Blog — Hirschen, fine hotel in the Bregenzerwald

They still exist, these areas where the clocks tick differently. Where people go about their business with perseverance in a time that has otherwise become so fast-paced. The Bregenzerwald is one of them.

If you want to discover and get to know the region and its people, you should definitely take your time! There are plenty of good reasons to do so and if we can convince you to stay longer: ask about our LONG STAY offers for stays of 5 or 7 nights or more!

They are stubborn, the people of the Bregenzerwald, they say. We rather think: they are pretty sure of themselves. Be it in terms of the measure of things (enough is enough), in terms of aesthetics and functionality, in terms of preserving traditions or generally in terms of quality. Fancy a few examples? Here you go:

Architecture & Culture

Modern and traditional architecture harmonise and characterise the appearance of the entire Bregenzerwald. Municipal buildings, kindergartens, museums, private houses - even bus stops and grocery shops - our own architectural tours bring contemporary and traditional architecture closer to those interested.

Take a look at a Bregenzerwald house and marvel at the perfection that it proudly displays - even 200 years or more after it was built. Today Vorarlberg, and the Bregenzerwald in particular, is famous far beyond its borders for its pioneering architecture.

It's a similar story when it comes to culture. Let's start in Schwarzenberg: for decades apart from Hohenems the venue for the Schubertiade with world-class classical music.

The Gesellschaftsforum FAQ Bregenzerwald has long since made a name for itself as a festival with culinary delights beyond the borders of Vorarlberg. Various events with concerts (:alpenarte, Quarta, etc.) enrich the cultural landscape of the region.

The Bregenz Festival - founded in 1946 - attracts thousands to the largest lake stage in the world every year. Speaking of Bregenz: the Kunsthaus, Landesmuseum and Landestheater form an exciting cultural mile here.

Landscape and peculiarities

The region itself is one and yet could not be more different: there is the front Bregenzerwald with wide meadows, hills and an architectural style adopted from the nearby Allgäu and a special dialect colouring. The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park attracts visitors with its wild gorges and over 50 alps and tours around the Lecknersee lake, on foot or (e-)bike.

Also worth a visit: Hittisau is home to Austria's only Women's museum, while the Juppenwerkstatt in Riefensberg is a museum and - as the name suggests - a workshop for making the elegant traditional costume.

The villages of Schwarzenberg, Andelsbuch and Egg dominate the so-called Mittelwald. From Niedere, the brave can swing down into the valley (paragliding), while Egg is a vibrant commercial centre with numerous shops and manufactories.

You have probably already got to know and love Schwarzenberg with its 17 listed houses in the village centre and the magnificent church. The Angelika Kaufmann Museum is dedicated to a great of her kind, the Käsladen (cheese cellar) is legendary and the hustle and bustle on the village square is best viewed from the bench in front of the Hirschen.

If you want to go higher, explore the rear Bregenzerwald. Rugged mountains, high peaks, exciting history (for those interested: keyword ‘Wälderrepublik’) and a shopping experience par excellence in the many small shops. Stately (guest) houses dating back to the time of the counts and the lively trade between the Bregenzerwald and Italy, Hungary or the Czech Republic adorn the villages. Several hundred tonnes of cheese a year were delivered to Milan alone, for example.

But not only goods were exchanged, but also know-how. Bregenzerwald Baroque master builders created around 800 masterpieces throughout Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the Baroque Master Builder Museum in Au is dedicated to this important era.

Craftsmanship & enjoyment

Nowhere else in Europe are there as many handicraft businesses as in the Bregenzerwald. Unique, unrivalled items are created in countless workshops and manufactories. The everyday objects, accessories, clothing, shoes or furniture are often available directly from the producers.

The Werkraum Bregenzerwald is a showcase for craftsmanship and design. Around 90 of the most innovative workshops - from carpenters to lighting designers - have joined forces to organise exhibitions and competitions as a joint platform and to promote research and development in this field.

Craftsmanship is not limited to materials such as wood, leather or textiles. Chefs, master butchers and brewers, cheese aficionados, farmers and food producers all pursue their passion and create moments of pleasure of all kinds.

Between the mountains and Lake Constance

If you want to explore city life, you are spoilt for choice: medieval Feldkirch with its shadow castle and vibrant life in the cobbled alleyways, arcades and historic squares.

Hohenems, where the Song of the Nibelungs was found and is closely linked to the Counts of Habsburg, attracts visitors with its interesting museum quarter (Jewish quarter) and many small shops and cafés, as well as the brand new Vorarlberg House of Literature.

The trade fair city of Dornbirn is all about shopping experiences, enjoyment and culture. And of course Bregenz is not to be missed - the city with probably the most beautiful sunsets on Lake Constance, the old upper town including St Martin's Tower and the city wall, winding alleyways and inviting restaurants.

Benefit from the advantages of the Guest Card

With the Guest Card for the Bregenzerwald & the Great Walser Valley, you receive a free ticket for all mountain railways (unlimited rides) and outdoor providers in the Bregenzerwald for stays of 3 nights or more. It offers discounts at museums and various shops and free travel on public transport - right from the moment you arrive!

The Guest Card is valid between 1 May and 31 October 2024 for the entire Bregenzerwald and the Großes Walsertal and will be sent to you digitally on your smartphone in advance.

Photos: Marco Rusch, Johannes Fink, Ian Ehm, Jana Sabo, Mirco Talierco