Summer 2005

The Call of the MountainsThe Most Scenic Hikes and Climbs, Hiking Packages

Holidays in Harmony

Austria

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The Call of the Mountains Vorarlberg's rich and varied landscape is definitely aninvitation to go hiking. Follow these hiking paths back tonature, into the stillness of the forests, up majesticmountains, up and down softly rolling hills or strollalong walking paths for relaxation. Walking and hiking paths mean lots of holiday fun forthe whole family. If you like sports and adventure, whynot take a rock-climbing course, go glacier-hiking orconquer a peak with one of the Alpine schools? Ifextensive hikes are your thing, you may want to hike onlong-distance trails for several days. Fitness-crazygourmets may put their hiking hats on and hike insearch of culinary delights. You can follow the tracks ofpast generations, walk through the annals of naturalhistory, go along "Pathways to Water" or you can walk

along trails of tales and fables. A short and wonderful hike may include an introduction to herbs, a visit to anAlpine dairy or a conversation with a traditional craftsperson at work. There are lots of cabins and inns where you can take a respite, cableways and lifts to help you get to yourdestination. Not to mention the public transport system, a very environmentally friendly way to travel.

Mountains for Your Health: The Positive Effects of a Stay

in the Mountains

We all probably feel that hiking in themountains is good for us, without reallyknowing why. Recent research into thehealth benefits of hiking in the mountainsnow tells us why. With its varied moun-tainous landscape, the state of Vorarlbergmeets the prerequisites established by thehigh-altitude medical study "AMAS-2000"(Austrian Moderate Altitude Study) forhealthful mountain holidays.

Welltain®For several years, an international team ofmedical researchers studied the effects ofaltitudes between 1,100m and 2,000m onthe body. The results conclusively showthat slightly reduced oxygen pressure atmedium altitudes has a beneficial effect ona person's health. A three-week holiday inthe mountains without any stressful sportscan have a positive effect on blood pres-sure, blood sugar, pulse, weight, oxygensupply in the blood, blood metabolism, theproduction of red blood cells, fat meta-bolism and on your general well-being. Soit's not just that holiday feeling alone that

makes a holiday in the mountains worth-while, but also the special geography andclimate of medium altitudes. Lech was the first Alpine resort to designscientific welltain® programmes based onthe findings of this study. They combinesports medical check-ups, individuallytailored exercise and dietary programmes.The programmes are monitored by spe-cially trained welltain® coaches. Visitorsstay in selected hotels.

Alpine WellnessAlpine wellness again combines theexperience of nature with exercise. Alpinewellness uses the wholesome and soothingeffect of natural products from the Alpineregion, addresses problem areas such asthe spine, asthma or allergies, offersattended outdoor activities in summer andin winter, and is authentically embedded inthe Alpine region. Alpine wellness is anumbrella for committed resorts and hotelsset on making the Alpine region one of themost appealing and effective wellnessregions. The “Alpine wellness” certificateis awarded to resorts and hotels only ifthey meet defined criteria. One of the firsthotels in the Alps with an Alpine wellnesscertificate lies in the Kleinwalsertal valley.

Kids in the Mountains: The Hiking Path as a Playground

Children can usually walk for about two tofive hours without any problem. You should,however, avoid going over altitudes of2,500 m with children below the age ofnine or ten. They are not always steady ontheir feet, and particular care should betaken on difficult terrain. Remember, when you're hiking with

children, the peak is not the goal. The goalis the path to the peak. Children look at thepath as their playground, and the animals,flowers and stones are there to be playedwith, however, please don't forget thatspecial considerations have to be made.Picnics are not only fun for children, butthey need to eat at least every two hours.Children also need to drink more thanadults. In addition, it is particularly impor-tant to make sure that a child has ade-quate sun protection, for example, a hat. Let the person with the weakest hikingabilities in your group determine whereyou hike, and, in particular, let childrendetermine the speed.

Suggestions for Family Hikes: • Sites of Tales and Fables, Ways to Water• Castles and Ruins (open to the public: e.g.Schattenburg Fortress in Feldkirch, ruinedcastles of Tosters in Feldkirch, Gebhards-berg above Bregenz, Neuburg in Koblach• Gorges and Waterfalls, Nature Trails andTheme Trails, for e.g. gorge Rappenloch inDornbirn• Wild Game Parks in Bregenz/Pfänderand in Feldkirch• Eagles Watch on Pfänder: Birds of PreyExhibition in Bregenz • Cheese Trail along the crest of Pfänder(above Bregenz) with Instructional Trail onCheese • Bregenzerwald Cheese Road • Visits to Alpine Dairies • On the Tracks of Mining in Montafon (Sil-bertal-Bartholomäberg)• Nature adventure Holdamoos in Au-Schoppernau (400 year-old alp homestead,herbal garden, hanging bridge etc.) • Water adventure gallery Vermunt inPartenen featuring water projects andlight & sound installations

Lünersee/Rätikon / © Kevin Artho

Zimba/Rätikon / © Kevin Artho

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Walking and Hiking Paths in Vorarlberg

At present, signs for hiking paths arebeing standardised throughout Vorarl-berg, and hiking paths are being com-prehensively sign-posted across communi-ty boundaries. This means that whateveryour starting point, you can easily findyour destination without a map. The signsface the walking direction and show themain destinations and stopovers as well asestimated walking times.The trails fall under three differentheadings with their own trail markings:

Easy walking and hiking paths

Mountain-hiking paths (shoes with good grip required)

Alpine hiking paths forexperienced mountain hikers who are sure-footed and do not suffer from vertigo

By 2005, all of Vorarlberg's 6,000 kilo-metres of walking and hiking paths willhave been newly sign-posted.

Mountain Railways and Chairlifts

Mountain railways and chairlifts do morethan just take you and your children upand down mountains; some mountainrailways and chairlift operators alsoprovide playgrounds, other attractions andorganise children's events. For example, atthe top of Sonnenkopf in Klostertal, there isan Alpine zoo with lifesize wild animalscarved out of wood, the small "Alte Sperr-kammer" Museum of Technology at theVermuntbahn in Partenen is well worth avisit, there is an indoor "Children's PlayWorld" on Diedamskopf in Au/Schop-pernau (open summer and winter), a Pfän-der Railway Museum at the valley stationof the Pfänderbahn in Bregenz, and anEagles Watch and a Wild Game Park at themountain station.Information on mountain railways andchairlifts can be found on the Internet at:www. sommerbahnen.at (in German only)

Alpine Shelters

The shelter of the Austrian and GermanAlpine Associations and those of the Vor-arlberg Friends of Nature (NaturfreundeVorarlberg) are open to everyone.

In all Alpine Association shelters, guestsare expected to follow the hut rules; forexample, the use of sleeping bags is man-datory in all shelters. Especially in early summer and autumn,you should enquire in the valley whetherthe huts in hiking areas are still open andcatering before you start your hike, sincethe beginning and the end of the shelterseason is dependent on weather condi-tions. Large groups need to make reserva-tions with the person in charge of theshelter as early as possible.In addition to the Alpine Associationshelters, there are numerous mountaininns and private huts offering respite andovernight accommodation.Information throug the Alpine Associa-tions on the Internet at (in German only):• ÖAV – Österreichischer Alpenvereins(Sektion Vorarlberg), www.alpenverein.at; • DAV – Deutscher Alpenverein,www.alpenverein.de• NF – Nturfreunde Vorarlberg,www.naturfreunde.at

Hiking by Train, Bus and Boat: Easy, Comfortable and

a Bargain at That

Even if you're on holiday without a car orjust don't feel like driving, you can still usepublic transport (train, bus, boat or specialregional buses) to reach your destination orthe starting point for your hike with ease. The public transport system in Vorarlberg isvery well developed and provides an in-expensive and comfortable way to travel.Trains and buses run at regular intervals,and regional timetables are coordinated.The Lake Constance Shipping Companyoperates extensive scheduled and specialservices for excursions in the lake Con-stance area. Why not take advantage ofpublic transport in the Vorarlberg TransportAssociation Area with its bargain fares?Regional "Inclusive Cards" include free useof public transport.Information on theInternet (in German only): www.vmobil.at,www.bodenseeschifffahrt.at

Get Moving ...

Exercise, and exercise again. Whetherjogging or inline skating, Nordic Walkingor mountaineering. Outdoor exercise doeswonders to your personal fitness; it en-hances your respiratory function, kick-starts the circulatory and digestive sys-tems, and boosts performance levels andbody awareness. Alongside a number of fitness trails andrunning tracks, the following valley routeslend themselves particularly for jogging: • Braz: along the river Alfenz• Bregenz: along the shores of lake Con-stance between Lochau and the mouth ofthe Bregenzerache river • Bregenz–Kennelbach–Wolfurt–Lauter-ach–Hard: along the Bregenzerache river,in the Lauteracher Ried nature reserve, inthe Rhine delta• Feldkirch: 5 trails from 400 m to 12 kmalong the embankment of the river Ill tothe mouth of the Rhine • Hohenems: along the river "Alter Rhein"(old Rhine) between the recreation centreRheinauen and Lustenau• Rankweil: along the river Frutz

Nordic Walking Nordic walking, walking with special poles,is an ideal and healthy cardio and fat-burning workout.Sibratsgfäll in the Bregenzerwald hasbecome a Nordic Walking centre, offering6 routes of different lengths from easy todifficult. Other resorts have likewise set upsign-posted Nordic walking routes in themeantime. Several resorts offer instructionand courses led by trained Nordic walkingcoaches.

It is always the incidental costs that tend tostrain your holiday budget. Tickets for cable-cars and buses, admission to a museum orpool. How convenient to access all theseamenities at an affordable, all-inclusiverate. Or even for free. Like in Vorarlberg. The "Inclusive Cards Vorarlberg" schemecaters to our visitors’ individual taste foradventure by providing a customised solu-tion for holidays in "your" resort region. Allof Vorarlberg’s six holiday regions havetheir own inclusive card. Inclusive Cards are generally valid in thesummer season (April/May to September/October) for mountain railways and chair-lifts, mostly for swimming pools, muse-

ums and in some regions for the publictransport system.On the Arlberg, in Bregenzerwald (min.three overnights) and in Kleinwalsertalthe card is included in the price of youraccommodation. In the regions Alpenregion Bludenz, Bo-densee-Alpenrhein and Montafon the cardscan be purchased at an affordable rate. They are valid for between three andfourteen days. Depending on the length ofvalidity and the extent of the servicesrequired, the Inclusive Card costs € 69 forone week for adults. Senior citizens, teensand children are entitled to a discount. Forchildren up to the age of 6, the card is free.

The Vorarlberg Inclusive Cards Weigh Lightly on your Wallet

Lech/Arlberg / © Alex Kaiser

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Suggestions for Hikes and Climbs

Between Lake Constance and Alpine Glaciers: The Most Beautiful Hikes and Climbs

The possibilities for hikes and climbs in Vorarlberg arejust as rich and varied as the landscape itself. Whetheryou are one for flat and easy trails or for stony trails athigh altitudes, Vorarlberg has got something special foryou. Below, you will find some ideas for easy walks forfamilies, summit tours for ambitious mountaineers andseveral-day mountain tours, hikes from mountain hutto mountain hut, or from alp to alp. All of the hikes andclimbs have been newly sign-posted as part of thestandardisation of all hiking-path signs in Vorarlberg.Enjoy the mountains safely and without worry, ac-companied by an experienced mountain guide. Moun-taineering schools and mountain guides will arrange forsummit tours and tailor-made several-day tours.

Travel tip: Free use of mountain railways etc. for holders of a regional "Inclusive Card".

Walking time: approx. 3.5 hours. Difference in altitude: approx. 690 mStarting point/finish: Mountain railway Sonntag-SteinHow to get there/back:Parking facilities: valley station ofSonntag-Stein Public transport: regional bus No. 77(Thüringen–Sonntag–Damüls) or No. 78(Thüringen–Raggal–Sonntag)Description of route: Mount by cablecar (1,300 m). Ascendon a meadow trail to the Untere Part-nom Alpe, continue on a dirt road toObere Partnom Alpe. After a small pass,the route continues on a gentle decline

down to Alpe Laguz (1,584 m). Take thehiking bus to Marul (service operatingbetween June and September) and thebus (No. 78) back to the valley stationin Sonntag.Characteristic features: Negotiable in any weather. Scenicviews of the Walstertal valley, the Wal-serkamm ridge and the Rote Wand.Where to stop: Untere and Obere Partnom Alpe, Breit-hornhütte lodge, Alpe Laguz, inns inMarulTips/places of interest:Alpine dairy farms offering produce forsale, adventure dairy farm in Sonntag

Easy Walks for Families and Pleasure Hiking

Panorama Trail Sonntag-Stein Alpenregion Bludenz

Stein

Sonntag

➤

➤Laguz Bach

StafelfederBreithorn xKellaspitz x

Glattmarx

Alpe Laguz

UnterePartnom-Alpe

Wangspitze x

OberePartnom-Alpe

Garmil

Walking time: 2 1/4 hs to Älpele, 3 1/4 hs to Zug, 3 3/4hs to LechDifference in altitude: descending most of the time,340 m to Älpele, 400 m to Zug, 470 m to LechStarting point/finish: Starting point: Formarinalpe (1,874 m)

Return by local bus to Zug and Lech orcontinue on foot down the valley to Zugand Lech.Characteristic features: Leisurely walk down to the valleyduring which hikers can witness the“birth“ of a river.Where to stop: Formarinalpe (during alp time), Älpele,Zug, LechTips/places of interest: Lake Formarin is a mountain lake withunderground water flow-offs. TheEuropean North Sea/Baltic Sea dividelies in the lake. Active Inclusive Card: free use of thelocal hiking bus, mountain railwaysetc.

From Lake Formarin to LechArlberg

Zug

➤ Wildgruben Sp.x

Lech

Formarinsee

x

Rote Wand

Spullersschafbergx

Lech

➤

➤

Freiburger H.

Finish: Älpele (1,562 m), Zug (1,510 m)or Lech (1,444 m) according to yourchoiceHow to get there/back:Public transport: regional bus no 42,91 and 92 to Lech post office stop, fromthere by local bus no 2 (Lech – Zug) and7 (Zug – Formarinsee)Parking facilities: car park Angerunder the parish church Description of route: From the bus stop at Formarinalpe firstwalk to a grass mound with full viewsof the lovely lake Formarin. Returningto the alp, the trail runs along the riverLech to Tannlägeralpe, where youcross the river and reach the restingplace Älpele on alp and forest trails.

Diedamskopf/Schoppernau / © walser-image.com

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➤

Äuelealpe

Lecknersee Gasthof Höfle

➤

➤Neuschwandalpe

Helmingenalpe

Koppachsteinx

Koppachalpen

Walking time: approx. 2 hours. Difference in altitude: approx. 600 mStarting point/finish: Hittisau/Parking facilities Lecknertal How to get there/back:By car, toll road up the Lecknertalvalley (May to November), free carpark "Kälberweide"/LecknertalDescription of route: From the car park, it is a leisurely walkup the valley to lake Lecknersee,passing Gasthof Höfle, Neuschwand-alpe and Helmingenalpe, which is on

German territory, continue to Äuele-alpe. To reach the Koppachalpen youneed to cross a swampy area. The cir-cuit ends just before the car park.Where to stop: Gasthof Höfle, NeuschwandalpeCharacteristic features: Hike through Alpine farming area, re-commended also in reverse direction. Tips/places of interest: In Hittisau: interesting water hiking trail,demonstration dairy farm, women’smuseum.

BregenzerwaldHittisau/Lecknertal

In the Gauertal Valley

Description of route:Matschwitz – Plazadels – WachtersDieja – Golmalpe – Matschwitz. From the middle station of the Golmer-bahn (1,530 m) in the Tschaggunsmaisaess of Matschwitz, stay on theroadway for a couple of minutes; at thelast houses a trail takes you acrosspastures and mountain forests to theGauertal valley. Pass the old maisaessof Plazadels. The mountain trail con-tinues uphill to the next maisaess Wach-ters Dieja and on a road across theforest to Golmalpe (1,660 m), return onpanoramic hillsides to Matschwitz.Characteristic features: The circular trail is easy to negotiateand leads to the Montafon maisaessen(some are at least 200 years old), whichhave retained the authentic flavour of

this cultural landscape almost un-changed. After the cattle had staid onthe farmstead down in the villagethroughout the winter, it was moved towhat was called the “maisaess“ in themonth of May, before being taken tothe alp in the summer. In the autumn,the cattle was again left to graze on themaisaess. Given their meagre liveli-hood, the farmers tried to exploit allopportunities for procuring animalfeed.Places to rest: Haus Matschitz (near the middle sta-tion)Tips/places of interest: Lovely views of the valley head with theSulzfluh and Drei Türme peaks. Free use of railways, bus and lifts forholders of the Montafon Silvretta Card.

Karren

➤

Ebnit

x

Staufen

Gütle

Hoher Knopfx

➤

➤

Staufensee

Bocksbergx

Hackwald

Spatenbach-A.x

From Ebnit across the Hoher Gang

Walking time: approx. 2 3/4 hours. Difference in altitude: approx. 190 mStarting point/finish: Start: Dornbirn/Ebnit, church. Finish:Dornbirn/KarrenseilbahnHow to get there/back:Parking facilities: Karrenseilbahn(mountain railway) valley station Public transport: regional bus No. 47from train station Dornbirn or valleystation Karrenseilbahn to Ebnit Description of route: From the church in Ebnit (1,075 m),follow the road for about five minutesto the road sign, turn left onto a road-way. Leisurely walk to BergparzelleHackwald (1,100 m) on the foot of thecraggy rocks of Grosse and Kleine

Klara peaks, continue across the HoheGang to Spatenbach-Alpe. At the signat Alpweide, mount for a short whilethrough the forest, continue on a forestpath with gentle ups and downs to themountain station of Karrenseilbahn,descent by mountain railway.Characteristic features: Historic bridle path from Ebnit toDornbirn. Magnificent view from Kar-ren mountain station over the lowerRhine valley to Lake Constance.Where to stop: In Ebnit and Bergrestaurant (mountainrestaurant) KarrenTips/places of interest: Dornbirn/Gütle: Rolls Royce museumand crib museum

Dornbirn

Bodensee-Alpenrhein

Montafon

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➤

Matschwitz

Plazadels

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Wachters Dieja

Golmalpe

➤

GolmerbahnMittelstation

xGolmer J.

Golm x

Latschau

Walking time: approx. 2 hoursDifference in altitude: approx. 190 m in total for ascentand descent Starting point/finish: Tschagguns-Matschwitz, middle station of GolmerbahnHow to get there/back:Public transport: bus service Schruns – Latschau andGolmerbahn Parking facilities: Latschau, Golmerbahn car park

Lech, Rote Wand / © Lech Zürs Tourismus

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Mountain Hikes and Summit Tours for Athletic or Ambitious Mountaineers

Walking time: approx. 6.5 hoursDifference in altitude: ascent approx.1200 mStarting point/finish:Municipal office in Au ("Gemeinde-amt")How to get there/back: Parking facilities: municipal office Public transport: regional bus No. 40(Dornbirn–Egg–Warth), bus stop postofficeDescription of route:From the municipal office, the routefollows the farming trail across mead-ows and forests, mounting via Godla-chenalpe to Brendleralpe to an altitudeof 1,420 m. Continue on the wide trailto Säckelalpe. This is where the moun-tain trail across the crest to Annalper

Joch (1,997 m) begins. At the col, startyour descent down to the valley of Ann-alpe and Bodenvorsäss. From there,follow the farming trail back to Au.Where to stop: Brendleralpe, Bergkristall lodgeCharacteristic features: Demanding mountain tour across Al-pine farmland. Beautiful views of e.g.the striking Annalper Stecken and theawe-inspiring Zitterklapfen.Tips/places of interest: Demonstration dairy farm at Brendler-alpe, Bodenvorsäss (Alpine settlementwith a chapel).In Au: parish church. Suited for families: Holdamoos natureexperience (Alpine hut, pond, Alpine/medical herb garden).

Au/Annalper Joch

Warth–Lech), No. 91 (Langen–Stuben–Zürs–Lech), stop at Lech post officeParking facilities: Anger undergroundcar park (free)Description of route: Schlegelkopf mountain station – Göp-pinger Hütte/Mohnenfluh – Steig/Moh-nenfluh – Mohnensattel/Butzensee –Oberlech/LechAscent by Schlegelkopflift cable-car tothe mountain station (operating: 25.6.–11.9., daily from 8.00–16.30 hs). Fromthe mountain station, the route leadsvia Sulzenkopf to Mohnensattel andon a footpath to Mohnenfluh peak(2,544 m). Descend to Mohnensattel.Return via lake Butzensee and Sulzen-kopf to Oberlech (1,660 m). Walk to

Lech (approx. 20 minutes), descend tothe valley using the local bus No. 4 orthe Lech–Oberlech mountain railway(operating: 25.6.–18.9., daily from8.00–18.00 hs)Characteristic features: Safe gait is essential. Beautiful pano-ramic views of Lech, Schröcken, Hoch-tannberg and the Bregenzerwald.Where to stop: KriegeralpeTips/places of interest: Ibex colonies on the Mohnenfluhrange.For holders of the Active Inclusive Card:free use of the local and hiking bus,mountain railways and other recrea-tional amenities.

Lech – Mohnenfluh Arlberg

Oberlech

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x Mohnenfluh

MohnensattelButzensee

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➤

Gipslöcher

➤

➤

➤

➤Steinmähder

Walking time: approx. 2.5 hsDifference in altitude: ascent approx. 750 m, descentapprox. 750 mStarting point/finish:Starting point: Schlegelkopflift mountain station, finish:OberlechHow to get there/back: Public transport: regional bus No. 42 (Schoppernau–

How to get there/back: Public transport: regional bus No. 85(Schruns–Partenen–Bielerhöhe) to Ga-schurn, stop at Versettlabahn valleystation; return No. 87 (Gargellen–Schruns) to Schruns or to stop St. Gal-lenkirch-Valiserabahn, then on No 85to GaschurnParking facilities: Gaschurn, Versettla-bahn valley station or St. Gallenkirch,Valiserabahn valley station.Description of route: Ride up on Versettlabahn (2,010 m).Walk from the Nova Stoba mountainrestaurant (2,010 m) viaMatschunerjoch (2,390 m) andHeimbühl trail to Heimspitze (2,685m). Continue on Heimbühl trail toVergalda-Alpe (1,820 m) and throughthe Vergaldnertal valley to Gargellen(1,430 m).

Gargellen - Heimspitze

BregenzerwaldAu

Godlachenalpe

x Hochalpe

Annalper Steckenx

Bergkristallhütte

Brendleralpe

Annalperaualpe

➤

➤

➤

Säckelalpe

Annalper Jochx

Annalpe

Bodenvorsäß

➤

➤

Montafon

Vergalda Alpe

Gargel len

➤

Heimspitze x

MatschunerJoch

Gaschurn

Bergrest.Nova Stoba

➤

➤

➤

➤

Ve r g a l d a Ta l

x Schmalzberg

x Valisera x

Madrisella

x Versettla

x Schwarzkopf

x Burg

Walking time: approx. 7 hoursDifference in altitude: ascent approx. 675 m, descentapprox. 1,255 mStarting point/finish: Starting point: Gaschurn, Nova Stoba mountainrestaurant, finish: Gargellen

Characteristic features: One of the loveliest peaks in the Mon-tafon. Relatively easy but long moun-tain tour. Beautiful high-altitude trailto Matschuner Joch. The last part ofthe ascent to Heimspitze peak is acrossrock terrain (easy to negotiate). Steepdescent down to the Vergaldenervalley. Magnificent views of the Silv-retta, Rätikon, Lechtal mountains. If youprefer walking uphill, follow theitinerary in the reverse direction.Where to stop:No resting places en route, bring yourown snacks and drinks Tips/places of interest: Abundant Alpine flora. On descending,make sure to visit the husbandedVergalden alp.Free use of buses and lifts for holdersof the Montafon Silvretta Card.

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Mottakopf Peak on the Doorstep of Brand

Walking time: approx. 5 hours Difference in altitude: approx. 910 mStarting point/finish: Brand, bus stop "Sonnenlagant" (busline Brand–Lünersee)How to get there/back:Parking facilities: above bus stop "La-gant" or train station Bludenz (parkingfee)Public transport: regional bus No. 81(Bludenz–Brand–Lünerseebahn)Description of route: At the bus stop, follow the sign toObere Sonnenlagantalpe. Take the

farming trail to Untere Sonnenlagant-alpe, continue your ascent on forestmeadows to Obere Sonnenlagantalpe.A narrow trail starts at the Alpineshelter which crosses the steep moun-tain flank in a zig-zag course. Continueacross cragged terrain to the peak(2,176 m). Characteristic features: Not recommended in wet weather.Magnificent views of the village andthe valley. Where to stop: Inns and restaurants in Brand.

Walking time: approx. 6.5 hoursDifference in altitude: approx. 1050 mStarting point/finish:Bad LaternsHow to get there/back: Parking facilities: in Bad LaternsPublic transport: regional bus No. 65(Rankweil–Sulz–Laterns, bus stop In-nerlaterns-BädleDescription of route:From the point of departure (1,147 m),follow the road some 100 m to Bad-brücke bridge, take the turning andcontinue on the narrow trail to Gar-nitzaalpe. A mountain path runs fromthe plains of the Garnitza high-valleyup to Untere Saluver-alpe (1,565 m)and to Freschenhaus (1,840 m). Lookout for the chapel of St. Bernhard-kapelle. From the shelter it takes an-other 30 minutes to Hoher Freschen

(2,004 m). Return first via Freschen-haus, then mount again for a shortwhile to Matonajöchle (1,998 m), be-fore starting a gentle descent toGäfisalpe and Neugerachalpe. ReachBad Laterns on a forest path passingAgtenwaldalpe.Where to stop: Bad Laterns, Untere Saluveralpe (dur-ing the alp season), FreschenhausshelterCharacteristic features: Stunning panoramic views from HoherFreschen, across the Rhine valley toAlpstein and Glarner Alpen, to LakeConstance and the Allgäu.Tips/places of interest: Diversity of Alpine flora, small Alpinegarden and karst landscape, Freschencaves near the Freschenhaus shelter.

Laterns/Hoher Freschen – Matona Circuit

Walking time: approx. 5 hoursDifference in altitude: ascent approx.800 m, descent approx. 800 mStarting point/finish: Walserhaus HirscheggHow to get there/back: Public transport: Walserbus No. 1–5 Parking facilities: parking deck nearthe WalserhausDescription of route:Mountain hike via Hirschegg – Letze –Jahnhütte – Köpfle – Zwerenalpe andKanzelwand mountain station (1,957 m)to Kuhgehrensattel and ascent to Kuh-gehrenspitze (1,910 m). Descent toAusserkuhgehrenalpe, via Brandalpe

and Parzelle Nebenwasser to Hirsch-egg.Characteristic features: Easy mountain tour, also suited forbeginners, affords lovely views ofHirschegg, Mittelberg and Baad, to theIfen and Gottesacker mountain ranges.Where to stop: Kanzelwandbahn mountain restau-rant, Adlerhorst, SchwabenhütteTips/places of interest: Magnificent Alpine flora, a visit of thehusbanded Innerkuhgehrenalp is re-commended on the way down.Free use of the Walserbus for holdersof the Allgäu Walser Card.

Hirschegg – Kuhgehrenspitze Kleinwalsertal

Nebenwasser

Hirschegg ➤

KanzelwandBergstation

Zwerenalpe

AußerkuhgehrenAlpe

➤➤

➤

x

Hammerspitze

Zwerwald

x Kuhgehren- spitze

Montafon (Rätikon, Silvretta, Verwall) / © Kevin Artho

Bodensee-Alpenrhein

Bad Laterns

Freschenhaus

Garnitzaalpe

x Hoher Freschen

UntereSaluveralpe

➤

➤

➤

➤Matonajöchle

Matonax

Gäfisalpe

Neugerach-alpe

➤

Alpenregion Bludenz

ObereSonnenlagantalpe

UntereSonnenlagantalpe

➤

➤

Mottakopf x

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Several-Day Hiking Tours or From Shelter to Shelter

From the Zimba to Madrisa (2-Day Hike)

AuSchoppernau

Schröcken

Hehle Kopfx

Bärgunt Joch

Bärg

untta

l

Hochtannberg

SchwarzwasserHütte

Gerach Sattel

x Hoher Ifen

Diedamskopf

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x Üntschen Sp.

Baad

Walmendingerhorn x

Ifersguntenalpe

Kalbelesee

Körbersee

Widderstein x

G

OchsenhoferScharte

G

x Heiterberg

x Unspitz

xFalzer K.

Alpe Halden

x Güntle Sp.

Hike between the Bregenzerwald andKleinwalsertal, with mounting of peaks. Starting point/finish:Schoppernau, valley station Bergbah-nen Diedamskopf (mountain railway)How to get there/back: Public transport: regional bus No. 40(Dornbirn–Egg–Schoppernau(–Warth)Parking facilities: Bergbahnen Die-damskopfDescription of route:Day 1: Schoppernau – Hoher Ifen –SchwarzwasserhütteWalking time: approx. 5.5 hoursDifference in altitude: Diedamskopf –Ifersguntenalpe: 340 m descent, 70 mascent, Ifersguntenalpe – Hoher Ifen:480 m ascent, Hoher Ifen – Schwarz-wasserhütte approx. 610 m descent.Ride by cablecar to the mountain station(2,090 m). Hike via Diedamssattel toHochalpe Halden, Gerachsattel andIfersguntenalpe. Reach the summit ofHoher Ifen (2,230 m) on the Eugen-Köhler trail. Return on the same routeto Ifersguntenalpe and continue toSchwarzwasserhütte (1,651 m). Overnight (German Alpine Association,tel. (0)664/3412457).Day 2: Schwarzwasserhütte – Och-senhofer Scharte – WiddersteinhütteWalking time: approx. 5 hoursDifference in altitude: Schwarzwasser-hütte – Ochsenhofer Scharte: 231 mascent, Baad: 608 m descent, Widder-steinhütte: 766 m ascent.

The route leads via OchsenhoferScharte (1,851 m) down to Baad in theKleinwalsertal valley (1,243 m). Ascentvia the Bärgunttal valley and Bärgunt-joch to Widdersteinhütte (2,009 m).Overnight (tel. (0)664/9051857).Day 3: Widdersteinhütte – Widder-stein – SchröckenWalking time: approx. 2.5 hours (+ 2.5hours to mount the peak of Widder-stein)Difference in altitude: Widdersteinhüt-te – Widderstein: 524 m ascent, Hoch-krumbach: 857 m descent, Körbersee:50 m ascent, 70 m descent, Schröcken:387 m descent.Well-trained mountaineers may con-sider mounting to the peak of Widder-stein (2,533 m) from the Widderstein-hütte and return to the hut (approx.2.5 hours). Descent to Hochtannbergpass (1,676 m), leisurely walk to lakeKörbersee (1,656 m) and down toSchröcken (1,269 m). Return by bus(No. 40) to Schoppernau to the carpark of Bergbahnen Diedamskopf.Where to stop: Schwarzwasserhütte, Baad, Widder-steinhütte, Hochtannbergpass, Körber-see, Schröcken and various alpsCharacteristic features: To mount Widderstein peak you need asafe gait and physical fitness. Bewareof falling rock from hikers ahead ofyou. Stunning panoramic views fromthe peak of Widderstein.

Shelter-to-Shelter Tour (3-Day Tour): Diedamskopf – Widderstein

WiddersteinHütte

Bregenzerwald – Kleinwalsertal

Border-crossing hike Starting point/finish: Starting point: Brand, Lünersee/Dou-glass-Hütte, finish: GargellenHow to get there/back: Public transport: To get there: Blu-denz–Brand, regional bus No. 81 (Blu-denz–Brand–Lünerseebahn); Return:Gargellen–Bludenz, regional bus No.87 (Gargellen–Schruns) and on the Mon-tafonerbahn from Schruns to BludenzParking facilities: near the Bludenzrailway station (parking fee)Description of route:Day 1: Lake Lünersee – LindauerhütteWalking time: approx. 4 hoursDifference in altitude: ascent approx.434 m, descent approx. 690 mRide up on the Lünersee cable-car tolake Lünersee (2,000 m, operating:18.6. –26.10., daily from 8.00 hs).Hike from Lünersee via Verajoch(2,330 m), Schweizer Tor (2,187 m),Öfapass (2,291 m) to Lindauer Hütte(1,744 m). Lovely high-altitude trail onthe foot of the limestone faces of the

Rätikon range (Drusenfluh, Drei Tür-me, Sulzfluh).Stay for the night: Lindauer Hütte (tel.valley (0)5559/582, shelter: (0)664/5033456)Day 2: Lindauer Hütte – GargellenWalking time: approx. 6.5 hoursDifference in altitude: ascent approx.887 m, descent approx. 1,200 mWalk from Lindauer Hütte via Bilken-grat (2,350 m), Tilisunahütte (2,208 m),Grubenpass (2,241 m), Plaseggenpass(2,354 m), and Sarotlajoch (2,389 m) toGargellen (1,430 m). Steep ascentfollowed by a steep descent after theSarotlajoch. A fabulous high-Alpinetrail on both sides of the Swiss border. Where to stop: TisilunahütteTips/places of interest:Lovely panoramic views, abundance ofAlpine flora. Ibex can be frequentlyspotted near Plaseggenpass as well aschamois near Grubenpass.Free use of buses and lifts for holdersof the Montafon Silvretta Card in theMontafon and the Brandnertal valley.

Alpenregion Bludenz – Montafon

Gargel len

Drusenfluhx

Douglashütte

Lünersee

Schweizer Tor

Lindauer Hütte Tilisuna Hütte

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x

Sulzfluh

Tschagguns

Latschau

x

St. Antönier J.

x

Drusentor

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Day 1: From Hochkrumbach to Schrö-ckenWalking time: 2 1/2 hoursStarting point: Hochkrumbach, busstop Gasthof Adler, 1,675 m. How toget there: regional bus No. 40 (until 18June) / No. 42 (18 June – 9 Oct 2005).Finish: Schröcken centre, 1,269 m.Difference in altitude: ascent 190 m,descent approx. 500 m. Description of route: to familiarizewalkers with the Tannberg area, theroute first runs from Hochkrumbach toSt. Jakob chapel at the Simmel look-out (1,740 m), continuing via the Hoch-tannberg pass (1,676 m) to lake Kör-bersee and via the high-lying valley ofAuenfelds and Batzenalpe (1,560 m) tothe small Walser village of Schröcken(1,269 m).Food & drink: Hochkrumbach, Körber-see, Batzenalpe (snacks during alptime), Schröcken

Day 2: From Schröcken via Schadona-pass to BuchbodenWalking time: 6 3/4 hoursStarting point: Schröcken, 1,269 m.Finish: Buchboden centre, 910 m.Difference in altitude: ascent approx.950 m, descent 1,080 m Description of route: From Schröckencentre take a leisurely walk along theyoung Bregenzerach river up to thefootbridge, then continue uphill toSchadonapass and Biberacher Hütte(1,846 m) to the rearmost Grosses Wal-sertal. Take the high-altitude trail viaFürkele (1925 m), Alpe Oberüberlut(1,585 m) and maisaess Unterüberlut.The day’s leg ends at the Walserhamlet of Buchboden (910 m) in theGrosses Walsertal. Food & drink: Schröcken, BiberacherHütte, Buchboden

On the “Via Alpina“ – Long-Distance Hiking Trails

Day 3: Buchboden – St. Gerold, pil-grimage on the Walserweg trailWalking time: 5 1/2 hoursPoint of departure: Buchboden, 910 m.Finish: monastery of St. Gerold, 848 m.Difference in altitude: ascent approx.390 m, descent 450 mDescription of route: Follow the lei-surely regional Walser trail along theriver Lutz. You reach the next smallWalser settlement at the hamlet ofGarsella (735 m) in the valley. Fromthere, cross the mountain pastures andthe rough Waldtobel uphill to Blons(903 m), continue down to the fierceRüfitobel, before reaching theprovostry of St. Gerold (848 m) after ashort ascent.Food & drink: Buchboden, Garsella,Blons, St. Gerold

Day 4: St. Gerold – Feldkirch Walking time: 5 3/4 hoursStarting point: provostry of St. Gerold,848 m. Finish: Feldkirch centre, 458 mDifference in altitude: ascent 140 m,descent 580 m. Description of route: Follow the Walsertrail through a gorge forest and grass-covered hills to the village of Thürin-gerberg (877 m) at the entry to theGrosses Walsertal. The trail continueson the sun-exposed face of the Walgau,passing the idyllic villages of Schnifisand Röns, to Satteins (panoramic trailwith wide views into the valley and theRätikon mountain scenery). From Sat-teins, walk along the shores of theriver Ill starting in Schildried, reachingthe gate of Feldkirch (458 m) via Steinand the Ill gorge at the foot of theSchattenburg fortress. Food & drink: St. Gerold, Thüringer-berg, Schnifis, Röns, Satteins, Stein,Feldkirch

“Via Alpina“ is a new international long-dis-tance hiking trail which traverses the Alpineridge on a length of more than 5,000 km,running through eight Alpine countries bet-ween Trieste and Monaco. Along the mainroute and its variants, the different Alpineregions unfold their natural and culturaldiversity in unspoilt authenticity. Unlike otherlong-distance hiking trails, Via Alpina is de-signed as a European culture trail. Between Bavaria and Liechtenstein, theroute runs right across Vorarlberg, fromHochtannberg to Schröcken and Schadona-pass to Buchboden, continuing along theGrosses Walsertal and the Walgau to theRhine valley. It is a transversal route forsophisticated hikers wanting to explore thenatural and cultural landscapes of the Alpsas unspoilt as possible and on safe trails.

Via Alpina runs through mostly untouched mountainscenery to the broad main valleys, passing mountainsand valleys. A certain degree of physical fitness isrequired for the trail across the Schadonapass. FromBuchboden, the walking itinerary can be cut short byusing the bus. Along the way, there are selected inns andcomfortable hotels for accommodation. Impressing by its natural, cultural and historic diversity,the 4-day tour is also offered as a “Hiking withoutLuggage” package (see page 12).

Tips/places of interest: Day 1: Views of imposing mountain peaks such as Wid-derstein, Biberkopf, Karhorn, Hochkünzelspitze andBraunarlspitze. The Hochtannberg pass forms theEuropean Rhine/Danube divide.Day 2: In 2000, UNESCO designated the Grosses Wal-sertal as a biosphere park for its largely intact land-scape that is characterised by mountain farming. Day 3: Buchboden as well as St. Gerold are traditionalsites of pilgrimage. Blons: avalanche documentation cen-tre and commemorative trail in memory of the ava-lanche victims of 1954. St.Gerold is a hospitable place ofencounter and meditation and a much-frequentedcultural centre. Make sure to visit the church with amodern choir wall fresco by Ferdinand Gehr and thefoundations of the earlier Roman church with anunearthed tomb of St. Gerold, the premises around themonastery courtyard, and the cemetery.Day 4: Feldkirch, well-preserved medieval town, streetslined by covered arcades, gates and peels. Not to miss:Schattenburg fortress (13th century, today a local mu-seum and restaurant), St. Nikolas cathedral, Katzen-turm tower, Mühle- and Churertor gates in the old town.

Hochkrumbach – Buchboden Hochkrumbach

Hochtannbergpass

Körbersee

➤Biberacher Hütte Schröcken

Buchboden

Fontanel la

Sonntag

Braunarlspitzex

Bad Rotenbrunnen

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Lutz

Buchboden – Feldkirch

Feldkirch

Frastanz

Tälispitzex

St. Gerold

Sat teins

Blons➤

ThüringerbergSchni f isRöns

Göfis

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Kalbelesee

Hochkünzelsp. Zitterklapfenx

Düns

Dünserberg

Großes Walsertal / © Helmut Tiefenthaler

10

From the High Moor to the "WhiteGold"Beautiful scenic trail through moorlandscape offers marvellous views ofthe glaciers and Silvretta mountains.The Kopssee reservoir and the Sil-vretta and Vermuntsee reservoirs arethe perfect examples for a symbiosis ofnature and technical progress.

Starting point/how to get there:Tafamuntbahn mountain railway fromPartenen to top terminal (1,550 m)Public transport: Montafonerbahnfrom Bludenz to Schruns; bus line 85to Partenen; return to Partenen bybus from Kops via Bielerhöhe on theSilvretta High Alpine road (late Juneto late September; bus operates in 2-hr.-intervals with up to 1 hr. stopoverat Bielerhöhe) Description of route:Walking time: approx. 3.5 hrs. (bustransfer + stopover not included); dayhike!

Tips/places ofinterest: Kops power stationin Partenen – guidedtours on Thursdays,3pm (July – late Sep-tember); Vermuntpower station inPartenen; Leisureand adventure parkMountain Beach inGaschurn

Partenen/Wiegensee lake biotope and Silvretta reservoirs

Easy family hiking tour with littlealtitude changeTafamunt top terminal (1,550 m) –Wiegensee lake (1,921 m) – VerbellaAlpe (1,938 m) – Kopssee lake –Zeinisjochhaus hut (1,842 m). Trailhead at Tafamunt top terminal.After crossing a forest you will reachthe moor at Wiegensee lake. The viewis simply stunning; and with a littleluck you might glimpse a couple ofchamois on the slopes of the Versail-spitze. Continue from the lake to theAlpe Verbella and descend to Kopsseelake and Zeinisjochhaus hut.Food & drink: Verbella Alpe, Snacks and dairy pro-ducts available late June – early Sep-tember. Zeinisjochhaus, Hotel Silvret-tahaus and restaurants at BielerhöheGuided hiking tour: Guided hiking tours to Wiegenseelake: Register at your local touristoffice (free for holders of the Mon-tafon-Silvretta-Card).

"Water is the principle of everything; all things come into being from water, and return ultimately to water."(Thales of Miletus)

Lakeside Meditation: Where the But-zensee Begins LifeUntil late summer the blue waters ofButzensee, at the foot of the Moh-nenfluh dolomite massif, are fringedby meadow flowers and gentian. Thelake’s name derives from the localword for "springs", denoting the manysmall streams that gurgle out of theground to feed the lake.

Starting point/how to get there:Lech-Oberlech (1,700 m)Public transport: local bus line 4 toParzelle Schlössle (hourly service),Oberlech mountain railway (every 15

Butzensee

Untere GaisbühelalpeMohnenfluh

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Oberlech

Grubenalpe

GipslöcherSteinmähder

Mohnensattel

Obere-

Pathways to Water

Tips/places ofinterest:Gipslöcher NatureConservation Area,Oberlech ForestTheme Path,old parish church(St. Nikolaus)

Lech/Butzensee

min.) – on with the PetersbodenbahnDescription of route:Walking time: approx. 4 hours,difference in altitude 600 mMountain hike, stamina and goodhiking equipment required.Walk from Oberlech-Schlössle (busstop) via Petersboden, Oberer Krie-gersattel and Steinmähder to lakeButzensee. Return via Mohnenfluh-sattel, Obere and Untere Gaisbühel-alpe and Tannegg back to Oberlech-Schlössle.Food & drink: Krieger-Alpe, inns and restaurants inOberlech and Lech.

Arlberg

Montafon

Water has a magical force of attraction on humans. Each lakeshore enhances the senses, sharpens our con-sciousness. Relaxation and water form a unity. Clear water, clear thoughts. For lovers on the beach, time becomestimeless, and children react to water with exuberant cheer and in the next minute with quiet fascination: the spiritof discovery is roused.The truly impressive experiences with lasting effect – from unusually quiet to roaring and overwhelming – inVorarlberg, are, however, only to be found far away from well-trodden paths and frequented places. Unforgettableimpressions that inspire the observer with their power. Look upon nature with different eyes, experience newsounds, new scents, and feel more of everything. Water is a fascinating element and an important part of nature. With the force of its primal power it shapes land-scapes: thundering waterfalls, romantic springs and brooks, mysterious ravines, ponds and lakes represent thepotency of its strength. These quiet and romantic aspects of Vorarlberg are revealed to the attentive hiker on the"pathways to water". The main focus is on the conscious exploration of nature for the entire family, since children,in particular, have great fun feeling and experiencing water. Walking along these pathways, one can explore thelive sources of nature, observe water in its various forms of existence and simply feel and experience its beauty.

Partenen

Verbella Alpe

Kopssee

Gasth.Zeinis-jochTafamunt

Wiegen-see

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© Kevin Artho

© Kevin Artho

11

The Fascination of Water in the Klos-tertal Ever since humans started to protectthemselves against floods and togenerate hydro-electric power, riversand lakes have lost their natural,unspoilt authenticity. And yet: thereare plenty of examples of how thefascination of water’s true nature hasbeen retained.

Starting point/how to get there:Dalaas (820 m)Public transport: bus No. 90 fromInnerbraz (bus stop "Hauptschule") toDalaas (bus stop "Gasthaus Krone") Description of route:Walking time: approx. 2 1/4 hours,

Braz–Dalaas/Between Fallbach and Alfenz

difference in altitude: 130 mEasy hike for families.At Gasthof Krone in Dalaas, take theturning which leads up to thesettlements in Parzelle Müss (890 m).From there, a forest trail leads to theFallbach river. Continue downwardson a footpath to the bridge across theriver Aflenz, which you follow on theright shore to the hamlet of Gatschief,and after crossing the motorway viaGavril on the southern side of thevalley. Leave the Alfenzau riverinehabitat at the Aubrücke bridge, takethe turning to Braz, to be more preciseto Innerbraz-Tobel (708 m).Food & drink: Inns in Dalaas and Braz

Alpenregion Bludenz

Tips/places ofinterest: Fallbach (at 520 mthe highest waterfallin Vorarlberg), Al-fenzau, cross at the"pocks cemetery",Innerbraz parishchurch

Gatschief

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Dalaas

MüßFallbach

Innerbraz

Tobel

Alfenz

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Alp Hikes

Mountains and alps make up the natural scenery ofVorarlberg. The sight of lush meadows and grazingcattle alternates with views of the valley or awe-inspiring peaks. The total alp area with its pastures andforests covers almost one half of the country’s surface.82% of all farmers in Vorarlberg rear animals on one of560 alps. Milk is processed into “Vorarlberg Alp cheese”of protected designation origin on some 150 dairy alps.Almost 1,000 alp farmers look after their cattle andother animals on Alpine homesteads. There are several walks heading for an alp, or from alpto alp, e.g:

Schönenbach

Walking time: 3 1/4 hoursDifference in altitude: ascent: 390 m /descent: 390 mStarting point/finish:Schönenbach (car park)How to get there:Public transport: bus No. 36 (Bezau –Schönenbach, only from mid-June tomid-October).Description of route: Schönenbachvorsäss – Unterspitzalpe– Almisguntenalpe – Stoggertennalpe –Osterguntenalpe – SchönenbachTake the toll road to reach the parkingsite at the vorsäess of Schönenbach(1,025 m), a lovely plain between themountains with a meandering rivulet.The tour leads to Untere Unterspitz-alpe (Melkalpe) and continues to theremote Almisguntenalpe in a cirquedirectly under the Diedamskopf peak.The fecund pastures here are re-gularly buried by falling rocks. Afteranother 20 minutes you will reach thehighest point of the tour at Stog-gertennalpe. The trail returns along

the Osterguntenbach river downhill tothe Hänslervorsäss near the parkingsite.

Schönenbachvorsäss 1,025 mAlp husbanded from June – October Products on offer: alp butter, cheese Of special interest: visit of the dairyfarm, guided tour of the alp

Almisguntenalpe 1,477 mAlp husbanded from early July to midSeptember Products on offer: milk, alp butter,sour cream, cheese, alp snack

Stoggertennalpe 1,498 mAlp husbanded from early July to midSeptember Products on offer: milk, cheese, goatcheese, alp snack, drinks

Osterguntenalpe 1,321 mAlp husbanded from July to lateSeptember Products on offer: milk, alp butter,cheese, alp snack, drinks

Unterspitzalpe

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Almisguntenalpe

StoggertennalpeOsterguntenalpe

Schönenbach-vorsäß

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Diedamskopf

Hirschberg

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Useful hint: free use of publicbuses, mountainrailways and poolsfor holders of theBregenzerwaldGuest Card.

Untere Zalimalpe/Brand © Kevin Artho

© TB Dalaas

© Christa Branz

Bregenzerwald

12

Hiking Packages – Other packages available: www.vorarlberg.cc

For visitors who prefer touringlight and having their luggagetransported from hotel to hotel.Leading on sign-posted trails thatare easily negotiable, these routesare designed for mountain walkerswith an average level of fitness.

Accommodation in selected 3- and4-star hotels, partly in shelters ofthe alpine clubs. Luggage istransported from hotel to hotel,with the exception of overnightsin shelters (towels and sleepingbags should be brought along orcan be rented on site). Arriving by car: parking facilitiesat the first hotel of the tour, arriving by bus/rail/air: transferfrom the railway station in Dorn-birn to the first hotel of the tour.Return transfer from the lasthotel of the tour back to thedeparture hotel or to Dornbirnrailway station.Hiking maps, route descriptionsand the Bregenzerwald Guest Card(entitling to a free use of busesand mountain railways) are in-cluded. Supplement for singleroom, discounts for children.

Tour 1 – From Schwarzenberg toAuArrival daily from 26.5.–9.10.2005.Package includes: 3 nights incl.half board.

Price per person sharing a doubleroom: from € 340.–

Tour 2 – From the Bregenzer-wald to the Brandnertal valleyArrival daily from 26.5.–2.10.2005.Package includes: 8 nights incl.half board. Price per person sharing a doubleroom: from € 705.–

Tour 3 – From the Bregenzer-wald to the Klostertal valleyArrival daily from 2.7.–2.10.2005.Package includes: 4 nights in ahotel and 2 nights in a shelterincl. half board. Price per person sharing a doubleroom: from € 415.–

Tour 4 – From theBregenzerwald to the MontafonArrival daily from 2.7.–2.10.2005.Package includes: 5 nights in ahotel and 1 night in a shelter incl.half board. Price per person sharing a doubleroom: from € 465.–

Tour 5 – “On the Via Alpina”from Schröcken to FeldkirchArrival daily from 26.5.–2.10.2005.Package includes: 5 nights incl.half board. Price per person sharing a doubleroom: from € 425.–

HIKING-WITHOUT-LUGGAGE PACKAGES

Arlberg

bodenseeCity.comLuttweg 12, A-6780 Bartholomäberg

Tel: +43 (0)676/4405925mail@bodenseeCity.com, www.bodenseeCity.com

Gästehaus AlpsteinZZZZ

A-6708 Brand 122Tel. +43 (0)5559 / 256Fax +43 (0)5559 / 256-5gassner@alpstein.atwww.alpstein.at

WALKING AND SPORTSPACKAGESDates: June to mid-October 2005,day of arrival/departure flexiblePackage includes: • 7 nights including buffetbreakfast (health-food corner, fitdrinks)• 1 guided walk including asnack • rental trekking poles for thewalking tours

• free use of the tennis courts atthe Älmele• holiday coaching• welcome drinkPrice per person in €:161.– to 168.–, S/r supplement: 6.–/night; Half board upon request: 7 evening meals and 2 admis-sions to the indoor pool in thepartner hotel, surcharge 112.–

10 beds | rooms with TV and safe Hotel facilities: guesthouse offering a high standard of convenience,sauna, tennis court, horse-back riding, non-smoking policy, freepick-up from the Bludenz railway station for guests arriving by train.

Alpenregion Bludenz

WALK & ENJOYDates: 11. – 3.7. and10.9. – 1.10.2005Package includes: • 7 nights including deluxe halfboard• 3–4 guided walks • 1 partial body massage

• 1 foot reflexology• Biosphere park BregenzerwaldGuest Card • social programme including aguided visit and wine tasting atthe provostry of St. GeroldPrice per person in €: from 450.–

75 beds | rooms with TV and safe | bank /credit cards accepted Hotel facilities: lift, wellness programme, indoor /outdoor pools, sauna,steam room, sun bed, massage and beauty salon, gym, nursery/play-ground for children, tennis court, horse-back riding, dogs permitted,à-la-carte restaurant, entertainment/sports programme

Hotel Faschina ★★★★

A-6733 Fontanella-FaschinaTel. +43 (0)5510 / 224Fax +43 (0)5510 / 224-26hotel@faschina.atwww.hotel-faschina.at

WELLTAIN®-WEEKDates: 9.7. – 16.9. 2005Package includes: • 7 nights including breakfast orhalf board• initial consultation with asports physician, individual coun-selling session; • tailor-made activities:Welltain® hikes, back school, re-laxation session, aqua gym, bodyconditioning, Nordic walking• 1 massage• end-of-stay consultation and

coach-recommended trainingprogramme • rental pulsometers and Nordicwalking poles Price per person sharing adouble room: accommodation in selected hotelsoffering a wider range ofrecreational facilities includingbreakfast € 722. – to 932.–, half board € 855.– to 2,150.–For detailed information andprogrammes contact the LechZürs Tourist Board.

Visitors staying overnight receive the Active Inclusive Card at no costwhich gives them free and unlimited access to recreationalamenities such as cable-cars/chair lifts, local/hiking buses (excludingtoll collected on toll roads), selected guided walks, the municipalpool, tennis and squash courts, indoor tennis, the local museum,slide shows, grandstand concerts etc., as well as attended activitiesfor children in the Kids Active Club (4.7.–2.9.).Also: driving range, angling, recreation centre

Lech Zürs TourismusGmbH

A-6764 LechTel. +43 (0)5583 / 2161-0 Fax +43 (0)5583 /3155info@lech-zuers.at www.lech-zuers.at

13

Bregenzerwald

ARLBERG HIKING WEEKDates: 30.6.– 12.9.2005Package includes: • 7 nights including deluxe half

board (buffet breakfast,evening buffet/menu with choiceof main course)

• daily guided hikes and Nordicwalking tours with our ownmountain guide and Nordic

walking guide • mountain breakfast, folklore

evening at our private Alpinelodge

• fitness yoga and stretching• club cap, Arlberg hiking map • Active Inclusive Card• daily wellness and activity

programme Price per person in €: 658.–

131 beds | rooms with TV and safe | bank /credit cards acceptedHotel facilities: lift, spacious wellness area and indoor pool, whirlpool,sauna, steam room, sun bed, gym, nursery/playground for children,tennis court, tennis, entertainment/sports programme, dogs per-mitted, à-la-carte restaurant, 2 GaultMillau toques (15/20 points),1 Michelin star

Burghotel ★★★★

A-6764 LechTel. +43 (0)5583 / 2291-0Fax +43 (0)5552 / 2291-12burghotel@lech.atwww.burghotel.at

WALKING FUN IN DAMÜLSDates: 25.6. – 3.10.2005 Book 7 Days, Pay 6Package includes: • 7 nights including breakfast orhalf board • 1 guided walk with the landlord• 1 sunrise walk incl. mountainbreakfast • Bregenzerwald Guest Card

• for cycling fans: 1 guidedmountain bike tourPrice per person in €: breakfast only 180.– to 198.–,half board 258.– to 270.–S/r supplement: 5.–/nightDiscount for children on thepackage rate: up to 6 years100 %, 6 to 10 years 50 %, 11 to 15 years 30 %

25 beds | rooms with TV, safe | bank/credit cards accepted Hotel facilities: sauna, steam room, gym, playground for children,dogs allowed, entertainment/sports programme

s’Ländle Hotel ★★★★

A-6884 DamülsTel. +43 (0)5510 / 610-0Fax +43 (0)5510 /610-16office@laendlehotel.atwww.laendlehotel.at

NATURE-HIKING WEEK Dates: 18. – 25.6. and 10. – 18.9.2005Package includes: • 7 nights including half board, 1 dinner in an authentic restau-rant nearby• afternoon cakes

• 5 guided walks • 1 partial body massage• 1 hay flower bath• 2 sun bed tokens• Active Inclusive CardPrice per person in € from 455.–Children up to 6 years free,attended

135 beds | rooms with TV, safe | bank/credit cards accepted Hotel facilities: lift, wellness complex with indoor pool, whirlpool,sauna, steam room, brine bath, laconium, sun bed, gym, nursery/playground for children, tennis court, dogs permitted, staff hikingguide, rental mountain bikes

Hotel Austria ★★★★

A-6764 LechTel. +43 (0)5583 / 2382Fax +43 (0)5583/ 2383-40office@hotelaustria.comwww.hotelaustria.com

Hotel Krone in Au ★★★★

A-6883 AuTel. +43 (0)5515 / 2201-0Fax +43 (0)5515 / 2201-201office@krone-au.atwww.krone-au.at

KRONE-HIKING WEEKSDates: 6.5. – 19.10.2005Package includes: • 7 nights including half board(buffet breakfast, 5 course even-ing menu with choice of maincourse including salad buffet)• guided hikes• 1 hiking map• 3x hiking snack• 1 relaxation massage• 1 cultural discovery of thevillage including visit of local busi-nesses and the Baroque church • in-house programme (dancing

night with live music, galadinner accompanied by zithermusic, fitness/stretching etc.) • Bregenzerwald Guest CardPrice per person in €: 451.– to 535.–S/r supplement: 5.–/dayDiscounts for children on thepackage price: 1st child up to 12years free, 2nd child: 6 to 12 years:168.–, 13–16 years 245.–/weekAdditional offer: Nordic walkingintroduction course by a pro-fessional trainer: 10 € p.p. incl.rental poles

122 beds | rooms with TV | bank /credit cards accepted Hotel facilities: lift, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, sun bed, gardenwith swimming pond, health department offering treatment for bodyand soul e.g. reiki, breathing therapy etc. nursery/ playground forchildren, free rental bikes, entertainment/sports programme, à-la-carte restaurant, 1 GaultMillau toque (13/20 points), “Bib Gourmand”entry in the Michelin guide.

HIKERS’ DELIGHTDate: 18. – 25.9.2005Minimum of 8 participants.Package includes: • 7 nights including half board(buffet breakfast, evening dinnerwith choice of main course)• 5 guided hikes (3 full-day and2 half-day tours)

• 5 lunch packages• 3 partial massages• Bregenzerwald Guest CardPrice per person in €: from 972.50S/r supplement 13.50/nightRates for children incl. half board:up to 4 years free, 5-8 years20.–/day, 9-15 years 38.–/day;from 15 years 30 % discount.

HIKING HOLIDAYSDates: 28.8. – 15.10.2005Package includes: • 6 nights including half board(buffet breakfast, set evening menu) • daily guided hikes and summittour • slide show, raclette evening,

welcome cocktail • Bregenzerwald Guest CardPrice per person in €: 259.20S/r supplement 43.20/weekRates for children: up to 4 yearsfree, 5-11 years 49.20, from 12years 76.20 for half-board withtwo full-paying adults.

40 beds | rooms with TVHotel facilities: lift, dogs permitted, à-la-carte restaurant * Information and reservation through Hotel Bad Reuthe in Reuthe

Hotel Bären ★★★

A-6881 MellauTel. +43 (0)5514 / 2265-551 *Fax +43 (0)5514 / 2265-100 baeren@bregenzerwaldhotels.atwww.bregenzerwaldhotels.at

99 beds | rooms with TV, safe | bank/credit cards accepted Hotel facilities: lift, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, sun bed,gym, massages, beauty etc., children’s nursery, tennis court, indoortennis, dogs allowed, entertainment/sports programme, à-la-carterestaurant, 2 GaultMillau toque ( (15/20 points), “Bib Gourmand“entry in the Michelin guide.

Hotel Post ★★★★

A-6870 BezauTel. +43 (0)5514 / 2207Fax +43 (0)5514 / 2207-22office@hotelpostbezau.comwww.hotelpostbezau.com

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Pension Küren

A-6992 HirscheggTel. +43 (0)5517 / 68900, 65890Fax +43 (0)5517 / 3574info@kueren.dewww.kueren.de

34 beds | rooms with TV and safe | bank card payment acceptedHotel facilities: indoor pool, steam room, sauna, sun bed, massage,beauty treatment, nursery for children, à-la-carte restaurant

HIKING WEEKSDates: 5.5. – 17.7., 8. – 30.10.2005Book 7 or 14 days, pay 6 or 12 daysPackage includes:• 7 / 14 nights including breakfastor half board (buffet breakfast,evening buffet/ set menu withchoice of main course) • participation in the guided localwalks including pick-ups

• lunch snack from the breakfastbuffet, hiking mapPrice per person in €: 7 nights: breakfast only 240.– to300.–, half board 318.– to 378.–; 14 nights: breakfast only 480.– to600.–, half board 636.– to 756.–Discount for children on thepackage price; up to 7 years free;from 7 years 50 %

das Tophotel in denBergen Rosenhof ★★★★

A-6993 MittelbergTel. +43 (0)5517 / 5194Fax +43 (0)5517 / 6585-40info@rosenhof.comwww.rosenhof.com

100 beds | rooms with TV and safe | bank card payment acceptedHotel facilities: indoor pool, steam room, 3 saunas, sun beds, gym, mas-sages, beauty treatment, attended activities for children, playground,non-smoking restaurant/rooms, rental mountain bikes, dogs allowed.

ENJOY LIFEDates: 13.5. – 6.11.2005Package includes:• 7 nights including deluxe halfboard • summit tour with a mountainguide• mountain breakfast on an Al-pine lodge • Kneipp walk and stop at anAlpine shelter• guided mountain bike tour• hiking rucksack on the room,

rental hiking poles • 1 aromatic bath, mental train-ing, aromatherapy• 5x/week active wake-up, fitness,Nordic walking• aperitif, welcome, farewell gift Price per person in €: from 615.– to 715.– S/r supplement: 40 % (d/r as s/r)Discount for children on thepackage price: up to 2 years free,2-5 years 60 %, 6 to 11 years40 %, from 12 years 30 %.

Montafon

Hotel Bradabella ★★★★

A-6787 GargellenTel. +43 (0)5557 / 2142Fax +43 (0)5557 / 2142-5info@bradabella.atwww.bradabella.at

MOUNTAIN DREAMSDates: 25.6. – 23.7. and 21.8. – 2.10.2005Package includes: • 7 nights including half board(buffet breakfast, set eveningmenu with choice of main course) • 1 guided hike• 1 guided tour of the practice crag

• free use of the tennis court • 7-Day Montafon Silvretta CardPrice per person in €:from 399.– to 442.–

S/r supplement: 3.–/nightDiscount for children on thepackage price: up to 2 years free,3 to 10 years 60 %, 4 to 15 years45 %.

32 beds | rooms with TV and safe | bank card payment acceptedHotel facilities: lift, sauna, steam room, nursery for children, tenniscourt, entertainment/sports programme, free rental bikes

Familienhotel Mardusa ★★★

A-6793 GaschurnTel. +43 (0)5558 / 8224-0Fax +43 (0)5558 / 8224-55hotel@mardusa.comwww.mardusa.com

HIKING WEEKDate: 10. – 17.9.2005Package includes: • 7 nights including MardusaInclusive board (buffet breakfast,lunch snack, afternoon buffet,evening buffets/menus withchoice of main course, softdrinks from the juice bar) • daily selected hikes and tourswith a mountain guide to theSilvretta, Rätikon and Verwallmountains• sunrise walks including moun-tain breakfast • hiking guide

• 7-Day Montafon Silvretta CardPrice per person in €: from 420.–Rate for children/week: born.2004/05: including babysitting178.–, without babysitting 63.– born 2003 to 2000: pre-season84,–, main season 140,–, off-season 112,– born 1994 to 1999: pre-season147,–, main-season 217,–, off-season 182,–born 1993 and earlier: pre-season 210,– main season 294,–,off-season 252,–

50 beds | rooms with TV | bank/credit cards accepted Hotel facilities: lift, sauna, whirlpool, sun bed, nursery/playgroundfor children, attended activities for children and babysitting daily.Golf green fee and range fee, free admission to the Mountain Beach(pool and leisure complex).

Hotel Zimba ★★★

A-6780 SchrunsTel. +43 (0)5556 / 72630Fax +43 (0)5556 / 72630-45info@hotel-zimba.atwww.hotel-zimba.at

HIKING PACKAGEDates: 29.5.–17.10.2005Packages includes: • 7, 10 or 14 nights includingdeluxe half board • hiking snack• mountain breakfast• guided walks• hiking rucksack• hiking map

• sports massage• Zimba springwater• slide show• entertainment and amenities inthe Aktivpark Montafon• Montafon Silvretta Card for 7,10 or 14 daysPrice per person in €: 411.– to 897.–.

124 beds | rooms with TV, safe | bank/credit cards accepted Hotel facilities: lift, wellness area with a pool, sauna, steamchamber, sun bed, nursery/playground for children, dogs permitted,entertainment/sports programme; member of Aktivpark Montafon

Deluxe half board: usually comprises buffet breakfast, after-noon snack or pastry buffet, dinner with choice of main courseor buffet. Soft drinks may be included at some hotels.

Rates: Unless stated otherwise, the rates apply per personsharing a double room with bath or shower/WC. If not indicated, single room supplements or discounts forchildren (sharing their parents’ room) should be agreeddirectly with the hotel.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Regional Inclusive Cards: For the services included, pleaserefer to page 3.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Published by Vorarlberg Tourismus, P.O.Box 302, A-6901 Bregenz. Photos: Archiv Vorarl-berg Tourismus (K.Artho, A.Gaßner, O.Heidegger, A.Kaiser, O.Noggler, P.Mathis, D.Rinke,F.Oberhauser, Dr.H.Tiefenthaler, D.Walser), different tourist offices and hotels. Maps: Amt der Vorarlberger Landesregierung, Abt. Raumplanung. Printed in Austria by Offset Druck Bezau Gmbh:

Although every care has been taken, no guarantee can be offered for accuracy.

Kleinwalsertal

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Vorarlberg has a host of sign-posted themed trails tooffer, including educational nature trails on geologyand biology, educational forest trails, habitat andnature reserve trails, water hiking and legend trails,alp hiking and cultural trails. Most come with apractical guidebook. On these trails, the purpose ofhiking is not so much the conquest of mountain peaks,but communion with nature. All trails are lined with explanatory signs, for manythere are information brochures or guided tours.

Scenic Nature and Theme Hikes

Vorarlberg’s numerous natural heritagesites, caves, gorges, waterfalls, themednature and culture trails are worthwhilevisiting. These are e.g.

• Bürser Schlucht gorge and Schesa stone river Bürs–BürserbergA natural wonder dating back to the iceage, impressive depositions, known as the"Bürs conglomerate". Nature heritage site:Kuhloch (a narrow, tortuous gorge, driedout today), Schesa stone river, largest stoneriver in Europe (approx. 200 years old),some parts can be walked in. Walking timeapprox. 2.5 hours.

• Rappenloch gorge and Alploch near DornbirnOne of the largest and most impressinggorges in the eastern Alps which formed inthe late ice age. A narrow chasm, cut 80 mdeep into the rock, with vertical andoverhanging flanks. Path, steps and tunneleasy to negotiate, approx. 1.5 hours,guided tours.

• Breitach gorge betweenKleinwalsertal and AllgäuNarrow gorge with interesting rockformations, in constant tranformation. 2.5km gorge trail (approx. 1 hour accessiblevia the Breitachweg trail from theWaldhaus forest hut, or the Straussbergtrail, or by taking the Walserbus, stop"Walserschanze"). Opens daily, summerseason at 8 hs, last admission 17 hs, winterseason at 9 hs, last admission 16 hs. Ad-mission fee: adults € 2.50, groups of 10persons € 2.00, children up to 15 years€ 1.20.

• Spring tuff educational trail in LingenauThe spring tuff educational trail is a geo-logical rarity with exceptional calc-sinterformations. Its central part runs alongtimber paths and stairs (may be slipperyduring rain) and leads to a slope of geo-logical and botanical interest in the gorgein Subersach (walking time approx. 1 hour).

Long-Distance Hiking Trails

Vorarlberg is linked to the network ofAustrian and European long-distancehiking trails. Three Austrian long-distance hikingtrails lead from the east of Austria toVorarlberg:• North Alpine Trail (01): from lake Neu-siedl/Vienna to lake Constance (1,000 km),part of the E 4 alpin• Central Alpine Trail (02): from Hainburgan der Donau to Feldkirch (1,100 km) • Alpine Foothills Trail (04): from Viennato Salzburg (possibility to continue acrossthe Bavarian Alpine foothills to Bregenz).Two European long-distance hiking trailscross Vorarlberg • E 4 (Pyrenees-Jura-Lake Neusiedl–Buda-pest)• E 5 (Lake Constance-Adriatic.

Via Alpina crosses eight states on fivehiking routes. 341 day stages and morethan 5,000 km between 0 and 3,000 maltitude are an invitation to explore theAlps. The red trail leads from Triest toMonaco, transversing the Alpine ridge atseveral instances, from Bavaria acrossVorarlberg to Liechtenstein. For information about the routes consultwww.via-alpina.com

The Venture of Hiking: Nature and Culture Trails

• Rhine Delta at Lake Constance Good bird watching area. The Rhine deltais a habitat for waterfowl and a restingplace for migratory birds, especially in thespring and autumn. Information in the"Rheindeltahaus" in Hard.

• Nenzinger HimmelThe Gamperdona valley (side valley fromNenzing) is a scenic treasure in the Räti-kon. Popular spots: "Kühbruck" pilgrimagechapel, Stüba waterfall, lake Hirschsee.Access only by hiking bus, access by motorvehicle or bicycle forbidden.

• Lake Wiegensee in PartenenMoor habitat, approx. 1.5 hours walkingtime from the mountain station of theTafamuntbahn.

• Steinernes Meer near LechFossils have preserved in the karst area astestimonies to the ancient sea. The siteswhere the up to 200 million-year oldfossils were found, are marked by stonefigures. Point of departure: lake Forma-rinsee, 3.5–4 hours walking time. For well-trained hikers only, should have a safegate and no fear of heights.

• Bregenzerwald Cheese RoadThis first transregional cheese road, whichis unique in the world, features Alpinedairy farms, alps and private cheesemanufacturers, farmhouses that are opento visitors, "cheese inns" that offer specialcheese dishes on their menus, butchers,bakeries and speciality stores sellingcheese products, as well as traditionalcraftshops and touristic facilities. All stopsare uniformely sign-posted.

• In the footsteps of the miners in the MontafonFollow the footsteps of early mining in theMontafon, hiking from Silbertag to Kirst-berg and via Bartholomäberg to Schruns(or vice versa, walking time approx. 4.5 hs).Places to visit: mining museum in themunicipal office of Silbertal (open Wed andFri from 16 to 18 hs), the miners’ chapelon Kristberg (guided visits), historic mineat an altitude of 1,342 m (demonstrationmine of approx. 150 m, open from early

June to late Oct, Sun, Wed, Fri from 13–17hs, admission: adults € 4.–, children € 2.–).

• Aqua Hiking Trail TschaggunsPoint of departure: Parkbrunnen fountainabove the municipal office (local busterminal). The circular route illustrates onseveral stations the pathways of water andits manifold uses (walking time approx.3.5 hours)

• Walser Cultural Trail in the KleinwalsertalThis trail runs along the entire valley, fromBaad to Riezlern. 40 sites such as churchesand chapels, covered timber bridges,indigenous Walser houses, atonementcrosses etc. are all described in a booklet.Explanatory signs with extensive informa-tion to be found at every site.

Schesa stone river / © Kevin Artho

Mountaineering Schools/Mountain Guides/

Outdoor Programme Operators

Mountaineering schools arrange mountainhikes, one and several-day tours, climbingand glacier tours, as well as trainingcourses in practice crags, rock and iceclimbing courses. Mountaineering schoolsare based in Brand, Klaus, Lech, Mittel-berg, Nüziders, Schröcken, Schruns, Warthand Weiler.Many of Vorarlberg’s resorts have licensedmountain guides who can be bookedthrough the local tourist boards, moun-taineering schools, local offices of theAlpine Club and through the Association ofVorarlberg Mountain Guides. The fee forhiking and climbing tours depends on thelength of the tour, the difficulty and thenumber of participants. In addition tomountain guides, there are trained andauthorised hiking guides who accompanyhikers – individually or in groups – onmarked trails (not on climbing paths andglacier traverses).

Outdoor programme operators are set upin all holiday regions. Their programmesinclude i.a. canyoning, caving, rafting,mountainbike and trekking tours, climbingcourss, paragliding tandem flights, adven-ture camps etc. Special programmesarranged for groups, clubs and companies.

Rock Climbing

Practice crags exist in Au/Schnepfau, Da-laas, Gaschurn/Partenen, St. Gallenkirch,Schruns, Sonntag, Tschagguns and Van-dans. Instruction is provided by the moun-taineering schools or mountain guides.Some can be used only by appointment. Other practice crags or climbing facilities(to be used at one’s own risk) are availablein Bürs (for members of the Austrian Al-pine Club), Feldkirch, Koblach, Schröcken,Schwarzenberg and Warth.Rope courses (Hochseilgarten) facilities canbe used only during courses (outdoor pro-gramme operators) in Dornbirn-Ebnit, An-delsbuch, Kleinwalsertal and Schröcken.

Austria

Additional information available on request:

Vorarlberg TourismusP.O.Box 302, 6901 Bregenz, Austria

tel. 0043-5574-42525-0fax 0043-5574-42525-5

info@vtour.atwww.vorarlberg.cc

Indoor climbing facilities/halls exist inBludenz, Brand, Dornbirn (courses), Egg,Gargellen, Lech, Lochau (courses), Mittel-berg/Kleinwalsertal (courses) and Warth/Hochkrumbach Climbing paths – only for trained moun-taineers or with a guide, climbing gearrequired: • Karhorn climbing path between Warthand Lech, ride up with Steffisalpbahnmountain railways, 30 minutes on foot toaccess point. Walking time: 1.5–2 hours,length: 600 m. Altitude to cover: 250 m,difficulty rating: easy/moderate, guidedtours upon request (Lech mountaineeringschool).• Mindelheim climbing path in the Klein-walsertal along the Austro-German border(mountaineers must have a safe gait andmust not be afraid of heights). aitand mustnot be afraid of heights).• Gaschurn/Partenen: climbing path to theKleiner Litzner, walking time: from theSaarbrückner hut approx. 1.5 hours, diffi-culty rating: moderate/difficult.• Straussensteig (Panülerkopf), Brand,climbing path: difficulty rating: easy/mod-eratePractice path: "Francesco Tarman" (Hän-gender Stein), Nüziders, Brand-Schatten-lagantThere is a number of paths secured bywire ropes e.g. Saulakopf (Brand), HoheKöpfe (Frastanz), Drei-Schwestern (Feld-kirch).

The Alps, Lake Constance and the Rhine:quintessential Europe. Here in the heart ofthe continent lies a region saturated inhistory and culture and quite differentfrom anywhere else. Its north-western corner borders onCentral Europe’s largest inland lake; thebanks of the Rhine to the south are steepedin legend; and to the east the countrysiderises dramatically above the woodedfoothills to the majestic 3,000-metre highpeaks of the Alps and the glaciers of theSilvretta range. The Arlberg massif formsa natural barrier dividing Vorarlberg fromthe rest of Austria.

Variety of 6 Holiday Regions

Packed into a small area is more varietythan you will find in many far largerholiday resort areas. Vorarlberg’s various regions – the Arlberg,Bodensee-Alpenrhein with the towns ofBregenz, Dornbirn and Feldkirch, theAlpenregion Bludenz with Brandnertal,Grosses Walsertal, Klostertal and Walgau,Bregenzerwald, Kleinwalsertal andMontafon – offer visitors a complete rangeof holiday attractions year in, year out,season after season.

Vorarlberg – In the Heart of Europe

Getting to Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg is easily reached from anydirection. The nearest international airports are: • Zurich / CH (110 km from Bregenz) • St.Gallen/Altenrhein / CH (approx. 24 km,

AUA services to/from Vienna) *• Munich / D (190 km) • Friedrichshafen / D (32 km, e.g. Ryan Air-

services to/from London) * • Innsbruck (200 km)* Bus-Shuttle from/to VorarlbergBy train: Convenient connections fromevery direction. By car: Highways and expressways inAustria (also city motorways) are generallysubject to toll.

Motor vehicles up to and including 3.5 tand campers, price e.g. for a car: 10-daysticker € 7.60; 2-month sticker € 127.10.Toll stickers can be purchased at auto-mobile clubs in various European countriesas well as at the borders, at various petrolstations and in tobacco shops in the borderareas. In addition to the toll sticker thereare other charges for major roads that aresubject to toll: e.g. Arlberg-tunnel road.Coaches and trucks above 3.5 t maximumpermitted laden weight have to pay tollbased on distance travelled. For further information: www.vignette.at

Munich

Zurich

© Lech Zürs Tourismus