2222 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5518 2222-23 www.damuels-mellau.at day ticket (high season) Adult: € 49 Child: € 29

ski rental • Madlener Sport, Damüls T +43 (0)5510 391 • manis rent sport center, Damüls M +43 (0)699 12109630 • Intersport Matt, Damüls T +43 (0)5510 25250 • Sport Broger, Mellau T +43 (0)5518 2240 • Sport Natter, Mellau T +43 (0)5518 22620 • Sport Natter, Mellau Talstation Mellaubahn T +43 (0)5518 2222-37 • Sport Natter, Mellau Alphof Rossstelle T +43 (0)5518 2222-38 ski school & children’s ski school • Damüls ski school T +43 (0)5510 295 • Mellau ski and snowboard school T +43 (0)5518 220011 après ski Damüls: ’s Scharfe Eck, ’s Damülser Après Ski, Alpenkluft, Schwartenstadl, Kiosk Uga, HeHo Hütte, Heikes Schirmbar Mellau: M1 cable car valley station, Skihütte, ’s Bärle, Metzgerstüble

family tips active winter culture dining out

Variety Afternoon of fun sports Accompanied by ski and snowboard instructors, guests discover the Damüls-Mellau skiing area, with snowblades and Skifox.

Meeting point: Mellau ski school, ­valley station of Mellau cable car Dates: daily upon request Duration: approx. 2 hours Price per person: € 53 including fun sports equipment, excluding ski pass Minimum number of participants: 3 people, otherwise a surcharge is applicable. information & reservations Mellau ski and snowboard school M +43 (0)664 3428979 www.skischule-mellau.at

xc skiing

Snow mobile ride Meeting point: 10.30 a.m. on the training ground of Damüls ski school in Riedboden Dates: every Wednesday between 26 December 2018 and 17 April 2019 Price: € 5 for five rounds information & reservations Reservations by guests not at the ski school by 4 p.m. on the day before Damüls ski school T +43 (0)5510 295 www.skischule-damuels.at

ski & freedom

tip: museum Kulisse Pfarrhof, Damüls The history of skiing and tourism in Damüls (→ page 87)

well-being

For families and children Guest kindergarten Mellau: children between the ages of 1 and 6 years are welcome in the supervised guest kindergarten at the mountain station of Mellau cable car.

Opening times: daily, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

Damüls: children from the age of 2 years are supervised in the Bunnyclub. Contact the local carer to discuss the supervision of children below two years of age.

Opening times: Sun to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Easy Cheesy Land Mellau The perfect training ground for newcomers to skiing is located between Rossstelle and Gipfelbahn. The ­button lift takes you on a short trip up the mountain. Passing colourful figures, you wend your way downhill on the gently sloping piste.

ski & board

Special features Damüls circular tour The around three-hour skiing tour takes you through the entire skiing area and special stops. The All-Mountain-Line with Kids’ Park, the speed track with video analysis, the Damüls skiing museum and a photo point are all located on the tour. It is also worth stopping off at two viewing points affording an impressive view into the distance. The circular tour guide with time specifications (as a guidance only) and precise information is available at the starting point (mountain station Hohe Wacht) and from the ski pass cash desks in the skiing area.

13 land & lives

Damüls and Mellau complement each other perfectly. In the Walser village of Damüls, located at a high altitude, skiiers literally step out of the front door and are on the slopes. Mellau enjoys a central location in the v ­ alley, with the Mellau cable car providing easy access to the skiing area. The skiing area combines plenty of snow, sun-kissed south slopes, the best possible piste conditions through to the spring on the north slopes and impressive views.

damüls-mellau-faschina

14

damüls-mellau-faschina

Freeriding Damüls-Mellau The terrain in the Damüls mountains is perfect for freeriding and ski tours.

Fantastic deep snow slopes and attractive routes abound. You get the best views from the vantage points located at altitudes up to 2,000 metres. For your own safety, it is recommended that you only undertake tours off-piste accompanied by a ski instructor or ski guide.

Snowparks & Freestyle → page 25

damüls-mellau-faschina

15 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom xc skiing family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

“Top Ski Resort” award according to Skiresort.de, the world’s biggest test portal for skiing areas.

16

diedamskopf au-schoppernau

Diedamskopf in Au-Schoppernau

lifts and cable cars 2 cable cars 2 chair lifts 4 ski tows pistes Lengths of the slopes: 40 km of which: 13 km are blue pistes 11 km are red pistes 7 km are black pistes 9 km of ski trails information Diedamskopf cable cars Au-­Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4110-0 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5515 4110-99 www.diedamskopf.at www.facebook.at/diedamskopf day ticket Adult: € 44.50 Child: € 25

ski rental • Sport Gorbach, Au T +43 (0)5515 4141-1 www.gorbach.at • Sport Fuchs, Au T +43 (0)5515 2315 www.sportfuchs.com • Sport Matt, Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4120 www.matt.at ski school & children’s ski school Au-Schoppernau snow sports school T +43 (0)5515 2133 www.schneesportschule-bregenzerwald.at après ski Schoppernau: Ski Inn Au: Erlebnisgasthof Ur-Alp

diedamskopf au-schoppernau

family tips active winter

Snowparks & Freestyle → page 25

culture dining out

For families and children Guest kindergarten in Didis Kinderland A children’s play area covering 300 m2 is housed on the top floor of the mountain station. The kids are looked after and can spend either the whole day or a few hours here.

Lunch is also available upon request.

There is a parent-child area for children up to three years of age.

Opening times: at lift operating time daily between 10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m.

Price: free of charge for all children up to 8 years of age

xc skiing

Ski movie track Skiers can have their very own giant slalom racing video made on the ski move track on the Breiten alp. You can watch and download the video from www.skiline.cc.

ski & freedom

Grunholz night-time skiing: The lift serves two lovely, gently sloping pistes. This is one of the few places in the Bregenzerwald that you can ski and toboggan on an evening too, by floodlight. The three-valley ski pass is valid for the journeys by lift.

Evening opening times: Wednesday and Friday, 7 to 10 p.m.

Variety Fun slope The fun slope featuring waves, jumps, a tunnel and snail promises fun for the whole family.

ski & board

Special features Diedams valley run: those in good shape plump for the 10-km long valley run, which covers a difference in altitude of 1,250 metres.

Ski school In “Didiland”, children playfully learn how to take their first steps on skis. There are three conveyor belts, a carousel, shuggy boats, a snow igloo, a tent and much more.

The skiing courses for the older kids include an experience and safety programme comprising a barbecue in a tipi, snow rafting with a S ­ kidoo and abseiling. Kids can find out every­thing they need to know about “Safety in snow sports” in the safety camps.

land & lives

The pistes on the Diedamskopf, at an altitude of 2,090 m, are as popular amongst advanced skiiers as amongst families with children experienced in skiing. Top: the long descent into the valley and the off-piste skiing options.

You get a very special panorama of the mountains and as far as Lake Constance from the peak, accessible via the winter hiking path and the year-round base for paragliders and hang-gliders.

17

well-being

18

diedamskopf au-schoppernau

19

diedamskopf au-schoppernau

land & lives

ski & board

ski & freedom

xc skiing

family tips

active winter

culture

dining out

well-being

bödele-schwarzenberg

Hochälpelekopf 1467 m Hochälpele Hütte

3 Bregenzer Hütte

2

1

8

blic k Alp

en

3

1

3

2

8

3

E

ck bli

3

6 6

e Se

Lustenauer Hütte

4

C

5

D

4

7

7

Lan

Lankhütte

k

Klausberg

H

8 1 Ho

ch

Sc

Dornbirner Hütte

6

A

3

WC

älp

ha

nz

Schneemann Parcours

en

G

ele

1 3 3

blic

k

Meierei F

Meierei Oberlose

12 b

12 b

Oberl

ose

WC BÖDELE 1155 m

1 Ha

lde

Gasthof Hochälpele

Haldenstüble

3

H Skischule Schwarzenberg

P3

Weißtanne

10

Gmeind

K

Alpenhotel Berghof Fetz Skischule SKI Bödele RENT

H

WC B 12 a

H

12

Hag c

9

KIOSK

P1

P2

3

SKI RENT

I

20

12 a

W eiß

tan

ne

Geißkopf 1198 m

Eixer P4

11

H

10 10 11

Oberkaltberg

H P5

H

H Unterkaltberg

3

H

SCHWARZENBERG

Hotel Sonnhalde

Beien

SPORT Sport Fink

Freien

H €

H

P6

lifts and cable cars 1 chair lift 9 ski tows 1 connecting lift pistes Lengths of the slopes: 24 km, of which: 9 km are blue pistes 12 km are red pistes 3 km are black pistes

day ticket (high season) Adult: € 33.60 Child: € 18.40 après ski Berghof Fetz, Meierei

information Tourist office Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 3570 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5572 7321 ski school & children’s ski school www.boedele.info • Ski school Schwarzenberg M +43 (0)664 2214075 www.skischule-schwarzenberg.at Skiing with the magic wand • Ski school Bödele A method developed by the M +43 (0)664 75036843 school itself guarantees that all www.skischule-boedele.at children from 3 ½ years of age are able to ski on the practice slopes ski rental on their own after four ­individual • Berg Fink Ski & Bergsport, lessons.

Schwarzenberg, T +43 (0)5512 2918 Should a child not succeed, the www.bergfink.at ski instructor keeps on skiing free • Skishop Bödele of charge until he/she does!

Berghof Fetz Price: M +43 (0)664 75036843 € 62 per hour www.skischule-boedele.at Information • Ski rental Hochälpele Schwarzenberg ski school Hochälpele ski lift, valley station M +43 (0)664 2214075 T +43 (0)5512 26807 www.skischule-schwarzenberg.at

egg-schetteregg

21 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom

ski rental Sport Waldner T +43 (0)5512 4750-21 www.sportwaldner.at

après ski Gasthaus Amagmach inn, Lifthus

culture

day ticket (high season) Adult: € 33.50 Child: € 18.50

active winter dining out well-being

Schetti’s kids’ paradise Magic carpets and a ski carousel in the kids’ paradise can be used free of charge by all visitors.

Young guests have enough to do in the breaks in Schettiland with its igloo and climbing hill.

Pistes for kids: all pistes in Schetteregg bears a mascot which briefly describes what children should be capable of in order to ski on that particular piste. From the snowplough turn on the hedgehog circuit, through to safe curving on the bear slope through to dynamic carving on the lynx piste.

ski school & children’s ski school Ski school Schetteregg M +43 (0)680 2446881 www.schi-schule.at

family tips

pistes Lengths of the slopes: 10 km of which: 3 km are blue pistes 6 km are red pistes 1 km are black pistes

information Egger lift company T +43 (0)5512 4750 www.schetteregg.at

xc skiing

lifts and cable cars 1 chair lift 5 ski tows

22

hochhäderich hittisau-riefensberg

lifts and cable cars 1 chair lift 4 ski tows pistes Lengths of the slopes: 9 km of which: 4 km are blue pistes 3 km are red pistes 2 km are black pistes information Alpenarena Hochhäderich T +43 (0)5513 8254-0 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5513 8254-51 www.alpenarena.com

ski rental • Jakobs Skishop, Hochhäderich T +43 (0)5513 8254-61 www.alpenarena.com • Sport Spettel, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 6341 www.spettel.at • Sport Gotthard, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 2260 www.sport-gotthard.com day ticket (high season) Adult: € 32 Child: € 22 après ski Umbrella bar at the valley station

ski school & children’s ski school Snow sports school Hochhäderich Timm Stade T +43 (0)5513 8254-171 www.skischule-stade.de

tip: skiing area for families Almhotel right next to the piste with family apartments, swimming pool and wellness area.

Ideal for families with small children.

niedere andelsbuch-bezau

land & lives

Skigebiet N Andelsbuc

Winterstaude 1880 m Tristenkopf 1740 m

ekopf

D

Hohe Kirche 1750 m Bullerschkopf 1760 m

Niedere Höhe 1715 m

e

2

rm

de

2

A Doppelsesselbahn

Nie

2

T

3 6

o

u

l r

p e

i n

n g

e e

B Doppelsesselbahn

s b

i

e

t

D Schlepplift Nieder

1

1

C Doppelschlepplift

E Schlepplift Breitfe

Bergstation 6 Baumgartenhöhe 1650 m

F

ski & board

C

Niedere 1600 m

uld

Lifte und Bahnen

Nieder

A

1

23

Seilbahn Bezau

G Übungslift Andels Bre itfel d

Bergstation 1550m

H Förderband Ande

Skirouten und Abfah

e

E

der

B

2

Nie

1 Abfahrt Niedere

1

2 Abfahrt Muldenlif

3 Abfahrt Niedereko

1 4

Mittelstation 1150 m

F Bez

au

4

4

4

4

4 Abfahrt Breitfeldl

Mittelstation Sonderdach 1200 m

5 Abfahrt Übungsli 6 Skiweg

Rodelbahn Baum 1

era G

3

A

2

Skiroute Niedere

2

Skiroute Kälberb

3

Skiroute Gerach -

4

Älpele - Talstation

ski & freedom

ch

2

Skipiste (markiert, präpariert und vo

3 4

leicht, easy, facile

mittelschwer, mid

nd

erba

rd

Fö H

G

slift

schwierig, difficu

ng

Übu

5 Talstation Bezau 680 m

Talstation Andelsbuch 655m

day ticket (high season) Adult: € 32.60 Child: € 18.70 après ski Andelsbuch: Mooser Stüble, Jöslar, Lissbar

culture

information Andelsbuch cable cars T +43 (0)5512 2540 Snow hotline: T + 43 (0)5512 2540 www.bergbahnen-andelsbuch.at

dining out

Bezau cable car T +43 (0)5514 2254 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5514 2254 www.seilbahn-bezau.at

tip: variation skiing: Fantastic north and south slopes for variation skiers.

well-being

ski school Niedere Skiing M +43 (0)664 2214075 www.niedere-skiing.com

active winter

pistes Lengths of the slopes: 10 km of which: 5 km are blue pistes 4 km are red pistes 1 km are black pistes

family tips

ski rental • Sport Dorner, Andelsbuch T +43 (0)5512 2482 www.schneeprofi.at • Sport Thomas Bezau T +43 (0)5514 31441 www.sport-thomas.at

xc skiing

lifts and cable cars 1 large cable car in Bezau (60 p.)

2 chair lifts 4 ski tows 1 practice lift 1 moving walkway valley station Andelsbuch

Skiroute (markiert,

24

hochlitten riefensberg

lifts and cable cars 4 ski tows pistes Lengths of the slopes: 4.4 km of which: 4.4 km are blue pistes information Ski lifts Hochlitten T +43 (0)5513 8312-2 Snow hotline: T +43 (0)5513 8239 www.skilifte-hochlitten.com

ski school & children’s ski school Ski and snowboard school Hittisau-Sibratsgfäll www.ski-snowboard-schule.at M +43 (0)664 73086646 day ticket (high season) Adult: € 28 Child: € 17.50

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

Plus: racing service and three racing tracks for club, association or company races FIS-homologated slalom run for men and women.

snowparks & freestyle

25 land & lives ski & board family tips active winter culture

Damüls snowpark The largest snow park in the Bregenzer­wald is a hotspot of the freestyle scene. It comprises the Mainpark, the Ugapark with the AllMtn-Line and the Kids’ snow park.

The facilities include various kickers, rails, boxes, large boats, a chillout area, a fun line and much more.

Events are regularly held.

The snowpark stretches from the Uga mountain station to the Mainpark.

The Walisgaden Snowpark Shuttle and the Uga All-Mtn-Line Shuttle will take you back to the starting point. www.snowparkdamuels.com www.facebook.com/ snowparkdamuels

Diedamspark The Pleasure Diedamspark is a highlight for both snowboarders and freeskiers. Whether beginner or advanced, the variety of rails, boxes and kickers from easy to pro will help everyone find their “line”. Deckchairs and comfortable sound for relaxing in can be enjoyed in the chill area.

There are also lots of really good places for powder kickers in addition to the steep shoots and channels on the Diedamskopf. The runs in the hollow at the Krüzlelift are classic. www.diedamspark.at www.facebook.at/diedamskopf

xc skiing

Snowboarders and freestylers can enjoy themselves at a broad range of different snow parks.

ski & freedom

Snowpark Damüls

dining out well-being

26

ski!project – skiing courses & exercise coaching

Check out www.skiprojekt.at/methoden to see what this is all about!

Turning and floating, on the slopes or through powder snow. That is the motto of these skiing courses – ­including following a recovered injury.

In these skiing workshops you develop a dynamic, energy-saving skiing technique that is kind to your joints – according to your own individual needs. The special method and the structure of the workshops enable you to improve your ­skiing in a quick, sustainable manner.

Complex sequences of movement needed for carving or skiing in deep snow are conveyed and optimised by means of simple, playful movements and exercises to reinforce your body awareness.

Please note: The courses are held on specified dates. Booking is required. You can only start on the first day of the course. Detailed information is available on the website: www.skiprojekt.at and in the programme brochure.

Management: Michael Widmer-Willam He is a passionate skier, dance and performance artist and, as a ski trainer, enjoys trying out new skiing techniques and movements. In his workshops, he combines his many years’ experience in teaching ­skiing and his knowledge of the body and movement with the lightness of dance.

Offers: Intensive workshops in s­ kiing technique for all skill levels, deep snow courses, courses for ­returnees following extended absences, ­injuries or physical weaknesses Services: • 6-8 lesson programme • constant video analysis • individualised skiing model • long-term, individual development planning • personalised equipment consultancy • cultural trips in the region (optional) information & reservation ski!Projekt M +43 (0)664 4205221 www.skiprojekt.at

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

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

family tips

ski & freedom

culture dining out well-being

28

map of the area

5

4

9

3

8

13

7

1 2 10

11 12

6

recommended reading “Skitourenführer Bregenzerwald inkl. Großes Walsertal und Lechquellengebirge” by A. Kempf/ R. Kempf published by Panico Alpinverlag (in German only)

Skiing tours for the advanced Off-piste ski routes

950 m

1,767 m

2

Portlahorn

Damüls

400 m

2,010 m

3

Hirschberg

Bizau

700 m

1,500 m

4

Hochälpele Kopf

Schwarzenberg

450 m

1,464 m

5

Feuerstätterkopf

Sibratsgfäll

650 m

1,645 m

6

Juppenspitze

Schröcken

1,200 m

2,412 m

7

Üntschenspitze

Schoppernau

1,150 m

2,135 m

8

Kanisfluh

Au

1,250 m

2,044 m

9

Winterstaude

Egg

800 m

1,877 m

10

Hochkünzelspitze

Schröcken

1,300 m

2,397 m

11

Klemm via Salober

Schröcken

2,300 m

12

Bockbachtaltour

Warth

2,340 m

13

Around Hoher Ifen

Schoppernau

2,060 m

dining out well-being

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

culture

We recommend that you only embark on these tours in the ­company of the ski schools’

­ ountain and skiing guides, or that m you reserve one of our package deals.

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

active winter

Au

family tips

Brendler Lug

xc skiing

1

The Bregenzerwald is famous for its wide range of enjoyable skiing tours, comprising the gentle through to the more arduous. F ­ ollowing an ascent taking 2 to 5 hours on cross-country skis and skins, swing down the magnificent slopes off the prepared pistes and down into the v ­ alley. You can rent the appropriate equipment such as skis and avalanche search equipment from the local ski rental shops.

Difference in Highest altitude (up): elevation

ski & freedom

Starting point

ski & board

Tour

29 land & lives

Skiing tours for beginners

skiing tours

30

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

Difference in altitude: 950 m Starting point: car park of Au’s v ­ illage hall 2: portlahorn (2,010 m) Straightforward panorama tour across the Damüls skiing area.

Difference in altitude: 400 m Starting point: Jägerstüble inn on the road between Oberdamüls and Furkajoch

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

Difference in altitude: 1,200 m Starting point: at Mohnenfluh hotel in Schröcken 7: üntschenspitze (2,135 m) This tour, which covers lovely slopes to the south west and the north east, is hidden away on Schoppernau’s impressive very own mountain.

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

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

Difference in altitude: 1,250 m Starting point: from Au, in 4: hochälpelekopf (1,464 m) the ­direction of Damüls, across the This area is recommended particularly for beginners or those wishing to ­Argenbach bridge (car park) enjoy a short afternoon tour.

9: winterstaude (1,877 m) Difference in altitude: 450 m It is close to Egg that the most-used Starting point: Gmeind, part of the route is located: despite its steep village of Schwarzenberg grassy slopes, it is used astoundingly frequently.

5: feuerstätterkopf (1,645 m) Difference in altitude: 800 m This lovely, popular tour takes you Starting point: Egg-Schetteregg, lift across gentle ski slopes, without any car park flat spots.

Difference in altitude: 650 m 10: hochkünzelspitze (2,397 m) Starting point: from Sibratsgfäll, The Hochkünzelspite offers the Alpenrose inn ­experienced ski tourer magnificent runs in an alpine setting.

Difference in altitude: 1,300 m Starting point: Schröcken, Landsteg bus stop, approx. 2 km to Bad Hopfreben 3: hirschberg (1,500 m) This tour takes you through ­ fantastic skiing terrain in an area ­formerly home to pistes.

Difference in altitude: 700 m Starting point: Bizau, Hütten – car park/practice lift

active winter culture dining out well-being

Schwarzenberg: Guided ski tours Various tour destinations available Au-Schoppernau: Skiing tour with Moses information Meeting point: Ski and mountain guide Skischule Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)664 2214075 Markus Moosbrugger Schoppernau, Riese 238

family tips

Schröcken: Ski tours for beginners and experts alike Meeting point: to be disclosed upon booking Dates: weekly, between December and early April Duration: tours with climbs between 1 ½ and 3 ½ hours Price for 2 persons: from € 130 including ­equipment information & booking Schneesportschule Schröcken Hochkrumbach, Josef Staggl M +43 (0)664 7575500 or M +43 (0)664 2525200 www.skischule-schroecken.com

xc skiing

Mellau: taster ski tour Meeting point: office of Mellau ski school, 9 a.m.

Dates: 8 December 2018 to 21 April 2019, Fridays Duration: approx. 4 hours Price per person: € 88 including ­avalanche transceiver, excluding tour equipment information & reservations Reserve by 4 p.m. the day before Mellau ski school T +43 (0)5518 20011 M +43 (0)664 3428979 www.skischule-mellau.at

ski & freedom

Damüls: Guided skiing tour Meeting point: Damüls ski school Date: December – April every T ­ hursday at 10 a.m. information & booking the day before until 3 p.m.

Damüls ski school T +43 (0)5510 295 www.skischule-damuels.at

Date: daily, upon request Duration: day tour, approx. 4–5 hours Price per person: from € 60 information Markus Moosbrugger M +43 (0)664 3429465 www.mitmoses.at

ski & board

ski!project skiing tours These specific ski tour workshops incorporate Feldenkrais units. The objective is to simplify the sequences of movements in order to minimise the amount of effort required for the ascent and for skiing down the slopes.

The focus of these workshops is on the interplay between movement, skiing and a relaxing experience in nature.

Offers: for all skill levels, for beginners who are unsure of their condition or ability to ski downhill, for returnees (following injuries or long absences).

The snow sports school in Au-Schoppernau is a cooperation ­partner. Please note: fixed dates. Booking is essential.

You can only start on the first day of the course. information Michael Priesner M +43 (0)676 7245641 www.skiprojekt.at

31 land & lives

Well supervised Skiing in deep snow and ski tours are fascinating. However, skiing safety is frequently lacking, as is the economic use of your own strength, or simply self-confidence. The mountain and ski guides are familiar with the local snow, weather and avalanche conditions, and ensure an unforgettable day of touring.

skiing tours

32

variation skiing

Off the pistes – out and about with experts

Variation skiing is the leisurely, enjoyable form of skiing off piste. Most ascents are taken by lift, and then you ski off piste.

Here are 3 recommended routes. For reasons of safety and orientation, we recommend that you only embark on these tours in the company of the ski schools’ mountain and skiing guides.

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

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

1,630 m run

Recommended event Hahnenköpfle race Date: 9 March 2019 (Alternative date:10 March 2019) www.fcbizau.at

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

30 min., Wöstersattel, approx. 45 min.

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

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

2,000 m run

33 land & lives ski & board family tips active winter culture dining out

Damüls: Freeride course Meeting point: Damüls ski school Date: December – April every T ­ uesday at 10 a.m. information & booking the day before until 3 p.m.

Damüls ski school T +43 (0)5510 295 www.skischule-damuels.at

Mellau: Freeride-terrain variation skiing You take the Mellau cable car to the skiing area of Damüls-Mellau, where guests ski off piste on a number of ­different routes under the supervision of a state-certified ski instructor.

Location: Damüls-Mellau skiing area Meeting point: ski school office ­Mellau, 9 a.m.

Dates: Every Thursday from 8 December 2018 to 21 April 2019 Duration: 3 hours Minimum number of participants: 3 (max. 6) Price per person: € 74 including ­avalanche search equipment (excluding lift pass) information & booking Book before 4 p.m. the day before Mellau ski school T +43 (0)5518 20011 M +43 (0)664 3428979 www.skischule-mellau.at

xc skiing

Au-Schoppernau: Freeriding with Moses The objectives of the day are ­effortless ascents and long runs with ski and mountain guide Markus Moosbrugger.

Place: Schoppernau Meeting point: Schoppernau, Riese 238 Date: daily, upon request Duration: day tour, approx. 5-6 hours in total Price per person: from € 70 information Markus Moosbrugger M +43 (0)664 3429465 www.mitmoses.at

ski & freedom

Leave your own tracks in the snow – in the Damüls-Mellau ski region

well-being

interesting information

34

Ascent Hirschberg, close to Bizau

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

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

• The correct equipment and clothing are essential safety factors.

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

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

• Never set off if it is snowing/foggy.

(Wetter-Apps und Links → S. 4) • The skiing and mountain guides are familiar with the place and ­terrain and ensure that you safely reach your destination – and back home. emergency telephone numbers (free of charge) • 112 European emergency number • 144 alpine emergencies

vorarlberg avalanche warning service Free use of the avalanche alarm ­service via fax, e-mail or the Internet: www.vorarlberg.at/lawine Avalanche information app: www.snowsafe.at 24-hour recorded message: T +43 (0)5574 201 1588 Respect your boundaries However, anyone out and about enjoying the countryside needs to keep in mind that it is also a very sensitive habitat for plants and ­animals which is worth ­protecting.

Please don’t take any short-cuts through forest paths, since they are often used by wild game as a ­refuge. Moreover, the edges of skis and snowboards can easily damage the young forest. Observe the no-go hunting areas and, if necessary, choose a different tour destination. It is with this in mind that we also appeal to you to respect preservation and conservation areas and to observe any restrictions.

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

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

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

xc skiing

xc skiing

culture dining out well-being

36

au-schoppernau

Village cross-country ski run

cross-country ski runs 50 km of classic cross-country ski runs 13 km of skating runs

length 13 km

altitude 850 m

classification easy to difficult

preparation Mid-December until Easter

difference in altitude 85 m

ski trail fee Free for guests and locals in Au-Schoppernau. cross-country skiing courses Au-Schoppernau snow sports school T +43 (0)5515 2133 Au-Schoppernau cross-country ski school, M +43 (0)677 61096022 ski rental • Sport Gorbach, Au T +43 (0)5515 4141-2 • Sport Fuchs, Au T +43 (0)5515 2315 • Sport Matt, Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4120

Village cross-country ski run

itinerary This cross-country ski run takes you through Au and Schoppernau with various connection points to other cross-country ski runs.

From Au-Argenzipfel, it takes you through Äuele to Schoppernau and through a forest to the mountain pasture settlement of Armengemach. Via the Bregenzer­ achsteg, you pass through “­paradise” and, across open fields, to Äuele forest. Via Kreuzgasse, you arrive at the underpass next to the church bridge. After Reute grazing meadow and Argenzipfel, you arrive at Kanisfluhloipe. chances to stop off for a drink/food in Au-Schoppernau

bezau-bizau-reuthe

37 land & lives ski & board

The circuit length 12 km

xc skiing

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

ski & freedom

Circuit

altitude 650 m classification easy to intermediate difference in altitude 50 m

well-being

Cross-country ski trails online: www.bregenzerwald.at/ langlaufloipen Package “Cross-country skiing in the Bregenzerwald” information & booking: www.bregenzerwald.at

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

dining out

tips

characteristic Scenic, charming and varied ­circuit.

culture

ski rental Sport Thomas, Bezau T +43 (0)5514 31441

itinerary The circuit takes you through all three villages, and can be ­commenced and terminated at any of the villages.

active winter

cross-country skiing courses Cross-country skiing and biathlon school Nordic Sport Park Sulzberg Ingrid Fink-Nöckler M +43 (0)664 5323102 www.kreativbewegen.at

family tips

preparation Mid-December until Mid-March

38

damüls

Stofel alpine cross-country ski run

cross-country ski runs 11 km of classic cross-country ski runs 5 km of skating runs

Stofel alpine cross-country ski run

altitude 1,500 – 1,700 m

length 5 km

preparation Early December until end of April

classification intermediate to difficult

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

difference in altitude 80 m

ski rental Madlener Sport, Damüls T +43 (0)5510 391 Mani Sport, Damüls M +43 (0)699 12109630 tip The free local bus takes cross-­ country skiers to the starts of the ­cross-­country ski runs.

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

hittisau

39 land & lives ski & board

preparation December until end of March

classification easy to intermediate

ski trail fee

difference in altitude 240 m

cross-country skiing courses • Ski school Hittisau-Sibratsgfäll M +43 (0)664 2143723 • Langlauf-Biathlon-Schule Nordic Sport Park M +43 (0)664 5323102 www.kreativbewegen.at

itinerary Hittisau centre – Helmisau – Dornbündt – Sippersegg – ­Biberstein – border with Germany– start of the Balderschwang ski-hiking network – return by bus or along the ­cross-country ski run characteristic An extensive cross-country skiing tour which can be shortened according to wishes.

well-being

chances to stop off for a drink/food Inns in ­Balderschwang and Hittisau

dining out

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

culture

length approx. 70 km

active winter

altitude 800 m – 1,040 m

family tips

Border country ­cross-country ski run

xc skiing

cross-country ski runs 50 km of classic cross-country ski runs 30 km of skating runs

ski & freedom

Border country cross-country ski run

40

mellau-schnepfau

Cross-country ski run in Mellau, Hirschau, Schnepfau

cross-country ski runs 23 km of classic cross-country ski runs 20 km of skating runs

Cross-country ski run in ­Mellau, Hirschau, Schnepfau

altitude 700 m

length 10 km

preparation December until March

classification easy

cross-country skiing courses Ski school Mellau T +43 (0)5518 20011

difference in altitude 40 m

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

itinerary Car park of Mellau cable cars – Enge – Hirschau – Schnepfau ­centre (return the same route or by bus) characteristc Lovely route at the foot of the ­Kanisfluh through the Enge mountain pasture. chances to stop off for a drink/food Inns in Mellau, M1 Mellaubahn valley station, Café Lässer in Schnepfau

riefensberg-hochhäderich

41 land & lives ski & board

length 8.3 km

preparation December until mid-April

classification difficult

ski trail fee

difference in altitude 151 m

cross-country skiing courses Hochhäderich snow sports school Timm Stade T +43 (0)5513 8254-171 www.skischule-stade.de

itinerary Car park of the Hotel ­Hochhäderich – Hörmoos lake – car park of the Hotel Hochhäderich characteristic The course takes you through the sunny high plateau on the Hochhäderich. Those experienced in skating techniques can take a detour to the Falkenhütte.

dining out

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

culture

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

active winter

altitude 1,300 m

family tips

Hörmoos cross-country ski run

xc skiing

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

ski & freedom

Hörmoos cross-country ski run

well-being

42

schwarzenberg

Fohramoos cross-country ski run

cross-country ski runs 9.5 km of classic cross-country ski runs

Fohramoos cross-country ski run

altitude 1,130 – 1,190 m

length 9.5 or 6 km (large circuit), 3.5 km (small circuit)

preparation Early December until Mid-March

classification easy to intermediate

ski rental • Skishop Bödele Berghof Fetz M +43 (0)664 75036843 • Ski rental Hochälpele Hochälpele valley station T +43 (0)5512 26807

difference in altitude 60 m itinerary Start and end at the valley station of Oberlose lift: from there, you go in a westerly direction through the nature reserve of Fohramoos. characteristic Scenic and varied circuit through Natura 2000 and the nature reserve. chances to stop off for a drink/food ­Berghof Fetz, Alpenhotel Bödele, Meierei

sibratsgfäll

43 land & lives ski & board

preparation Mid-December until early April

classification intermediate

ski trail fee

difference in altitude 150 m

cross-country skiing courses Ski school Hittisau-Sibratsgfäll M +43 (0)664 73086629

itinerary Krähenberg ski lift – walk to the base of the cross-country ski run at the Bilgeri snack bar – along the Subersach as far as Vorsäß Schönenbach mountain pasture – return the same route

ski rental Engelbert Dorner T +43 (0)5513 2113

well-being

chances to stop off for a drink/food Bilgeri snack bar in Sibratsgfäll, Jagd­gasthaus Egender, Schönenbach

dining out

characteristic A route for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, not too technically demanding. Particularly scenic route through the valley of the Subersach.

culture

length 18 km

active winter

altitude 930 m

family tips

Cross-country ski run between Sibratsgfäll and Schönenbach

xc skiing

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

ski & freedom

Cross-country ski run between Sibratsgfäll and Schönenbach

44

sulzberg

Panorama cross-country ski run

cross-country ski runs 20 km of classic cross-country ski runs 20 km of skating runs The direct connection to the West ­Allgäu network of cross-country ski runs ­provides the trained athlete with over 100 km of cross-country ski runs for all l­ evels of proficiency.

biathlon facility Nordic Sport Park (→ page 45) cross-country-ski rental Nordic Sport Park Panorama cross-country ski run

altitude 1,015 m

length 6 km (classic and skating)

preparation December until 15 March

classification easy to difficult

ski trail fee → page 45

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

cross-country skiing courses Cross-country biathlon school Nordic Sport Park Sulzberg Ingrid Fink-Nöckler M +43 (0)664 5323102 www.kreativbewegen.at night-time cross-country skiing By floodlight every Mon to Fri between 5 and 8.30 p.m. Part of the cross-country skiing runs is served by a snow making system.

chances to stop off for a drink/food Hochsträßstüble (closed on Mon) info The use of the panorama crosscountry ski run is free. All other cross-country ski runs in the ­Nordic Sport Park are subject to a fee. (→ page 45).

nordic sport park sulzberg

45 land & lives ski & board culture dining out well-being

Try out Biathlon It is the combination of pulse load and precision, which makes this discipline so unique. The air crackles through to the very last shot.

To try their hand at this exciting “discipline” supervised, guests need to reserve in advance.

Offer: Biathlon for individuals and groups from one to four units also in combination with cross-country skiing or a small obstacle course.

Dates and prices: upon request information & booking Ingrid Fink-Nöckler Cross-country skiing and biathlon school – Nordic Sport Park M +43 (0)664 5323102 www.kreativbewegen.at

active winter

Selection of cross-country ski runs • All cross-country ski runs are groomed for classic and skating purposes (→ page 44).

• The cross-country ski runs in the Nordic Sport Park are subject to a fee, including during the day. The panorama cross-country ski run which connects to the Westallgäu network of cross-country ski runs can be used free of charge.

• Guests from Sulzberg staying three or more nights may use the runs in the Nordic Sport Park (including night-time x-country skiing) free of charge. Tickets available from the tourist office upon presentation of the guest card • A 4-km circular route is illuminated by floodlights. (→ page 44).

information Tourist office Sulzberg T +43 (0)5516 2213-10 www.sulzberg-bregenzerwald.at Nordic Sport Park T + 43 (0)664 1222258 www.nordic-sport-park.at

family tips

The Nordic Sport Park also includes the Sulzberg village lift and a popular tobogganing run – both of which are only about 200 m from the stadium.

Well-groomed paths are available for ­winter hikers.

xc skiing

Around 20 km of cross-country ski runs prices for classic and skating techniques await € 5 per day (incl.night-time crossin the Nordic Sport Park in Sulzberg. country skiing) or € 65 per season

ski & freedom

Nordic Sport Park Sulzberg

46

warth-schröcken

Around Kalbelesee

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

Around Kalbelesee length 2.5 km

altitude 1,600 – 1,700 m preparation December until mid-April cross-country skiing courses • Ski school Warth T +43 (0)5583 3443 • Ski school Salober-Schröcken T + 43 (0)5583 4259 600 • Schröcken snow sports school T +43 (0)5519 271 or M +43 (0)664 7575500 ski rental • Sport Schneller, Schröcken T +43 (0)5519 201 • Sport Jug, Salober and Jägeralpe T +43 (0)5583 39827 • Sport Strobl, Hotel Lechtalerhof M +43 (0)676 845413200 dogs permitted

classification easy difference in altitude 0 m itinerary Salober car park – around ­Kalbelesee – Salober car park characteristic flat cross-country ski run, suitable for beginners, in a sunny location chances to stop off for a drink/food Mountain gastronomy at the ­valley station in the Salober Ski Arena

47 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom family tips

How about a ­lantern-lit ramble at dusk? Visits to the farm afford fascinating insights into the living environment of the farmers.

xc skiing

family tips

active winter culture dining out well-being

48

kids’ programme

Tobogganing – a great pleasure

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

Tobogganing with children Almost all towns and villages have one or several toboggan runs, many of which are illuminated in the evening. This includes many runs which children can ride alone, or on their parents’ toboggan. Toboggans are available for rent in many towns and villages. The starting points of several toboggan runs can be easily reached by lift (→ page 72).

Well-supervised in the ski schools The Bregenzerwald’s ski schools are well-known for their c­ hild-friendly programmes. You can find ­further information on selected offers in the chapter Ski and Board (→ page 5).

Village lifts for young skiers The clearly laid-out village lifts are ideal for families: Alberschwende: 2 ski tows Bizau: Hütten rope tow Buch: Buch ski lifts Hittisau: Hittisberg ski lift Reuthe: Reuthe Baienberg ski lift Sibratsgfäll: Krähenberg ski lift Sulzberg: Sulzberg village lift, Hagenberg ski lifts

Package deals on offer: Kids’ Snow in the Bregenzerwald The special offer for kids between 3 and 6 years (born in 2013/2014/2015) incl. a ski pass and a 4-day skiing course for free.

Bookable dates: 12 – 19 January 2019 16 – 23 March 2019 23 – 30 March 2019 information Bregenzerwald Tourismus T +43 (0)5512 2365 www.bregenzerwald.at

kids’ programme

49 land & lives ski & board active winter culture dining out

Au-Schoppernau – farm experience Life on the farm has a magical appeal to children. They are allowed to stroke the animals and watch the farmer feed, care for and milk the animals.

Meeting point: Church in Au, Rehmen Date: 25 December 2018 until 16 April 2019: every Tuesday at 5.30 p.m.

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

family tips well-being

Au-Schoppernau – Sheep Pen Wool Discover some fascinating facts about large and small sheep in the old sheep pen: fragrant mountain hay in the hayloft, haymaking tools, wool processing, production of a ­fragrant sheep’s wool cushion, ­concluding with an exciting sheep story.

Meeting point: Church in Au, Rehmen Dates: 27 December 2018 to 17 April 2019: every Thursday at 4 p.m.

Duration: approx. 1 ½ hours

Age: from 4 years Price per person: € 8 incl. sheep’s wool cushion, drink and “sheep biscuits” information & booking Booking by 5 p.m. on the previous day Au-Schoppernau Tourist Office T +43 (0)5515 2288 www.au-schoppernau.at

xc skiing

Andelsbuch – mini-bob race Mini-bob race on the practice slope of the valley station of Andelsbuch cable car (with adequate snow conditions).

Meeting point: Practice slope Andelsbuch cable car Date: 27 December 2018; 3 ­January; 7, 14, 21, 28 February; 7, 14 March 2019 every Thursday at 4 p.m.

Duration: approx. 1 hour Price per person: free of charge information & registration Tourist office Andelsbuch T +43 (0)5512 2565 www.andelsbuch.at

ski & freedom

Watching the farmer at work

50

kids’ programme Au-Schoppernau – lantern-lit ramble Carrying brightly lit lanterns and accompanied by mascots “DIDI” and “BASTI”, the children ramble through Schoppernau. The lanterns can be taken home, and burn brightly as a reminder.

Meeting point: tourist information office, Schoppernau Dates: 2 January to 6 March 2019, every Wednesday at 5.30 p.m.

Duration: approx. 1 hour Price per person: free of charge information & registration Bookings must be made by 12 p.m.

Au-Schoppernau Tourismus T +43 (0)5515 2495 www.au-schoppernau.at Bezau – lantern-lit walk to the Deerofo Cultural and historical walk by ­lantern light through Bezau with a stop at the “Deerofo”. The walk ­concludes with a little drink at this lovingly restored barn that was once used by the whole village as a drying chamber.

Meeting point: 8 p.m. at the fountain in the village square (near Hotel Gams) Date: Every Wednesday, from 19 December 2018 to 24 April 2019 Duration: Approx. 1 hour Price per person: € 5 (children free) information & registration Registration by 9 a.m.

Bezau Tourismus T+43(0)5514 2295 www.bezau-bregenzerwald.com

tip Molke Metzler, Egg (→ page 100) Horse-drawn sleigh rides (→ page 69)

Bizau – llama winter experience Help feed these exotic animals or simply pet them and enjoy your time with them.

Meeting point: Stable opposite Hofkäserei Werner Feurstein (cheese dairy) at the entrance to Bizau Date: Every Tuesday at 5 pm Duration: Approx. 1 hour Price per person: Free of charge information & registration Registration by 9 a.m.

Bezau Tourismus T+43(0)5514 2295 www.bezau-bregenzerwald.com Damüls – Bunny Disco Bunny – the ski-school mascot – joins the children in their party dances to cool hits.

Meeting point: 2.45 p.m., Ingos Schirmbar Dates: Every Friday, from December to April information Skischule Damüls T +43 (0)5510 295 www.skischule-damuels.at Damüls – indoor playground The “Spielhaus” is particularly ­popular with children and ­parents when the weather is bad. The 170-square-metre indoor playground provides a separate area for toddlers, a lounge for the accompanying adults, table football and an air-hockey machine.

Opening times: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: “Haus Alpenrose” multipurpose building, House 137 information Damüls Tourismus T +43 (0)5510 620-0 www.damuels.travel

kids’ programme

Sulzberg – treasure hunt A treasure hunt – with or without snowshoes, depending on the snow conditions – guarantees fun and a bit of variety. Includes: an insight into topography, the use of a compass and searching with the aid of a treasure map.

Dates: upon request Prices: 1 – 4 people € 150, € 7 per additional person (including a small treasure): excludes rental ­material for snowshoes Larger groups upon request information & reservations Ingrid Fink-Nöckler Cross-country skiing and biathlon school Nordic Sport Park M +43 (0)664 5323102 www.kreativbewegen.at

family tips

ski & freedom xc skiing active winter culture dining out well-being

Mellau – Lantern-lit ramble The guests ramble through the snowcovered wintry landscape with Hans at dusk.

Meeting point: Tourist office Mellau Date: 13 December 2018 until 24 April 2019: every Thursday at 8 p.m.

Length: approx. 1 ½ hours Price per person: free of charge

Mellau – Experience farm up close Be there when the animals are fed and milked. The Bertsch farming ­family along with its many animals looks ­forward to welcoming you.

Meeting point: Bertsch farm, ­ Oberfeld 103 Dates: mid December 2018 to mid April 2019, every second Monday (Dates on request) Duration: approx. 1 hour Price per person: free of charge information & reservations By 3 p.m. at Mellau Tourismus T +43 (0)5518 2203 www.mellau.com

ski & board

Hittisau – Building an igloo Armed with saws and shovels, guests try to copy the Inuits and build a winter-proof dwelling for the night.

Dates: by agreement Meeting point: 9 a.m., Hittisau ­village hall Return: 5 p.m., or at around 10 a.m. the next day if the night is spent in the igloo Price per person: € 45, € 55 if the night is spent in the igloo information & registration Christoph Oberhauser M +43 (0)664 7670520 www.bewegend.com

information & registration Tourist office Mellau T +43 (0)5518 2203 www.mellau.com

land & lives

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

Guide Marianne relates stories on the way.

Meeting point: Falken inn Date: End of December until the end of March: every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Length: approx. 1 hour Price per person: free of charge information & registration Register by 4 p.m. on Monday Tourist office Egg T +43 (0)5512 2426 www.egg-bregenzerwald.com

51

52

day trip tips There is plenty for families to do should the weather not play ball: Museums and exhibitions inatura – nature show in Dornbirn Touch, crawl in, try out, play and experiment. information T +43 (0)5572 23235-0 www.inatura.at Schattenburg in Feldkirch The medieval castle depicts life ­during the age of chivalry. information T +43 (0)5522 71982 www.schattenburg.at Spielfabrik – indoor playground, Dornbirn 2,000 m² indoor playground for games, letting off steam, climbing, racing around and generally leaping about. information T +43 (0)5572 408840 www.spielfabrik.at Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen (Germany) The history and technology of aeronautics. information T +49 (0)7541 3801-0 www.zeppelin-museum.de

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

53 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom family tips

There are various ways to explore the winter landscapes. Hiking and tobogganing, for example. Or guided snow shoe tours. By Horse-drawn or by husky-pulled sleighs.

xc skiing

active winter

active winter culture dining out well-being

54

winter hiking

View of the Niedere, close to Andelsbuch

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

Tips for winter hikers We have compiled several tips for your hikes through the snow: make sure that you have the right equipment with you, such as adequate, waterproof footwear (e.g. climbing boots) and warm outerwear. ­Further useful items include: headgear, gloves, snow goggles or sunglasses, sun screen. “Shoe chains” prevent slipping on ice and snow: they are available from shoe shops and sport shops. Sticks are also helpful. signposts Winter hiking paths throughout the whole of the Bregenzerwald are clearly signposted in an easily ­visible pink.

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

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

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

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

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

recommended reading “Vorarlberg ­Winterwanderungen”

by Helmut Tiefenthaler, ­published

by Tyrolia Verlag (in German only)

winter hiking

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

Difference in altitude: up: 190 m/ down: 190 m Total hiking time: 2 ½ hours

family tips

fascinating view across the Rhine valley through to the Swiss mountains. On the way back, you pass the sports field in Buch, then take the hiking piste back to the Hotel Linde, which is located somewhat further down. starting point Sulzberg-Schönenbühl, Hotel Linde bus stop culture on the route As the “village on the mountain”, the location of Sulzberg in ­Vorarlberg gives it a very special quality of its own. The parish church in the Empire style is exceptional. It was built in 1828/29 by Alois Negrelli, the designer of the Suez Canal. characteristic Scenic mountain path on mainly ­flattened hiking paths chances to stop off for a drink/food Hotel Linde (Schönenbühl), Sulzberg Ochsen inn, Alpenblick inn and Adler inn in the center of the village

xc skiing

Negrelli’s church and endless views – Sulzberg mountain path From Vitalhotel Linde, Schönenbühl (820 m), a cleared agricultural path, or, if snow is plentiful, a ­hiking piste, leads to the mountain farms in Unterköhler: from there, you take a flattened hiking path to the Oberköhler plot of land at 985 m, then you follow a forest path to the approach road on the sunny side to Sulzberg, which you then follow on past the parish church to Sulzberg ­village square (1,013 m). Once you arrive at the village square, enjoy the endless views across the Bregenzer­ wald. On the way back, enjoy the

ski & freedom

Through the open landscape close to Sulzberg

56

winter hiking

Out and about on the Hochhäderich

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

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

Difference in altitude: up: 70 m/ down: 70 m Total hiking time: 2 ½ hours

winter hiking

57 land & lives ski & board family tips active winter culture

starting point Village hall in Hittisau culture on the route With over 100 alps – making it the ­village with the most alps in ­Austria! – Hittisau has a long ­tradition in the art of alpine dairy ­farming, and was one of the first centres for full-fat cheese making in Vorarlberg. The route takes you right past the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum in Hittisau. Also worth a visit is the Women’s Museum in ­Hittisau. (→ page 88) characteristic A gentle walk with lovely views chances to stop off for a drink/food Hittisau

xc skiing

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

ski & freedom

Around the village of Hittisau

dining out well-being

Difference in altitude: up: 110 m/ down: 110 m Total hiking time: approx. 1 ½ hours

58

winter hiking

Bödele close to Schwarzenberg

Panorama hike – Bödele-Schwarzenberg From the bus stop on the Bödele (1,140 m), take a short walk along the road to Schwarzenberg where you pick up the winter hiking path.

Cross the pistes of the Hochälpele lift, hike through alpine forests to the Hochälpele alp /Niederälpele (1,250 m, extensive views across the Bregenzerwald) and continue to L ­ ustenau hut (1,250 m, chance to take a detour to the Bregenz hut).

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

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

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

winter hiking

59 land & lives ski & board family tips active winter culture

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

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

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

xc skiing

Where cattle graze in the summer – Schetteregg circuit The entire route follows flattened ­hiking trails. It takes you from ­Schetteregg (1,066 m) to the alpine pasture area of Eggatsberg and ­Hammeratsberg, with the lovely Bregenzerwald mountain p ­ asture huts. You soon arrive at the Untere Falz alp, where you get lovely views of the s­ outhern mountains of ­Bullerschkopf and ­Winterstaude (1,877 m). The route now takes you up to the Obere Falz alp and ­continues into the Ochsenhof alp area. Your return trip is rewarded with lovely views of Schetteregg and the foreland of the Bregenzerwald.

ski & freedom

Alp landscape, Schetteregg

dining out well-being

Difference in altitude: up: 180 m/ down: 180 m Total hiking time: 2 ½ hours

60

winter hiking

The “Living on a slant” station – Georunde Rindberg in Sibratsgfäll

Sibratsgfäll – Georunde Rindberg The tour brings you closer to the power of Mother Nature, letting you experience it for yourself: in May 1999, the mountainsides in the plot moved inexorably. The major ­incident left behind deep scars.

On the landscape as well as on the ­spirit of the village. The ­stations of the Georunde Rindberg trace the ­happenings, ­communicate interesting information and ­provide insights into the way the ­inhabitants of Sibratsgfäll dealt with the situation.

Felber’s leaning house is a very ­special experience and conveys to the visitors the physical forces of nature.

starting point Felber’s leaning house destination Alpenrose inn culture on the route Eight stations: Felber’s leaning house – The moved house – Living on a slant – Not quite ­perpendicular – The leaning fir tree – The demolition – St Mary’s Chapel – Alpenrose inn chances to stop off for a drink/food Alpenrose inn Info: The trail ist not groomed, the use of snowshoes is recommended.

Difference in altitude: up: 130 m/ down: 130 m Trail category: separate signposting Total hiking time: approx. 1 hour information www.bewegtenatur.at

winter hiking

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

Difference in altitude: up: 200 m/ down: 200 m Total hiking time: from Krähenberg car park 3 ½ hours, from the centre of Sibratsgfäll 4 ½ hours

family tips

starting point Car park at Krähenberg ski lift culture on the route Schönenbach is one of the loveliest, largest mountain pasture settlements in the whole of the Bregenzerwald.

It was mentioned for the first time in 1491, comprises over 25 huts and one chapel. Cattle graze on the ­mountain pasture before and after the alp period. During the summer, the pastures are mowed. In the spring and autumn, the milk is processed into butter and cheese in a collective alpine dairy. characteristic Wild and romantic trail through the Subersach gorge chances to stop off for a drink/food Sibratsgfäll, Bilgeri’s in Krähenberg, Jagdgasthaus Egender, Schönenbach

xc skiing

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

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

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

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

ski & freedom

Mountain pasture settlement, Schönenbach

62

winter hiking

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

Walk up, toboggan down – Bergkristall hut in Au From Au (800 m), a perfectly ­prepared path takes you along the northern edge of the Lug, mainly through a forest, up into the ­Dürrenbachtal to the idyllically located Boden mountain pasture.

This is also the location of the Bergkristall hut located at an altitude of over 1,200 m. This tranquil, beautiful mountain valley is surrounded by the impressive, steeply rising rock massifs of the Zitterklapfenstock (2,403 m). You descend the same way.

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

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

T +43 (0)5515 2288

Difference in altitude: up: 420 m/ down: 420 m Total hiking time: 3 ½ hours

winter hiking

63 land & lives ski & board family tips active winter culture

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

xc skiing

On ancient Walser trails – the Damüls alpine circuit From Damüls (1,425 m), you f­ ollow the path towards Oberdamüls and after the Gasthaus Glöckle ­continue on the fully prepared ­valley path next to the cross-country ski run as far as the Unterdamüls. Then up the mountain to the Gasthaus Jägerstüble (1,614 m). From here, a mountain path takes you up to an altitude of approx. 1,700 m (views as far as the Rätikon), past the Oberdamüls alp (1,667 m) and to Oberdamüls.

From Hotel Alpenstern, you walk along the road back to where you started.

ski & freedom

Winter hiking in Damüls, Stofel

dining out well-being

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

64

winter hiking

Körbersee panorama

To the hotel at the lake – Hochtannbergpass – Körbersee Take the signposted winter hiking trail that’s close to the road from the Hochtannbergpass (1,676 m) past the frozen Kalbelesee lake and the Körberkreuz. From there take a considerable hike up to the Witelesattel (1,750 m) and then down to the Hotel Körbersee (1,665 m).

If the snow conditions are good, it is worth following this up by taking another walk around the f­ rozen Körbersee (voted Austria’s most beautiful place in 2017). If you take the right piste on the way back too, you will enjoy a circuit back to Salober-Hochtannbergpass.

starting point Hochtannberg pass, bus stop Salober or Hotel Adler characteristic Gentle ramble at altitudes above 1,600 m on prepared hiking paths chances to stop off for a drink/food Valley station of the Salober-Jet in the Salober Ski Arena, Berghotel Körbersee

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

snow-shoe hikes

65 land & lives ski & board family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

Au-Schoppernau – Diedamskopf tour The cable car takes you to the mountain station, from where you walk downhill in snow shoes to Diedams­ sattel, continue through the lovely Haldental, and walk uphill via the Neuhornbachjoch to the Neuhornbachhaus. Back in the valley, ­participants race down the longest natural toboggan run in the B ­ regenzerwald (5 km).

Meeting point: Au-Schoppernau snow sports school, next to the valley station of the cable car Date: every Thur (Alternative date: Fri) at 9.30 a.m.

Length: approx. 6 hours incl. breaks Price per person: from € 70 ­depending on the number of participants (incl. cable car ticket, snow shoes and toboggan).

Minimum number of participants: 5 information & registration Snow sports school Au-Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 2133 www.schneesportschule-bregenzer­ wald.at

Au-Schoppernau – panoramic evening tour with snowshoes and toboggan Guests travel by cable car to the middle station, where the snowshoe trip to the Neuhornbachhaus (150 m difference in altitude up and down) starts. An exciting toboggan ride takes everyone back to Schoppernau (900 m difference in altitude and 5 km downhill run).

Meeting point: Diedamskopf cable car, valley station Dates: every Monday, 3.30 p.m.

Duration: approx. 4 hours Price per person: € 40 incl. snowshoes, toboggan and head lamps, excl. cable car ticket Minimum age for children: 8 years information & registration Markus Moosbrugger M +43 (0)664 3429465 www.mitmoses.at

xc skiing

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

ski & freedom

Out and about with the experts

66

snow-shoe hikes Au-Schoppernau – Kanis snowshoe tour The bus departs for Mellau at 10 a.m.; we’ll be taking the cable car to Roß­ stelle where we’ll then leave the ski area behind us to walk past Alpe Kanis to Alpe Wurzach. We’ll be descending via Öberle and Auer Ried back to Au. The walk leads 280 metres uphill, 800 metres downhill. Route: 8.5 kilometres.

Meeting point: 9.45 a.m. Bergbahnen Diedamskopf (cable car), valley station Date: Every Tuesday Return: Approx. 4 p.m.

Price per person: € 60, incl. snowshoes and poles, excl. bus and cable car ticket information & registration Markus Moosbrugger T+43 (0)664 3429465 www.mitmoses.at

Bizau – Winter landscapes Guide Konrad Feurstein hikes through the countryside in Bizau, pointing out special insights and views.

Meeting point: village square Date: 31 December 2018 until 18 March 2019: every Monday at 1.30 p.m.

Length: approx. 3 hours Price per person: free Minimum number of participants: 4 information & registration Konrad Feurstein M +43 (0)664 6324537, www.bizau.at

Egg-Schetteregg – mountain pasture landscape The guided hike commences in Schetter­egg, which lies in a tranquil side valley. The hike takes you to two Bezau – Baumgarten high-altitude hike mountain pasture settlements, where Farmers and their cattle spend the The Bezau cable car takes you to the spring and the autumn. The milk is mountain station: from there, Pius takes you to the Niedere Höhe. It’s pos- processed into butter and cheese in a collective alpine dairy. sible to descend by toboggan to the Place: Egg-Schetteregg middle station.

Meeting point: Hotel SchetteregMeeting point: Valley station of ger Hof Bezau cable car Date: End of December and January: Date: every Tuesday and Friday every Friday at 11.30 a.m., February at 10 a.m. and March: every Friday at 10.30 a.m.

Length: approx. 2 hours Length: approx. 2 hours Price per person: Free guided tour, Price per person: € 15 (including excluding rental fee for snowshoes snow shoe rental) and sledges as well as the ascent and information & registration descent with the Bezau cable car Register by Thursday at 4 p.m. information & registration Tourist office Egg Tourist office Bezau T +43 (0)5512 2426 T +43 (0)5514 2295 www.egg-bregenzerwald.com www.bezau-bregenzerwald.com

tipp Sibratsgfäll – Rindberg geological tour (→ page 60)

Hittisau – snow shoe tour by the light of the full moon in the Lecknertal Out and about on snow shoes by the light of the full moon in the Leckner­ tal – suitable for the moonstruck not wishing to spend such a night at home.

snow-shoe hikes

67 land & lives ski & board culture dining out well-being

Damüls – walk by the light of storm lanterns with the mountain rescue service Members of the Damüls staff of the mountain rescue service accompany guests on a 45-minute walk by the light of storm lanterns through the snow-covered ­mountain village.

Times: Every Monday at 8.45 p.m., from January to April Meeting point: Uga valley station, Kirchdorf at the tourist office and Oberdamüls car park information Damüls Tourismus T +43 (0)5510 620-0 www.damuels.travel

active winter

Hittisau-Riefensberg – snowshoe taster tour Comfortable snowshoe walk into the sunset in the idyllic Hochhäderich region.

tipp

family tips

Hittisau – snow-shoe hike into the sunset Guided tour into the snow-covered landscape.

Meeting point: Hittisau village hall Dates: December to April Every Tuesday between 2.30 and 4 p.m.

Return between 5 and 7 p.m.

Price per person: € 25 information & registration Christoph Oberhauser M +43 (0)664 7670520 www.bewegend.com

Meeting point: Hochhäderich car park Dates: December to April Duration: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours Price per person: On inquiry information & registration Jakobs Skishop T +43 (0)664 9141095 or +43 (0)5513 825461

xc skiing

Meeting point: Hittisau, Village well Dates: 21 January, 19 February, 20 March 2019, at 8 p.m.

Duration: approx. 1 ½ – 2 hours Price per person: € 20 (including snow shoes, sticks) information & registration Helga Rädler M +43 (0)664 5793566 www.kulturinbewegung.at

ski & freedom

Snow shoe tour by the light of the full moon

68

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

Meeting point: office of Mellau ski school Date: 8 December 2018 until 21 April 2019; daily, upon request Length: approx. 2 ½ hours Price per person: € 38, including equipment, excluding return trip Minimum number of participants: 3 information & registration Mellau ski and snowboard school T +43 (0)5518 20011 M +43 (0)664 3428979 www.skischule-mellau.at Schröcken – evening hike, the quiet way This tour takes you off the beaten track, through unspoilt nature on the Hochtannberg.

Meeting point: Tourist office Schröcken Date: every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Length: approx. 2 hours Price per person: € 15 information & registration Alpinschule Schröcken, Josef Staggl M +43 (0)664 7575500 www.alpinschule-schroecken.at Schröcken – to the loveliest destinations in the area of Hochtannberg Off the beaten track, the tour takes you at a leisurely pace through the winter landscape.

Meeting point: In front of the sports shop Jug am Salober Dates: December to March, every ­Thursday, upon prior booking only Duration: approx. 2 ½ – 3 hours Price per person: € 25

information & registration Alpinschule Schröcken, Josef Staggl M + 43 (0)664 7575500 oder +43 (0)664 2525200 www.alpinschule-schroecken.at Schwarzenberg – snow-shoe hiking in the nature reserve Tour guide Daniel takes his guests through the nature reserve “Fohra­ moos” at the Bödele – an extensively intact upland moor featuring bog forests. Upon request, he gladly ­combines the snow-shoe tour with a stop for refreshments in a skiing hut on the Bödele.

Minimum number of participants: 4 Place: Bödele/Schwarzenberg Meeting point: Schwarzenberg skiing school, Weißtanne 375 Time: 9 a.m. every W ­ ednesday between early December and mid-March, Further dates available on request Duration: approx. 2 ½ hours Price per person: € 25 (including snow shoes) information & registration the day before until 4 p.m.

Skischule Schwarzenberg M +43 (0)664 2214075 www.skischule-schwarzenberg.at Sulzberg – snow-shoe hike and orientation Orienteering hike across forest paths through the ­forest and across meadows.

Meeting point: cross-country biathlon school, Nordic Sport Park Dates: upon request.

Minimum number of participants: 4 Duration: approx. 2 hours Price per person: € 30 plus rented equipment information & booking Ingrid Fink-Nöckler Cross-country biathlon school M +43 (0)664 5323102 www.kreativbewegen.at

horse-drawn sleigh rides

69 land & lives ski & board

Mellau Raimund Dietrich, T +43 (0)5518 2164 or M +43 (0)676 9543361 Gotthard Simma, M +43 (0)664 1155766

Au-Schoppernau Mathias Erath, T +43 (0)5515 2298 Franz-Josef Dünser, T +43 (0)5515 2295 Jakob Rusch, T +43 (0)5515 2532 Jakob Lingg, T +43 (0)5515 2928 Peter Erath, M +43 (0)664 5140834

Egg-Schetteregg Schneider family, M +43 (0)664 3744794

Sulzberg Baldauf family, M +43 (0)664 9319896

well-being

Hittisau Michael Schelling, M +43 (0)664 3037239

Krumbach Klaus Mennel, M +43 (0)664 1312345

dining out

Damüls Alfons Bischof, M +43 (0)664 3382257

Schwarzenberg Josef Schneider, T +43 (0)5512 4382

culture

Bezau Christoph Moosbrugger, T +43 (0)5514 2901

Riefensberg Steinhauser family, M +43 (0)664 4122915

active winter

Andelsbuch Elmar Metzler, M +43 (0)664 1032778

Lingenau Wendelin Stöckler, M +43 (0)664 8690126

family tips

Langenegg Franzpeter Vögel M +43 (0)664 3780733

xc skiing

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

This is a delight offered by several ­Bregenzerwald coachmen.

ski & freedom

Out and about on the Hochhäderich

70

out and about with animals

Dog sleigh tours in Warth-Schröcken

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

Husky trail Following the welcoming of the ­huskies, the sledges are divided up, the dogs are harnessed and the ­commands for the dogs are learned.

After a short trial run, off you go into the terrain.

Trails: Körbersee, Jägeralpe, Hochtannbergpass (WarthSchröcken); Gräsalp, Grunholz (Au-Schoppernau) Duration: approx. 1 ½ to 4 hours, depending on the trail Prerequisite: sporting ability of the mushers and a great love of dogs Price: from € 300 for two persons information & registration Husky & Co, Marc Van Landeghem M +43 (0)664 2407422 www.huskytouren.at

Hiking with llamas The llama tours by Eva and Anton Vigl take you through the nature reserve of Langenegg.

Venue: Langenegg Dates: by arrangement (depending on the weather and snow conditions) Programme: tours for children and adults, walking time 1 – 2 hours, depending on the constitution of the hiker.

Total duration: 2 – 3 hours.

Price per tour: € 60 information & reservations Anton and Eva Vigl M +43 (0)650 3828445 www.rockylamas.at

nagelfluhkette nature park

71 land & lives ski & board family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

Alpine meadows with 290 different species of plant, valuable upland moors, forests of white firs and ravine forests and an alp density unmatched anywhere else in Austria are characteristics of the nature park. A connecting element is the impressive Nagelfluh range, which crosses the nature park from the west to the east.

Great differences in altitude, geologic diversity, sustainable alp farming – all of this resulted in the creation of a large number of various living environments on a relatively small surface.

During the winter, the easily accessible mountains in the nature park are an ideal destination for snowshoe hikers, backcountry skiers and lovers of nature.

Out and about with the ranger At first glance, the snow-covered slopes and mountain forests of the nature park look pristine. Upon closer inspection, the tracks left behind by black grouse, mountain rabbits, chamoix, indicate that sensitive animals have their habitat here. Taking a snowshoe hike accompanied by a ranger from the nature park hones your senses for the animal kingdom and the mountains of the nature park.

Tours: Duration: 4 to 5 hours Meeting point: To be announced at registration Price per person: Free of charge Number of participants: Min. 5 to max. 15 people From Lecknertal towards Koppachstein Tuesday, 22 January 2019 information & registration Until 20 January Tourist office Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 6209-250 Through the forest onto the Renkknie Thursday, 21 February 2019 information & registration Until 18 February Tourist office Sibratsgfäll T +43 (0)5513 2112-13

xc skiing

A magnificent cultural landscape, awarded the much-coveted designation “nature park”, developed on the interface between Bregenzerwald and Allgäu over the course of s­ everal ­centuries. Today, 15 communities (eight of which are in the Bregenzerwald), are involved in the first crossborder park between Austria and ­Germany. .

ski & freedom

Out and about with the nature park ranger

72

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

Au-Schoppernau * Snow-tubing run at Alpen-Hotel Post in Au with moving walkway Snow tubing rental: Tourist office Au T +43 (0)5515 2288 * Toboggan lift Grunholz, Au Length: 650 m On special toboggans which can be rented at the valley station, you take the ski tow up the mountain. ­Tobogganing in the evening: ­Wednesday and Friday, 7 to 10 p.m.

Toboggan rental at the Grunholz lift. * Lebernau pasture, Au Length: 500 m * Lisse, Au Length: 750 m ** Hinterargenzipfel, Au Length: 870 m ** Godlachen, Au Length: 2.9 km ** Gschwend, Schoppernau Length: 1.5 km *** Neuhornbach, Schoppernau Length: 5 km Toboggan rental: • Sport Fuchs, Au, T +43 (0)5515 2315 www.sportfuchs.com • Sport Gorbach, Au T +43 (0)5515 4141-1, www.gorbach.at • Sport Matt, Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4120, www.matt.at Key: * gentle, for children ** medium, for families *** strenuous, for adults

Bezau * Gschwend Illuminated toboggan run daily until 11 p.m.

Length: 1.7 km ** Baumgarten-Sonderdach (ascent by cable car) Length: 3 km Toboggan rental: Bezau cable car , T +43 (0)5514 2254 Bizau * Escha Length: 1.2 km The bottom section of the toboggan run is illuminated every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. * Bildbühel Length: 50 m Damüls *** Uga (ascent by the Uga Express) Illuminated toboggan run, ­Wednesday and Friday 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. Ascents are not covered by the 3-valley ski pass.

Length: 2.5 km Toboggan rental: Intersport Matt T +43 (0)5510 25250 www.intersportrent.at Mellau * Dosegg (Übermellen) Illuminated natural toboggan run, daily from 6.00 p.m., mulled wine, tea and snacks are served in the “Rodelhüsle” below the t­ oboggan run.

Length: 2 km, illuminated over 800 m Toboggan rental: Rodelhüsle, Sport Natter, T +43 (0)5518 2262, www.sportnatter.com

tobogganing

family tips culture dining out well-being

Toboggan evening in Schröcken Every Wednesday between 5.15 and 7.15 p.m. (the toboggan run may not be used outside of these operating hours due to skiing).

A special toboggan bus shuttles guests between the start and the end of the toboggan run at 20-minute intervals. (Last bus leaves at 7.06 p.m.)

Length: 2 km Toboggan rental: from the 6-er Bar in Schröcken-Heimboden or from the start in Schröcken-Neßlegg.

Refreshments are available Prices: € 4 for one ride + bus, including toboggan rental; € 3 for one ride + bus, excluding toboggan rental

active winter

Warth-Schröcken ** „von der Höhi“ Illuminated toboggan run daily until 10 p.m. Monday and ­Thursday toboggan ride, ascent by tractor, hot mulled wine and alcohol-free punch for the kids. Toboggans are ­provided. Start: 7 p.m. Larger groups are requested to book M +43 (0)664 4120529 Length: 700 m

xc skiing

Sulzberg * village lift Length: 150 m Toboggan rental: Nordic Sport Park, T + 43 (0)664 1222258

ski & freedom

Sibratsgfäll ** Krähenberg Upon request, the toboggan run is illuminated between 7 and 10 p.m.

Tourismusbüro Sibratsgfäll, T +43 (0)5513 2112-13 Length: 800 m Toboggan rental: Krähenberg lift ticket office M +43 (0)664 3053322

ski & board

Schwarzenberg ** Angelika-Höhe I Length: 400 m * Angelika-Höhe II Length: 100 m Toboggan rental: Berg Fink Ski & Bergsport, Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 2918, www.bergfink.at

Toboggan rental Sport-Knitel, T +43 (0)5583 3612 Sport Jug, T +43 (0)5583 39827 ** Toboggan run near the Dorfbahn Warth cable car Open daily during skiing hours.

Length: 600 m Toboggan rental: Dorfbahn mountain station Price: Included in the valid ski pass or single or hourly tickets; Toboggan transport free of charge ** Toboggan run Schröckbach For groups open daily upon request.

Length: 1.4 km Sledge rental, registration for groups: Herbert Ritter, M +43 (0)664 3411540

land & lives

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

73

74

paragliding

Tandem flight

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

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

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

Also on offer: tandem flights. information & lessons Bregenzerwald flying school T +43 (0)5514 3177 Tandem mobile M +43 (0)664 5127765 www.gleitschirmschule.at

75 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom family tips

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

xc skiing

culture

active winter culture dining out well-being

76

architecture

Modernism and tradition

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

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

From construction artists to architects However, this is the result, rather than the explanation, of a development. “Construction artists” is what

the players called themselves at the start since, in the face of a v ­ ehement conflict with the “establishment” of the building industry and chamber, the title “architect” was refused.

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

architecture

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

Worth a visit It is hard to list remarkable buildings, since many of them are ­private residential buildings which are not accessible. However, a walk through H ­ ittisau or Schwarzenberg for ­example, can satisfy your curiosity. The village of Bizau is ­particularly suitable for such a walk: it boasts residential buildings from all epochs, estates, buildings for industrial, e ­ ducational and local authority ­purposes, as well as inns: the ensemble was awarded the ArGeAlp prize.

Umgang Bregenzerwald → page 78

family tips

more effective here. Recently, examining the old buildings is also gaining in importance. Above all, however, the new buildings fit in with the surrounding landscape with regard to material, size and proportion. Is it this attitude that shies at the eccentric and that searches for the typical rather than the unique which guarantees this way of building a wide basis? In any case, good carpentry firms now build residential buildings which architects in other places wouldn’t be capable of building: it is these houses which graze casually in the field like the c­ attle which are as typical of the region as the farmhouses and the churches.

xc skiing

Landscape and wooden buildings Located somewhat off the beaten track, the Bregenzerwald was part of this development, although in a way of its own. In contrast to the densely populated, industrial and commercial Rhine Valley with its mainly suburban structure, landscape, nature and rural craftsmanship culture is of great importance in the ­Bregenzerwald. Outside of the Bregenzerwald, groups of houses and farms dominate, whereas inside the ­Bregenzerwald it is the single-ridge house, o ­ utside of the ­Bregenzerwald it is households which commission the building, whereas inside the ­Bregenzerwald it is the young craftsmen. The ­Bregenzerwälder have a greater ­affinity for craftsmanship in general (Werkraum → page 80): for example, it is in the carpentry trade that the Kaufmann family of architects has its roots. While, following the initial years, the formal experiment is in demand outside, the tendency towards stringency and sobriety increases inside. Rural pragmatism and the discipline of construction with timber, which is now state-of-the-art, appears to be

ski & freedom

Islen holiday home in Mellau

78

“bregenzerwald umgang” – 12 village walks

Hotel Schwanen, Bizau

The way people in the Bregenzerwald deal with their environment is the subject of specially marked paths through the villages of the region. Take these paths and, by observing selected objects, experience how people here have shaped their lives, and continue to shape them.

This offers us a glimpse of the towns of the future: resilient, durable settlements that count both agricultural production and recovery as well as leisure pursuits and tourism amongst their functions. Sustainable building is already well established in the Bregenzerwald today, and the raw materials for the timber houses are obtained locally. This also applies increasingly The way we treat each other and the for catering establishments and craft world (German: “Umgang”) needs workshops. Anyone who follows all constant updating. This is the aim of 12 trails of the “Umgang Bregenzerour “Umgang Bregenzerwald”. It is wald” will realise sometime that these intended to train awareness and an are not village walks; instead, they are understanding of the world. a practical training in future urban From 1050, people settled here and gradually took ownership of the valley life. Town planners will find inspiraand mountains. What we admire here tion for the cities of tomorrow here.

Perhaps they may also come up with as the natural environment is the ideas as to how suburbs such as the result of centuries of farming in the valley, on the mountain pastures (the Bregenzerwald can be provided with “Vorsäß”; middle level of alpine farm- transport links to the other parts of the “Rhine City” that are more sustaining) and the high mountain pasture. able. Walking would be best. But as the The “Umgang Bregenzerwald” draws “Umgang Bregenzerwald” shows, this our attention to the buildings, tools is a very time-consuming, albeit very and everyday objects that have develbeautiful form of transport. Without oped here over the course of time. noise. It also protects the environment And now, the valley is changing from which, in the town of the future, will a merely rural region into a sort of new suburb of the “Rhine City”, which be within its own boundaries, not out in the country. reaches from Bludenz to Bregenz.

“bregenzerwald umgang” – 12 village walks

land & lives

D Lindau

ski & board

Sulzberg Riefensberg

Bregenz Doren

Krumbach

Langenegg

Hittisau

ski & freedom

Alberschwende Egg Dornbirn

79

Lingenau Sibratsgfäll

Schwarzenberg

Andelsbuch Bezau

xc skiing

Bizau

Reuthe Mellau

Schnepfau Au

Damüls

en

ze

ra

ch

Warth Schröcken

culture dining out well-being

Umgang Bregenzerwald This is what the “Umgang Bregenzerwald” has in store for you: easy walks of different lengths between 1 ½ and 4 hours. Details of the objects are described in an ­accompanying folder.

Furthermore, a book on the subject containing the background histories to the way of life in the Bregenzerwald is available. The information media are available from any one of the tourist information offices and from Bregenzerwald Tourismus.

active winter

“Umgang Bregenzerwald” in the winter It is also possible to take these walks in the winter (cleared paths, winter hiking paths): Schoppernau, Mellau, Bizau, Andelsbuch, Hittisau, Krumbach These walks are only partially accessible in the winter. Please contact the tourist information office or your host for information about variants which are possible in the winter: Au, Bezau-Reuthe, Schwarzenberg, Egg, Lingenau, Langenegg Guided tours: January to April, Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.30 a.m. at different places information www.bregenzerwald.at

Schoppernau eg

family tips

Br

80

werkraum bregenzerwald

Werkraumhaus in Andelsbuch

Werkraum Bregenzerwald The Bregenzerwald is not only famed for its modern wooden architecture - its workshops also take new paths.

They combine old skills and the traditional use of forms with contemporary design. Their inventive, high-quality products are in demand internationally. Around 90 of the most innovative workshops – from the carpenter through to the light designer – have merged to create the Werkraum Bregenzerwald. As a joint platform, the Werkraum organises exhibitions, competitions and talks and is dedicated to the fields of research and development. Working in cooperation with the business schools in Bezau, the Werkraum hosts the Werkraum school for the next generation of craftsmen and women. The Werkraum has been listed in the international UNESCO register for good practical examples for the maintenance and continuation of intangible cultural assets since 2016.

Werkraumhaus The Werkraumhaus opened its doors in the centre of Andelsbuch in the summer of 2013. The building was planned by the renowned Swiss

architect Peter Zumthor. It was actually built by the members of the Werkraum workshops known and appreciated by Peter Zumthor due to long-term cooperation. The visionary design is based on two keynotes. On the one hand, the hall-like building serves as a meeting place. On the other hand, it is a huge showcase for presenting the culture of craftsmanship in the Bregenzerwald.

This idea is expressed in a wide protruding roof made of wood and a façade made of glass. There is no division between the interior and the exterior, and the landscape is allowed to flow through the building.

Exhibitions The Werkraum members present themselves in the Werkraumschau exhibition in the winter and in the spring. Special exhibitions are held in the summer months.

Consultancy During the opening hours, interested parties can come along to the Werkraumhaus for advice about craftsmanship in the Bregenzerwald and, if desired, are referred to workshops.

werkraum bregenzerwald

active winter culture

Information Werkraumhaus, Andelsbuch T +43(0)5512 26386 www.werkraum.at

family tips

Opening times Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Sundays, Mondays and on public holidays

xc skiing

Entrance fee and guided tours € 7.50 regular price, € 5 concessions Guided tours are available upon request

ski & freedom

Workshops and information events for children and young adults Hosted by arrangement. See www. werkraum.at for dates and events.

The current Werkraumschau presents diverse interpretations of the topic of hospitality by the trades members of the Werkraum Bregenzerwald. Visitors are invited not only to look at the tools for hospitality but also to explore the Werkraumhaus as guests. The various atmospheres of a hotel’s different rooms – from public to intimate – form the backdrop to this exploration. The Werkraumschau explores the different dimensions of good hospitality while displaying the objects created by the Werkraum trades businesses.

The Werkraum’s hotel partners are presenting bespoke solutions that have been realised in their buildings.

A spacious, freely accessible entrée where drinks and food are served – as well as hospitable furniture and objects by the members of the Werkraum – invite visitors to take a seat, chat, use the furniture and spend some time there, in short: to be a guest.

ski & board

Events and seminars Several events are organized in the Werkraumhaus. It can be rented for events pertaining to its specialist themes upon request.

Werkraumschau Exhibition GAST (Guest) GEBEN (Giving).

Tools for being welcome 17 November 2018 to 26 May 2019 Werkraumhaus Concept: FUNKA, Lingenau

land & lives

Restaurant and shop The kitchen offers a different lunch menu every day plus drinks and a selection of cakes. It is open during the opening times of the Werkraumhaus. The shop sells products made by the workshops, which make up the Werkraum, plus a specialised selection of books on craftsmanship, design and architecture.

81

dining out well-being

82

hand-made

Devich‘s wooden shoes

All sorts of specialist craft items are ­created in workshops and studios.

Items made by expert craftspeople and artisans are available in a number of shops, generally straight from the producers.

Werkraum craftsmanship (→ page 80) The range of products in the Werk­ raum­haus shop covers items from firms that are members of the Bregenzer­wald Werkraum, such as felt baby swings, wooden toys, chopping boards, pepper mills, stools and much more. Books on crafts and architecture are also available.

Werkraum Bregenzerwald, ­Andelsbuch T +43 (0)5512 26386 www.werkraum.at Wooden shoes Some people wear them in the shed, others wear them in the city. The Devich family has been making wooden shoes – clogs, boots and sandals – for four generations. The materials – wood, leather and hide – are always different, and so each pair is unique.

Devich Holzschuherzeugung, Hittisau T +43 (0)5513 31101 www.holzschuhe.at

Toboggans Anton Bereuter makes leisure and sport toboggans from local wood.

Anton Bereuter, Alberschwende T +43 (0)5579 3488 www.handwerkholz.at Local ash wood is cut down in the ­winter months when the moon is right and air-dried for two years – and then used to make sports or family ­toboggans.

Gebrüder Johler, Alberschwende T +43 (0)5579 4206 www.johler-rodel.at Jewellery In her smithy, Christina Fetz-Eberle designs and makes jewellery from stainless steel and stones.

Glanzstück Schmuckwerkstatt, Hittisau M +43 (0)664 9993904 www.glanzstueck.at Felt products Marianna Moosbrugger makes hats, slippers, lampshades and even vases from felt, preferably in the brightest colours. She runs courses on request.

Filzwerkstatt Marianna Moosbrugger, Au, M +43 (0)664 1360564

hand-made

83 land & lives ski & board culture dining out well-being

More products from nature → page 105

active winter

Pfiffiges Working with his family, nature fans and creative partners from the neighbourhood, Roland Bär manufactures products that are sustainable, natureaware and durable: Agricultural products (cheese, spirits, liqueurs, meat) as well as products by the trades (wooden toys, lamps, small items of furniture, decorative items).

Online Shop: www.pfiffiges.at Farm shop: Kalchern 65, 6866 Andelsbuch T +43 (0)680 5511157

family tips

Lamps Bregenzerwald designer Anna ­Claudia Strolz creates lighting systems and also makes some of the lamp­shades herself at her studio in Bregenz.

Some of the designs are produced in cooperation with Bregenzerwald tradespeople.

Shop & Studio, Bregenz T +43 (0)5574 435 63 www.strolzleuchten.at

Textilwerkstatt Women who are reinstating and reinterpreting old methods of hand-crafting fabrics can be found working at this textile workshop. ­Initiator Martha Niederacher and her colleagues also arrange courses. In felting and weaving, for example, as well as in spinning, embroidery and willow weaving.

Martha Niederacher, Krumbach T +43 (0)664 3663140 www.textil-werkstatt.at

xc skiing

Bregenzerwald toys Based right in the centre of the ­Bregenzerwald, this company specialises in working with wood and makes crane trucks, doll’s houses, gaming tables and even dentist‘s chairs from locally available beechwood.

All the wooden toys are made by hand and are aesthetically pleasing and free from toxins. The products are now being manufactured in „­sheltered workshops“ by people with special needs.

Online shop: www.holzspielzeug-undmehr.at Shop: Bahnhof 148, 6870 Bezau T +43 (0)5514 30300

ski & freedom

Leisure toboggan, Anton Bereuter Handwerkholz, Alberschwende

84

bus:stop krumbach

Busstop Bränden, Sou Fujimoto, Japan

Architects from seven different ­countries are designing seven ­different bus stops in Krumbach: small buildings for the good of the public. However, this is only one aspect of a courageous project. The other is an unusual dialogue with ­Vorarlberg tradition, building ­culture and craftsmanship.

Krumbach is well-known for its scenic beauty and a lively pub ­culture.

In recent years, the ­village has made a name of itself with its multiaward-winning architecture. Most recently with the bus:stop krumbach project: in c­ ooperation with the Architektur­zentrum Wien and the ­Vorarlberg Architektur Institut, seven ­architectural firms from Russia, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Japan, China and Chile were invited to design seven bus stops.

In close cooperation with local craftsmen and regional partner architects, seven bus stops were built in 2014 – as a tribute to the use of ­traditional materials, skilled manufacturing techniques and the landscape. And to that which continues to characterise the region: the interplay of man and

nature, of tradition and the modern age, of craftsmanship and building culture.

Bränden bus stop Sou Fujimoto, Japan Unterkrumbach Süd bus stop Architecten de Vylder Vinck Taillieu, Belgium Unterkrumbach Nord bus stop Ensamble Studio, Spain Zwing bus stop Smiljan Radic, Chile Oberkrumbach bus stop Alexander Brodsky, Russia Kressbad bus stop RintalaEggertsson Architects, ­Norway Glatzegg bus stop Wang Shu, Ly Wenyu, China information www.kulturkrumbach.at

Architecture prizes for bus:stop: State Prize for Architecture 2014, Vienna Iconic Award “Architect’s Client of the Year”, Munich

xc skiing family tips active winter culture dining out

Schwarzenberg Advent The atmospheric “Schwarzenberg Advent” enriches the Advent period with cultural and culinary evenings.

Highlights: 30 November / 1 December Advent market with accompanying programme on the heritage-protected village square 2 December Concert by the Vienna Streichersolisten at the Angelika Kauffmann Hall 7 December Concert by BradlBerg Musig at the Angelika Kauffmann Museum 23 December Lantern-lit walk to the Theresienkapelle information Tourist office Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 3570 www.schwarzenberg.at

ski & freedom

Sulzberg-Thal: ThalsaalKultur The Thalsaal is considered one of the finest halls in the region.

Built back in 1928 based on historical dance halls, it was reopened in 2007, following extensive restoration and modernisation measures.

Cultural offers: concerts, cabaret, theatre, and much more information www.thalsaalkultur.at

Alpenarte Bregenzerwald Schwarzenberg The series of concerts focuses on cross-generational meetings and contacts in the fields of art and culture along with young and highly ­talented international musicians. dates: Spring 9 to 12 May 2019 Director in Residence: Eva-Nina Kozmus Autumn 24 to 27 October 2019 Director in Residence: Marie Spaemann information & tickets :alpenarte Bregenzerwald/ Schwarzenberg GmbH T +43 (0)5512 2917 80 www.alpenarte.eu

ski & board

Bahnhof Andelsbuch cultural society Culture is a regular visitor to the “­bahnhof”, the converted imperial and royal station in Andelsbuch from the abandoned Wälderbahn. It hosts over 50 events every year: exhibitions, lectures and discussions, fairy story readings, lieder evenings and concerts. information Kulturverein bahnhof M +43 (0)664 2507789 www.bahnhof.cc

85 land & lives

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

cabaret & village culture

well-being

86

culture in hotels and inns

Wälderness – Hirschen’s exquisite music salon

Several hotels and inns in the ­Bregenzerwald extend a warm ­invitation to participate in ­entertaining cultural activities.

Literature salon in Hotel Krone in Hittisau The “Literature on Saturday Afternoon” cycle is a joint event hosted by Ensemble 89 Hittisau and Gasthof Krone. information & dates Hotel Gasthof Krone T +43 (0)5513 6201 www.krone-hittisau.at Wälderness in Hotel Gasthof Hirschen Schwarzenberg A winter programme with an insider tip character: on selected Thursdays between December and March, exquisite dinner concerts are held in the style of a music salon. The Hirschen in Schwarzenberg is the authentic setting for these evenings featuring jazz-blues-rock and new folk music ensembles. information, programme & dates Hotel Gasthof Hirschen Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 2944 www.hirschenschwarzenberg.at

Hans Bach moving pictures The vague, constant purring of the 35-mm projector, the massive, heavy rolls of film, the minor ­mishaps putting in the next reel of film, and an audience which couldn’t be more different if it tried – this and much more are conjured up on the first Sunday of every month at the cinema evening in the Jöslar – p ­ resented by Hans Bach moving pictures. Interested cineastes sit wherever they can find a place – a cinema seat, a chair or a bar stool – and indulge in best of cinematic fare. And drinks, of course.

Date: the first Sunday of every month, 8 p.m. information Jöslar inn, Andelsbuch www.jöslar.at www.hansbach.at T +43 (0)5512 2312

Ski & Concert Warth Après-Ski & Live music at the S1 Ski Lounge Salober → page 11

exhibitions & museums

xc skiing family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

Franz Michael Felder Museum Schoppernau Franz Michael Felder was a farmer, writer and social reformer and is an important historical figure from the Bregenzerwald. The exhibition is an exploration of his life, displaying ­original documents, quotations and pictures, and featuring audio points. opening times Mon 4 – 6 p.m., Thu 9 – 11 a.m., Fri 5 – 7 p.m., Sun 9.30 – 11.30 a.m. (closed on public holidays) information Tourist office Schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 2495 www.au-schoppernau.at

ski & freedom

Kulisse Pfarrhof in Damüls Vorarlberg FIS Skimuseum in Damüls opening times 11 December 2018 to 19 April 2019 Tue and Fri 3 to 6 p.m.

Groups upon request information Tourist office Damüls T +43 (0)5510 620-0 www.damuels.travel

Angelika Kauffmann Museum Schwarzenberg Jerusalem 1904 – An art pilgrimage by the young Bartle Kleber Bregenzerwald’s Bartle Kleber – who lived from 1884 to 1953 – undertook an adventurous journey to the Orient as a young artist. This journey presents itself today as one of the most important stages in Bartle Kleber’s life. The exhibition presents works from his trip in 1904 in juxtaposition to works by young artists from Schwarzenberg who took Jerusalem in 2018 as their theme to celebrate the Bartle Kleber exhibition that was presented at the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem.

Heimatmuseum (Museum of Local History) The former residential section of the old Bregenzerwald house built in the traditional wooden design is home to the local history museum, which ­documents the domestic culture of the 18th and early 19th centuries. opening times 14 February – 28 April 2019 Fri – Sun 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. information & guided tours Tourist office Schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 3570 47 www.schwarzenberg.at www.angelika-kauffmann.com

ski & board

Heimatmuseum Alberschwende (local history museum) The museum presents aspects of rural life and interior home design from the 18th and 19th centuries at the entrance to the Bregenzerwald.

The process from flax to linen represents one of the special topics that the museum presents. opening times On inquiry information Alberschwende Tourismus T +43 (0)5579 4233

Bezau local history museum A typical residential building, maintained in its original style. It holds national costumes, offers insight into the style of home furnishing in days gone by, and displays a valuable collection of sacral art. opening times with guided tours Tue 2 p.m. further guided tours upon request M +43 (0)677 62318655 information Bezau Tourismus, T +43 (0)5514 2295

land & lives

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

87

88

exhibitions & museums

Womenʼs museum Hittisau

Women’s Museum in Hittisau The only women’s museum in ­Austria holds changing exhibitions, which examine topics relevant to women from the fields of history, art, architecture, social history, ­ethnology, craftsmanship, etc. An interplay or a combination of a regional and an international perspective is ensured.

To accompany the exhibitions, the Women’s Museum offers a busy supporting programme of individually designed special guided tours, talks, workshops, concerts, readings and film showings.

Exhibition: Frauen im Gegenüber / The Women Opposite / Donne di fronte An artistic reception of the collection of the Hittisau Women’s Museum by Maurizio Bonato to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The artist Maurizio Bonato from Innsbruck has been working for years on his “donne di fronte” ­project with letters, photos and ­testimonies by and to women. The project, which was developed specifically for the Frauen­museum Hittisau, is an

artistic reception of the museum’s ­collection. It was created to celebrate the centennial of the end of the First World War. Maurizio Bonato places texts and images in relation to each other. The texts tell about the ­women’s responsibility for homes that the men had left behind, of the women’s worries and their everyday lives. opening times From 28 October 2018 Thur 2 to 5 p.m.

Fri to Sun 10 a.m. to 12 and 2 to 5 p.m. guided tour open to the public Every Monday at 6 p.m.

The first Sunday of every month at 5 p.m. € 10 per person (no reservations ­necessary, including entrance fee) information T +43 (0)5513 6209-30 T +43 (0)664 88431964 www.frauenmuseum.at

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

The Bregenzerwald locals are masters in the art of cheese and cuisine. The Bregenzerwald KäseStrasse with its selection of enjoyable stations is ­dedicated to the subject of cheese. The chefs in the multi award-winning restaurants and inns skilfully master the art of cooking.

xc skiing

dining out

culture dining out well-being

90

käsestrasse & bregenzerwald culinary delights region

Alpine dairy in Schnepfau

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

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

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

Every year, 200 tons of alpine cheese are handmade by the 70 or more dairy alps every summer. The special thing about this cheese is the silo-free

milk it is produced from, since only 2% of EU dairy farmers produce in this way, i.e. their cows never eat silo fodder – instead, between May and October, they only eat grass and herbs. During the winter, they only eat the air-dried hay from valley meadows. In the so-called three-stage farming method, following their ­winter in the barn, the animals graze on the mountain pastures located at medium height (around 900 m) ­during the spring and the autumn, and on the high mountain pasture during the summer. The mountain pastures are run as a collective, since the farmers only have an average of 12 cows in the barn.

The three-stage farming method (which was included in the national UNESCO list of immaterial cultural assets in spring 2011) in particular gives the alpine cheese the special flavour which means it can easily contend with the well-known European full-fat cheeses. It has been like this for a long time: back at the start of the 19th century, the inhabitants of the Bregenzerwald sold over 30.000 kg of cheese to the monarchy and abroad. In 1877, Karl von

91

publicans and businesses, the “Gourmet region of the ­Bregenzerwald” in 2005, the ­Vorarlberg quality marketing “luag druf” in 2005, the inclusion of ­Bregenzerwald mountain cheese into the “Ark of taste” by Slow Food 2008, and the “­Bregenzerwald Gourmet Days” by the KäseStrasse in July 2009. The toughest taste test is still the most regional however: every year, alpine and mountain cheese is judged in Schwarzenberg. The winner at this event is enough to ­satisfy any gourmet’s taste buds.

land & lives ski & freedom

tip: käsestrasse & tasting

family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

The KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald is an association of farmers and alps, alpine dairy farmers and cheesemakers, cheesemongers and restaurants, museums and cable car operators, members of the tourism industry and partners from the worlds of trade and commerce.

The over 160 partners which make up the KäseStrasse network are joined together in the objective of maintaining and preserving taste and regional culture.

Programme: “Bregenzerwald ­Käsekeller in Lingenau” A look through the glass wall into the Käsekeller (cheese cellar) where around 32,000 wheels of alpine cheese mature, information pertaining to cheese culture in the Bregenzerwald, the maturing and storage of alpine cheese, showing of the KäseStrasse film, tasting of the diverse types of cheese and other specialities Information & registration KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald T +43 (0)5513 42870-41 www.kaesestrasse.at

xc skiing

­ eyffertitz wrote: “Everywhere – S including in the cheerful Vorderwald, in Hittisau and Lingenau, you will meet a unique people in strange national dress in wood-panelled parlours with floors scrubbed white, with shiny door handles – the men busy looking after a dairy breed of cow and overseeing the production of a popular, world-famous fine cheese, the women busy with elaborate whitework embroidery.” However, it wasn’t the producers back then who made all the money – it was the sellers. The Schnepfau local Josef Ambros Moosbrugger, for example, made so much profit from selling cheese that he could afford a city palace in Milan.

No doubt he dined differently to the people back home, where cooking over an open fire resulted above all in simple pan-fried dishes such as the “Riebel” and the “­Schwozermuas”. Up on the alp, flour, salt, butter, quark and cheese were the main ingredients. The recipe for “­Schwozermus” – named for the woodcutters from Schwaz – was: “Water, flour, salt, dripping – and that’s it!” The lack of bread on the alp gave rise to the “­Käsknöpfle”, to “Sig”, known only in the Bregenzerwald and which is caramelised lactose, since they wanted to make a further product from the whey.

The passage of this modest alp fare to the current first-class restaurants in the Bregenzerwald – which now use over 60 regional types of cheese – went through a series of changes which demanded quality rather than ­quantity. These include the 1997 EU Protection of Origin of alpine and mountain cheeses, the establishment of the “­KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald” in 1998 as a network of farmers, alpine ­dairies, craftsmen,

ski & board

käsestrasse & bregenzerwald culinary delights region

92

culinary winter hikes in the bregenzerwald

Step by step from course to course

Hike through the wintry landscape and warm your cockles over a meal in cosy cafés, mountain inns and restaurants. With breakfast, lunch and dessert. Three impressive hikes are offered.

Hittisau-Hochhäderich hike The Vorarlberg and Bayern alpine circuit 27 December 2018 to 31 March 2019, daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays Hiking time: approx. 3 ½ hours After breakfast taken in the cosy, modern panorama restaurant in Vorarlberg, the guests take a leisurely hike uphill and downhill to take lunch in the Hochbühl mountain restaurant in Bavaria. A lovely mountain path then takes you through the alps and across the snow-covered upland moor as far as the Alpstüble Moos for a sweet finish over coffee and cake.

price per person € 44 – € 60 (depending on the hike) services included - Description of the hiking route - Vouchers for the meals - Tickets for the bus (if necessary) information & booking Bregenzerwald Tourismus T +43 (0)5512 2365 www.bregenzerwald.at

Breakfast: Almhotel Hochhäderich • Breakfast buffet Aperitif: Hörmoos alp • Schnapps Lunch: Hochbühl mountain inn • Cheese spätzle with salad and drink or • Wiener schnitzel with salad and French fries Sweet finale: Alpstüble Moos • Home-made cake and a cup of coffee

culinary winter hikes in the bregenzerwald

xc skiing

Breakfast: Hotel Hirschen Sibratsgfäll • Breakfast buffet Main course: Jagdgasthaus Egender Schönenbach • Cheese spätzle with salad or • Wiener schnitzel with French fries or salad Sweet finale: Hotel Hirschen Sibratsgfäll • Home-made yeast pastry with vanilla sauce or • home-made apple strudel with vanilla sauce

ski & freedom

Sibratsgfäll-Schönenbach hike Via the gorge to the alpine pasture 27 December 2018 to 28 March 2019, daily except Mondays and Tuesdays Hiking time: approx. 4 hours The day starts with breakfast in the Hotel Hirschen Sibratsgfäll. Following a winter hiking path, after a steep climb, hikers continue on a practically flat path as far as the alpine pasture village of Schönenbach, which enjoys a lovely setting.

On the way, the hikers cross a narrow gorge affording them with the best view downwards to the Subersach. The Jagdgasthaus Egender in Schönenbach, which was built just a few years ago, is well-known far and wide. There the hikers stop for lunch. Invigorated, they return to Sibratsgfäll, where dessert awaits them in the Hotel Hirschen.

ski & board

Breakfast: Lifestyle Resort Sonne Mellau • Breakfast buffet Main course: Biohotel Schwanen Bizau • Meat or fish or • vegetarian dish of the season Sweet finale: Café Katrina Bezau • Apple fritters with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream or • Quark dumplings in buttered breadcrumbs with stewed damsons and vanilla ice-cream

land & lives

Mellau-Bizau-Bezau hike Through river and valley landscapes 21 December 2018 to 7 April 2019 (probably except 7 January – 6 February 2019), daily except Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays Hiking time: approx. 3 ¾ hours Guests get into the mood for their hike over breakfast, taken in the heart of Mellau, in the Sonne Lifestyle Resort. The first leg is more or less flat, and follows a winter hiking path to the Biohotel Schwanen in Bizau, where you take lunch.

Organic certified ingredients are cooked according to the principles established by Hildegard von Bingen. Afterwards, the hikers follow the stream, devoid of any notable differences in attitude, to the Café ­Katrina for dessert.

93

family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

94

cuisine guide Enjoy the culinary diversity of the Bregenzerwald. Our listing makes it as easy as possible for you. What do you fancy? A destination for the day or a restaurant for the evening? The categories and symbols will help you choose. We have explained some of the particular specialities in italics.

Legend Open-air restaurant/terrace: The option to eat outside in good weather.

Haute cuisine: Sophisticated dining in smart surroundings, elegantly presented and served.

Child-friendly: Children’s menu, play area or petting zoo – children are looked after here.

International cuisine: Mediterranean, Far Eastern or Latin American – there’s plenty of variety here.

Bregenzerwald “Käsestrasse”: Partner operations in the Regional Association for the Maintenance and Promotion of the Bregenzerwald Cheese Culture.

inns The traditional foundation of Bregenzerwald hospitality. Cosy (wooden) parlours, typical regional dishes, reasonable prices and ­personal contact with the hosts are the main features to enjoy when you stop here. Conveniently, they are also open in the afternoon, offering a limited menu or coffee and cakes.

Gasthof Wälderstüble, alberschwende Day off: Wed, Thur from 4 p.m.| T +43 (0)5579 4791 Wirtshaus zur Taube, alberschwende Traditional creative cuisine| Day off: Wed, Thur|T +43 (0)5579 4202 Gasthof Löwen, andelsbuch Day off: Wed, Thur until 5 p.m.| T +43 (0)5512 2287 Erlebnis-Gasthof Ur-Alp, au Fondue specialties|Day off: Mon| T +43 (0)5515 25192 Sägerstuben, au Bregenzerwald Cordon Bleu|Day off: Wed| T +43 (0)5515 2949 Gasthof Engel, bezau Offal|Day off: Sun evening, Mon| T +43 (0)5514 2203 Gasthof Hirschen, bezau Day off: Wed, Thur until 4 p.m.| T +43 (0)5514 2382 Gasthof Taube, bizau Day off: Tue|T +43 (0)5514 2124 Gasthaus Glöckle, damüls T +43 (0)5510 380 Gasthaus Zimba, damüls T +43 (0)5510 379 Gasthof Jägerstüble, damüls T +43 (0)5510 373 Gasthof Adler, doren Meat and vegetables from our own farm|Day off: Mon, Tue|T +43 (0)5516 2014

Gasthaus Löwen – Kässtadl, egg A wide range of cheese specialities| Day off: Tue, Thur|T +43 (0)5512 2207 Gasthaus Traube-Brennar, egg Day off: Tue from 2 p.m., Wed| T +43 (0)5512 2265 Gasthof Falken, egg Day off: Mon, Tue afternoon| T +43 (0)5512 2211 Gasthaus Gams „Tonele“, egg Käsknöpfle (cheese spätzle)|Day off: Thur, Sun from 6 p.m.|T +43 (0)5512 2327 Gasthof Goldener Adler, hittisau Day off: Mon|M +43 (0)664 1003293 Gasthof Ochsen, hittisau Day off: Tue, Wed|T +43 (0)5513 6237 Gasthaus Brauerei, krumbach Day off: Tue, Wed during the day| T +43 (0)5513 8158 Gasthof Kressbad, krumbach Day off: Wed|T +43 (0)5513 8115 Gasthof Löwen, krumbach Meals on request |Day off: Wed| T +43 (0)5513 8335 Gasthof Post, krumbach Day off: Tue, Wed, Thur|T +43 (0)5513 8256 Krumbacher Stubo, krumbach Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5513 8724 Gasthaus Hirschen, langenegg Special pizza and burger menu| Day off: Tue, Wed|T +43 (0)5513 6194 Gasthof Löwen, lingenau Day off: Wed| T +43 (0)5513 63600

cuisine guide

ski & board ski & freedom xc skiing family tips

T +43 (0)5519 340 Gasthof zur Buche, schwarzenberg Day off: Sun, bank holidays| T +43 (0)5512 2972 Mesnerstüble, schwarzenberg Day off: Tue, Wed|T +43 (0)5512 2002 Berghof Fetz, schwarzenberg-bödele T +43 (0)5572 77400 Gasthof Hotel Ifenblick, sibratsgfäll Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5513 6432 Gasthof Pension Nußbaumer, sibratsgfäll Day off: Thur|T +43 (0)5513 2115 Katharinahof, sibratsgfäll T +43 (0)5513 2213 Der Hirschen, sibratsgfäll Day off: Tue|T +43 (0)5513 2111 Alpenblick, sulzberg In-house cake and bread bakery| Day off: Thur; Nov – June: Wed, Thur| T +43 (0)5516 2217 Gasthof Ochsen, sulzberg Homemade cakes, Day off: Mon, Tue| T +43 (0)5516 2114 Hochsträßstüble, sulzberg Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5516 2863 Gasthaus zur Taube, sulzberg-thal Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5575 4405 Krone Thal, sulzberg-thal Day off: Mon, Tue|T +43 (0)5575 20030 Älpler Stuba, warth cosy inn, traditional food, also caters for vegetarians|Day off: Thur| T +43 (0)5583 30815

land & lives

Gasthof Pension Adler, lingenau Schnitzel specialities| Day off: Mon, Tue| T +43 (0)5513 6367 Gasthof Traube, lingenau M +43 (0)664 2146898 Dorfgasthof Adler, mellau T +43 (0)5518 2260 Nazes Hus, mellau A little gem of a listed building| Day off: Thur|T +43 (0)650 4627929 Gasthaus Goldener Adler, riefensberg T +43 (0)5513 8398 Gasthof-Pension Hochlitten, riefensberg Day off: Tue|T +43 (0)5513 8363 Wirtshus Bartle, riefensberg Home-made cakes and sweets| Day off: Mon, Thur|T +43 (0)681 81330581 Gasthof Schrannenhof, schoppernau farm products, homemade cakes and gateaux|Day off: Wed, Thur| T +43 (0)5515 2162 Wälderstube, schoppernau Day off: Thur|T +43 (0)5515 2444 Wirtshaus zum Gämsle, schoppernau Regional food|Day off: Wed| T +43 (0)5515 30062 Gasthaus Bauernstube, schröcken T +43 (0)5519 30303 Hotel Gasthof Tannberg, schröcken wild game specialties from own hunting grounds|T +43 (0)5519 268 Holzschopf, schröcken hearty food, Spare ribs|Day off: Tue|

95

restaurants

culture well-being

Hotel Gams „Goldstück“, bezau T +43 (0)5514 2220 Biohotel Schwanen, bizau Where the Wild Women cook, Hildegard von Bingen kitchen|Day off: Tue, Wed| T +43 (0)5514 2133 Berghotel Madlener, damüls T +43 (0)5510 221 Hotel Restaurant Alpenblume, damüls T +43 (0)5510 265 Hotel Walliserstube, damüls T +43 (0)5510 236 Pizzeria da Ingo, damüls T +43 (0)5510 505

dining out

Pizzeria La Montanara, andelsbuch Home-made ice cream|T +43 (0)5512 6138 Genießerrestaurant Schiff, au T +43 (0)5515 2229 Alpenhotel Post „Wälderstube“, au Locally caught game|T +43 (0)5515 4103 Hotel Adler, au Innovative meals of the day| Day off: Tue| T +43 (0)5515 2264 Hotel Gasthaus Hubertus, au Home-made strudel|Day off: Wed| T +43 (0)5515 2342 Café-Restaurant Katrina, bezau Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5514 2285

active winter

Long live diversity: In the à-la-carte restaurants of many hotels and in the more sophisticated or cosmopolitan establishments, innovative ­cuisine is combined with regional products and international i­ nfluences. Renowned chefs and authentically ethnic ­concepts mean that variety on the plate is guaranteed.

96

cuisine guide Pizzeria La Montagna, doren Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)681 10686216 China Restaurant Yinbin, egg Day off: Wed|T +43 (0)5512 2324 Schettereggerhof, egg Day off: Wed (spring, summer and autumn)|T +43 (0)5512 3220 Adler Großdorf, egg Sunday inn|Day off: Mon – Sat| M +43 (0)650 4563437 Asia Restaurant Hyotan, egg Teppanyaki grill, sushi|T +43 (0)5512 26457 Pizzeria Ampuls, egg T +43 (0)5512 20433 China Restaurant, hittisau Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5513 41851 Gasthof Krone, hittisau Innovative Vorarlberg cuisine| Day off: Wed, Thur|T +43 (0)5513 6201 Landhotel Hirschen, hittisau In-house patisserie, Regional food| Day off: Tue, Wed until 2.30 p.m.| T +43 (0)5513 2320 Romantikhotel „Das Schiff“, hittisau Gourmet-Restaurant „Wälder Stube 1840“|Day off: Sun, Mon „Ladenwirtschaft ERNELE“| Day off: Sun, Mon, Tue| T +43 (0)5513 6220 Gasthaus Adler, krumbach Meat and vegetables from our own farm|Day off: Wed, Thur|T +43 (0)5513 81560 Schulhus Restaurant, krumbach Inventive regional cuisine| Day off: Mon, Tue |T +43 (0)5513 8389 Seminarhotel Krone, langenegg Day off: Mon, Tue|T +43 (0)5513 6178

Genusshotel Restaurant Alpenblick, lingenau Gluten- and lactose-free meals| Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5513 6417-0 Hotel Engel „Engelstube“, mellau Day off: Wed|T +43 (0)5518 2246 Pizzeria Sandro, mellau Day off: Sat|T +43 (0)5518 2416 Sonne Lifestyle Resort – Gasthaus zur Sonne, mellau Bregenzerwald late lunch| Day off: Mon, Tue, Sun|T +43 (0)5518 20100 Hirschen Wohlfühlhotel, schoppernau Chef’s table|Day off: Mon| T +43 (0)5515 21150 Tresoli, schoppernau Day off: Tue (low season)| T +43 (0)5515 2577 Hotel Gasthof Adler, schoppernau T +43 (0)5555 2106 Gasthof Alte Mühle, schwarzenberg Game specialities|Day off: Mon, Tue| T +43 (0)5512 3780 Hotel Gasthof Hirschen, schwarzenberg Day off: Wed|T +43 (0)5512 2944 Restaurant Gasthof Adler, ­schwarzenberg plain food|Day off: Mon, Tue| T +43 (0)5512 2966 Pizzeria Panorama, schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5512 2990 Bödele Alpenhotel, schwarzenberg-bödele Vegan meals|Day off: Sat| M +43 (0)660 4447777 Adler Sulzberg Pizze & Pasta, sulzberg Day off: Wed, Thur|T +43 (0)5516 2296 Hotel Jägeralpe „Jägerstube“, warth Raclette and fondue on request| T +43 (0)5583 4250 Warther Hof „Hochtannberg“, warth Day off: Mo – Wed|T +43 (0)5583 3504

hotel restaurants A guest amongst families: Those who value cosy conviviality and a hospitable atmosphere will enjoy the multi-course half-board set meals in many hotels. These offer the perfect opportunity to get to know many traditional hotels in a new way – including coffee and cakes in the day or on a detour to the hotel bar.

Hotel Krone, au 5-course gourmet set meals| Day off: Sun, Mon, Tue|T +43 (0)5515 2201-0 Hotel Tannahof, au Day off: Tue|T +43 (0)5515 2210 Hotel Sonne, bezau Austrian specialities | T +43 (0)5514 2262

Hotel Post, bezau T +43 (0)5514 2207 Alpenhotel Mittagspitze, damüls T +43 (0)5510 211 Hotel Alpenstern, damüls T +43 (0)5510 513 Hotel Damülser Hof, damüls T +43 (0)5510 210

cuisine guide

ski & freedom xc skiing

mountain restaurants and ski huts

family tips

Far from the villages, in hiking or ­skiing areas, mountain inns are popular destinations for the entire family. Sometimes in (remote) ­mountain locations, occasionally accessible by cable car, ski or car, they provide not only good home cooking but also wonderful panoramic views.

culture dining out well-being

Berggasthof Uga Alp, damüls Italian cuisine|Day off: Tue| T +43 (0)5510 318 Schwartenstadel, damüls open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)664 2053402 Gasthof Alpenrose – Kaltenbrunnen, egg Homemade cakes|Day off: Wed| T +43 (0)5512 2433 Leos Hütte, egg Snack platters, home-made soups|Day off: Mon, Tue||T +43 (0)664 2206398 Lifthus, egg-schetteregg open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)5512 4750 Alpengasthof Höfle, hittisau Day off: Mon|M +43 (0)664 4956022 Berggasthaus Hochhäderich, hittisau Mountain breakfast on request| Day off: Wed|M +43 (0)664 9222410 Burgl Hütte, hittisau 150-year-old mountain hut|Day off: Tue, Wed| T +49 (0)8328 92492666 Jausenstation Neuschwand, hittisau Trout pond|M +43 (0)664 1615074 Alphof Roßstelle, mellau Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5518 2310

active winter

Alpengasthof Brüggele, alberschwende Kaiserschmarren (sliced pancake)| Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5579 4391 Berggasthof Niedere, andelsbuch Mountain breakfast on request| open when cable car is operating | M +43 (0)664 4429447 Bergkristall-Hütte, au Day off: Mon|M +43 (0)664 1808482 Panoramarestaurant Baumgarten, bezau Mountain breakfast|open when cable car is operating |T +43 (0)5514 2254-7 Jagdgasthaus Egender, bezau Käsknöpfle (cheese spätzle), locally caught game|Day off: Mon| M +43 (0)664 2440447 Restaurant Almstüble, damüls open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)5510 307 Sonnenheim, damüls open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)5510 257 Sunnegg Hütte, damüls Tray bakes|M +43 (0)676 7837858 Berggasthof Elsenalpstube, damüls Wine cellar, Mountain breakfast| T +43 (0)5510 297

ski & board

Gesundhotel Bad Reuthe, reuthe All-day cake buffet|T +43 (0)5514 2265 Almhotel Hochhäderich, riefensberg T +43 (0)5513 8254 Hotel Edelweiß, schoppernau Locally caught game|T +43 (0)5515 2496 Sporthotel Krone, schoppernau Fondue if ordered in advance| T +43 (0)5515 2116 Hotel Widderstein, schröcken T +43 (0)5519 400 Wellnesshotel Linde, sulzberg Healthy dishes|T +43 (0)5516 2015 Boutique Hotel Lechtaler Hof, warth T +43 (0)5583 2677 Gasthof Tirolerhof, warth Regional cuisine, steaks| Day off: Wed| M +43 (0)664 2564142 Hotel Walserstube, warth T +43 (0)5583 3557 Sporthotel Steffisalp, warth T +43 (0)5583 3699

land & lives

Hotel Gasthof Adler, damüls T +43 (0)5510 220 Hotel Gasthof Walisgaden, damüls T +43 (0)5510 214 Hotel Hohes Licht, damüls 5-course menu if pre-ordered| T +43 (0)5510 201 Ländle Hotel, damüls T +43 (0)5510 610 Auszeithotel Rossbad, krumbach T +43 (0)5513 5110 Hotel Gasthof Wälderhof, lingenau Day off: Mon, Tue | T +43 (0)5513 62440 Vitalhotel Quellengarten, lingenau T +43 (0)5513 6461-0 Hotel Kanisfluh, mellau T +43 (0)5518 2256 Hotel Hubertus, mellau T +43 (0)5518 2306 Hotel Kreuz, mellau T +43 (0)5518 2208

97

98

cuisine guide Bergrestaurant Simma, mellau Mountain breakfast|T +43 (0)5518 2761 Alpe Moos, riefensberg Home-made cakes|Day off: Wed| M +43 (0)664 2814917 Einkehrstube „Zum Bergfrieden“, riefensberg Day off: Wed|M +43 (0)664 1371613 Imbissstube Hennenmoos, riefensberg open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)5513 2076 SB-Restaurant Hochlitten, riefensberg open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)5513 83122 Berghaus Kanisfluh, schnepfau Large ice cream sundaes|Day off: Mon, Tue; June – Sept.: Mon|T +43 (0)5518 2108 Bedienungsrestaurant Wedelstube, schoppernau Bregenzerwald cuisine – good and plain| open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)5515 4110 241 Käsker Breitenalpe, schoppernau Traditional cheese dishes |open when cable car is operating|T +43(0)5515 4110 233 Neuhornbachhaus, schoppernau M +43 (0)664 5367595 Panoramarestaurant Diedamskopf, ­schoppernau Regional food| T +43 (0)5515 4110-351 Berggasthof Auenfelder Hütte, schröcken Dumpling specialities|Day off: Wed| M +43 (0)664 4111251 Berghotel Körbersee, schröcken open from June to Oct. | T +43 (0)5519 265

Gasthof Berchtoldshöhe, schwarzenberg T +43 (0)5575 4676 Gasthof Frohe Aussicht, schwarzenberg Day off: Tue|T +43 (0)5512 2783 Bregenzer Hütte, schwarzenberg-bödele Day off: Fri (May – Nov.)|M +43 (0)664 4000864 Dornbirner Hütte, schwarzenberg-bödele M +43 (0)664 5467227 Hochälpele Hütte, schwarzenberg-bödele Day off: Tue (May – Oct.)|M +43 (0)664 3890302 Lustenauer Hütte, schwarzenberg-bödele Day off: Mon (May – Oct.)|T +43 (0)5512 4913 Meierei Oberlose, schwarzenberg-bödele Day off: Tue (May – Oct.)| M +43 (0)676 7032225 Lank Hütte, schwarzenberg-bödele open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)5572 7365 Hochälpele SB-Restaurant, schwarzenberg-bödele open when cable car is operating| T +43 (0)664 3427179 Hochalphütte, warth Mountain breakfast, wine tasting|open June – Oct.; Dec. – April|T +43 (0)5583 4250 Punschhütte, warth T +43 (0)5583 3557 S1 Ski Lounge, warth Regional products, homemade cakes| open when cable car is operating T +43 (0)5583 4260 SB-Restaurant, warth-hochkrumbach open when cable car is operating T +43 (0)5583 4260 Widderstein Hütte, warth open June – Oct.| M +43 (0)664 3912524

cafés/bistros/bars Enjoying a break in between is important too. Tasty snacks with a little glass of wine, cake with ­cappuccino, a light lunch or a quick bite to eat while travelling – the choice of delicious things to eat is huge and varied.

Cäsars Café, alberschwende A wide range of ice creams| Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5579 20003 Tannerberg Stüble, alberschwende Day off: Mon|M +43 (0)664 4647006 Café Konditorei Künz, andelsbuch Day off: Sun|T +43 (0)5512 2295 Jöslar Lokal – Laden – Kino, andelsbuch Breakfast,“Warm Souls” (open rolls au gratin), Salads|Day off: Sun, Mon| T +43 (0)5512 2312

Liss Bar, andelsbuch Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5512 26160 Wälderstüble, andelsbuch Meat and sausage specialities|Day off: Sun| T +43 (0)5512 26065 Werkraum Wirtschaft, andelsbuch Set lunch, meeting place for craftspeople| Day off: Sun, Mon|T +43 (0)699 18205059 Bregenzerwälder Käsehaus, andelsbuch “Schaukäsen” event cuisine at the exhibition cheese dairy“|T +43 (0)5512 26346

cuisine guide

ski & freedom xc skiing family tips active winter culture dining out well-being

Frau Kaufmann: Learn home-style cooking At “Frau Kaufmann”, a four-course meal is cooked according to old ­recipes, either true to the original or with a few contemporary changes. All participants attend each course, either cooking or watching. The individual meals are eaten as soon as they are ready.

Suitable wines are served. information Karin Kaufmann M +43 (0)676 4954144 www.fraukaufmann.at

ski & board

Dorfbäckerei Oberhauser, ­schoppernau Cakes, gateaux, snacks, bread and baked goods |Day off: Sun from 9 a.m.| T +43 (0)5515 4124 Ski-Inn, schoppernau T +43 (0)5515 4110-118 Café-Restaurant Gräsalperstube, ­schoppernau Day off: Tue|M +43 (0)664 75133358 ’s Hofstüble, schoppernau Farm made ice cream|Day off: Mon| M +43 (0)664 75133358 Vinothek FranzMichl, schoppernau Wine lounge, open wines, snacks| Day off: Mon, Thur, Sun| T +43 (0)664 3801536 Bäckerei Fetz, schwarzenberg Day off: Sun|T +43 (0)5512 2955 Café Angelikahöhe, schwarzenberg Cakes and gateaux|Day off: Mon| M +43 (0)664 4170664 Haldenstüble, schwarzenberg Day off: Tue, Wed|M +43 (0)664 1236264 Bäckerei Alber, sulzberg In-house patisserie|Day off: Sun| T +43 (0)5516 2116 Altes Sennhus, warth 250-year-old farmhouse| T +43 (0)5583 2677 Dorfcafé, warth T +43 (0)5583 3615 Wälder Metzge, warth Guided tours of the dairy| T +43 (0)5583 3598

land & lives

Mooserstüble, andelsbuch open when cable car is operating | T +43 (0)5512 4855 Bergbrennerei & Stube Löwen, au Guided tours of the distillery, speciality cakes| Day off: Mon, Tue| T +43 (0)5515 25964 Hotel Gretina, bezau Day off: Tue, Wed|T +43 (0)664 88197434 Bäckerei Kleber, bezau Day off: Sun|T +43 (0)5514 23842 Café Konditorei Natter, bezau Large selection of cakes and gateaux, including takeaway |Day off: Mon, Tue| T +43 (0)5514 2222 Sutterlüty Gusto Restaurant, bezau Self-service|Day off: Sun|T +43 (0)5514 4130 Bäckerei Kleber, bizau Day off: Sun|T +43 (0)5514 2579 „ediths“ Deko & Café, bizau Breakfast with a view of the Kanisfluh| Day off: Sun|T +43 (0)5514 2928 In’s 137, damüls M +43 (0)664 75021169 Kiosk Uga, damüls open when cable car is operating | T +43 (0)5510 211-0 Café-Restaurant Rose, doren Motto brunch every 1st Sunday in the month| Day off: Fri, Sat|T +43 (0)5516 2054 Café Ochsen, egg M +43 (0)664 4349011 Sophie Döner, egg Home-made bread |M +43 (0)699 14078527 Sutterlüty Gusto Restaurant, egg Self-service|Day off: Sun|T +43 (0)5512 2466 Vernissage Bar, egg Bar in the vaulted cellar|Day off: Sun, Mon| M +43 (0)664 4520045 Café Trude, egg Homemade cakes, soft ice cream| Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5512 2291 Café Stollwerk, krumbach Day off: Mon|T +43 (0)5513 30102 Stubô Bar, lingenau Bar in the vaulted cellar|Day off: Sun – Wed| M +43 (0)664 1030492 Café Deli, mellau regional breakfast, special coffees| T +43 (0)5518 2207 Metzgerstüble – Bar & Bistro, mellau Day off: Wed|M +43 (0)664 4118337 ’s Bärle – Bar & Bistro, mellau Day off: Tue|M +43 (0)664 3204399 Skihütte, mellau Day off: Sun, Mon|M +43 (0)664 3084257 M1, mellau Burger specialities|open when cable car is operating|T +43 (0)5518 20095 Café Lässer, schnepfau Day off: Thur|T +43 (0)5518 4114

99

100

dairy farming up close

Cheese production at Metzler dairy farm

A visit to the farm offers insights into the world of the farmers. Regional products are part of the the Bregenzerwald’s identity.

Egg – Molke Metzler The project NATURHAUTNAH has ­created a place for energyefficient and sustainable farming where ­visitors can experience all ­agricultural processes up close and in person. ­Visitors can grasp, ­literally and fi ­ guratively, life at the farm and everything that it involves or ­creates; an experience that inspires an a ­ ppetite for nature.

From the ­imposing cow pens and the ­turbulent goat romping house with its visitor g ­ allery, to the small animal cuddling zone, the herb garden, the high-tech cooling and heating system, through to the cheese production, on to whey-based cosmetic processing and the farm shop with its choice range on offer: there is nothing to hide.

Dairy tour for Individual visitors, Groups, ­Preschool and school classes

Milking goats and cows with brunch or cheese buffet information & reservations For all programs Metzler Käse – Molke GmbH Bruggan 1025, 6863 Egg T +43 (0)5512 3044 www.molkeprodukte.com

101 land & lives ski & board ski & freedom family tips

Who doesn’t occasionally long for a retreat, for a ­leisurely pace, for stimuli which pamper the body and soul? The Bregenzerwald is such a retreat. With a great selection of specialised hotels and range of ­services for your very own well-being.

xc skiing

well-being

active winter culture dining out well-being

102

health hotels

Wellness with a view

Curative or preventative: if you want to lend your health a helping hand, you are in the right place! Some health hotels also offer wellness days for visitors who are not guests of their establishments. Prior reservations are required for all these programmes.

Hotel Schwanen**** The only certified organic hotel in the Bregenzerwald – detox, fasting and wellbeing programmes.

Bizau, T +43 (0)5514 2133 www.schwanen.at Gesundhotel Bad Reuthe**** Applications using mud, wellness and beauty package deals. Lovely ­bathing house with a sauna and ­wellness complex and pool in the ­garden (open to the public).

Tip: it is recommended that you make a reservation by telephone during the peak season.

Reuthe, T +43 (0)5514 2265-0 www.badreuthe.at Relax day 1 mud pack with freshly cut natural mud or herbal bath, 1 all-over body massage, 1 facial exfoliant and mask, including day ticket to the thermal

bath and sauna and wellness world, fitness room.

Price per Person: € 124 Vitalhotel Quellengarten*** Active hotel offering sports and ­relaxation activities. Spacious bathing and sauna complex plus fitness centre (open to the public).

Lingenau, T +43 (0)5513 6461-0 www.quellengarten.at Chill-out day 1 back massage, 1 wellness bath of your choice, 1 solarium session, day ticket to the bathing and sauna world, use of the fitness room.

Price per Person: € 103 Auszeithotel Rossbad*** for treatments and health Therapeutic fasting, Vital time out, Kneipp treatments, wholefood cuisine, homeopathy.

Krumbach, T +43 (0)5513 5110 www.rossbad.at Wellness day Full-body massage, Scottish salt bath in the flotation lounger, affusion stimulating to the skin, use of the sauna and wellness area, including breakfast buffet, lunch and evening meal, day rooms.

Price per Person: € 160

active winter culture dining out well-being

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

Schoppernau, T +43 (0)5515 21150 www.hirschen.at Wellness day A sparkling welcome, snugly bath robe, pampering facial, relaxing partial-body massage, light wellness lunch, relax in the outdoor spa and new wellness area, total immersion in the panoramic adventure pool (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Price per Person: € 135

family tips

Romantik Hotel Das Schiff**** enjoyment the metzler way: Light-flooded relaxation areas, outdoor pool heated all year round, modern nature spa, saunas and steam baths.

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

xc skiing

Sonne Lifestyle Resort****S Modern-yet-cosy Superior and penthouse rooms, Spa area covering 1,500 m² Mellau, T +43 (0)5518 20100-0 www.sonnemellau.com Sunny hours in the day spa 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (bookable from Monday to Thursday or upon request) Long breakfast from the Marktwelt (open daily between 7.30 and 10.30 a.m.); swimming bag including bathrobe, slippers, towel for use during your stay; fitness centre.

“Wälder Late Lunch” in the ­restaurant, snacks and drinks in the

Damülser Hof**** Wellness & Spa Family-run establishment with an informal atmosphere in a picturesque location at an altitude of 1,500 m above sea level, large wellness area (1,500 m²) with swimming pool, panorama sauna, Aroma steam bath, bio sauna, infrared booth, Kneipp footbaths, tranquillity room, modern fitness room, sunbathing lawn with meditation corner. A “Realm of the Senses” for massages, beauty packs and baths.

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

ski & freedom

Hotel Post Bezau & Susanne Kaufmann Spa ****S Mother Nature and sports, spa and detox, enjoyment and culture come together for the perfect holiday.

Bezau, T +43 (0)5514 2207 www.hotelpostbezau.com One day of deluxe relaxation Cleansing facial, witch hazel bath, full-body massage, full day’s use of the spa area, welcome aperitif, light lunch Price per Person: € 224

tea & juice corner.

Deal including voucher worth € 100, can be redeemed against all spa treatments and therapies.

Price per person: € 149

ski & board

GAMS, Genießer- & Kuschelhotel****S Blossom palace and cocoon with 52 romantic suites. Da Vinci Spa dream world with 2,000 m² of wellness.

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

103 land & lives

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

Some also offer wellness days for visitors who are not guests of their establishments. Prior reservations are required for all these programmes.

wellness hotels

104

wellness hotels

Sky spa with a view of the mountains

Hotel Krone**** Modern wooden architecture, Wellness area, Sky spa with a lovely ­panorama . ­Bathing lake with spacious garden and relaxation complex.

Indoor pool, wellness ­treatments.

Au, T +43 (0)5515 2201-0 www.krone-au.at Wellnesshotel Linde**** Wellness and golf hotel with the elegant Sunset spa and a magnificent view. (open to the public) Sulzberg, T +43 (0)5516 2025 www.bregenzerwaldhotels.at Wellness day 1 pack of fresh hay flowers, 1 back massage, day ticket to the Sunset spa with wellness pool, sauna complex, fitness room.

Price per Person: € 83 Hotel St. Hubertus Spa area (massages, cosmetic treatments), wellness complex with 9-metre indoor whirlpool, 3-metre outdoor whirlpool, swimming pool (28°C all year round), bar and open fireplace.

Egg-Grossdorf, T +43 (0)5512 2785 www.sthubertus.at

Landhotel Hirschen*** Nature experience days, intuitive painting, days of spiritual magic, Moon week, base fasting, therapeutic fasting according to Dr Buchinger, herbal tea hour, own herb garden.

Hittisau, T +43 (0)5513 2320 www.landhotel-hirschen.at Wellness day 1 massage of your choice, 1 coloured light and sound therapy, 1 bath of your choice, use of the sauna, steam bath and wellness oasis.

Price per Person: € 130

natural products

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

Selected vegetable fats and oils, caustic soda and Schoppernau spring water serve as the basis for this old craft. Flowers and herbs from her own garden and the surrounding mountain pastures are additives which give the handmade natural soap their colour, texture and other properties (minimum age 14).

Place: Au-Schoppernau Meeting point: Karin Beer, ­Schoppernau, Halde 395 Date: 22 January to 26 March 2019, every Tuesday at 7.30 p.m.

Duration: approx. 2 ½ hours Price per person: € 45 including materials and detailed manuscript with recipes.

Registration: until 6 p.m. the day before information & registration Karin Beer M +43 (0)664 4155330 karin@mittenimgruenen.at

family tips

Honey skin care products In addition to the varied “honeyed” specialities, fine schnapps and chocolate, the Bentele Brothers in Alberschwende offer body care products made from honey.

The WERBINA range of body care products with honey only contains pure bees’ honey produced from their own colonies of bees. The honey is lovingly made into a natural body care product by hand. It is extremely kind to the skin. Honey has a revitalising effect, and infuses the skin with a captivating fragrance. www.gsiberger.at

tip: soap boiling

xc skiing

Susanne Kaufmann Spa Cosmetics A clear look and essences from ­Bregenzerwald nature determine the products. They are available in the Hotel Post and in the online shop. www.susannekaufmann.com

Whey body care products

ski & freedom

Whey body care products and soft drinks Ingo Metzler ­produces fine personal hygiene products and powder to be made into drinks from whey. These products are also ­available online. www.molkeprodukte.com (→ page 100)

06

er

s.de

winter 2018|19

On around 60 pages, the Bregenzerwald travel journal provides information in the form of edited stories and reports. Regional and international authors report on people both in and from the Bregenzerwald as well as those things which give them ­pleasure and enjoyment.

Available from Bregenzerwald ­Tourismus and from the tourist ­information offices in the Bregenzerwald. Also available online at www.bregenzerwald.at

№ 19

reisemagazin

winter 2018/19

rkeit

Ausgabe 19 | € 5,50 | www.bregenzerwald.at

l an ften

ie

Snow. Simply snow. The foundation for great winter sports fun in the three winter sports centres of Damüls-Mellau, Diedamskopf and Warth-Schröcken. You can hardly get enough of it – so we‘re really lucky to always have more than enough of it here. And the resorts also offer magnificent views.

reisemagazin bregenzerwald

n.

reisemagazin

Die drei großen Wintersportgebiete Winteridylle unterm Hochhäderich Shapen im Snowpark Langlauf als Bewegungstherapie Handwerk und Design Die Architektur des Handwerks Kulinarik im Bregenzerwald: Tüftler und Cineasten

Florian Punzenberger, Langlauf als Therapie

Flow on skis. The feeling that musicians experience when they get together for a jamming session can also be experienced by winter sports enthusiasts: the flow state. Florian Punzenberger – physiotherapist and cross-country skiing enthusiast – explains how important winter sports are for people‘s health.

10

Shaping. Yes, shaping. That‘s what it is called that 36-year-old Thomas Alton and his team do with the snow in the Snowpark Damüls. Much to the delight of freestylers like Alton himself. Rails and boxes are built by tradespeople from the Bregenzerwald.

Cable car for nine children. Farmer Bruno Metzler and his wife Ilga run an organic farm with dairy cows in Alberschwende and send their children to school by an endless rope system for hauling materials. ‘Cloud nine’ acquires an entirely new meaning in this regard.

A very special kind of architecture is presented by many new commercial buildings in the Bregenzerwald. The architectural journalist Robert Fabach has dedicated his work to this extraordinary ­phenomenon.

World-class craftsmanship is not only ­evident in the products but also in the workshops where they are made.

New in great tradition. The ‘Hirschen’ in Schwarzenberg is an inn with a very special tradition – after all, it has, in the past, been frequented by kings, stars and great musicians! Jonathan Burger – its young chef – has been bringing fresh ideas to the kitchen for some time now.

getting there, buses & taxis

Munich 216 km

Friedrichshafen 62 km Memmingen 103 km

Lake Constance

D

Altenrhein 41 km Zurich 140 km

CH

Bregenzerwald Klein walsertal

BodenseeVorarlberg

FL

Brandnertal – Alpen- Arlberg stadt Bludenz – Klostertal – Großes Walsertal

Innsbruck 200 km

A

Montafon CH

Distances to Egg in the Bregenzerwald

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

*toll road / ** closed in winter

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

Types of toll sticker: 10-day, 2-month and yearly stickers. ­ Information: www.asfinag.at

How to reach Vorarlberg by train The closest railway stations (distances to Egg): • Bregenz (A): 26 km • Dornbirn (A): 20 km • St. Margrethen (CH): 32 km • Lindau (D): 35 km Timetable information: www.oebb.at How to reach Vorarlberg by aeroplane Zurich (CH), Altenrhein (CH), ­Friedrichshafen (D), ­Memmingen (D), Munich (D), Innsbruck (A); Transfers from the airports to the Bregenzerwald: www.airport-drivers.com Public buses in the region The Bregenzewald has an ­excellent public bus service.

To go skiing, holders of the 3-valley ski pass can use the ­public buses to reach the skiing area of their choice.

Timetables, fares and information: www.vmobil.at Taxis in the region Taxi Mani Bezau, T +43 (0)664 2110500 Taxi Fechtig Bezau, T +43 (0)5514 2311 Taxi Veli Simsek Andelsbuch, T+43 (0)664 5233477 Taxi Meusburger Lingenau, T +43 (0)5513 6225 Hagspiel Touristik Hittisau, T +43 (0)5513 6335 Felder Reisen Mellau, T +43 (0)5518 2257 Ritter Tours Schröcken, T +43 (0)5519 211 Taxi Zündel Schwarzenberg, T +43 (0)664 98 53 113 Taxi Hörburger Krumbach, T +43 (0)664 1851333 Taxi Benjamin Bilgeri Sulzberg, M +43 (0)680 4450793

Bregenzerwald Tourismus Opening times: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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