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WHAT A FIND!

NATURE UNFOLDING

CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS 2009 Suggested walks, cable cars and chair lifts, alpine huts, mountaineering schools, useful hints, hiking packages...

Germany

Lake of Constance

Bregenz

Germany Hittisau

Switzerland

Dornbirn

Schwarzenberg

Hohenems

BREGENZERWALD

BODENSEEVORARLBERG Mellau

Feldkirch

Raggal

Mittelberg

KLEINWALSERTAL

Au

Damüls Faschina

Principality of Liechtenstein

Hirschegg

Reuthe

Übersaxen

Schröcken Schoppernau

Warth

Sonntag Lech

ALPENREGION BLUDENZ Bürserberg Brand

ARLBERG

Bludenz Bartholomäberg Silbertal Schruns Tschagguns

MONTAFON

Austria

Switzerland Gargellen

Gaschurn

Bielerhöhe

PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT Publisher: Vorarlberg Tourismus Concept/Cover design: Silberball Bregenz GmbH, Agentur für integrierte Kommunikation Translation: Michaela Ott-Spracklin All data based on the information provided by the regional and local tourist offices, hotels and other organisations. While every care has been taken in compiling this brochure, no liability can be accepted for the information given (status Dec 2008) The suggested walks and hikes were developed in cooperation with Helmut Tiefenthaler and Rudolf Mayerhofer, the maps were made available by the Department of Regional Planning at the Vorarlberg State government office. International dialling code for Austria: 0043 + area code without the «0». Also applies to mobile telephone numbers. Printed by: Hecht-Druck, Hard. Printed in Austria.

INDEX The Call of the Mountains | Walking and Hiking Paths in Vorarlberg

6

Vorarlberg Regional Inclusive Cards

7

Suggestions for Hikes and Climbs • Easy Walks for Families

8–12

• Mountain Hikes and Summit Tours

15

• Serveral-Day Hikes

16

• Across Vorarlberg on the “Via Alpina“

17

• Hiking-without-Luggage Packages – Guided Tours

18

• Adventure Trails – Legend Trails – Themed Culture Trails

19–20

• Themed Nature Trails

20-21

• Alpine and Herbal Gardens, Wildlife Parks/Eagle Observatory

21

• Protected Habitats

22

• Nature & Adventure Trails, Gorges, Caves • Long-Distance High-Altitude Trails

22–23 23

Climbing Discover the Mountains with Expert Assistance • Mountaineering Schools, Mountain and Hiking Guides

25

• Suspense & Adventure with OUTDOOR VORARLBERG

25

Hiking by Rail, Bus and Boat

26-27

Health in and from the Mountain

27

Cable-cars and Chair Lifts

28

Nordic Walking, Running Tracks, Inline Skating

26

Running Events / Hiking Days

30

Alpine Shelters

30–31

Mountain Inns and Alpine Homesteads offering Overnight Shelter | Demonstration Dairy Farms

32–33

Returning Home Safely

34

Respect Your Limits – Nature Community Initiative

34

Packages for Mountain Zealots and Indulgent Walkers Hiking Maps, Hiking and Tour Guides

35–44 44

MOUNTAINS IN ABUNDANCE Think Vorarlberg. Rising gently from the shores of Lake Constance, rolling hills turn into majestic 3,000 metre-high peaks. Pastures all blossom and bloom, shady wood canopies, crystal-clear waters and glorious views enchant nature lovers as well as those of a more active bent.

www.vorarlberg.travel

Large photograph: Omeshorn/Lech Zürs am Arlberg, photo: Peter Mathis | Lake Kalbelesee/Bregenzerwald, photo: Christoph Lingg/Bregenzerwald Tourismus

SOURCES OF POWER Think of verdant meadows and lush forests, sensitive alpine fauna, gently undulating hills, imposing peaks. Add bracing mountain air and sheer endless panoramic views. Being active in these surroundings one invariably feels the beneficial effect on body, mind and spirit. Walking in nature sharpens your sensory perceptions, it lets the mind flow, and takes pace out of your life in a completely natural way. Only where you have been on foot is where you have truly been, philosophers say.

www.vorarlberg.travel

Large photograph: Bürserberg, view from the Tschengla to the Zimba, photo: Peter Mathis | top photograph: Andreas Gaßner

THE CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS | WALKING AND HIKING PATHS IN VORARLBERG For many, hiking has long meant a lot more

seasons, about well-known personages and

suggested routes and itineraries, summit

than just conquering summits. Leisurely

treasures of nature.

and several-day tours. This brochure also

or brisk walking in the great outdoors

contains information on cableways, alpine

stimulates the body and all the senses and

Finding your bearings in the mountain world

shelters run by the mountaineering clubs

has an ever so soothing effect as new

of Vorarlberg is easy. All hiking trails, some

and mountain inns, on where best to climb,

perspectives unfold. For interested hikers,

6,000km altogether, are signposted in a

where to find mountaineering schools and

the trails across the Vorarlberg mountains

standardised format. In many resorts you

outdoor adventure offers, rounded off with

have many a story to tell, about the life on

may take part in walking tours with expert

useful hints about hiking in general and a

high-alpine alps, about dairy farming, the

guidance.

hand-picked selection of appealing hiking

magic of water, the curative power of herbs,

If you are planning a tour on your own, why

packages.

the

not browse through the following pages for

kaleidoscope

of

colours

over

the

Mohnenfluh, looking towards Lech and the Lechtal alps © Kevin Artho

WALKING AND HIKING PATHS IN VORARLBERG Is the path an easy, moderately difficult, or high alpine one that requires mountaineering experience? How long is the estimated walking time? What about places of interest en route? The new system of signposting for all of Vorarlberg’s walking and hiking paths will answer all those questions at a glance. The Vorarlberg hiking-path network is still the only systematic trail concept which has been designed and signposted by uniform standards across community boundaries. 6

More than 5,600km have been newly marked and signposted and beckon visitors to put on their walking shoes. Altogether, the total length of all trails equals a beeline from Lisbon to the Urals, or from the North Cape to Egypt. In Vorarlberg, you can now virtually cross the length and breadth of Europe on foot. Find out more at www.vorarlberg.at/ wanderwege.

Hiking trails have been categorised as follows: Easy walking and hiking paths Mountain-hiking paths (sturdy shoes with a good grip required) Alpine hiking paths for experienced mountain hikers who are surefooted and do not suffer from vertigo Whatever your starting point you can easily find your bearings without a map. The signs face the walking direction and show the main destinations and wayside stops as well as estimated walking times.

REGIONAL INCLUSIVE CARDS VORARLBERG Take a cable car or chair lift up the mountain, at any time and as often as you want. At no cost at all, or for an inexpensive all-in rate. The practical Inclusive Cards available in Vorarlberg’s six holiday regions during summer make this dream come true. Depending on the region, the cards may also cover admission to museums and swimming pools, as well as the use of scheduled and hiking buses. The best choice for thrifty holiday-makers wishing to spice up their stay with a wide range of diverting activities.

View of Bregenz and Lake Constance from the Pfänderbahn Cable-Car, photo: Otmar Heidegger/Pfänderbahn

On the Arlberg, in the Bregenzerwald and the Kleinwalsertal the card is included in the price of accommodation. On the Arlberg, the Active Inclusive Card is a free recreation ticket for Lech (27 June to 4 Oct 2009) and the surroundings (in Warth from end of June to early September for visitors staying three days or longer). Visitors staying one night or longer in a hotel, guesthouse or apartment are entitled to the Active Inclusive Card, a free and unlimited sesame to a superb range of recreational programmes and facilities. It includes the use of all cable-cars and chairlifts in operation, the local/hiking bus (excluding toll collected on toll roads), the outdoor pool, outdoor and indoor tennis courts, football pitch, day fee at the golf academy in Lech, selected guided hikes, supervised activities for children in the Kids Active Club, the recreational centre (minigolf, pit pat, a paradise for babies and infants), local museum, 50% discount on the Lechtaler Bergbahn in Bach. – For details visit: www.lech-zuers.at The Bregenzerwald Guest Card entitles holders to the free use of cable cars and lifts, pools and buses between 1 May and 31 Oct 2009. Available at no cost for visitors staying three nights or longer in one of the region’s 20 partner resorts and in Fontanella and Sonntag in the Grosses Walsertal for the duration of their stay. The Bregenzerwald Guest Card covers the use of cable cars and lifts taking you to high-lying peaks that afford superb panoramic vistas, public pools, regional buses – all for free and fully unlimited. Several partner businesses offer discounts. – For details visit: www.bregenzerwald.at The Allgäu-Walser Card is a touch-free card for visitors of the Kleinwalsertal, given to visitors upon registration with their landlord (deposit of € 5). For the duration of their stay, card holders are entitled to use all buses in the Kleinwalsertal and outdoor tennis courts, participation in various guided mountain bike and themed hiking tours organised by the Kleinwalsertal mountaineering school, admission to the Bergschau exhibition, the Walser and the ski museums. Discounts apply for the children’s programme, at the outdoor pool, folklore nights and the farmers’ theatre,

for minigolf and horse-back riding, at the shooting stand, for bus tickets (return fare) to Oberstdorf, passenger tickets for individual cable cars etc. Discounts are also offered in Oberstdorf, the Oberallgäu and on admission to the inatura nature adventure exhibition in Dornbirn. The Kleinwalsertal casino fortune cookie, which is available free of charge at the local tourist office or with your landlord, can be redeemed at your next casino visit. Some accommodations also offer the “Cableway Ticket Included“ option which can be booked onto the Guest Card. – For details visit: www.kleinwalsertal.com At the other destinations the card is on sale at an inexpensive all-in rate. The BodenseeErlebniskarte (valid from 5 April to 18 Oct 2009) gives free admission to more than 180 tourist sites around the three-country spanning Lake Constance, including e.g. a number of museums and the municipal pool, as well as many cableways. Depending on the selected card type, rides on the scheduled boat services on Lake Constance may also be included. Three options are on sale, valid for 3, 7 and 14 days: landlubber ticket (Landdratten) for more than 170 excursion sites (admissions excluding the island of Mainau and boat rides), seaman ticket (Seebären) including boat rides, excluding ticket for the island of Mainau and money-saver ticket (Sparfüchse) including boat rides and admission to many leisure facilities, use of several facilities such as the island of Mainau, Pfänderbahn cable-car, Sea Life Center, Zeppelin museum ... at a discount. 7-day rate: adults – landlubber ticket € 49, seaman ticket € 90, money-saver ticket € 72, children (6 to 15 years) € 27/ 47/ 37. All included services are listed in BodenseeErlebnisplaner brochure. For details visit: www.bodensee-tourismus.eu or www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com The “Montafon-Silvretta-CARD“ in the Montafon and the “SommerAktivCard“ in the destination Alpenregion Bludenz (Brandnertal, Bludenz, Klostertal) are good for cable-cars and chairlifts in the Montafon, in Bludenz, the Brandertal and Klostertal valleys as well as for the Schnifisberg cable car, for the municipal

outdoor pools in the Montafon, in Bludenz, Braz, Dalaas, Klösterle and Brand, for museums in the Montafon (Gaschurn, Silbertal, Schruns) as well as in Wald, Bludenz and Bürserberg. It also covers bus services in the Montafon and the toll fee for passengers for the Silvretta-Hochalpenstrasse (using the scheduled bus service Bielerhöhe–Kops–Landeck), for the postal and regional buses in the Brandnertal, Grosses Walsertal, Klostertal, from Walgau to Feldkirch, for the Montafonerbahn Bludenz-Schruns and for the ÖBB rail service Feldkirch to Landeck. It gives card holders free admission to the water adventure gallery Vermunt, to GOLMIS discovery trail at the Golm, and to the Bear Land at the Sonnenkopf in Klösterle. Discounts apply to shipping excursions on Lake Constance, concerts at Vitalzentrum Felbermayer in Gaschurn, at different tennis courts in the Montafon, for the Aktivpark Montafon kids programme in Schruns-Tschagguns and for the FAMILY FUN Club in Gargellen, as well as on the admission to the inatura nature adventure exhibition in Dornbirn. Various sports shops grant discounts on rental equipment. The Silvretta Card also covers services and facilities in the Paznauntal valley (Tyrol). Price in €: Adults Senior Junior Child 3 days 34.00 29,00 27,00 20,00 5 days 43.00 35.50 33.00 24.00 7 days 46.00 38.00 36.50 25.00 10 days 56.50 47.50 45.50 33.00 14 days 72.50 60.00 57.50 42.50 Children: born 1993 or later (born 2003 or later free), junior ticket: born 1990, 1991, 1992, Senior ticket: women born 1949, men born 1944 or earlier. Families: With cards bought for two children (born 1993 or later) and at least one full-paying adult, all other children of the family (the youngest ones) are entitled to free rides. Validity: limited operations until 26 June and from 28 Sept to the end of the season; all facilities in operation from 27 June to 27 Sept – For details visit: www.montafon.at and www.alpenregion.at Regional summer-season tickets include the use of the cable cars and chairlifts and other services, depending on the region. 7

KIDS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Photo: Alex Kaiser/Alpenregion Bludenz

KIDS IN THE MOUNTAINS Cable cars and lifts make mounting or descending a lot easier, some lift operators have set up playgrounds and other attractions or special events for children. For instance there is the Smugglers’ Land at the Schafbergplateau in Gargellen, Golmi’s Discovery Trail in Tschagguns-Vandans or the indoor adventure land for children at Diedamskopf in Au-Schoppernau. Animals are the big draw at the alpine game park and the eagle watch at the Pfänderbahn mountain terminal in Bregenz. The fabulous Bear Land at Sonnenkopf with 36 play stations keeps boredom at bay. The summer tobogganing runs

in Bizau and Laterns, and the summer innertyre tobogganing course in Faschina promise action-packed fun. Nerve-racking suspense awaits you at the Alpine Coaster in Golm, a mix of summer tobogganing and roller coaster (2.6km) from Tschagguns-Latschau to Vandans (allows children older than 3 if accompanied). The Vorarlberger Sommerbergbahnen folder is available free of charge from Vorarlberg Tourismus, the local tourist offices and the mountain railway operators (in German only). Current information, operating times and events at www.sommerbergbahnen.at (in German only).

Plays and games at Bear Land (Bärenland), Sonnenkopf, photo: Sonnenkopf

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES • Sites of tales, gorges and waterfalls, pathways to water • Educational nature trails, themed nature and culture trails etc. • Heading for castles and ruins • Wild game parks in Bregenz/Pfänder and in Feldkirch (see page 21) • Eagle watch on mount Pfänder • Visits of alpine dairies, demonstration dairies and traditional craftshops • Nature adventure Holdamoos in Au-Schoppernau (guided visits Frid 14:00–16:00, mid July/Aug also on Wed 14:00–16:00) • In the footsteps of mining in the Montafon (Silbertal-Bartholomäberg, see page 20)

* Cheese trail along the crest of the Pfänder (above Bregenz) with educational trail on cheese and Bregenzerwald cheese road (see page 19) • Adventure hike with Stanislaus, the packmule, and sleep in the hay for families with children: 1 x weekly in Dalaas/Wald (day 1: 2 hrs, day 2: 4.5 hrs or 2 hrs walking time) • Explore nature from a different perspective at the inatura nature adventure exhibiton in Dornbirn or the Silbertal forest school. For more tips and hints consult our free folder Keine Spur von Langeweile (in German only) or at www.vorarlberg.travel.

Adventure bridge in Holdamoos, photo: Arno Meusburger

OUT AND ABOUT WITH A PRAM Mountain walking with a pram? Parents have a choice of several walking trails suitable for buggies e.g. in the Bregenzerwald and the Montafon. The routes run on comfortable, often asphalt roads. For a selection of walking trails suitable for families with infants, consult the folder Kinderzeit (German only) published by the Bregenzerwald Tourist Board (available free of charge at local tourist offices and at www.bregenzerwald.at). Mellau – Circuit Trail Along the Mellenbach The Mellau village circuit starts at the centre, 8

following the shores of the Mellenbach brook. At the new fire brigade, turn left, passing Parzelle Unterrain, then pick up the dirt road to Parzelle Oberfeld. After crossing the Dürrenbach brook, you reach Parzelle Bad. Walking along Alpbach creek you stroll down to the Bregenzerach creek. From here you walk downstream to the village centre. This walk at the foot of the imposing mount Kanisfluh is interspersed with sunny spots for playing, having a rest or a picnic. Walking time: 2 hours, elevation to cover: 40m, inns and places to rest in Mellau.

Photo: walser-image.com/Diedamskopf

SUGGESTED HIKES AND CLIMBS FOR FAMILIES AND LEISURELY HIKERS On a pleasantly small area, Vorarlberg offers

terrain along the ridge of a mountain, are a

a myriad of different hiking grounds, for

treat for the eye.

Suggested reading (German only, on stock at booksellers’): Helmut Tiefenthaler, Tyrolia Verlag Wege in die Vergangenheit in Vorarlberg Wege in die Vergangenheit im Alpenrheintal Wege in die Natur in Vorarlberg

families and contemplative walkers, leisurely panoramic hikes or demanding summit tours,

With the natural scenery being so dominated

several-day routes – with or without luggage.

by mountains, visitors are of course spoiled

One of Vorarlberg’s specials are themed

for choice when it comes to mountain walks

walks around a given theme or interest. For

and summit tours of all levels of difficulty.

families, for instance, there are trails that can

Several-day hikes make for an appealing

be used with a perambulator. Walks to

alternative. On some, you even cross national

wardened alps where cheese is produced

borders, such as the tour on ancient

and served during the summer, combine

smugglers’ trails which will take you to

hiking and culinary pleasures. The numerous

Switzerland.

Rudolf Mayerhofer, Loewenzahn Verlag Die schönsten Bergwanderungen in Vorarlberg Alpwandern in Vorarlberg

panoramic trails which run mostly on even

RANKWEIL

➤

Altenstadt

Ardetzenberg

➤

Description of route: The signpost at Feldkirch station points the way to the medieval Schattenburg fortress, the former centre of the Montfort rulers in Feldkirch. From there, the leisurely walk called “fortress trail“ passes the Elendbild chapel before reaching Amberg Palace, a Patrician residence built around 1500. Continue on a forest trail and along the valley to Rankweil. For centuries, this section of the trail has been one of the most popular access ways to the pilgrimage church on Liebfrauenberg.

BODENSEE-VORARLBERG

➤

Feldkirch Pilgrimage Trail to Rankweil

Places to rest: Feldkirch, Schattenburg, Rankweil

Schloss Amberg Bahnhof

➤

Characteristic features: Easy and varied valley trail, especially if you enjoy meditative walking.

FELDKIRCH

➤

Schattenburg

Characteristic features: Leisurely walk in the valley, alternating with an easy mountain walk. Recommended and entertaining for children. Places to rest: Au Useful hints/places of interest: The Argenschlucht gorge is a natural monument where the Argenbach creek, after cutting its way through a limestone rise, gives interesting insights into how the mountains were formed. Auer Ried is a marshland interspersed with a mosaic of sparse meadows and a rich diversity of fauna and flora.

AU

Le

ue

ba

ch

➤

➤

Auer Ried

➤

➤

Description of route: Look out for the road turn to Damüls near the parish church in Au. Pick up the roadway and walk along the foot of mount Kanisfluh, passing a meadow on even terrain and across the wetland forest, heading to the harshly beautiful Argenschlucht gorge. Where the shore trail ends in an inaccessible ravine, change to a footpath that mounts through a beech forest to the mountain pastures of Argenfall. After crossing the Damüls road, the route runs across the Auer Ried nature reserve. The highest point of the tour rewards you with stunning views. Return to the valley along the Leuebach creek through verdant woodland.

BREGENZERWALD

➤

Argenschlucht Gorge and Auer Ried Nature Reserve

Walking time: 2 ¾ hours Difference in elevation: 150m Starting point: Feldkirch station (457m) Finish: Rankweil station (460m) Parking: Parking in Feldkirch, Wichnergasse at a fee Public transport: Rail and bus services to the stations in Feldkirch and Rankweil

➤

Useful hints/places of interest: Schattenburg fortress in Feldkirch (built between the 12th and 16th centuries) housing the Schattenburg Museum (collection of sacral art and weapons), basilica in Rankweil, fortress and pilgrimage church on Liebfrauenberg (walk along the old battlements, look-out point).

h ac nb e g Ar

Walking time: 2 ¾ hours Difference in elevation: 255m Starting point/finish: Au-Jaghausen (788m) Parking: Au parish church (limited parking) Public transport: Bus no. 40, stop at Au/Hotel Krone

9

SUGGESTED HIKES AND CLIMBS FOR FAMILIES AND LEISURELY HIKERS ALPENREGION BLUDENZ

BÜRSERBERG

Boden

➤

➤

Description of route: At Bürserberg, the itinerary follows the road up to the Tschengla for 15 minutes. At Parzelle Brenner, a foot trail branches off to the left towards the forests up the mountainside. On a succession of roadways and foot trails, it approaches the edge of the Schesatobel ravine. Having reached the Gaschiera heights, turn off to a foot trail which runs across the Zugswald forest to the steep mountain pastures of Zug from where you will enjoy dazzling views of the Zimba. Passing a high-alpine farm, you return to Bürserberg.

➤

➤

Characteristic features: Successive alternation of roadways and walking trails, most of which run through shady mountain woodland. Where to rest: Bürserberg Useful hints/places of interest: Schesatobel, a wonder of nature, Europe’s largest stone river that formed in the 19th century in ice-age glacier sediments after a mountain forest was cut down.

High-Altitude Circuit Raggal – Ludescher Berg

➤

Walking time: 2 ¼ hours Difference in elevation: 390m Starting point/finish: Bürserberg-Boden (895m) Parking: Close to the municipal office Public transport: Bus no. 81, descend at Bürserberg-Gemeindeamt

GROSSES WALSERTAL

Description of route: Starting at the parish church in Raggal the itinerary follows the mountain road for a short while until it branches off to trail marked in white, red and white. This trail first runs uphill on a meadow, then in the forest until you hit a motor road on which you walk in the direction of Untere Urschla. From there, the hiking trail takes you to Ludescher Berg, offering gorgeous views of the Walgau. At Grüneck, pick up the Labomweg trail and return across pastures and meadows with vistas into the Grosses Walsertal to Hof Rapiert and Raggal.

Useful hints/places of interest: Near-pristine cultural landscape with an exceptional diversity of alpine pastures (in full bloom between late May and early July).

➤

Where to stop: Raggal, Ludescher Berg

Labo

➤

m

➤

Characteristic features: Varied mountain trail with some steep sections, but easily negotiable also for children.

Falazera

RAGGAL

➤

➤

Schesatobel Ravine

Ludescher Berg

Walking time: 2 ¾ hours Difference in elevation: 280m Starting point/finish: Raggal church square (1,015m) Parking: In Raggal near the parish church Public transport: Bus no. 78 to the stop Raggal-Abzweigung

Panoramic Circuit Übersaxen

BODENSEE-VORARLBERG ÜBERSAXEN

Places to rest: Übersaxen Useful hints/ places of interest: Scenic views into the Walgau and the Rhine valley. Variety of different grasslands with small hanging bogs. 10

Weiherberg

➤

Characteristic features: Comfortable roadways with few ups and downs alternate with short, steep mountain trail sections.

➤ ➤

➤

Description of route: From Übersaxen, walk in the direction of Düns to the Glath look-out, passing the alpine meadows of Harba and mountain forest to Gartis. In the forest above Gartis, turn off to a serpentine trail on which you reach Satteinser Gulmalpe after crossing the Dünserberger road. Return to Übersaxen through Alpine pastures and on a forest trail to the hanging bogs of Tiefenbach. From there, continue on the forest trail to reach the sloped terraces of Weiherberg. Return to the start on the Rufisweg and Berggässle pathways.

Gulmalpe

➤

Walking time: 2 ½ hours Difference in elevation: 230m Starting point/finish: Übersaxen village square (899m) Parking: Übersaxen village centre Public transport: Bus no. 66, descend at the stop ÜbersaxenGemeindeamt

SUGGESTED HIKES AND CLIMBS FOR FAMILIES AND LEISURELY HIKERS ARLBERG

To the Springs of the Lech River Description of route: From the bus stop at lake Formarinsee, first walk a short way along the foot of the Rote Wand to a look-out that offers views over the lake. Then follow a footpath in the high-lying valley, where you will soon discover a brook turning into a mountain creek, after being fed by several springs. In the area of the Älpele, the young Lech is already a sizeable creek. From here, you may either return by bus from the stops at Älpele or in Zug, or walk back along the river shore to the village of Lech. Characteristic features: The route gently winds up and down following the river shore, in the uppermost section it tapers into a narrow trail, before it becomes a motor road in Zug. Places to stop: Formarinalpe (snacks during the alp season), Älpele, Zug, Lech Useful hints/places of interest: Lake Formarinsee with its subterranean outlets to the Lech river, into the Klostertal and the Grosses Walsertal valley (Rhine-Danube water divide). The appeal of the trail’s valley section lies in that hikers can witness the “birth of a river“. Early summer is the best time, as the Lech springs carry the most amount of water and the Alpine flora is in full blossom.

LECH

Älpele

➤

Rote Wand x

Lech

➤

➤ Spulersee

Walking times (optional): 2 ¼ hours to Älpele, 3 ¼ hours to Zug, 3 ¾ hours to Lech Difference in elevation: 340m to Älpele, 410m to Zug, 460m to Lech Starting point: Lech-Formarinalpe (1871m) Parking: In Lech (underground car-park under the parish church) or in Zug Finish: Älpele (1562m), Zug (1510m) or Lech (1444m) Public transport: Local bus no. 7 to the stops Lech-Postamt, Zug, Älpele and Formarinsee

KLEINWALSERTAL Auenhütte

. erb ➤ wass z r wa Sch Schwarzwasserhütte

Walmendinger Horn

➤

Useful hints/places of interest: Educational trail on alpine flowers at Walmendinger Horn (most impressive in early summer). Remnants of an ice-age rockslide from the Hohen Ifen, (Melköde – a silted-up bog, subterranean discharge of the Schwarzwasser brook, giant boulders along the way).

➤

Places to rest: Walmendinger Horn, Obere Lüchlealpe, Schwarzwasserhütte, Melköde, Auenhütte

Geißbühel

➤

Melköde

Ochsenhofer Scharte

Characteristic features: Mostly easy roadways that are linked by a fairly steep mountain hiking trail via Ochsenhofer Scharte.

➤

Formarinsee

From Walmendinger Horn to Schwarzwassertal Valley Description of route: The itinerary starts at Walmendinger Horn at a look-out with panoramic views of the Kleinwalsertal mountains, following a roadway to Obere Lüchlealpe and Äussere Stierhofalpe. From there, continue via Ochsenhofer Scharte to Schwarzwasserhütte and then in a beautiful forest ravine to Melköde alp. Reach the end of your tour on a broad trail to Auenhütte.

Zug

Äußere Stierhofalpe Lüchlealpe

Walking time: 4 hours Difference in elevation: ascent 150m, descent 840m Starting point: Mittelberg, Walmendinger Horn (cable car mountain terminal, 1,945m) Parking: Mittelberg, cable car valley terminal Finish: Auenhütte (1273m) Public transport: Walserbus to the stops Mittelberg and Ifen near Auenhütte

Kleinwalsertal, photo: Alexander Rochau/Kleinwalsertal Tourismus

11

SUGGESTED HIKES AND CLIMBS FOR FAMILIES AND LEISURELY HIKERS Alp Hike to the Lecknertal Valley

BREGENZERWALD Rohnehöhe

➤

Falken x

Hochhädrich x

➤

Plattentisch Rohne Alpe Alpe Glockenplatte Alpe

➤

Description of route: From the car park (980m) take the trail leading gently downhill out of the valley in westerly direction to Leckenholz Alpe (960m). From here, a dirt trail branches off to the right towards Schwarzenberger Platte Alpe. Continue across a meadow to the east, first on even terrain, then downhill to Alpe Juliansplatte. From this alp, follow the dirt trail that winds down gently to the Lecknertal lake. From the lake, follow the road and another couple of minutes will take you to the car park.

Juliansplatte Alpe

➤

Schwarzenberger Platte Alpe

Leckner See

➤

Parkplatz

Useful hints/places of interest: You may extend this circuit extensively if you continue mounting from Schwarzenberger Platte to Plattentisch Alpe and the Falcon Ridge. Crossing along the ridge, continue eastward up to Rohnehöhe (1,639m). Then descend to Alpe Juliansplatte passing Rohne Alpe and Alpe Glockenplatten, where you can pick up the itinerary described above. Arriving by public transport, your tour must start in Hittisau and will take approx. 4 hours. As an added bonus, this will include the Engenloch gorge.

➤

➤

Characteristic features: With more than 60 different alps, Hittisau probably counts the largest number of high-alpine farmsteads in Austria. Obviously most of these are fairly small and farmed from the valley. On this circular trail along the slopes of the Lecknertal valley you will pass many alps that extend a hospitable welcome to hikers.

Leckenholz Alpe

Walking time: 2 ½ hours Difference in elevation: 400m Starting point/finish: Car park in the Lecknertal valley near Hittisau Signpost located vis-à-vis the car park Public transport: Bus no. 41 from Egg or three daily services from Dornbirn Parking: Access subject to toll fee Category: White-yellow and white-red-white Wardened alps: Alpe Schwarzenberger Platte (1,240m): late May - mid-Sept, drinks, snacks Rohne Alpe (1,400 m): mid-May – late-Oct, drinks, snacks Alpe Glockenplatte (1,276m): late May – early Sept, drinks, snacks Alpe Juliansplatte (1,160m): late May – mid-Sept, drinks, snacks

Alp Hike into the Wildental Valley

12

➤ W ild en ta lst ra ße

➤

➤

Breitach

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Useful hints/places of interest: From Obere Wiesalpe you may continue your tour on a dirt trail heading north to Innere Kuhgehrenalpe (1,673m). Soon you leave the trail to the right and, taking the steep forest path, you reach the alp, which affords sublime views of the Kleinwalsertal valley. Pick up the narrow trail above the alp building and head in a south-easterly direction to the craggy peaks of the Schafalpenköpfe before it winds up in serpentines to Wannenalpe (small alpine shelter without service). The trail then forks, leading up to Fiderepasshütte to the left, and down to the valley to the right. Keeping right, you will reach a ridge and, in a steep descent along this ridge, you walk down to Fluchtalpe.

MITTELBERG

➤

Characteristic features: The Wildental is very popular for its vicinity to Mittelberg and for its alps, which have been converted into inns. If you are prepared for a longer ascent, you will be rewarded by lovely high-alpine scenery.

Höfle

➤

Description of route: Follow the waymarks down to Breitach from where you walk for a short while into the valley until you hit Wildentalstrasse. Now turn to the left into the valley heading to the Wiesalpen. From Obere Wiesalpe, continue to Höfle and down to the Breitach stream. Follow the Ach brook into the valley and after a short while turn right to return to the starting point of your tour.

KLEINWALSERTAL

Schwendle

Bödmen

Wi lde nb ach

Obere Wiesalpe Untere

Walking time: 2 hours Difference in elevation: 350m Starting point/finish: Mittelberg Signpost located at the tourist office Public transport: Walserbus No. 1 Parking: Near Walmendinger Hornbahn Category: White-yellow Wardened alps: Untere Wiesalpe (1,270m): mid-June – late Sept, drinks snacks Obere Wiesalpe (1,298m): late-May – Oct, drinks, snacks Fluchtalpe (1,380m): early June – late Sept, drinks, snacks Kuhgehrenalpe (1,673m): June – late Oct, drinks, snacks

SUGGESTED HIKES AND CLIMBS FOR FAMILIES AND LEISURELY HIKERS

Kreuzle

Mittelstation Diedamskopfbahn

Breitenalpe

Falzer Kopf x

➤

Neuhornbachjoch

Neuhornbachhaus

Walking time: 4 hours Difference in elevation: Ascent 400m / descent 900m Starting point/finish: Diedamskopfbahn mountain /middle station Signpost located at the mountain station Public transport: Bus no. 40 from Dornbirn Parking: Near the cable-car Category: White-red-white Places to rest: Diedamskopf panoramic restaurant, Breitenalpe, Neuhornbachhaus

Golmer High-Altitude Circuit – Geissspitze

➤

Grüneck Golmer Joch x

Golm x Plazadels Ga

ue

rt

Keuzjoch x Hätaberger J. x ➤

Kreuzspitze x

➤ Geißspitze x

Tobel See

➤

Useful hints/places of interest: You may skip Geissspitze peak, which makes the tour a lot easier and shorter. If you choose this option, turn to the left shortly before Hättaberger Joch and head down to Latschätz Alpe. From the alp, pick up the broad trail which runs around Geisspitze to the east to Lindauer Hütte. In Latschau you may want to try the Alpine Coaster to swoosh down to Vandans. The chairlift will take you back to Latschau. Moreover, a forest rope trail with nine demanding courses is set to open in Latschau in early 2009.

Matschwitz

➤

Characteristic features: Since the tour already begins at a high altitude, it is physically rather undemanding and may be started even at lunch time. The special highlights of this tour are the views of the awe-inspiring north flanks of Drusenfluh, Drei Türme and Sulzfluh.

Latschau

➤

Description of route: From the mountain station of Golmerbahn (1,890m) walk up to Golmer Joch, then keep on following the ridge to the Kreuzjoch (2,261m). From there, head south down to Hättaberger Joch and, passing below Wildenmann, up to Geissspitze (2,334m). From this dazzling look-out point, continue along a steep slope to the south down to Lindauer Hütte, an ideal shelter for a long rest. Return on a dirt trail which allows for many short-cuts, leaving the Gauertal valley and back to Latschau (983m).

MONTAFON

al

Useful hints/places of interest: A Kid’s Land has opened on more than 300 square metres on the upper level of the gondola lift mountain station. Here, children can enjoy supervised playing fun, while their parents can have a rest in the free deck chairs and enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama.

➤

➤

Characteristic features: As you mount on Diedamskopfbahn (2,020m), the starting point of this tour is close to the summit, most of the route is downhill.

BREGENZERWALD

➤

Description of route The ascent to Diedamskopf (2,090m) by cable car is too short to require description. The views that unfold are sublime. From there, walk along the ridge downhill toward the east; follow the dirt trail, but at the first bend continue straight on until you reach Kreuzle on a trail with many washed-out patches. Here you should descend to the right and after a short stretch (at approx. 1,730m) turn left. Walking steeply uphill you will reach a mountain head with a cross, this is just a pre-summit. Passing a ridge and mounting once again, you reach Falzer Kopf (1,968m). From the summit, walk down on a very steep descent on the east side along the ridge down to Neuhornbachjoch (be cautious in wet conditions). Along gently rolling alpine pastures, head for Gasthaus Neuhornbachhaus (1,650m). Continue on a leisurely trail with hardly any ups and downs to Breitenalpe and then to the middle station of Diedamskopfbahn.

Diedamskopf x

➤

Diedamskopf – Falzerkopf

➤

Lindauer Hütte

Schwarzhorn x

Walking time: 6 hours Difference in elevation: Ascent 600m / descent 1,500m Starting point/finish: Mountain terminal Golmerbahn/Latschau Signpost located at Golmerbahn Public transport: Bus no. 1 from Schruns Parking: Near Golmerbahn terminal Category: White-red-white Places to rest: Matschwitz, Lindauer Hütte

13

SUGGESTIONS FOR HIKES AND CLIMBS – MOUNTAIN HIKES AND SUMMIT TOURS

Rüfikopfbahn Bergstation

Nördliche-

Mittele-Wösterspitze

➤

LECH

➤

richFried -Weg r Maye

Südliche-

➤ Ochsengümple x Rüfispitze

x Omeshorn

➤ Krabachjoch Stuttgarter Hütte

➤

Useful hints/places of interest: Continuing the hike from Wösterspitze via Rauhekopf Scharte (2,407m) to Stuttgarter Hütte (2,305m) is an interesting alternative. From there you descend to Trittalpe and down to Zürs (1,717m). Return to your starting point by bus. This tour is often run without mounting Wösterspitze. If you want to start and finish in Zürs, first walk to Monzabon Alpe and then up to Monzabonjoch.

Tälialpe

➤

Special features: Breathtaking views of wide stretches of Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Southern Germany from Wösterspitze. Starting at the Rüfikopfbahn, the tour is physically undemanding, surefootedness is, however, essential.

ARLBERG

Wöstersattel

ch ba er rs Zü

Description of route: From the mountain terminal of Rüfikopfbahn (2,350m), walk to the east down to Monzabonjoch. From here, continue to the left, downhill to the mountain hollow of Ochsengümple (approx. 2,200m). Continue uphill to the east, turn left halfway and head for the crest which takes you in a northerly direction to the first summits and, in difficult terrain, to Südliche Wösterspitze. The trail to the middle and north summits runs on an exposed ridgeline and is therefore often left out. The descending route initially follows the ascent, but turn right below the crest when the trail branches off and continue on Friedrich Mayer trail below Wösterspitze to the north to Wöstersattel, before heading on a steep downhill section to Tälialpe. On a dirt trail you return to Lech (1,444m).

Stubenbach

➤

Südliche Wösterspitze Summit Trail

Zürsersee

Trittalpe ZÜRS

Walking time: 6 hours Difference in elevation: Ascent 450m / descent 350m Starting point/finish: Mountain terminal Rüfikopfbahn/Lech Signpost located in front of the new mountain terminal Public transport: Bus no. 91 from Langen Parking: Near Schlosskopfbahn Category: White-red-white Places to rest: None, or Stuttgarter Hütte, Trittalpe

Up to the Dornbirner First Ridge

BODENSEE-VORARLBERG

Bödele

➤ Lustenauer Hütte Gütle Bregenzer Hütte Weißenfluh Alpe Hottersattel Untersehren Alpe

➤

Kobela ch

Staufensee

➤

Bocksberg x

Kobelalpe

➤

14

Hochälpele x

Obersehren Alpe

Hangspitze x

➤

Useful hints/places of interest: For this tour, you should be using public transport, because of the distance between start and finish. The tour can be shortened considerably if you leave out the ridge and descend from Hohensattel pass via the dirt trail directly to Kobelalpe.

SCHWARZENBERG

➤

Characteristic features: The Dornbirner First ridge offers sweeping panoramic views over the Rhine valley, the mountains of the Säntis massif in Switzerland, Lake Constance, southern Germany and wide parts of the Bregenzerwald. Most of the itinerary runs on high-level trails with glorious views and requires physical fitness for its sheer length.

DORNBIRN

➤

Description of route: From Bödele (1,140m) set out along the leisurely Spechtweg trail, passing the picturesque Hochälpele Alpe, then on to Lustenauer Hütte and Weissenfluh Alpe (1,375 m). After a short descent to Hottersattel (1,249 m), continue in the direction of Untersehren Alpe. At the highest point of Hottersattel turn left and, at the next bifurcation, continue straight on to the alp. From here, a steep footpath takes you to a ridgeline near Obersehren Alpe. Traverse the hollow behind the alp in an arc, and then mount from left to right up to Dornbirner First. Finally, descend back to Obersehren Alpe and on a steep trail down in the direction of Kobelalpe. Below a stretch of forest, you pass Hasengerach Alpe and the ski hostel. Look out for the gravel road at Kobelalpe. From here, you may follow the gravel road along Kobelalpe to Niedere on Ebniter Strasse (725m) or descend on a small forest path along a ridgeline through a forest, turning left at Holdereggen to the Kobelache brook. Crossing the brook, you will reach Niedere, from where you may either follow the road or take the bus No. 47 down to Dornbirn.

x First

Walking time: 6 ½ hours Difference in elevation: Ascent 800m / descent 1,200m Starting point/finish: Bödele/Niedere at the Bödelestrasse Signpost located at: Bödele, near the stile to the shelter trail Parking: Bus no. 38 from Dornbirn up to Bödele Category: White-yellow and white-red-white Places to rest: Lustenauer Hütte, Bregenzer Hütte, Weissenfluh Alpe, Obersehren Alpe, Kobelalpe

SUGGESTIONS FOR HIKES AND CLIMBS – MOUNTAIN HIKES AND SUMMIT TOURS Itonskopf Summit

MONTAFON

Description of route: Starting in Bartholomäberg (1,087m) you walk along narrow roads and pasture trails up to lake Fritzensee. From here, pick up the solid dirt trail and follow the signs in the direction of Kristberg, passing lake Fulasee and lake Torasee on the way. At Amas-Legi, take the path to the left that runs to Falla, directly on the ridge. Then change to the Klostertal side (north), and after some 10 minutes, take the steep uphill trail at Ildste to “Obere Wies“. Turn west and mounting a steep grass hill you reach a subsidiary summit which you bypass. Shortly after, you will find yourself standing under the craggy summit of Itonskopf (2,089m), which requires just a few, but demanding, metres of ascent. After a well-deserved rest on the summit, you need to return down to the hiking trail, which you follow to the west. It first runs along a broad ridgeline and then, passing south of Wannaköpfle to a mountain hollow north of Monteneukopf, continuing westward downhill to Gasthaus Rellseck. On a dirt trail or by boarding a hiking bus, you return to Bartholomäberg.

Rellseck

Obere Wies

➤

Useful hints/places of interest: Along the way, 24 signboards inform about the geological history of the Montafon. Using public transport, you may start the tour in Silbertal near the mountain terminal of Kristbergbahn. From there, you walk up nearby Kristbergsattel and along the ridgeline to the west. After one hour, pick up the trail described above near Falla and keep following until you reach Bartholomäberg. Return to Schruns by bus.

Wannaköpfle x Monteneu

Falla

➤

➤

Characteristic features: Itonskopf offers splendid panoramic views of the Rote Wand, Zimba, Drusenfluh, Drei Türme, Sulzfluh, to mention just a few awe-inspiring peaks. Instead of the Itonskopf you may also climb Wannaköpfle, which is easy to access.

Itonskopf x

Fritzensee

➤

Innerberg

BARTHOLOMÄBERG

SCHRUNS

Walking time: 6 hours Difference in elevation: 1,100m Starting point/finish: Bartholomäberg Signpost located at the church Public transport: Bus no. 84 from Schruns Parking: Near the church Category: White-red-white and white-blue-white (only a few metres to the summit) Places to rest: Rellseck

Saulakopf Peak

Saulakopf x

ALPENREGION BLUDENZ

➤

Useful hints/places of interest: This is a lovely and recommended circuit, even if you decide to miss out on Saulakopf. Instead of mounting on the south side on the standard trail, you can reach the summit on a rope-secured climbing route. For this, pick up the trail down to Heinrich Hueter Hütte at Saulajoch, and then turn off at the eastern flank to the access point. The climbing path starts fairly easy to the left along a conspicuous slab, before it turns very steep and demanding. This route is unsuitable for beginners, but requires experience and full climbing gear. Descent on the standard route.

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➤

➤

Saulajoch

Gipsköpfle x

Schafgafall x

LünerseebahnBergstation

➤

Böser Tritt

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Characteristic features: Saulakopf peak is a highly popular destination, despite – or perhaps because of – the difficulty of the tour. The stunning mountain scenery of virtually all peaks of the Rätikon massif and the sweeping panoramic views down to Lake Lünersee are more than rewarding.

BRAND

➤

Description of route: From the mountain terminal of Lünerseebahn (1,980m) first walk along the dam wall and then up and down the Saulajochsteig trail below the rugged Schafgafall to Saulajoch (2,065m). Some difficult sections need to be negotiated. Slightly east of the ridge, turn to the left up a steep path to the craggy peak of Saulakopf (2,517m). In the rugged upper section there are wire ropes to secure you. Take the same trail to descend to Saulajoch. Then continue left in the direction of Rellstal. After a short while, the trail branches off to the right to Lünerkrinne (2,155m), which allows you to cross over to lake Lünersee. Upon your arrival, you may want walk around the lake, or just make a beeline for Douglasshütte near the cable car.

➤

Douglashütte

Lünerkrinne

Lünersee

Walking time: 5 ½ hours Difference in elevation: 800m Starting point/finish: Lünersee/Brand Signpost located at mountain terminal Public transport: Bus no. 81 from Bludenz and Lünerseebahn Parking: Near the cable-car Category: White-red-white and white-blue-white Places to rest: Douglasshütte

15

SUGGESTIONS FOR HIKES AND CLIMBS – SEVERAL-DAY TOURS Braunarlspitze Peak

GROSSES WALSERTAL/BREGENZERWALD

➤

BUCHBODEN

➤

➤

Fürggele

Metzgertobelalpe

SONNTAG

➤

➤

UntereObere Alpschellenalpe

Bratschenkopf x

x Braunarlspitze

➤

Göppinger Hütte

Starting at Sonntag-Buchboden: Walking time: 14 ½ hours (7 + 7 ½ hours) Difference in elevation: 2,050m Starting point/finish: Buchboden centre Signpost located at the car park behind the church Public transport: Bus no. 77 from Thüringen and Bus no. 77a from Sonntag Parking: Parking site behind the church Category: White-red-white and white-blue-white Places to rest: Rotenbrunnen, Göppinger Hütte, Biberacher Hütte, Ischgarnei Alpe, Metzgertobel Alpe x Hochkünzelspitze

GROSSES WALSERTAL/BREGENZERWALD Landsteg b. s l ➤ be o lst de n a h Sc

➤

Schadonapass Biberacher Hütte

SCHRÖCKEN

Fellealpe

Hochberg x

➤

Useful hints/places of interest: Leaving out Göppinger Hütte, you can cross Braunarlspitze from Schröcken following the described itinerary in approx. 8 hours.

Biberacher Hütte

Fürggele

➤

➤

Braunarlspitze x

Hochgletschalpe

➤

Mohnenfluh x

Butzensee

➤

Special features: Braunarlspitze is a peak that will leave you awe-struck. Mounting the summit requires time, physical stamina and mountaineering experience. You will be rewarded by the unfolding panorama of three major regions of Vorarlberg: the Bregenzerwald, the Arlberg and the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park.

Ischgarneialpe

➤

Itinerary from Schröcken (1,269m): Starting at the church, you walk to the Bregenzerach stream, and having crossed it, up to Felle Alpe. Here you leave the dirt trail and follow the narrow valley uphill, passing a waterfall where the trail turns steep, towards the direction of Hochgletschalpe. Here, turn left and on steep and rugged terrain head uphill to lake Butzensee. In some sections, the trail is secured by wire ropes. From the lake, pick up the lovely high-alpine trail below Braunarlspitze to the west until you reach Göppinger Hütte (2,245m). Having spent the night there, you walk back on the high-alpine trail for a while. Mount the summit, then descend to Fürgelle (see description above). At Fürgelle you have two different options. For the shorter route, turn right and take the many serpentines leading steeply downhill to Hochgletschalpe. From here, pick up the familiar trail to Schoppernau. Opting for the longer route, you continue to the left until you reach Biberacher Hütte, where you could plan for an extra night and mount Hochkünzelspitze on day three. To return, pick up the dirt trail across the Schandelstobelbach valley to Landsteg and take a bus to the point of departure.

Pregimelbach

➤

Itinerary from Sonntag-Buchboden (910m): In Buchboden, continue leisurely on a motor road into the valley to Metzgertobel Alpe, passing the deeply washed-out Kessis gorge. After the alp, follow the dirt trail for some time until you reach Untere Alpschellen Alpe. From here, the trail mounts steeply to Obere Alpschellen Alpe. At the alp, the trail turns flatter and heads in a wide curve below the north flanks of Bratschenwand to a ridge and across a chute down to a karst area before reaching Göppinger Hütte (2,245 m). Having spent the night there, continue the itinerary, passing below Löffelspitze, to just below Braunarlspitze. After a steep gravel field you must climb up the rocks to the summit. From the summit, you walk along the long ridgeline towards the north down on Weimarer trail. In between, there are some craggy and exposed patches, before you finally reach Fürggele. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful mountain hike along the Northern Alps trail to Biberacher Hütte (1,846m). From the shelter, turn left and traverse into the Ischgarnei alps below Glattjöchlspitze. At Untere Ischgarnei Alpe, which looks like a small alp village, keep left on your way into the cirque of the Pregimel creek. Below Kunkelspitze, head down in the forest, crossing two distinctive ravines before you reach the motor path across Metzgertobel valley again and return leisurely to Buchboden.

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Starting at Schröcken: Walking time: 10 hours (5 + 5 hours) Difference in elevation: 1,700m Starting point/finish: Schröcken Signpost located at Hotel Mohnenfluh Public transport: Bus no. 40 from Bezau Parking: Near the church Category: White-red-white and white-blue-white Places to rest: Felle Alpe, Göppinger and Biberacher Hütte

VORARLBERG – A TRAILBLAZER IN NATURE PRESERVATION Millions of people live in the Alps or find recreation here. The ecological balance of the Alps is a matter of survival for the locals as well as for guests. They are a water reservoir and climate kitchen, home to delicate fauna and flora, and ensure the livelihood of mountain farmers. The alpine habitat needs to be treated 16

with respect. Vorarlberg has always pioneered the conservation of the largely unspoilt natural environment in this confined area. Vorarlberg has led the way in nature preservation and is a winner of several awards. Wide stretches of the country, including the glaciers, are subject to stringent nature and plant

protection regulations. Rivers and lakes and their shores enjoy special protection. A tourism strategy that is geared toward sustainability ensures a cautious and prudent development of tourism. Vorarlberg is ranks top in Austria when it comes to avoiding and separating waste, as well as saving energy.

SUGGESTIONS FOR HIKES AND CLIMBS – SEVERAL-DAY TOURS ACROSS VORARLBERG ON THE “VIA ALPINA“ Via Alpina is a new European culture and long-distance high-altitude trail. On five different variants, Via Alpina spans eight Alpine countries from Trieste to Monaco, from the Adriatic to the Mediterranean. Between Bavaria and Liechtenstein, Via Alpina runs right across Vorarlberg. It is a transversal route for sophisticated hikers wanting to explore the

Lake Körbersee, photo: P. Mathis

View from Schadona to the Hochtannberg, photo: H. Tiefenthaler

St. Gerold abbey, photo: Wolfensberg

Feldkirch, photo: P. Mathis

diversity of natural and cultural landscapes in the country, taking them over mountains and valleys to the broad main valleys. A certain level of physical fitness is required for the trail over the Schadonapass. From Buchboden, the itinerary can be cut short by using the bus. Along the way, there are selected inns and comfortable hotels for accommodation.

Accommodation: For day 1/arrival: Schröcken tourist office, tel. +43 (0)5519/267-10, [email protected] For days 2 and 3: Alpenregion Bludenz, tel. +43 (0)5552/30227, [email protected] For day 4 and following days: Feldkirch tourist office, tel. +43 (0)5522/73467, tourismus@ feldkirch.at

Day 1: From Hochkrumbach to Schröcken Walking time approx. 2.5 hours Start: Hochkrumbach, bus stop Gasthof Adler, 1,675m; How to reach the starting point: regional bus No. 40/No. 42 Finish: Schröcken village centre, 1,269m Difference in altitude: ascent 190m in total, descent approx. 500m.

Itinerary: The route starts at Hochkrumbach, leading first to the small church of St. Jakob at the Simmel lookout (1,740m), then over the 1,676m Hochtannberg pass to lake Körbersee and via the high-lying valley of Auenfelds and Batzenalpe (1,560m) to the small Walser settlement of Schröcken (1,269m). Food & drink: Hochkrumbach, Körbersee, Batzenalpe (snacks during alp time), Schröcken

Day 2: From Schröcken via Schadonapass to Buchboden in the Grosses Walsertal Walking time 6 3/4 hours Starting point: Schröcken village centre, 1,269m Finish: Buchboden village centre, 910m Difference in altitude: ascent approx. 950m, descent 1,080m Itinerary: Take a leisurely stroll from Schröcken along the Bregenzerache river up to Landsteg and then uphill towards the Scha-

donapass. Here, Biberacher hut (1,846m) invites hikers to rest at a panoramic spot in the rearmost Grosses Walsertal. Instead of opting for the shortest route to Buchboden, we suggest that you take the high-altitude trail via the Fürkele (1,925m), Alpe Oberüberlut (1,585m) and the wardened homestead maisäss Unterüberlut to Buchboden. Food & drink: Schröcken, Biberacher Hütte, Buchboden

Day 3: Buchboden – St. Gerold Walking time 5 1/2 hours Starting point: Buchboden village centre, 910m Finish: St. Gerold abbey, 848m Difference in altitude: ascent approx. 390m, descent 450m Itinerary: After the strenuous second day, first take a leisurely walk along the river Lutz on the regional Walser path. From the hamlet

of Garsella (735m), the next small Walser settlement in the valley, the route heads uphill across mountain pastures and the rough Waldtobel ravine to the village of Blons (903m) and then down to the wild Rüfitobel ravine, before reaching the provostry of St. Gerold (848m) after a short ascent. Food & drink: Buchboden, Garsella, Blons, St. Gerold

Day 4: St. Gerold – Feldkirch Walking time 5 3/4 hours Starting point: St. Gerold abbey, 848m Finish: Feldkirch centre, 458m Difference in altitude: ascent 140m, descent 580m Itinerary: Follow the Walserweg trail through a ravine forest and grass-covered hills to the village of Thüringerberg (877m) at the be-

ginning of the Grosses Walsertal. Continue on the sun-exposed face of the Walgau to the idyllically perched villages of Schnifis (665m) and Röns (610m) to Satteins. From Schildried walk along the river Ill until, after passing Parzelle Stein and the Ill gorge, you reach the medieval town of Feldkirch (458m). Food & drink: St. Gerold, Thüringerberg, Schnifis, Röns, Satteins, Stein, Feldkirch ➤

Hochkünzelsp.

Hochtannbergpass H o c h k r u m b a c h Kalbelesee

➤

x Zitterklapfen

Hochkrumbach – Buchboden

➤

Schröcken

Biberacher Hütte

Fontanella

Körbersee

Braunarlspitze x

➤ Sonntag

➤

Buchboden

Bad Rotenbrunnen

Lutz

Buchboden – Feldkirch Feldkirch

x

Tälispitze Göfis

➤

➤

Dünserberg Satteins

➤

Frastanz

Düns Röns

➤

Schnifis

➤

Thüringerberg

➤

Blons

St. Gerold

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HIKING-WITHOUT-LUGGAGE PACKAGES AND GUIDED TOURS From Schwarzenberg to Au Individual hike, recommended booking period: 23.5. – 3.10.2009, starts daily Easy day legs across high-lying planes and extensive alp regions from Mittlerer to Hinterer Bregenzerwald. The trails are clearly waymarked and negotiable without risk. While you walk with your rucksack only, your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel. Booking office: Bregenzerwald Tourismus GmbH Impulszentrum 1135, 6863 Egg Tel. +43 (0)5512/2365, Fax +43 (0)5512/3010 [email protected] www.bregenzerwald.at Itinerary: Day 1: Individual arrival by car at the first hotel of your tour, or by rail at Dornbirn station. Day 2: Schwarzenberg – Mellau, walking time approx. 5 hours, ascent 250m, descent 700m. Day 3: Mellau – Au, walking time approx. 3.5 hours, ascent 250m, descent 850m. Day 4: After breakfast, our tour bus will pick you up at around 10 a.m. and take you back to the first hotel of your tour (if you arrived individually by car), or to the rail station in Dornbirn.

Package includes: • 3 nights incl. half board in our selected 3*** and 4**** partner hotels • Hotel-to-hotel transport of luggage • Individual arrival by car: car park at the first hotel of the tour • Arrival by bus/rail/air: transfer from Dornbirn station to the first hotel of the tour • Transfer from the last back to the first hotel of the tour or from/to Dornbirn station • Hiking maps and route descriptions • Bregenzerwald Guest Card

Make the Best of Your Holidays with the Bregenzerwald Guest Card The Bregenzerwald Guest Card is your “open sesame” to mountain discoveries. It is good for unlimited rides on cableways, eco-friendly public transport, and refreshingly relaxing hours at municipal pools. The Bregenzerwald Guest Card is available for visitors staying three nights or longer in the Bregenzerwald from 1 May to 31 October 2009.

Price per person: EUR 370 Singe room supplement: EUR 36 Discount for bookings without half board: EUR 30 Discount for children sharing their parents’ room: 50% up to 12 years, 30% up to 16 years. Accommodation with all tours in 3*** and 4**** hotels, partly in alpine shelters operated by the mountaineering clubs. Other “Hiking Without Luggage” packages available. Photo: Christoph Lingg/Bregenzerwald Tourismus

Via Valtellina Guided Hike from the Montafon via Switzerland to Valtellina (Italy) – date: 21.–25.6.2009 Undiluted hiking fun, glorious mountain scenery and culinary delights: Following ancient mule paths from Gargellen to Valtellina and smugglers’ trails from Partun back to Tschagguns. For centuries, wine from the Valtellina was served in Vorarlberg and in the Swiss Graubünden region. Traders transported it over three passes, in summer with mules and horses, in winter with oxen and sleighs. This ancient bridle path has been revived as Via Valtellina. Bookings with: BergAktiv Wanderführer Montafon Tel.: +43 (0)664/9216810 [email protected] www.bergaktiv.org Itinerary: Day 1: Walk from Gargellen via Schlappiner Joch (2,203m) to Klosters. Day 2: Ascent from Dürrboden (2,007m) to Scaletta pass (2,606 m) and across the Val Susauna to the Engadin. Continue by railway (Rhätische Bahn) over the Bernina pass to Alp Grüm. Day 3: Visit of the moulin and descent to Poschiavo (1,014m). From there, ascent to the mystery-clad church of San Romerio (1,793m). 18

Day 4: Descent to Miralago, then Tirano. Return ride on Rhätische Bahn to Klosters/Küblis, bus to St. Antönien/Partnun (1,770m). Walking on smugglers’ trails to Tilisunahütte (2,208m). Day 5: Descent via lake Tobelsee and the Gauertal valley to Tschagguns. Average daily walking times: 5-6 hours Package includes: • 3 nights with half board (room) • 1 night with half board (tourist shelter) • Rides on Rhätische Bahn and bus rides

free for visitors with a guest card. Virtually all tours are themed hikes. Alp hikes with cheese tastings and cultural walks leading to culturally and historically outstanding monuments or museums and ending with a free guided visit are highly popular. The 2009 Hiking Programme is available at the Montafon tourist offices, information on the daily walks organised by BergAktiv at www.bergaktiv.org or www.montafon.at.

Date: 21.–25.6.2009 Price per person: EUR 385 Minimum of 10, maximum of 14 participants Other tour packages for 2009: Hiking & Gourmet Delights 16.–22.8. Two-Day Tilisuna 14.–15.7. Two-Day Silvretta 21.–22.7. Worms High-Altitude Trail 28.–29.7. Crossing the Border on Smugglers’ Trails 4.–5.8. Two-Day Lechquellen Mountains 1.–2.9. BergAktiv Montafon From May to 31 October, BergAktiv Montafon runs daily guided walks, from easy half-day walks to demanding full-day or two-day hikes,

Photo: BergAktiv

THE EXCITEMENT OF WALKING | HIKING ON THEMED TRAILS ADVENTURE TRAILS On these adventure and themed trails, the purpose of hiking is not so much the sporting challenge and the conquest of mountain peaks, but communion with nature and folklore. Usually from the end of May through October, a number of places regularly offer guided hikes for visitors. There is a rich choice to please every taste: herb and flower trails, alpine dairy and mountain lodge hikes, photo safaris, mineral trails, guided visits of the workshops of traditional craftspeople, etc. Experience a touch of South America’s Andes on a lama trekking tour. Various tours are staged in the Montafon from BartholomäbergInnerberg (Horst Kuster, phone +43 (0)664/ 3426520, www.mymontafon.com). A weekly tour for children with a picnic is organised from early July to early September in Braz im Klostertal (www.braz.at). Schröcken-Warth in the Bregenzerwald offers an action-packed adventure day with lama trekking for children aged 7 and older (www.alpinschule-schroecken.at). Geocoaching, a modern form of scavenger hunt with a GPS, uses state-of the art communication technology. Geocoaching is offered in Gaschurn-Partenen or at the LOCCATA project in the Montafon (several routes, information available at the Montafon tourist offices or see loccata.montafon.at).

LEGEND TRAILS Vorarlberg boasts some six hundred legends and folktales, which tell of mysterious mythical characters and places. Hikers may explore these legendary places on themed trails, such as “In the footsteps of the blessed brothers and sisters Ilga, Merbod and Diedo” between Andelsbuch, Schwarzenberg and Alberschwende (5-6 hrs walking time, signposted, information leaflet), on the Dalaas legend trail “Zum Bruaderhüsle” and to Silbertal (excavations, signposted, 2.5 to 3 hrs walking time) or the circular trail of legends starting at the Schnifisbergbahn mountain terminal (1.5 hrs walking time, signposted, information leaflet), and the trail of legends in Vandans to the Valcastiel castle ruins (14 stops, 3 hrs walking time, PDA available at the local tourist office). Reference book (in German): „Vorarlberger Sagen und Mythen entdecken“, Wanderungen zu Sagenstätten (Tyrolia Verlag).

Appenzellerland to Einsiedeln. Walking time: Arlbergpass – Dalaas (Arlberg trail) 5 hrs, Dalaas – Bludenz 4 3/4 hrs, Bludenz – Rankweil (Walgau trail) 7 1/4 hrs, Rankweil – Einsiedeln 30 hrs. Branching off from the Walgau trail, you may also choose the Oecumenic Pilgrimage Trail via Feldkirch, Liechtenstein and Toggenburg. Walking time: Bludenz– Feldkirch (turning off in Satteins) 7 1/4 hrs, Feldkirch – Einsiedeln 28 3/4 hrs. The south route of the Munich Camino de Santiago leads via Weiler im Allgäu, Scheidegg, Bregenz, Altstätten and across the Appenzellerland. Walking time: Scheidegg – Bregenz 5 3/4 hrs, Bregenz – Altstätten 7 hrs, Altstätten – Appenzell – Einsiedeln 24 1/4 hrs. The folder Spirituelles Wandern am Jakobsweg Landeck–Einsiedeln with a brief description of routes and useful hints is available free of charge (in German-language only) from Vorarlberg Tourismus. Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park Comprising more than 80 forests and wild gorges, a variety of wellsprings and brooks, Alpine peaks, karst formations and impressive rocks, the biosphere park is one huge ecosystem. Here, the focus is on using nature without harming it. Themed excursions on agriculture, offered from late July to late August. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking and canyoning in the region. Between mid-June and mid-September, hiking buses (see page 26) take visitors to a different alp every day. For more information on excursions and bookings, please contact the biosphere park office at +43 (0)5550/20360 (phone) or visit www.grosseswalsertal.at Bregenzerwald Cheese Road This first transregional cheese road, which is unique in the world, features Alpine dairy farms, alps and private cheese manufacturers, farmhouses that are open to visitors, "cheese inns" that offer special cheese dishes on their menus, butchers, bakeries and speciality stores selling cheese products, as well as traditional craftshops and tourist facilities. All stops are uniformly signposted, a folder provides additional guidance. Details: www. kaesestrasse.at or www.bregenzerwald.at Lake Seewaldsee/biosphere park Grosses Walsertal, photo: Christa Branz

Josef Rupp Cheese Trail on the Pfänder Ridge On the 8km-long hiking trail in Eichenberg, interested hikers can find out about agriculture, its functions and their interaction, and about dairy farming on 12 illustrative billboards: Landscape/soil/climate, history/development/farming and the role of agriculture, the contribution of the local dairy farms, gastronomy and organic cosmetics. Enjoy the lovely mountain scenery while walking, visit dairy and cattle farms, and let yourself be treated to culinary delicacies at hotels and inns. The educational trail on cheese will familiarise you step by step with how cheese is made. Educational trail: takes approx. 1.5 hrs, hiking trail up to 5 hrs walking time, information leaflet, guided walks. Negrelli Hiking Path and Spring Tuff Educational Trail Signposted circular trail in the footsteps of Alois Negrelli, the famous planner of the Suez Canal. From 1825 to 1832, Negrelli was an imperial government official in Bregenz, who commanded a key role in the straightening of the river Rhine and the development of roads and bridges. Route: Lingenau/centre – Gschwend – Gschwendtobel – Negrelli bridge (formerly Gschwendtobel bridge) – Heckisau – Hasen – Grossdorf – Drahtsteg (suspension bridge between Egg and Lingenau) – spring tuff educational trail (calcareous tuff formations) – St. Anna chapel – Lingenau/centre (approx. 3.5 hrs walking time). Guided visits upon request. Brochure on the trail available (in German only). Walser Cultural Trail in the Kleinwalsertal This trail runs along the entire valley, from Baad to Riezlern. 40 sites such as churches and chapels, covered timber bridges, indigenous Walser houses, atonement crosses etc. are all described in a booklet. Explanatory signs with extensive information to be found at every site. Walser Trail Grosses Walsertal The signposted foot path, partly used in historic times by the old Walser people for transportation and other purposes, runs from Thüringerberg via St. Gerold and along the Lutzbach river to the Buchboden valley base. Variants: from Blons to Raggal and Garsella (scenic circular path), from Sonntag to Damüls via the Faschina pass (approx. 4.5 hrs walking time).

THEMED CULTURE TRAILS Pilgrim Trail Across Vorarlberg St.James’ Way to Santiago de Compostela is a major, if not the most popular Christian pilgrimage route. One of the main routes through Europe has its starting point in the village of Einsiedeln (Switzerland). One of the main routes in Vorarlberg runs on the Walgau trail from Tyrol on the Arlberg trail to Bludenz, passing Rankweil and across the

In the Footsteps of Mining in the Montafon Follow the footsteps of early mining in the Montafon, hiking from Silbertal to Kirstberg and via Bartholomäberg to Schruns (or vice versa, walking time approx. 4.5 hrs). Places to visit: mining museum in the municipal office of Silbertal (open Wed and Fri from 16:00 to 18:00) and the miners’ chapel on Kristberg (guided visits by Adolf Zudrell on prior appointment possible). 19

THE EXCITEMENT OF WALKING | HIKING ON THEMED TRAILS TimberCulture Trail in Hittisau Experience timber – outdoors, along the trail, timber constructions, workshops and plants. Showcase examples are timber bridges, saw mills, craftmen’s studios and a biomass power plant (guided tours incl. visits 1/2 to 1 day, information). Stone Circles in Bürserberg Prehistorical stone circles were uncovered just below the Rona alp on the Tschengla plateau at an altitude of 900 to 1,200m. Interpreted as places of worship of Celtic origin, the circles are said to have a special force of attraction and impact on humans. Guided visits weekly, for more information/registration call +43 (0)664/5008724. Trails for Body&Soul Oecumenical Chapel Trail Between Möggers and the neighbouring village of Scheidegg in the German Allgäu there is a border-crossing oecumenical chapel trail. On this 21.7km-long circular trail, the Ulrich Chapel in Möggers (built around 1000 A.D.) and another nine chapels on German territory are open to visitors (information). Stone Circle/Bürserberg, photo: Kevin Artho

Other Themed Culture Trails Commemorative trails in Blons: three trails to commemorate the 1954 avalanche disaster. Guided tours, avalanche documentation centre at the municipal office. The history of the “Wälder Bauernrepublik” (farmers’ republic) in Andelsbuch is the theme of the hiking trail to Bezegg-Sul, approx. 3 hrs walking time; AndelsbuchBezau 1.5 hrs walking time, information. Lord’s Prayer Trail in Feldkirch-Tosters: meditation trail from St. Wolfgang to St. Corneli, 1km, signposted. The Landscape trail Gaschurn–Partenen– Galtür explores the scenery and gives insights and information on local topography, past and present, approx. 6-8 hrs walking time, information booklet and detailed description available in the local tourist offices of Gaschurn and Partenen. Culture Hiking Trail Gaschurn 30-min. circular trail through the village of Gaschurn: parish church, 18th-century dance hall, Lucas-Tschofen parlour, museum of tourism, pilgrimage chapel Maria Schnee (information, LOCCATA-PDA available at Gaschurn tourist office). In the Footsteps of the Saints, chapel trails in the clover villages Hittisau, Riefensberg, Si20

bratsgfäll and Balderschwang (Germany), total route approx. 5 hrs walking time, signposted, information. Energy Portal Trail in Langenegg: a number of energy portals explain the various forms of energy (energy resources in the immediate environment, recreationcreativity, power places), approx. 1.5 hours walking time, signposted, information. On the Tracks of the Walser in Lech: hiking trail from Oberlech to the historic Walser settlement of Bürstegg; approx. 2.5 to 3 hrs walking time, signposted, information. Schwedenweg in Lochau: themed trail recalling the war of 1647 against the Swedes, 12 boards inform about the 30-year war (2 routes, approx. 3-3.5 hrs walking time, 400m difference in altitude). Information. Village culture in Mellau: architecture and folklore, approx. 1km, information, guided tour each Thursday 17:00 Bible Trail in Nenzing: 9 stations with selected passages from the Holy Bible are situated along this easy hiking trail between Stellveder (parking lot) and the Kühbruck pilgrimage chapel (1.5 hrs walking time, signposted, information). Flözer educational trail along the Frutz river in Rankweil: Vorarlberg’s last (historic) drifting plant for the transportation and processing of timber, approx. 1.3km, signposted, information. Culture educational trail in Rankweil: 19 objects in the village centre, mostly buildings, signposted, approx. 1.5 hrs walking time. Sensual education path at the SigmundNachbauer park in Rankweil: 20 squares, filled with a host of different materials (stone, gravel, soil and sand, wood, etc.) to tickle your senses. In the footsteps of Franz Michael Felder in Schoppernau (poet and social reformer, mid19th century): 4km, approx. 2 hrs walking time, signposted, information, guided tours. Eduard Mörike hiking trail in Schwarzenberg: from the village centre to the Hochälpele, approx. 4 hrs walking time, signposted, info, guided tours upon request. Chapel Trail in Sulzberg: walking trail along various important monuments, approx. 1 hr walking time, information. Hiking on Historic Trails in the Montafon Mostly border-crossing several-day tours on trails and paths used by Raetians to immigrate, by the Walser people for transit, on which goods of all kinds were transported and often smuggled on pack horses throughout centuries. Information. Bookable also as arranged guided tours (information/bookings: www.bergaktiv.org).

NATURE EXPLORATION AND THEMED TRAILS Educational trails are valuable sources of information and let walkers into the secrets of nature across history. Please contact the local tourist offices for information folders and guided walks (only by prior arrangement).

Alpenregion Bludenz Brandnertal – Alpenstadt Bludenz – Klostertal: • Braz: educational trail “Experience Braz“, approx. 2 hrs walking time, signposted; • Bürs: biotope, approx. 45 min. walking time, signposted, accessible with prams; geology trail through the Bürs gorge, circular trail, approx. 5km, approx. 2.5 hours walking time, signposted, information, guided walks; • Dalaas/Wald: alpine flowers trail at Sonnenkopf, approx. 30 min., walking time, information; hunting and poachers’ trail at Sonnenkopf figuring wood-carved native wild animals in life size, approx. 30 min. walking time, signposted. Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park: • Fontanella: flower trail in Faschina, 1 hour walking time, signposted, guided walks; • Raggal/Marul: forest adventure trail, 3.4 or 5.6km (1.5 or 2.15 hours walking time), signposted, information, guided walks; • Sonntag/Buchboden: sulphur springs at the river Lutz, approx. 15 min. walking time, signposted. • Klösterle: Educational trail on the history of Klösterle and on the construction of the Arlberg railway, highlights are the Wäldeletobel bridge and the Kaiserstiege stairs, approx. 30 min walking time. • Nenzing-Beschling: educational trail on apiculture and bee museum.

Arlberg • Lech: Gipslöcher, educational trail through the gypsum dolina landforms (nature reserve), walking time depending on route 45 min. to 2 hours; signposted, information, forest trail Waldlehrpfad Oberlech (indigenous woods, shrubs), approx. 15 min. walking time.

Bodensee-Vorarlberg • Bildstein: forest trail Dorf–Bereuter, approx. 2km, approx. 1 hour walking time, signposted, guided walks; • Bregenz: forest adventure trail from the State Library to Gebhardsberg, 2km, signposted, nature trail from Gebhardsberg to the Fluh, approx. 4km, signposted; geology trail (Ferdinand-Kinz-Weg) from Gebhardsberg to Langener Strasse, 1km, signposted; horticulture trail near the Mehrerau abbey, signposted; nature shore with educational trail along the nature reserve, 1.6km from Strandweg to the estuary of the river Ach; • Bregenz-Lochau: nature discovery trail in the Pfänder game park, approx. 30 min. walking time, signposted; • Dornbirn: Achauenweg, 1.5 hours walking time, signposted; forest trail Karren–Staufensee, 1.5 hours walking time, signposted, information; gorges: Rappenloch, Alploch, approx. 1.5 hours walking time, signposted, guided walks, information; • Feldkirch: forest trail Ardetzenberg/Wildpark, approx. 1 hour walking time, signposted, information, guided walks; apicultural trail in Feldkirch-Tisis (12 stations), open mid-April to late Oct, information;

THE EXCITEMENT OF WALKING | HIKING ON THEMED TRAILS • Feldkirch/Rankweil-Brederis: Alte Rüttenen (biotope), amphibian pond, approx. 2ha, signposted; • Göfis: Gletschertopf educational trail, signposted, approx. 20 min. walking time; • Hohenems: “Alter Rhein” wetland trail, approx. 600m, signposted, information, nature and forest trail Gsohl, approx. 300m, signposted; • Klaus: Plattenwald forest trail, approx. 2.5km, signposted, guided walks; • Möggers: forest discovery trail and inspiration circuit (20 min.) in the nature reserve in Rohrach, total walking time approx. 1.5 hours, signposted, information, guided walks; • Rankweil: forest trail near the recreational centre Schafplatz, approx. 3.5km, signposted; • Röthis: forest trail in the “Ganta” forest park, approx. 3km, signposted. • Schnifis/Dünserberg: Cheese hiking trail from the cable-car mountain terminal to the broadcasting station at Älpele, approx. 30–40 min walking time, signposted.

Bregenzerwald • Andelsbuch: educational trail on the history of alps and panorama trail Andelsbuch-Niedere, approx. 1.5 or 3.5 hrs walking time, signposted, information, guided visits; • Au-Schoppernau: nature adventure Holdamoos, approx. 1km, signposted, information, guided walks; wonders of nature hiking path Auer Ried, 3 hours walking time, signposted, information; • Bezau: dry biotope, 1.5km, signposted; educational nature trail Höhlenpark Klausenstein, approx. 1.5 hours walking time, signposted, information; • Bizau: alpine trail Hirschberg, 1.5–2 hours walking time, information, guided walks; barefoot walking trail in Obermoos, 0.6km, along the Ulvenbach river, book on sale; • Lingenau: spring tuff educational nature trail, approx. 1.5 hours walking time, signposted, guided walks, information; apiculture educational garden, approx. 500m2, signposted; • Sibratsgfäll: moorland, 1ha, signposted, approx. 45-min walk, guided walks; • Sulzberg: nature trail, 4km, border-crossing, signposted;

Kleinwalsertal • Hirschegg: mountain exhibition in the Walserhaus, an interactive exhibition documenting the development of fauna and flora in the Allgäu alps (Mon-Sat 8:30–17:00, Sun + holidays 8:30–15:00, free entrance). Other stations of the exhibition at the Breitachklamm gorge, in Oberstdorf and at the Fellhorn (G). 5 Bergschau mountain discovery trails, 3 of which in the Kleinwalsertal valley; • Schwarzwasser trail (Auenhütte–Schwarzwassertal-Melköde (notable sites around the Schwarzwasser river and the Schwarzwasser valley); • Zaferna trail (mountain terminal Zaferna chair lift Bühlape, approx. 2 hrs walking time (themes: snow, avalanches); • Riezlern: border-crossing alp trail (Oberst-

Mountain exhibition, Hirschegg, photo: Hans Wiesenhofer/Kleinwalsertal Tourismus

dorf/Schrattenwang–Riezlern, 5 stations with interesting details on alp farming.

Montafon • Bartholomäberg: geology trail, approx. 18km, 1,000 difference in elevation, 8-9 hours walking time, signposted, information, guided tours, negotiable in both directions, also partial sections; • Gargellen: Gargellener Fenster, a geological phenomenon, approx. 2km; geology nature trail, 2-4 hours walking time, signposted, information; Smugglers’ Land at Schafberg plateau, adventure trail for kids, approx 1.5 hrs walking time, information; • Partenen: 3 energy trails by energie.raum (themed exhibition/museum on power generation and supply, from easy walks to mountain hikes (can be negotiated individually or in any combination); • Tschagguns: Aqua hiking trail, 3.5 hours walking time, information; • Tschagguns/Vandans: nature adventure park Kristakopf, approx. 1.5km, 1.5 hours walking time, signposted, information; Golmi’s research trail, approx. 3.5km, 2 hours walking time, signposted, information.

ALPINE AND HERBAL GARDENS Herbal garden at the Holdamoos nature adventure in Au-Schoppernau: 140m2, signposted, guided visits. Information: local tourist offices. Herbal garden in Bürs: visits from June-Aug, Tues at 16:00, followed by a tour of the manufacturing plant and herbalist (lotions, bath products, minimum of 10 participants). Registration one day ahead: tel. +43 (0)5552/63139-0. Alpine Garden near Freschenhaus in Laterns: 700m2, signposted area with native flora at 1,850m, information. Labyrinth in Hard (next to the music school), signposted, 30 m2.. FNL herbal garden in Lustenau: Guided walks, for more information call +43 (0)5577/82475. Geringer garden park in Rankweil: 12 thermal gardens invite visitors to step back and explore the countless possibilities of garden landscaping, exhibitions, events, sale, for information call +43 (0)5522/44157. Demonstration and educational garden for alpine medicinal herbs in Riezlern: find out about the healing properties and uses of over 450 medicinal herbs in Schwende/Hörnlepass (all plants are labelled). Bare-foot park. Information: Alpengasthof Hörnlepass, tel. +43 (0)5517/57070.

O’Shana Crystall Herb Garden in Sulzberg: for guided visits call +43 (0)664/8614036. Alpine garden Lindauer Hütte near Tschagguns: indigenous alpine flora on 3,000m2 near the German Alpine Association hut in the Gauertal valley at the foot of the Drei Türme (approx. 2 hours walking time from Latschau or Golm). Open: from June, 7:00 – 21:00. For information call +43 (0)664/5033456. Alchimilla – Open gardens in the Grosses Walsertal biosphere park: various themed gardens, guided visits on request (tel. +43 (0)5554/5533). Open herbal garden in Dornbirn/Fallenberg: one-hour guided visit or guided herbal walks in Foramoos/Bödele, manufacture of herbal soaps, creams... Booking: Michael Hinterauer, tel. +43 (0)664/1231923, www.hinterauer.info.

WILDLIFE PARKS / EAGLE OBSERVATORY Pfänder Wildlife Park/Bregenz: next to the Pfänder mountain terminal, 3 hectares, forest educational trail, children’s playground, kiosk, open year-round, free admission. Information: tel. +43 (0)5574/42184-0, www.pfaenderbahn.at. Birds of prey show/eagle observatory Pfänder/Bregenz: within a ten-minute walk from the Pfänder mountain terminal, daily shows from 1.5.–4.10. (11:00 and 14:30). Admission fee: adults € 5.00, children up to 15 years € 2.50. Information: tel. +43 (0)664/9053040, www.pfaenderbahn.at. Wildlife Park Feldkirch: on the Ardetzenberg, approx. 10 hectares, above the city centre, forest educational trail, children’s playgrounds, buffet/kiosk, open year-round, free admission. Information: +43 (0)5522/74105, www.wildpark.feldkirch.at.

PROTECTED HABITATS Certain delineated areas are put under protection – these include: landscapes largely preserved in their originality, huge ecosystems providing a natural habitat for (rare or endangered) animals and plants or containing minerals and fossils of interest to the scientific community, natural or scenic rarities, areas of outstanding scenic beauty, and natural or cultural landscapes with landmark character. The protected areas are divided into nature reserves, resting zones, landscape protection area, European protected areas, biosphere parks and local protected areas. Eagle observatory Pfänder/Bregenz photo: Pfänderbahn AG

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THE EXCITEMENT OF WALKING | PROTECTED HABITATS | NATURE & ADVENTURE TRAILS NATURE RESERVES Schlosshügel (since 1971), Rossbad (since 1973), Fohra moor (since 1974), Hirschberg (since 1974), Bangser Ried (since 1974), Matschels (since 1974), Farnach moor (since 1976), Rhine delta (since 1976), Hohe Kugel– Hoher Freschen–Mellental (since 1979), Gasserplatz (since 1986), Kojen moor (since 1987), Gadental (since 1987), Birken-Schwarzes Zeug meander of the Dornbirner Ach river (since 1987), Oberlech gypsum holes (since 1988), Gsieg Obere Mäder (since 1989), Böden grassland (since 1991), Mehrerau lake shoreestuary of the Bregenzerach river (since 1991), Amatlina–Vita (since 1991), Rohrach (since 1992), Auer Ried (since 1993), Maria Grüner Ried (since 1994), Bludesch grassland (since 1995), Faludriga Nova (since 1995), Verwall (1995-2004).

Field of irises in the Lauteracher Ried, photo: Roman Horner

SPECIAL CONSERVATION AREAS Sandgrube Mäder (since 1976), Lauteracher Ried (since 1996). PROTECTED PLANT AREAS Nenzinger Himmel (since 1958), lake Körbersee (since 1958), Hochifen and Gottesacker plateau (since 1964) BIOSPHERE PARK GROSSES WALSERTAL Designated a biosphere park in 2000 by UNESCO. Moreover, there are European special conservation areas (Natura 2000) and several local protection areas, as well as protected caves and natural sites. More information: protected areas on the VoGis Atlas, www.vorarlberg.at

Breitach Gorge Kleinwalsertal–Allgäu Narrow gorge with interesting rock formations, in constant tranformation. 2.5km gorge trail (approx. 1 hour, accessible via the Breitachweg trail from the Waldhaus, or the Straussberg trail, or by taking the Walserbus, stop "Walserschanze"). Opens daily, summer season at 8:00, last admission 17:00, winter season at 9:00, last admission 16:00. Admission fee: adults € 3.00, groups of 10 persons € 2.60, children up to 15 years € 1.50. Bürser Gorge and Schesa Stone River Bürs–Bürserberg A natural wonder dating back to the ice age, impressive depositions, known as the "Bürs conglomerate". Nature heritage site: Kuhloch (a narrow, tortuous gorge, dried out today), guided visits of the gorge (approx. 3 hours). Schesa stone river, largest stone river in Europe (approx. 200 years old), some parts are accessible by foot. Üble Gorge near Laterns Primordial landscape, former riverbed (clay and limestone) of the river Frutz with vertical and overhanging flanks, rich vegetation, slippery ground. Adventure hike recommended only for experienced, sure-footed hikers with sturdy boots, accessible only in dry weather from May to October: from LaternsThal to Üble gorge and on to Rankweil via Netschelweg (2–3 hrs walking time). Schneckenloch Cave near Bizau Approx. 1.5 hrs climb to the cave from Schönenbach. With an extension of 1.5 kilometres, the largest and best known karst cave in Vorarlberg (dripstone formations, bats, bodies of water). Guided visits organised by Aktivzentrum Bregenzerwald and outdoor input. 5–6 hrs walking time, special equipment supplied on location. Nenzinger Himmel The Gamperdona valley (side valley from Nenzing) is a scenic treasure in the Rätikon and a base for several walks. Popular spots: Kühbruck pilgrimage chapel, Stüba waterfall, lake Hirschsee. Access only by hiking bus (page 26), no access by motor vehicle or bicycle.

NATURE & ADVENTURE TRAILS, GORGES, CAVES Rappenloch Gorge and Alploch near Dornbirn One of the largest and most impressing gorges in the eastern Alps which formed in the late ice age. A narrow chasm, cut 80m deep into the rock, with vertical and overhanging flanks. Path, steps and tunnel easy to negotiate, approx. 1.5 hours, guided tours. Natural monuments: mammoth tree (41 metres high) near the Gütle Inn, granite block on the Ach river bank, “Kirchle“ above the Alploch gorge (chasm with overhanging flanks, which formed toward the end of the ice age). Information: tel. +43 (0)5572/22188. 22

Volcanic mudflow Schesa-Murbruch, photo: Peter Mathis

Steinernes Meer near Lech Fossils have preserved in the karst area as testimonies to the ancient sea. The sites where the 200 million-year or so old fossils were found are marked by stone figures. Point of departure: Alpe Formarin, 3.5–4 hours walking time. Hikers should be well-trained, sure footed and not be afraid of heights. Aqua Hiking Trail Tschagguns Point of departure: Parkbrunnen fountain above the municipal office (local bus terminal). The circular route illustrates on several stations the pathways of water and its manifold uses. The walk runs past Golmerbach, Mülli-Ferdi, Rasafeibach, Ziegerberg, Schwefelquelle, Lederquelle and Gampadelsbach, passing the Bitschweil reservoir and returns via Gässschärem and Tolars Säge directly to the centre (walking time approx. 3.5 hours). Information leaflet. Spring Tuff Educational Trail in Lingenau The spring tuff educational trail is a geological rarity with exceptional calc-sinter formations. Its central part runs along timber paths and stairs (may be slippery during rain) and leads to a slope of geological and botanical interest in the gorge in Subersach (walking time approx. 1 hour). Fallbach and Mason Waterfall near Braz Readily visible at a great distance, the waters of the Fallbach fall over a 1,430 metres high precipice (with a height of 610m, one of Austria’s highest waterfalls). The Mason Waterfall is 60m high (approx. 2 hours walking time from Braz or Dalaas/Wald). Rhine Delta at Lake Constance Good bird watching area. The Rhine delta is a habitat for waterfowl and a resting place for migratory birds, especially in the spring and autumn. Information at the "Rheindeltahaus" (open April to Oct, Mon–Fri from 14:00–17:00, Sat/Sun 11:00–17:00, www.rheindelta.com

More of Nature Waiting to be Discovered Wonders-of-Nature Hiking Trail in Au: Hydropower, geology, nature protection, the forces of nature and their impact are the themes and stations of a leisurely walk, max. 3 hours walking time. Brand: “Kesselfall“, waterfall, approx. 1 hour walking time. Au-Albon Water Experience in the Brandnertal valley: Feel the water and experience it on a variety of trails: Glingabrunnenweg, Kesselfall, Lünersee, ... Especially for children: natural swimming lake, Alvier. Information, guided hikes. Nature park Nagelfluhkette, Bregenzerwald: Transnational nature park between Germany and Austria, grouping 14 communities from the southern Allgäu and the Vorderer Bregenzerwald.

THE EXCITEMENT OF WALKING – NATURE & ADVENTURE TRAILS | LONG-DISTANCE-HIKING Water Hiking Trail in Hittisau: Along the Bolgenach river and through the Engenloch gorge. Educational signposts inform hikers about the importance of water and its management, approx. 2 hrs walking time, information. On crystal-clear paths in Lech: tracing the origins of the spring water that flows from every tap in Lech. Walking time from Zug or in opposite direction approx. 30 min. each way, signposted, guided walks. Pathways to water in Möggers: approx. 1.5 hrs walking time along the Riedbach river, signposted, Kneipp facilities. Klaus waterfall in Mellau: 120m vertical drop, approx. 30 min. walking time.

Lake Wiegensee in Partenen: biotope and moor for swimming, approx 1.5 hrs walking time from the Tafamuntbahn mountain terminal, signposted, information. Water Adventure Gallery Vermunt in Partenen: Entrance at the mountain station of the Vermuntbahn, approx. 2 km, water projections, sound and light installations. Open: late June to late September, daily from 8:30 to 16:00 (warm clothing essential). Wals water hiking trail between Schröcken and Warth: signposted, 4 hrs walking time, signposted, Kessi gorge in Sonntag-Buchboden: waterfall in Buchboden, approx. 45 min. walking time. Echo wall (Wandfluh) in Sonntag-Stein

Silbertaler Waldschule (Forest School) on Kristberg: Experience the mountain forest with all senses. Guided tours of the forest on Fridays (3-4 hrs walking time). Programme and detailed information at www.silbertalerwaldschule.at.

Lake Lünersee/Rätikon, photo: Kevin Artho

LONG-DISTANCE-HIKING TRAILS Vorarlberg is linked to the network of Austrian and European long-distance hiking trails. Three Austrian long-distance hiking trails lead from the east of Austria to Vorarlberg: • 01 North Alpine Trail: from lake Neusiedl/ Vienna to lake Constance (approx. 1,000km), part of the E 4 alpin • 02 Central Alpine Trail: from Hainburg an der Donau to Feldkirch (approx. 1,200km) • 04 Alpine Foothills Trail: from Vienna to Bad Reichenhall (Germany) – possibility to continue across the Bavarian Alpine foothills to Bregenz (approx. 1,000km). Three European long-distance hiking trails cross Vorarlberg • North Sea – Lake Constance – Gotthard – Mediterranean • E 4 (Pyrenees – Jura – Lake Constance – Lake Neusiedl – Budapest)

• E 5 (Atlantic – Lake Constance – Adriatic). Other long-distance hiking trails run through Vorarlberg. The “Grosser Walserweg” trails links the medieval mountain settlements of the Walser between Zermatt and the Kleinwalsertal valley. The “Via Alpina” crosses eight states on five hiking routes. They are an invitation to explore the Alps. The red trail leads from Triest to Monaco, transversing the Alpine ridge at several instances, from Bavaria across Vorarlberg to Liechtenstein. For information about the routes consult www.via-alpina.com. For details on the section in Vorarlberg see pages 17. Several secondary trails from the Camino the Santiago run across Vorarlberg to Einsiedeln (see page 19). Via Valtellina runs on the former trading paths for Valtelline wine from the Montafon to Switzerland and Valtellina in Italy. Route:

Schruns – Gargellen – Schlappiner Joch – Klosters – Davos – Bernina pass – Tirano (bookable also as guided tour, see page 18). Rätikon tour: The Rätikon massif lies in the triangle of Liechtenstein, Austria and Switzerland. On the tour, hikers cross national borders several times. Today’s hiking routes are often identical with ancient trading routes. Information and bibliography: Austrian Association for Sports Hiking, LongDistance Hiking and Trekking (Österreichischer Fachverband für Sportwandern, Weitwandern und Trekking), Pamessergasse 13, A-2103 Langenzersdorf, Tel. +43 (0)2244/3536, Fax 35364, [email protected], www.oefs.at Austrian Alpine Club (Österreichischer Alpenverein, Sektion Weitwanderer), Thaliastrasse 159/3/16, A-1160 Vienna, tel. +43 (0)1/4938408, www. alpenverein.at/weitwanderer. 23

CLIMBING Mountaineering is getting ever more popular, across all age groups. Rock climbing is good for your coordination skills and trains your back muscles. In a practice crag, you will learn under expert guidance how to embark on this venture with maximum safety. Suggested reading: „Vorarlberg Kletterführer“ by Achim Pasold (in German only), available e.g. at the office of the Austrian Mountaineering Association in Bludenz.

Climbing Paths | Fixed-Rope Routes Mountaineering equipment such as helmet, harness etc. required. Recommended only for skilled mountaineers or if accompanied by a mountain guide. Safe gait and experience essential. Vorarlberg’s mountaineering schools and mountain guides are readily available for expert touring (see page 25). In addition to the climbing paths mentioned, there are other fixed-rope routes in Vorarlberg (protected by wired ropes). Karhorn climbing path between Warth and Lech, mount on Steffisalpbahn, 45-min walk to the access point. Walking time: 1.5–2 hrs, length: 600m, rated difficulty: B+ Mindelheimer climbing path in the Kleinwalsertal (Schafalpenköpfe) between Fiderepass and Mindelheimer Hütte along the AustroGerman border, rated difficulty: B-C/1 Strausssteig (Panülerkopf), Brand: 1.5–2 hours walking time, vertical difference from the valley to Panülerkopf 1,820m, total time required incl. descent 8-10 hrs, rated difficulty: A/B Kleinlitzner, Südgrat climbing path, GaschurnPartenen: walking time from Saarbrückner Hütte approx. 1.5 hrs, rated difficulty: B/C Climbing path Saula, Vandans and Brand: eastern face of Saulakopf (2,517m), approx. 45 min. from Heinrich Hueter Hütte, 1.25 hrs from Douglasshütte, rated difficulty B/C, some sections D/E. Descent via Saulatäli, walking time approx. 6 hrs, climbing time: approx: 1.5–2 hrs. Climbing path Sulzfluh (south-facing), SchrunsTschagguns: Ascent/descent via Lindauer Hütte, walking time approx. 7 hrs, rated difficulty A-D Climbing path Gauablickhöhle (Sulzfluh north face), Schruns-Tschagguns: Ascent from Lindauer or Tilisuna Hütte approx. 1.5 hrs, walking time: approx. 1.5 hrs, rated difficulty: B/C Climbing path Blodigrinne to Drusenfluh (2,827m), Schruns-Tschagguns: rated difficulty C, walking time approx. 6 hrs from Lindauer Hütte Climbing path Neyerscharte (fixed-rope route, 2,360 m), Brand and Tschagguns: accessible via Heinrich Huetter Hütte or Sarotla Hütte, ascent approx. 2.5 hrs, descent approx 2 hrs, rated difficulty B. Climbing paths Gargellen: Rongg-Wasserfall, rated difficulty: B/C, Röbischlucht: rated difficulty: B/C Adventure Climbing Path Kanzelwand, Riez24

lern: for beginners, accessible via the hiking trail from the cable-car mountain terminal towards the direction of Kanzelwand peak, length 250m, rated difficulty B, 1.5 hours walking time, 15–30min for completing the climbing path Two-Nation Climbing Path, Riezlern: from the mountain terminal Kanzelwand towards the base terminal of Zweiländerbahn, approx. 10 min from the base terminal, 1.5 hours walking time from Fiderepasshütte, length 500m, 5–6 hours walking time, rated difficulty C-D Athletic climbing path Brand-Lünersee: near the Lünersee base terminal; rated difficulty: C/D+, walking time approx. 1 hour. Athletic climbing path near Götzis: Örfla, Kapf, Kessi, rated difficulty: C–D, walking time approx. 1 hour. Practice crag “Francesco Tarmann“ (Hängender Stein, natural monument) in Nüziders: rated difficulty: C/D, walking time approx. 1 hour.

Practice Crags The mountaineering schools or mountain guides use many practice crags for instruction purposes, some can therefore be used only by prior appointment. For more information contact the local tourist offices and the mountaineering schools. • Au/Schnepfau (Am Weissenbach), rated difficulty: 3–4 • Brand (Lünersee valley station), rated difficulty: 4–7 • Bregenz (Känzelewand), rated difficulty: 4–10 • Bürs (entrance to the gorge, only for members of the Austrian Alpine Club), rated difficulty: 5–10+ • Dalaas (Schröfle), near the municipal pool, rated difficulty: 2–6+, open to the public on Thursdays 17:00-19:00, weather permitting • Feldkirch (Schellenberg), rated difficulty: 5– 10, (Illschlucht/Felsenau), rated difficulty: 3+/7 • Gargellen (rated difficulty 3–5) • Gaschurn-Partenen rated difficulty: 2–7+, Silvretta (Bielerhöhe), rated difficulty 5–8 • Götzis (St. Arbogast), rated difficulty: 6–8 • Hohenems (Löwenzähne), rated difficulty: 3–10 • Koblach (Winkla), rated difficulty 2–8 • Lech (Spullerplatten), 15 min from lake Spuller, rated difficulty: 4–8; (Bürstegger Wände), rated difficulty: 2–9+ • Mäder (Pocksberg), rated difficulty: 3–6 • Schoppernau-Schröcken (practice craig Biberacherhütte), rated difficulty: 3–7• Schruns-Tschagguns (Schruns-Gantschier, Landschrofen), rated difficulty: 3–8; (Tschagguns-Latschau), rated difficulty: 3–6 (practice crag Lindauer Hütte and Tilisuna Hütte) • Schwarzenberg (Steinriesler), rated difficulty: 3–7 • Sonntag (Wandfluh, Stein), rated difficulty: 5+–7 and practice crag -3–7 • Vandans (Obervens), rated difficulty: 4–8, (Oberer Steinbruch), rated difficulty: 4–7 • Warth/Lechleiten (Schorfenwies), rated difficulty: 4–8

Löwenzähne,Hohenems, photo: walser-image.com

Rope Gardens Andelsbuch: Aqua rope garden and CanyonPark (near Gasthof Ritter in Bersbuch (river jumping, flying fox run, climbing tower (22m), courses arranged Aktivzentrum Bregenzerwald, Bizau, tel. +43 (0)5514/3148, www.aktivzentrum.at Damüls: Forest rope course for visitors from 8 years (for families, companies, associations etc.), open Wed/Fri/Sat from 10:00–19:00, for groups of 10 persons or more by prior appointment (www.das-seil.at) Dornbirn: rope course in Ebnit, special offers for groups, companies, associations, etc. minimum of 10 participants (tel. +43 (0)5572/386600) Gargellen: Fun Forest, can be used as part of the Family Club Gargellen from 22 June to 4 Sept, www.gargellen.at Kleinwalsertal: Rope garden and adventure stations, courses arranged by the Kleinwalsertal mountaineering school, tel. (0)5517/30245 Schröcken: Adventure park (rope garden with 30 stations, flying fox run), information: www. abenteuerpark.net, courses arranged by Alpinschule Schröcken, tel. +43 (0)664/2525200 Schruns-Tschagguns: Rope garden Kälbersee at Hochjoch with flying fox run etc. (www. hochjoch.com); Forest rope course Golm (opening in spring 2009).

Indoor Climbing Dornbirn: K1, climbing hall at Bildgasse 10, tel. (0)5572/394810, www.k1-dornbirn.at (100 climbing routes, rated difficulty 3–11) Bludenz: VAL BLU Sports & Fitness Club, indoor/outdoor, tel. +43 (0)5552/67929; Public boulder wall, Untersteinstrasse 5, Österreichischer Alpenverein, T +43 (0)5552/62639 Brand: Gemeindezentrum, height: 5m, information: municipal office, tel. +43 (0)5559/308 Gargellen: climbing hall, can be used with a membership of the Family Fun Club, rated difficulty: 2–9 Lochau: multi-purpose hall in the school complex, rated difficulty: 4+–8+, information: Guntram Matt, tel. +43 (0)664/3869228 Mellau: Bergrettung, practice crags for instruction purposes, information: tel. +43 (0)5518/2203; Schröcken: Hotel Widderstein, tel. +43 (0)5519/ 400 Warth: Hotel Adler, Hochkrumbach, tel. +43 (0)5583/4264, in-/outdoor, rated difficulty: 3–8

DISCOVER THE MOUNTAINS WITH EXPERT ASSISTANCE | OUTDOOR VORARLBERG Mountain and hiking guides, the staff of

paths, the most beautiful look-outs and will

mountaineering schools and outdoor spe-

let you into the secrets of animal and plant

cialists, are a safe bet if you want expert

life. Their programmes, in particular the

guidance and a safe trip to the mountains.

climbing courses, are geared to beginners as

They are familiar with the trails and climbing

well as advanced-level mountaineers.

Photo: Hans Wiesenhofer, Kleinwalsertal Tourismus

MOUNTAINEERING SCHOOLS AND MOUNTAIN GUIDES The mountaineering schools offer guided hikes and tours as well as in-depth instruction for all forms of alpine mountaineering. The programme includes mountain hikes, climbing tours, guided fixed-rope climbing, some also offer mountain bike tours, mountain adventures in high-rope courses, canyoning, outdoor seminars, tailored group programmes etc. For detailed information (programmes, course dates, prices etc.) please ask for a folder directly at the mountaineering schools or check out their websites. ALPIN live, Bergsteigerschule Brand Reinhard Sperger, tel. +43 (0)664/3416243 [email protected], wwwalpin-live.at Hochgebirgsschule Rudolf Mayerhofer, Klaus tel. +43 (0)676/6044992 [email protected] www.erlebnis-alpin.at Alpin Center Lech Martin Schuster, tel. +43 (0)5583/39880 [email protected] www.alpincenterlech.at Wander- und Bergsportschule Lech Herbert Tschuggnall, tel. +43 (0)5583/2666 [email protected] Bergschule Kleinwalsertal, Mittelberg Manfred Heim, tel. +43 (0)5517/30245 [email protected], www.bergschule.at Free-Motion Bergsport-Erlebnisse, Nüziders Wolfgang Schallert, tel. +43 (0)664/1051648 [email protected], www.free-motion.at Alpinschule Schröcken Josef Staggl, tel. +43 (0)664/2525200 [email protected] www.alpinschule-schroecken.at Bergführer Montafon, Schruns tel. +43 (0)664/4311445 [email protected] www.montafon.bergfuehrer.at Berg- und Sportschule Widderstein, Warth Gebhard Fritz, tel. +43 (0)5583/2716 [email protected], www.alpinwarth.at

Alpinschule Bergaufbergab, Weiler/Mellau Edi Kumaropulos, Tel. +43 (0)664/1218576 [email protected] www.bergaufbergab.com Many resorts have licensed mountain guides. For bookings, please contact the local tourist offices, the mountaineering schools, information centres of the Austrian Alpine Club and the Association of Vorarlberg Mountain Guides Vorarlberg (www.vorarlberg.bergfuehrer.at). Some offer comprehensive hiking and climbing programmes, e.g.: Bergsport/Skisport Thomas Schäfer, Fontanella-Faschina/Sulz tel. +43 (0)5510/322 [email protected] www.thomas-schaefer.at Montafon-Guides Silvretta im Montafon tel. +43 (0)664/1026028 [email protected] www.montafon-guides.at. Apart from mountain guides, there are trained and qualified hiking guides who will accompany hikers individually or in groups on marked trails (no climbing paths or glacier crossings).

Hiking guide agency: BergAktiv Brandnertal tel. +43 (0)664/5008729, (0)660/2191051 [email protected], www.bergaktiv.info BergAktiv Wanderführer Montafon tel. +43 (0)664/9216810 [email protected]. The fee for walking, mountain or mountaineering tours depends on the length of the tour, the rated difficulty and the number of participants. Information/Mountain guide agency: Association of Vorarlberg Mountain Guides (Bergführerverband Vorarlberg) Gantschierstr. 74, A-6780 Schruns tel. +43 (0)664/2234935, fax (0)5556/72266 [email protected] www.vorarlberg.bergfuehrer.at Information about huts, paths, alpine infrastructure, rental equipment, booksellers stocking alpine literature, maps etc.: Austrian Alpine Club, information centre (Österreichischer Alpenverein, Sek. Vorarlberg) tel. +43 (0)5552/62639, fax 34234-4 [email protected], www.alpenverein.at/vorarlberg

SUSPENSE & ADVENTURE WITH OUTDOOR VORARLBERG Outdoor Vorarlberg is the umbrella brand covering all professional outdoor specialists in Vorarlberg. Outdoor Vorarlberg offers top-quality outdoor programmes that meet the most stringent safety requirements for families, companies or extreme athletes, covering the whole spectrum of outdoor sports from hiking, climbing, mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, paragliding, caving, wilderness courses to bungee jumping from the 106m high bridge. Information at: www.outdoor-vorarlberg.at

Photo: outdoor input

25

HIKING BY RAIL, BUS AND BOAT – CONVENIENT, APPEALING AND A BARGAIN, TO BOOT!

Photo: Verkehrsverbund Vorarlberg

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

HIKING BUSES

Vorarlberg has an excellent public transport network at appealingly inexpensive rates. Trains and buses run at regular intervals, regional timetables are closely dovetailed.

Hiking buses and some public buses run directly to the hiking areas. For schedules and rates please contact the information points below or the local tourist offices. Public transport schedules (ÖPNV): www.vmobil.at.

Combination Ticket for Rail and Bus The Vorarlberg Transport Network is a company operated by the state of Vorarlberg. The network area Vorarlberg (with the exception of the Kleinwalsertal valley, which runs a bus system of its own) is divided into tariff zones (“domino“, “regio“, “maximo“) and includes the principality of Liechtenstein and various border villages. The trains of the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and of the Montafon railway are fully integrated into the Vorarlberg Transport Network – there is only one ticket in Vorarlberg for train and bus services. Single, day, weekly, monthly and allyear tickets are available. Children up to the age of 5 ride free in the company of an adult. 50% discount for children up to 14 years for single fares and day tickets. More information about timetables and tariffs, visit www.vmobil.at Hiking with train and bus The Vorarlberg transport network has put together hiking and cycling tours which can be easily accessed by rail or bus. Route information can be retrieved, downloaded or printed from www.vmobil.at “Euregio Bodensee” is a day ticket for excursions in the lake Constance area. The allin ticket for rail, bus and boat services is valid in all countries on the lake and entitles to discounts for many sites. The “Euregio Bodensee” ticket is issued for two adjacent land zones or for all zones. More information at www.euregiokarte.com. The regional inclusive cards issued at the Arlberg, the Bregenzerwald, the Kleinwalsertal, the Montafon and in the region Alpenregion Bludenz include the use of all means of public transport within the region. 26

• Bartholomäberg–Rellseck: June to midOct daily at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 and on request (minimum of 4 persons), tel. (0)5556/73117-0 • Bezau–Reuthe–Bizau–Schönenbach: 13.6.– 4.10. daily according to the ÖPNV-schedule, line 36 (private cars subject to road toll) • Brand: Oberzalim hut, Wednesdays 10:00, prior registration: local tourist office, tel. (0)5559/555 • Bürserberg–Tschengla: early July to midSept, daily according to schedule and by request, tel. (0)5552/65000 • Biosphere park Grosses Walsertal: Alp buses run from 11.6. to 20.9. to the different alps (ÖPNV-schedule): Mon Türtschalpe, Tues Alpe Oberüberluth, Alpe Zafern, Wed Steris-Alpe, Thurs Alpe Ischkarnei, Alpe Metzgertobel, Fri Gassner Alpe, Alpe Sentum, Sat Alpe Sera), Sun/holidays – June + Aug. Ischkarnei-, Metzgertobel-, Türtsch- and GassnerAlpe, July + Sept – Oberüberluth-, Zafern- and Sera-Alpe. Information/schedule: (0)5550/ 21733, www.vmobil.at, or tourist office, tel. (0)5554/5150 Fontanella: Seewaldsee-Zügle (excursion train to lake Seewald), daily from late June to late August, before/after on weekends. According to schedule, groups and special rides by prior arrangement, tel. (0)5554/5220 Raggal/Marul–Laguzalpe, line No. 79: 11.6.– 20.9 according to ÖPNV-schedule, prior appointment for groups required: Kreyer Reisen, tel. (0)664/3388443) Sonntag/Buchboden–Alpe Huttla–Alpe Klesenza, line No. 77a: 11.6.–4.10. according to ÖPNV-schedule, Information: tel. (0)5550/21733 • Egg-Schettergg: all year according to ÖPNVschedule, line No. 32 • Eichenberg-Möggers–Hohenweiler: line No. 12, according to ÖPNV-schedule

• Götzis–Meschach/Millrütte: Meschabus, Sun and holidays according to schedule, Loacker Tours, tel. (0)5523/5909 • Hittisau/Riefensberg–Hochhäderich: daily according to ÖPNV-schedule, line No. 30 • Hohenems–Schuttannen: 1.5.–26.10., Sun and holidays, according to ÖPNV-schedule, line No. 55a, information: tel. (0)5572/3230081 • Hochkrumbach–Warth–Lech–Zürs: 13.6. to early Oct, line 42, 30-min intervals during the peak season, hourly during the off-season, according to ÖPNV-schedule • Lech–Zug–Älpele–Spullersee/Formarinsee: end June to early Oct, 20-min intervals during the peak season, 40-min intervals during the off-season. The section from Zug is closed from 8:00–16:30 for private cars (toll road). • Lech–Zürs: 27.6.–4.10., hourly intervals in the off-season between 8:00 and 18:00, 30min intervals during the peak season. Rides are free for holders of the Active Inclusive Card and for guest card holders in the resorts of Dalaas and Wald (available from the local tourist office). Toll is collected on the section from Zug to the lakes (toll card on sale on the bus), free parking in the car park in Lech. Information: (0)5583/2161-0 • Laterns: Alpe Gapfohl, Aug/Sept, prior arrangement: tel. (0)664/3579672 • Kleinwalsertal: Walserbus (runs at regular intervals), covering a network of 42km on all major and minor routes, serving all hiking areas. Free for holders of the Allgäu Walser Card. Information: Tourist Office, tel. (0)5517/ 5114-0 • Klösterle: Shuttle service to Nenzigastalpe (demonstration dairy farm) Wednesdays at 9:30 from late June to mid-September, registration: until Tue 17:00 at the local tourist office, tel (0)5582/777 • Mellau: Mellental/Dosegg–Hochvorsäß/Hintersuttis (by prior arrangement with Felder Reisen, tel. (0)5518/2257) • Nenzing–Nenzinger Himmel, Alpe Gamp: daily. To register call A. Gantner at (0)5525/ 62217, Lisi and Friedl Touristik, tel. (0)5525/ 62594. Accessible only by hiking bus, access not allowed for private cars/bicycles!

HIKING BY RAIL, BUS AND BOAT | HEALTH IN AND FROM THE MOUNTAINS • Nenzing–Dünserberg/Alpe Älpele: 11.7.– 13.9. Mon–Fri Sat–Sun + holidays from 11.7.– 26.10. according to ÖPNV-schedule, line No. 75a, information: tel. (0)5550/21733 or (0)5525/ 62594 • Schruns-Tschagguns: Grabs, until late October according to timetable, weather permitting, for groups of 10 persons (min). Registration on the day before required, special tours on request, Tel. (0)5525/62594 • Silbertal–Hinteres Silbertal to Untere Gafluna-Alpe: end June to end Sept, Wed + Thurs, peak season 8:30, to register call (0)5556/74112 • Vandans–Rellstal: mid-June to early Oct, daily, groups by prior arrangement only, tel. (0)5556/9000600.

Access to Alp Areas: Access by private car to the different alp areas (negotiable only in summer) is subject to a charge (contact/information hotlines indicated for toll tickets). Bartholomäberg–Rellseck: up to 7.5t, May to Nov, tel. (0)5556/73101 Bizau–Schönenbach (up to 20t, May to Oct, tel. (0)5514/2129, hiking bus)

Hittisau–Lecknertal to parking area (MayNov, tel. (0)5513/6209-50) Lech–Zugertal to Formarin-/Spullersee (closed for private traffic from 8:00–16:30, local/ hiking bus from 8:00–18:00) Mellau: Mellental, up to 3.5t, tel. (0)5518/2309 Accessible only by alp bus or hiking bus: Grosses Walsertal biosphere park (alp buses to different alps) and Nenzinger Himmel (hiking bus): see page 26. Photo:Vorarlberg Lines

SHIPPING ON LAKE CONSTANCE Lake Constance shipping offers various appealing scheduled (5 April to 18 Oct) and special cruises to the neighbouring countries of Germany and Switzerland. The programme includes excursions, night-time cruises and round trips in the three-country area. Free ride for children up to 5 years. The Lake Constance Card for children (valid one day for the price of € 4.70) entitles children up to 15 years (all children of one family up to the age of 15 years) to a free ride if accompanied by at least one parent or grandparent. The SEASONcard is a season ticket for all

scheduled lines on Lake Constance and the river Rhine (excluding ferries and catamarans). On sale at advance booking offices until 30 April for € 140, from 1 May € 150, children € 17. Information/shedule/rates: Vorarlberg Lines – Bodenseeschifffahrt Bregenz, T +43 (0)5574/ 42868, www.vorarlberg-lines.at The BodenseeErlebniskarte allows holders to use the scheduled services free or charge, or at a discount (siehe Inclusive Cards, page 7). Information: www.bodensee-tourismus.com or www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com and tourist information agencies around the lake.

Photo: Hans Wiesenhofer/Lech Zürs Tourismus GmbH.

HEALTH IN AND FROM THE MOUNTAINS Activity & Relaxation in Nature Stimulates Physical and Mental Well-being. For several years, Egon Humpeler and Wolfgang Schobersberger, both medical doctors and researchers at IHS (Research Institute for Holiday and Recreational Medicine and Health Tourism) studied the effect of altitudes between 1,100m and 2,000m on the human

body. Their study provides scientific evidence that stays at moderate altitudes have a highly positive effect on the body. Moreover, it confirms that hiking holidays have a substantive recuperative effect. After spending three weeks in the mountains, the test persons showed a significant reduction of their elevated blood pressure levels, a

marked improvement of their fat and sugar metabolism, and a weight loss of two to three kilograms. The most impressive result was enhanced oxygen circulation of the red blood cells. Moreover, their neuropsychological parameters (e.g. positive outlook on life, quality of sleep) had stabilised significantly.

27

CABLE-CARS AND CHAIR LIFTS — www.sommerbergbahnen.at Information hotline

Altitude base/ mountain terminal

Expected operating times in summer 2009 For current information please call the indicated telephone number or visit the homepage at: www.sommerbergbahnen.at (in German only)

Alberschwende

Sessellift Brüggelekopf

•

•

05579/4233, 4323

721–1080 m

Andelsbuch

Bergbahnen Andelsbuch (Niedere)

•

•

05512/2540

655–1548 m 1.5.–11.10. daily from 9.00–12:00, 13:00–17:00, (Sat/Sun + July/Aug. no lunch break), weekend operation 17./18.10. + 24./25.10.

Au/Schoppernau

Bergbahnen Diedamskopf G

•

•

05515/4110-0

850–2020 m

11.6.–11.10. daily from 08:45–16:15, evening hours: each Thurs from 9.7.– 3.9., 18:00 to 22:30

Bezau

Bergbahnen Bezau

•

•

05514/2254

680–1600 m

1.5.–2.11. daily from 9:00–12:00, 13:00–16:45

Bizau

Hirschbergbergbahnen

Bludenz-Nüziders

Muttersberg Seilbahn

•

• •

Brand

•

05572/25079

800–1436 m May – Oct

05552/68035

681–1401 m 4.4.–1.11. daily from 9:00–18:00

BT

05556/701-80412 or 05556/72444-0 05559/224

•

BT*

05574/42160-0

•

BT*

05510/600

• •

Bregenz

Pfänderbahn G

•

Damüls

Vierer-Sessellift Uga-Express

Dornbirn

Karrenseilbahn G

Fontanella/ Faschina

Stafelalpbahn G

Gargellen

Bergbahnen Gargellen G

•

•

Gaschurn

Silvretta Montafon Versettla Bahn | Section 1 + 2

• •

•

•

•

05572/22140

•

Ifen-Sessellift Heuberg-Arena

• •

5.7.–13.9. daily, from 17.5 and up to 24.10 Sun/holidays during the week at 11:00, 13:00, 16:00, Sun + holidays 10:00–16:30, lunch break 12:15–13:00

BT

Lünerseebahn

•

BT

•

Dorfbahn + Panoramabahn

Hirschegg

•

•

Lech

Rüfikopfbahn G Bergbahn Lech-Oberlech Schlegelkopfbahn Petersbodenlifte

• •

•

Mellau

Bergbahnen Mellau (Rossstelle)

•

Mittelberg

Walmendingerhornbahn Chair lift Zaferna

•

Vermuntbahn Tafamuntbahn

• •

Riezlern

Kanzelwandbahn

Schnifis/ Dünserberg Schruns

1565–1979 m 30.5.–18.10. daily, ride up: at half-hour intervals from 8:00-16:55, lunch break from 12:20–13:10, all-day 1037–1600 m on request, May to Oct daily form 8:30–12:00, 13:30–16:30 410–1022 m whole year, daily from 8:00–19:00 (closed for technical inspection in Nov), free transport of bicycles from 8:00–10:00, 18:00–19:00, remaining hours at a fee 1400–1850 m

464–976 m

Mid-June–Mid-Oct daily, before/after weekends only, Mon–Fri from 9:00–12:30, 13:30–16.45, Sat/Sun + holidays allday all-year (closed for technical inspection in March and Nov), Sun–Thurs 9:00–23:00, Fri/Sat until midnight (daily in winter starting at 10:00)

05510/705

1485–1865 m

daily from Mid-June to Mid-Sept from 9:00–12:00, 13:15–16:00, Sat/Sun + holidays allday, before/after weekends/holiday

B

05557/6310

1430–2130 m

19.6.–4.10. daily from 8:30–16:45, at half-hour intervals, lunch break 12:00–13:00

BT

05557/6300-317

1000–1480 m 11.6.–18.10. daily from 08:30–17:00 1480–2010 m

BT

05517/53340 05517/5056, 6395

1280–1600 m approx. 15.6.–3.11., daily from 9:15-12:00, 13:15–16:30 1122–1380 m end of May – Mid-Oct from 9:00–16:30

BT

05582/292-0

1000–1840 m

4.7.–4.10. daily from 8:30–16:30

05583/2336-0 05583/2350-0 05583/2332-0 05583/2448

1450–2335 m 1441–1658 m 1441–1658 m 1645–1929 m

27.6.–4.10. daily from 8:30–17:30 4.7.–27.9. daily from 8:30–18:00 4.7.–27.9. daily from 8:00–16:30 4.7.–27.9. daily from 8:30–17:00

705–1390 m

•

Klösterle/Dalaas-W. Sonnenkopfbahn G

BT • • •

BT*

05518/2222-0

• •

BT*

05517/527430 05517/3238

1200–1940 m approx. 9.5.–3.11. daily from 8:15–16:45 1200–1470 m approx. 20.5.–3.11. daily from 9:00–16:30

•

05558/701-85231 05558/701-85247

1030–1731 m 1030–1550 m

•

•

05517/527430

1087–1957 m approx. 21.5.–3.11. daily from 8:30–16:45

Schnifisbergbahn

•

•

BT

05524/5161, 0664/556046

Silvretta Montafon - Section 1 Hochjoch Bahn Section 2 Sennigrat Bahn

• •

• • •

BT BT

05556/72126

Silbertal

Kristbergbahn G

•

•

BT

05556/74119

889–1442 m 9.5.–1.11. daily from 7:50–12:20, 13:15–18:15

St. Gallenkirch

Silvretta Montafon Garfrescha Bahn

05557/6300

906–1485 m 11.6.–18.10. daily from 8:30–11:45 and 13:00–17:15

Sonntag

Seilbahn Sonntag-Stein

•

•

BT*

05554/5281

Vandans– Tschagguns

Golmerbahn, Teilstrecke 1 Golmerbahn, Teilstrecke 2 Teilstrecke 3

• • •

• • •

BT BT BT

05556/701-83167 05556/701-83167

650–1000 m 21.–24.5., 30.5.–1.6. weather permitting 1000–1522 m 6.6.–18.10. daily 1522–1893 m

Warth

Steffisalp Express

BT

05583/3601-0

1515–1884 m end of June to Mid-Sept daily

Partenen

1) B = ride up, T = ride down; * = free transport

28

Mountain restaurant Bicycle transport 1)

G = Quality Seal for summer-season mountain railways (awarded by the Trade Association of MounMountain Railway Operators)

Chair lift

Name of mountain railway Cable-car

Resort

•

BT

•

•

•

•

660–1334 m

11.6.–11.10. daily from 9:00–12:00, 13:00–17:00, 21.–24.5., 30.5–1.6., 5.–7.6. + 17./18.10., Sat/Sun + holidays 9:00–17:00

27.6.–18.10. daily from 8:30–12:00, 13:00–16:30 11.–14.6. and from 20.6.–18.10.daily if required

April – Oct Tue–Sun 9:00–12:00, 13:00–18:00, closed Mon

700–1350 m 11.6.–18.10. daily from 8:30–17:00 1350–1850 m 1850–2280 m 20.(27.)6.–4.10. daily from 8:45–11:.45, 13:00–16:30

900–1300 m June–Oct daily from 8:30–12:00, 13:00–17:30

weekend operation (off season) weather permitting

GET MOVING ... – NORDIC WALKING, RUNNING TRACKS, INLINE SKATING Exercise, and exercise again. Whether jogging or inline skating, Nordic walking or mountaineering. Outdoor exercise does wonders to your personal fitness; it enhances your respiratory function, kick-starts the circulatory and digestive systems, and boosts

performance

levels

and

body

awareness.

Nordic Walking on the Diedamskopf/Au-Schoppernau, photo: walser-image.com/Diedamskopf

NORDIC WALKING

RUNNING & JOGGING TRACKS

The Ultimate in Fitness Training

Nordic walking is cut out not only for high performers, but also for those who want to give sports a first or second try. A perfect and healthy cardiocirculatory and metabolic training. Sibratsgfäll in the Bregenzerwald and Gaschurn-Partenen in the Montafon have become Nordic walking centres. Sibratsgfäll boasts 6 routes of 40km altogether, from easy to difficult (central on-site information board, information leaflet). Courses and packages are available (Sibratsgfäll tourist office, tel. +43 (0)5513/2121, www.sibra.at/nordic). Gaschurn and Partenen have 90km of running and Nordic walking trails (13 routes). Courses, rental Nordic walking poles (local tourist offices, Tel. +43 (0)5558/82010 and 83150, www.gaschurn-partenen.com) Nordic walking routes also exist in Gargellen and in the Kleinwalsertal. Some tourist offices have information folders with suggested routes.

Apart from fitness trails and running tracks, the following walking and cycling paths in the valleys are ideal for running:

Europatreppe 4000 in Gaschurn-Partenen: Europe’s longest straight stairway up to the Trominier mountain terminal (4,000 steps, 700m vertical difference, timed) Aquastiege stairs in Tschagguns from the Gampadels power station along the pressure pipeline to Bitschweil (914 steps, 400m vertical difference, only for trained athletes).

The Welltain®trail in Lech features two variants (1.5 to 2.5 hrs walking time, 250 metres in altitude to be covered): trail along the shore of the river Lech to the municipal pool, route Zug or via Engerle Alpe and Rudalpe to Oberlech (return by bus from Zug, or from Oberlech by bus or lift), wayside inns. Courses with qualified Nordic walking trainers are run and can be booked through sports shops, Kneipp associations and local tourist offices. Call the local tourist offices for contacts and course dates. Instruction on how to walk properly with poles and guided walks are arranged e.g in AuSchoppernau, Bezau, Bludenz, Bürs, Bürserberg, Dalaas/Wald, Damüls, Dornbirn, Gargellen, Gaschurn-Partenen, Mellau, St. Gallenkirch-Gortipohl, Schruns-Tschagguns, Sibratsgfäll and Vandans.

Andelsbuch: around the reservoir Bludenz: upper and lower Illrain, Römerweg, Bingser woods Braz: circuit along the river Alfenz to the reservoir Bürs: from the transformer station in the direction of Lorüns Bregenz-Lochau: Half-marathon course along the shore of Lake Constance between Lochau and Bregenz (running track near the lake-side pool in Lochau, sighnposted) and the Bregenzerach estuary (cycling path), information, good skating route Bregenz–Kennelbach–Wolfurt–Lauterach– Hard: along the Bregenzerache river along the shore of Lake Constance, in the Lauteracher Ried, in the Rhine delta (cycling path), information Dornbirn: along the river Dornbirner Ache Feldkirch: 15 jogging routes from 2.2 to 11km for beginners and advanced level joggers, running track, fitness trail, brochure Gaschurn-St.Gallenkirch-Gortipohl: along the river Ill, Nordic walking and running paths Götzis: Örfla gorge (circuit) Hohenems: along the old Rhine between the Rheinauen recreational centre and Schmitter Zoll, Lustenau Kleinwalsertal: 109km of Nordic walking and running paths for hobby athletes and professionals, information Lech: 3–10km e.g. route to Zug, Flühenweg and to Stubenbach, information Mellau: Achweg, Bildweg, Dorfrandweg Rankweil: along the Frutzdamm Schruns-Tschagguns: Litzdamm, along the Ill Vandans: half-marathon course, signposted.

INLINE SKATING Inline skating and roller blading is permitted on sidewalks, foot paths and in pedestrian areas at normal walking speed (and with extra caution around pedestrians), on bicycle lanes and paths in the mandatory driving direction for bikers; outside villages and towns, skating and roller blading is allowed only on specially marked cycling or foot paths. The use of skateboards and mini scooters is generally prohibited on public roads; on sidewalks and foot paths, skates and scooters are allowed at walking speed with caution around pedestrians. For skateboarders, there are skater parks and special skate areas, such as the skater park in Hard and the spark-7 Park in Bludenz. Many running trails and cycling paths are suitable for inline skating; among the most popular ones is the lake Constance cycling trail, a 300km-long paved trail which runs along the shores of lake Constance and is a point of departure for a variety of inline tours. Further suggestions: Bürs, Mellau, SchrunsTschagguns (programmes/rental gear at the Aktivpark). Reference books (in German) rollfuss Inline-Atlas Bodensee, published by: Esterbauer GmbH; Inline-Skaten Bodensee (circular tours of lake Constance and into the Rhine valley), published by: Reise Know-How 29

RUNNING EVENTS, HIKING DAYS | ALPINE SHELTERS Highlights from the Calendar of Events: • 1.5. Hohenems: Skinfit-Schlossberg Run (www.schlossberglauf.at) • 21.6. Bludenz: Int. Muttersberg Run (Berglaufteam Sparkasse Bludenz) • 4.7. Silbertal: Montafon Arlberg Marathon from Silbertal to St. Anton a.A. (www.montafon-arlberg-marathon.com) • 18.7. Lech: Summit Triathlon • 19.7. Vandans: montafon-raiffeisen-halbmarathon and Allcomers Event (www.marathonraiffeisen-halbmarathon.com) • 25./26.7. St. Gallenkirch-Gortipohl-GaschurnPartenen: Montafon Silvretta(wo)man (www. silvrettawoman.at) • 8./9.8. Dornbirn: Family Hiking Day (no prior registration necessary)

• 15.8. St. Gallenkirch-Gaschurn: Silvretta Mountain March (no prior registration necessary) • 15.8. Lingenau: Outdoor-Trophy • 23.8. Lech: Welltain® High-Altitude Half Marathon • 4.10. Bregenz: Sparkasse Marathon in the three-country area Bregenz–Lindau–St. Margrethen (www.sparkasse-marathon.at) For more details consult the indicated websites or the local or regional tourist offices. Current dates and events: www.vorarlberg.travel

Diedamskopf, photo: walser-image.com/Diedamskopf

ALPINE SHELTERS

Alpine Shelter Totalp/Brand, photo: Kevin Artho

The shelters of the Austrian and German Alpine Clubs and those of the Vorarlberg Friends of Nature (Naturfreunde Vorarlberg) are open to everyone. In all Alpine Club shelters, guests are expected to follow the hut rules; for example, the use of sleeping bags is mandatory in all shelters. Especially in early summer and autumn, you should enquire in the valley whether the huts in hiking areas are still/already open and 30

catering before you start your hike, since the beginning and the end of the shelter season is dependent on weather conditions. Groups need to make reservations with the tenant as early as possible. As a member of an Alpine Club you help to assure shelter for mountaineers in the future. What is more, you enjoy membership benefits such as reduced shelter rates.

For a list of shelters run by the German and Austrian Alpine Clubs and the Friends of Nature see further right.

➥

In addition to the Alpine Club shelters, there are numerous mountain inns and private huts offering shelter and overnight accommodation (see Mountain Inns and Alpine Homesteads Offering Shelter pp 32-33).,

Bregenzer Naturfreunde Haus (NF) Douglass-Hütte (ÖAV) Feldkircher Haus (NF) Emser Hütte (NF) Frassen-Hütte (ÖAV) Freiburger Hütte (DAV) Freschen-Haus (ÖAV) Gauertal-Haus (NF) Gerach-Haus (NF) Göppinger Hütte (DAV) Götzner Hütte (NF) Heilbronner Hütte (DAV) Heinrich-Hueter-Hütte (ÖAV) Hochälpele-Hütte (ÖAV) Kaltenberg-Hütte (DAV) Klostertal-Umwelthütte (DAV) Lindauer Hütte (DAV) Lustenauer Hütte (ÖAV) Madlener-Haus (DAV) Madrisa-Hütte (DAV) Mannheimer Hütte (DAV) Haus Matschwitz (DAV) Oberzalim-Hütte (DAV) Ravensburger Hütte (DAV) Reutlinger Hütte (DAV) Saarbrücker Hütte (DAV) Sarotla-Hütte (ÖAV) Schwaben-Haus (DAV) Schwarzwasser-Hütte (DAV) Hirschegg-Auenhütte Silvretta-Hütte (NF) Stuttgarter Hütte (DAV) Tilisuna-Hütte (ÖAV) Totalphütte (ÖAV) Tübinger Hütte (DAV) Tschengla-Hütte (NF) Ulmer Hütte (DAV) Wiesbadener Hütte (DAV) Wormser Hütte (DAV)

1842 Lechquellengebirge Hut: (0)5519/257 Schröcken-Landsteg 1300 Bregenzerwald Valley/hut: (0)664/4000864 Schwarzenberg, Bödele 1976 Rätikon Valley: (0)5552/62639 (ÖAV), hut: (0)5559/206 Brand, Lünersee-Seilbahn 1200 Rätikon Valley: (0)5522/35498, hut: (0)5522/77979 Frastanz-Amerlügen 1298 Bregenzerwald Valley: (0)5576/74944, hut: (0)5576/77865 Ebnit, Hohenems 1725 Lechquellengebirge Valley: (0)5552/67402, hut: (0)699/17051089 Bludenz, cable-car Muttersberg 1931 Lechquellengebirge Valley/hut: (0)650/5660039 Lech-Zug, toll road/hiking bus 1846 Bregenzerwald Valley: (0)5519/30304, hut: (0)664/3528509 Laterns Bad-Furkajoch 1250 Rätikon Valley: (0)5574/45781, hut: (0)5556/73109 Tschagguns-Latschau 1550 Bregenzerwald Valley: (0)5522/71447, hut: (0)5525/62486 Dünserberg, Rankweil 2245 Lechquellengebirge Valley: (0)5514/30051, hut: (0)5583/3540 Lech-Zug, toll road 1140 Bregenzerwald Valley: (0)5523/51540, hut: (0)5523/62292 Götzis 2320 Verwall Valley: (0)5558/8256, 8729, hut: (0)5446/2954 Partenen-Kops, Zeinisjoch 1766 Rätikon Valley: (0)5556/72266, hut: (0)5556/76570, Vandans, hiking bus (0)664/2234935 1460 Bregenzerwald Valley/hut: (0)664/2447969 Dornbirn-Bödele 2089 Verwall Valley: (0)5675/20071, hut: (0)5582/790 Langen a. Arlberg, Stuben 2362 Silvretta Self-catering, emergency shelter with 2 bedPartenen-Bielerhöhe camps open, accessible only with keys 1744 Rätikon Valley: (0)5559/582, hut: (0)664/5033456 Tschagguns-Latschau 1250 Bregenzerwald Valley: (0)664/1669385, hut: (0)5512/4913 Schwarzenberg-Bödele 1986 Silvretta Valley: 0)664/2834453, hut: (0)5558/4234 Partenen-Bielerhöhe 1660 Rätikon Self-catering, keys: Fam. Ganahl, tel. (0)5557/ Gargellen 6303 2679 Rätikon Valley: (0)664/3524768, hut: (0)664/3524768 Brand, cable-car Lünersee 1500 Rätikon Operated by the alpine club, hut: (0)5556/ Tschagguns/Golmerbahn 73700, (0)664/2530450 1889 Rätikon Valley: (0)664/3524768, hut: (0)664/1229305 Brand 1948 Lechquellengebirge Valley: (0)5583/2665, hut: (0)664/5005526 Lech-Zug, toll road/hiking bus 2395 Verwall Self-catering, access only with keys Langen, Silbertal 2538 Silvretta Valley: (0)5442/62439, hut: (0)5558/4235 Partenen-Vermuntstausee 1645 Rätikon Valley: (0)6544/6680, hut: (0)664/9652995 Brand, Bürserberg 1198 Rätikon Valley: (0)5552/65685, hut: (0)5552/65686, Bürserberg, road Self-catering 1651 Kleinwalsertal Valley: (0)5333/5582, hut: (0)5517/30210 1994 Silvretta Partenen-Bielerhöhe 2310 Lechtaler Alpen Zürs a. Arlberg 2211 Rätikon Tschagguns-Grabs 2385 Rätikon Brand, cable-car Lünersee 2191 Silvretta Gaschurn 1500 Rätikon Bürserberg 2281 Lechtaler Alpen Alpe Rauz, St.Anton a.A. 2443 Silvretta Partenen, Bielerhöhe 2307 Verwall Schruns, Hochjochbahn

10

79

20

mid-June – early Oct

—

32

—

70

80

20

1.5.–3.11., open all year round, 4.11.–31.3. Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon May – mid-Oct on weekends

15

50

12

35

32

10

22

40

6

40

100

25

mid-June – early Oct

26

40

18

mid-June – mid-Oct

10

20

10

8.6.–13.10.

20

15

—

25

41

8

10.5.–6.7. on weekends, 7.7.–28.9. daily, 26.12.–6.1. on weekends mid-June – mid-Oct

28

—

5

26

82

—

all year round, weekends and holidays only mid-June – end of Sept

20

90

14

mid-June – mid-Oct

—

25

—

30

45

—

21.5.–26.10., closed on Tue early Dec – mid-April end of June – end of Sept

—

18

2

40

120

20

—

40

—

60

20

–

20

—

—

all year round booking: +49 (0)89/1400340 9.6.–11.10., 26.12.–6.1., end of Feb. – end of March mid-May – mid-Nov, Dec to April early June – mid-Oct, Christmas – mid-Jan., early Feb – Easter all year round

25

150

10

early July – mid-Sept

44

—

—

5

20

15

20

60

20

17./24.6. – mid-Oct, Christmas to Easter end of June – 1.10., winter: mid-March to Easter mid-June – early Oct

—

14

—

25

60

20

4

40

2

32

5

—

all year round

41

40

12

Info-hotline Valley/tenant and hut

ÖAV = Austrian Alpine Clubs DAV = German Alpine Clubs NF = Vorarlberg Friends of Nature Biberacher Hütte (DAV)

Makeshift camps

Altitude, mountain range, point of departure

Bed-camps

Name of hut

Beds

ALPINE SHELTERS Expected opening time (for current information call the number indicated)

1.5.–15.10., 1.11.–1.1. on weekends only open all year round mid-May – mid-Oct

early July – late Sept, Easter – Whitsun end ofJune – early Oct

Self-catering, Naturfreunde LO, (0)5574/45781, hut: (0)5558/4241 Valley: (0)5583/3412, hut: (0)676/7580250

7

9

—

early June–mid-Oct, Christmas to mid-March only for alpine training

18

54

15

early July –end of Sept

Valley: (0)5556/75185, hut: (0)664/1107969

35

105

10

mid-June – mid-Oct

Valley: (0)5572/24002, hut: (0)664/1418852

—

85

10

end of May – mid-Oct

Valley: (0)5556/73700, hut: (0)664/2530450

40

79

20

early July – end of Sept

Self-catering, for reservations call (0)664/90522415, — W. Schwenginger, weekly rents only hut: (0)5446/30200 52

10

—

all year round

—

—

early July – mid-Sept, Dec–April end of June – early Oct, mid-Feb.– 1.5. mid-June – mid-Oct, Christmas, Easter

Valley: (0)5443/20039, hut: (0)5558/4233

40

160

20

Valley: (0)699/11155333, hut: (0)664/1320325

26

32

—

The price of accommodation in an Alpine Club hut (own sleeping bag) ranges from € 9.– to € 24.–. 50% discount for members of Alpine Clubs (excluding breakfast). Data compiled on the basis of the information provided by the Alpine Clubs. Status: November 2008. Alpine information by the Austrian Alpine Club (chapter Vorarlberg), tel. +43 (0)5552/62639, [email protected], www.alpenverein.at; by the German Alpine Club, tel. +49 (0)89/294940, www.alpenverein.de, www.dav-huettensuche.de; Vorarlberg Friends of Nature, tel. +43 (0)5574/45781, [email protected], www.naturfreunde.at

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MOUNTAIN INNS AND ALPINE HOMESTEADS OFFERING OVERNIGHT SHELTER

Bartholomäberg/Rellseck, photo: Andreas Gassner

Mountain inns, wardened huts and alpine homesteads are popular hiking destinations. Most of them are supremely positioned and a far cry from the atmosphere in the valley. Food and drink is often home-made. The expected opening times of all mountain inns/ huts/alpine homesteads are indicated down below. Do not forget to enquire at the local tourist office in the valley whether the huts or alpine homesteads are open and catering, specifically in early summer and autumn, as the opening times depend on the weather conditions. Inns and huts offering overnight shelter have been marked by “A“. For more information and reservations call the telephone numbers listed (dailing code for Austria: +43 + area code without the «0»).

Alpenregion Bludenz Brandnertal, Alpenstadt Bludenz, Klostertal Bludenz Bergrestaurant Alpengasthof Muttersberg (see mountain railways page 28) Els Alpe (end June – mid-Sept), A Brand Berghof Melkboden (Whitsun–mid/end Oct) Palüdhütte (Whitsun – mid/end Oct), A: tel. (0)5559/390 Brüggele-Alpe, Palüd and Parpfienz-Alpe, Niggenkopf (early July – mid/end Sept) Bürserberg Alpe Rona (mid-June – early Sept) Dalaas/Lech Alpe Dalaaser Staffel near lake Spulersee (late June–early Sept) Biosphere Park Grosses Walsertal Fontanella Franz-Josef-Hütte, Faschina (July – mid-Oct, opening on weekends in May, weather permitting), A: tel. (0)5510/314 Türtsch-Alpe, Fontanella (early July – early Sept) Alpe Bartholomäus, Bödmen-Alpe (early July– early Sept) and Gasthof Seewaldsee and Seestüble (April to late Oct) Raggal Alpe Laguz, snack bar (June – late Sept), A: tel. (0)664/3871737 Jausenstation Berghof in Ludescherberg (all year round, closed Thurs) 32

St. Gerold Gassner-Alpe (mid June – early Oct), A: tel. (0)5550/2133 Sonntag Gasthof Partnomhüsle, Alpe Unterpartnom (May – Oct), A in the surrounding alpine huts: tel. (0)5554/5622 Breithorn-Hütte, Alpe Oberpartnom (midJune – mid-Sept), A: tel. (0)5554/5601 Seilbahn-Stüble, Stein (May/June – Oct) Alpe Steris (mid-June – mid-Sept) Gasthof Bad Rothenbrunnen, Buchboden (May – early Nov), A: tel. (0)5554/20104 Klösterle-Stuben Restaurant Sonnenkopf/Sonnenkopf mountain terminal (4.7.–4.10.) Alpe Nenzigast (late June – mid-Sept, cheese production each Wed) Bludenzer-Alpe (July – Sept) Nenzing Alpengasthof Gamperdona, Nenzinger Himmel (May – Oct), A: tel. (0)5525/64606 Berghaus Mattajoch, Alpe Gamp (May – Oct), A: tel. (0)5525/63586, (0)5552/66266

Alpengasthof Kühberg, Karren (closed Mon) Gütler Bergheim, First area (on weekends), A: tel. (0)5572/35623 Dünserberg Alpe Älpele, near the broadcasting tower (May – Oct), open according hiking bus shedule Götzis Gasthaus Götzner Haus (July/Aug.), A: tel. (0)5523/51540 Hohenems Alpe Gsohl (May – Oct) Gasthaus Skiheim Schuttannen (Tues + Fri from 14:00, Sat–Sun from 10:00) Berggasthaus Schuttannen (closed Tues), A: tel. (0)664/9152876 for groups Langen Hirschbergalpe (May – Oct, Gipfelmesse 30.8) Laterns/Zwischenwasser Alpwegkopfhaus, Furx (mid-May – mid-Nov, Christmas– Easter, closed Tues/Wed) Alpe Gapfohl (mid-June – mid-Sept) Schnifis Jausenstation Hensler (1.4.–31.10., closed Mon) Alpe Älpele (May – Oct, closed Mon) Viktorsberg Alpe Almein (15.5.–15.10.)

Arlberg Lech/Zürs Rüfikopf mountain restaurant (27.6.–4.10.) Kriegeralpe, Bürstegg, Alpe Formarin, Auenfelder-Alpen, Monzabon-Alpe, Rud-Alpe (July – mid-Sept)

Bodensee-Vorarlberg Bregenz-Lochau (Pfänder area) Berghaus Pfänder (May – Sept) Pfänderspitze (all year round) Alpengasthof Schwedenschanz (all year round, except Nov closed Mon) Gasthof Pfänderdohle (late-Sept – early-May) Dornbirn Pfarrers Älpele, Ebnit (June – Oct) daily, May: Sat/Sun/holidays Reichsbundhütte, Bödele (Fri–Sun and by request), A: tel. (0)5572/7262, (0)676/6355150 Meierei Bödele (early May – late-Oct, closed Tues, mid-Nov – Easter Monday) Weissen Fluh, First area (mid-June–mid-Sept daily, Sept – mid-March on weekends) Binnel-Alpe, First area (on weekends weather permitting)

Bregenzerwald Alberschwende Alpengasthof Brüggele (all year round), A: tel. (0)5579/4391, (0)664/9750855 Andelsbuch Berggasthof Niedere, Alpe Niedere (May – Oct) Alpe Baumgarten (June – Sept) Au Bergkristall Hütte (mid-May – mid-Oct), A: tel. (0)664/1808482) Alpengasthof Edelweiss (Whitsun – mid-Oct), A: Tel. (0)664/4324840 Alpe Annalp, Alpe Mittel-/Hinterargen, Alpe Sack, Obere Sattelalpe, Alpe Säckel (early July – early Sept), Alpe Brendler/Godlachen, Alpe Sattelegg (June – early Sept), Tobelalpe (June – early Sept) Bezau Alpe Wildmoos (mid-June – late Sept) Alpe Kretzboden (mid-June – late Sept) Alpe Stongerhöhe, Alpe Almisgunten, Alpe Unterspitz (mid-July – mid-Sept) Sutterlütys Hinteregg-Alpe (early June – late Sept)

MOUNTAIN INNS AND ALPINE HOMESTEADS OFFERING OVERNIGHT SHELTER | DAIRY FARMS Berghaus Innauer, Sonderdach (1.5.–1.11.) Bizau Bergrestaurant Hirschberg (May – Oct, Fri-Sun +holiday, mid-/late June – mid-/late Sept daily), A: Tel. (0)5572/25079 Gasthof Egender, Schönenbach (May – Oct, closed Mon) Jausenstation Tüble, Löffelau (May – Oct, FriSun) Damüls Berggasthof Elsenalpstube, Uga mountain terminal (mid-June – mid-Oct, Dec – April), A: tel. (0)5510/297-0 Berggasthof Uga-Alp (mid-June – mid-Oct, Dec – April), A: tel. (0)5510/318-0 Oberdamülser Alpe, Alpe Ragaz (June – Sept) Egg Alpe Obere Falz, Alpe Untere Falz, Schetteregg (mid-June – mid-Sept) Hittisau Berggasthof Hochhäderich (June – late Oct), A: tel. (0)664/9222410 Hennenmoos (Whitsun – late Oct), A: tel. (0)5513/6113 Burgl Hütte, Gerisghschwend (late May – Sept), Alpen Hinterberg, Hochleckach Lecknertal: Alpengasthof Höfle (late May – mid-Oct, closed Mon), A: tel. (0)664/4956022; Gasthof Alpenrose (closed Tue), Alpen Schwarzenberger Platte, Juliansplatte, Glockenplatte, Rohne, Plattentisch, Helmingen-Äuele, Neuschwand (late May/mid-June – mid-/late Sept) Mellau Alphof Rossstelle (mid-May – mid-Oct), A: tel. (0)5518/2310 Restaurant Simma (mid-May – mid-Oct) Hofstätter Hütte (late June – mid-Sep.), A: tel. (0)664/4658758 Alps: Buchen, Dossegg, Untermörzel, Wildgunten, Wurzach, Hintere Suttis, Kanis, Lindach, Hauser (all late June – mid-Sept) Riefensberg Alpstüble Moos (mid-May – mid-Nov, closed Wed) Schnepfau Alpe Weissenbach, Alpe Hirschberg, Vorsäss Ortburg (all June – Sept) Schoppernau Restaurant Bergstation Diedamskopf (mountain terminal, see page 28) Mitteldiedamsalpe, Vorderüntschenalpe, Breitenalpe, Falzalpe, Althornbachalpe (all early July – mid-Sept) Neuhornbach Haus (mid-May – late Oct), A: tel. (0)664/4817475, (0)664/5367595 Schröcken Hotel Körbersee (mid-June – early Oct and winter season), A: tel. (0)5519/265 Auenfelder Hütte (June – Oct), A: tel. (0)664/ 4111251 Alpe Felle, Alpe Batzen (July – Sept) Schwarzenberg see Dornbirn; Alpe Rothenbach (June – Sept) Sibratsgfäll Burgl Hütte, see Hittisau Alps: Alpe Aibele, Rohrmoostal (mid-June – late Sept), Vorsäss Schönenbach (late May –early June + early Sept– mid-Oct), Alpe Hochegg, Bereuters Neualpe (mid-June – early

Sept), Wildriesalpe (May – Nov, closed Wed) Warth Widderstein Hütte (late May – mid-Oct), A: tel. (0)664/3912524 Hochalp-Hütte (late June – mid-Oct) Punschhütte (June – Oct) Auenfelderhütte (mid-Juni – mid-Sept), A: Tel. (0)664/4111251

Kleinwalsertal Mahdtalhaus (Alpine Club), InnerschwendeEgg, (late Dec – late Oct), A: tel. (0)5517/6423 Schwabenhütte, Hirschegg/Nebenwasser (midMay to mid-Oct, Christmas to Easter), A: tel. (0)5517/5654 Starzelhaus, Baad (early May – late Oct, Christmas - Easter), A: tel. (0)5517/6702) Café Alpenwald, Baad (Whitsun – late Oct, Christmas – Easter), A: tel. (0)5517/6353 Alpengasthof Hörnlepass, Schwende-Ausserwald (late May – late Nov, Christmas – Easter), A: tel. (0)5517/57070 Mountain huts and alps open to hikers Open from May/June holiday weekends to midOct, some from early May to early Nov. Closed on different days of the week. More information at the local tourist offices. Mittelalpe (dairy farm), Riezlern–Söllereck Bergstüble, Oberwestegg–Riezlern Bergrestaurant Kanzelwand, Adlerhorst, Kanzelwand mountain terminal Innere Kuhgehrenalpe, Kanzelwand–Kuhgehren Fluchtalpe, Bergheim Moser, Untere Wiesalpe, Innere Wiesalpe (dairy farm), Wildental Naturalp Gemstel-Schönesboden, Hintere Gemstelalpe, Obere Gemstelhütte, Bernhardsgemstelalpe (dairy farm), Gemsteltal Bärgunthütte, Bärgunttal with Widdersteinalpe Mittlere Spitalalpe, Derratal Innerer Stierhof, Bühlalpe, Stutzalpe (dairy farm), Obere Lüchlealp, Untere Lüchlealp, Walmendingerhorn Gipfelstuba Walmendingerhorn, mountain terminal Obere Walmendinger-Alpe, WalmendingerhornSchwarzwassertal Alpe Melköde (dairy farm), Ifersgunt-Alpe, Schwarzwassertal Bergadler, Hochifen-Gottesacker (open weather permitting) Ifenhütte, Hochifen Auenhütte, Schwarzwassertal-Hochifen Waldhaus, Riezlern-Breitachklamm Max’s Hütte, Laubenzug-Bühlalpe, Mittelberg Sonnaalp, Bergstation Zafernalift (mountain restaurant)

Montafon Bartholomäberg Gasthof Rellseck (late May – late Oct, Thurs– Sun in winter) Alpe Latons (mid-July – early Sept) Gargellen Obwaldhütte (19.6.–4.10., closed Mon) Schafberghüsli (16.6.–4.10.), A: tel. (0)5557/ 6310400 Kessel-Hütte (19.6.–4.10., closed Wed) Alpe Vergalden (late June – early Sept)

Gaschurn-Partenen Nova-Stoba, Versettlabahn mountain terminal (11.6.–18.10.) Alpstöbli, Tafamuntbahn mountain terminal Lammhütte (June – Oct) Restaurant Silvrettasee, Bielerhöhe (same opening times as Silvretta High Alpine Road) Alpe Gibau, Alpe Garnera, Alpe Verbella, Alpe Valschaviel, Alpe Grossvermunt (all mid-June – mid-Sept), Alpe Bova (June – Oct) St. Gallenkirch Brunellawirt (mid-June – mid-Oct) Alp Nova (mid-June – mid-Sept) Schruns Mountain restaurant Kapell, Hochjoch (open 11.6.–18.10.) Gasthof Kropfen (mid-June – early Oct) Alpe Innerkapell (mid-June – Sept) Silbertal Panoramagasthof Kristberg (May – late Oct), A: tel. (0)5556/72290 Knappastoba (late May – late Oct, closed Thurs-Fri) Gasthaus Fellimännle, Hasahüsli (late May – mid-Oct) Alpe Wasserstube, Alpe Gafluna, Stieralpe (mid-June – early/mid Sept) Alpe Gafluna (mid-June – mid-Sept) Tschagguns Berggasthof Matschwitz (mid-June – early Oct, closed Mon), A: tel. (0)5556/73700 Berghof Golm (Whitsun – mid-Oct), A: tel. (0)5556/77111 Berggasthof Grabs (Whitsun – early/mid-Oct), A: tel. (0)5556/72584 Jausenstation Bitschweil (late April – mid-Oct) Alpe Alpila, Alpe Latschätz, Alpe Spora, Alpe Tilisuna (mid-June – early/mid Sept) Vandans Alpengasthof Rellstal (mid-June – mid-Oct), A: tel. (0)5556/74176, (0)664/9340455 Alpe Lün (mid-June – mid-Sept) Alpe Lünersee (early July – early Sept)

DEMONSTRATION DAIRY FARMS Operates from mid-June to mid-Sept, demonstrations normally in the mornings, for the exact times/dates please ask at the local tourist office. Andelsbuch (Bregenzerwälder Käsehaus, Berggasthaus Niedere), Brand (Alpe Parfienz, Föhrenhof), Bürserberg (Alpe Rona), Gargellen (Alpe Vergalden), Klösterle (Alpe Nenzingast), Lingenau (Bregenzerwälder Käsekeller). Dairy farms in Schnepfau, Schoppernau, Sonntag, Warth and Kleinwalsertal (Stutzalpe, Bernhardsgemstelalpe, Innere Wiesalpe, Mittelalpe). Dairy farming school: Metzler in Egg.

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RETURNING HOME SAFELY How to make mountain hiking an enjoyable experience … • Start slowly: start your mountain holidays on easy trails. It takes some time until your body adapts to the altitude and the climate. • Use route descriptions and maps for planning your hike or tour of the mountains. Always be mindful of the season and your physical condition. • For your own safety: inform your hosts about your destination and ring them up if you are likely to return later than anticipated. • Your clothing and equipment are important for your safety! Adequate mountain gear includes: walking boots with profile sole, rain coat and warm clothing, first aid kit and packed lunch. Trekking poles are useful for steadying you on rough terrain and protecting your joints and spine. • For your own good: listen to the weather forecast and the advice of locals. • Stay on the signposted hiking trails. Use extra caution when walking on steep, snowcovered slopes and wet grass. • Sign your name in guest books and summit books. • Keep the mountains tidy. Collect your garbage and dispose of it in the valley, when back from your hike. • Respect the natural habitat of animals and plants. • Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Put your mobile phone on silent mode. For more detailed information about your mountain holidays, please refer to: • Österreichischer Bergrettungsdienst (Austrian National Mountain Rescue Association), Landesleitung Vorarlberg: www.bergrettung-vorarlberg.at (available only in German) • Österreichischer Alpenverein www.alpenverein.at (available only in German)

Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit: has issued a folder on safe mountain hiking (in German) “Bergwandern – Sicherheitstipps“ (available at: Österreichischer Alpenverein, Naturfreunde, Bergrettungsdienst). • Initiative Sichere Gemeinden: www.sicheregemeinden.at (German only)

In case of emergency ... When in trouble on the mountains despite all care you have taken, give the alpine distress signal (visible and audible signs, six times per minute). Your mobile phone as lifeguard A cell phone is no life insurance and will not replace your duty of care. Nowadays, however, it is indispensable for organising help in case of an emergency. The Austrian Mountain Rescue Association of Vorarlberg can be reached via the emergency call number 144. Single European Emergency Call Number 112 accessible any place, any time If your mobile phones services are not accessible during a mountain emergency, switch off your phone and dial 112 instead of your PIN-code after switching it on again. Your phone will automatically pick up the strongest network. Other advantages of the European emergency call number 112: accessible in all European countries free of charge and without using SIM-card. Rated as SOS-calls, 112calls are treated preferentially in any network.

Photo: Otmar Heidegger

Rescue and Recovery Insurance For a membership support fee of € 22.–, the Austrian Mountain Rescue Association covers the costs of rescue or recovery up to a maximum amount of € 15,000 per person, world-

Respect your limits Wohngemeinschaft Natur or Nature Community is an initiative launched by the Vorarlberg State Government. Drawing on wide-ranging support, it wants to raise awareness among many locals and visitors who

engage in recreational activities outdoors to treat nature with respect. The campaign focuses not so much on bans and no-goes, but on providing information about what stands behind matters and how they 34

wide, in the following instances: costs of search and recovery from emergencies in the mountains or on lakes/rivers, provided by the ambulance or air ambulance. The insurance further covers the costs of rescue from accidents/incidents on ski slopes and involving aviation sports, not the cost of recovery however. Coverage starts on the day following payment of the membership support fee and is provided for the duration of one year (bank payment no later than 31st December) to the insured person, his/her spouse and children (under 18 years) living in the same household. Pay cheques, which also serve as membership cards, are available at local tourist offices or may be ordered directly from the Austrian Mountain Rescue Association of Vorarlberg. Österreichischen Bergrettungsdienst (Austrian National Mountain Rescue Association), Landesleitung Vorarlberg, www.bergrettung-vorarlberg.at

interrelate to generate sustainable success. This is an educational programme for more respect, consisting of a country-wide information campaign which you may have already

heard of “Respect your Limits”. Not only a good piece of advice to not overtax your own physical resources, but also a wellmeant and urgent call on

hikers, mountain bikers, downhill racers, mushroom gatherers and berry pickers etc. to preserve the natural habitat of fauna and flora, to respect protected and reserved areas, and to report incidences. The slogan is to convey the campaign and its underlying philosophy

to a wider public. Take it in a welcoming and sympathetic vein, use the wealth of information you are getting, and respect the needs and concerns of your fellow creatures in nature.

PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Hotel Krone in Au ★★★★

VAL BLU Resort Hotel SPA & Sports ★★★

A-6883 Au Tel. +43 (0)5515 / 2201-0 Fax +43 (0)5515 / 2201-201 [email protected] www.krone-au.at

A-6700 Bludenz Tel. +43 (0)5552 / 63106 Fax +43 (0)5552 / 63106-4 [email protected] www.valblu.at

Beds 120 | 10 EZ / 55 DZ | rooms with TV

Beds 120 | 52 DZ / 4 MZ | rooms with TV

–y‘…=

–y‘…=:∞

Hotel facilities: Lift, indoor pool, sauna, sunbeds, large garden with a natural lake for swimming (300m2) and sun lawn, nursery/playground for children, internet corner, free WLAN, massages and “Harmony“ health department, “Sky Spa“: wellness facilities with panorama sauna on the rooftop (500m2), sanarium, infrared cabin, steam bath, entertainment/ sports programme, rental bicycles, non-smoking hotel; boot storage room, shoe butler, rental hiking poles.

Hotel facilities: All rooms non-smoking, 2 lifts, Alpine adventure spa (1,900m2), panorama outdoor pool, sauna complex (500m2) with 5 saunas, whirl springs, sunbeds, sports & fitness club (700m2), cardio theatre, massage, sports & recreational medicine studio, sun lawn, supervised activities for children (mornings), nursery/playground for children, indoor/ outdoor climbing wall, cageball (football) hall, conference facilities, underground parking, entertainment/sports programme, à-la-carte restaurant; bicycle shelter, bike washing facilities

Krone Pleasure Hiking Week Dates: 1.5. – approx. 26.10.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights with gourmet half board (buffet breakfast, 5-course dinner with choice of main course and salad bar) • 2 guided walks • 1 guided walk to our own highalpine lodge with mountain cheese tasting and wine, or barbecue • Beginner’s course in Nordic walking with professional trainers and rental poles • 1 hiking map and 1 set of rental hiking poles

• • • •

1 relaxing massage 5 x gymnastics/stretching 2 x aquaerobics Weekly programme with cultural visit of the village, organ recital, gala dinner with zither music accompaniment etc. • 1 bottle of Austrian wine/room • Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools Price per person: EUR 513 - 627 S/r supplement: EUR 30/package Rates for children: Up to 12 years free, 13–16 years EUR 40/day.

VAL BLU Base Camp – Mountain Summer Dates: 22.4. – 8.11.2009 (bookable Wed-Sun) Package includes: • 4 nights with vitality breakfast buffet • 1 guided adventure walk • Energy package for the tour • 1 relax massage • Use of the VAL BLU SPA World with pool landscape and sauna complex (indoor pool or outdoor

pool/sauna depending on the weather) and of the VAL BLU Sports & Fitness club • Welcome drink and information • Information package & underground parking Price per person: EUR 279 S/r supplement: EUR 44 Rates for children on hotel services: Up to 6 years, free, 6–14 years EUR 22/night with breakfast

VAL BLU Walking and Sports Weekend Termin: 22.4. – 8.11.2009 Package includes: • 2 or 3 nights incl. vitality buffet breakfast • 1 guided adventure walk • 1 relax massage • Use of the VAL BLU SPA World with pool landscape and sauna complex (indoor pool or outdoor pool/sauna depending on the weather) and of the VAL BLU Sports & Fitness club

• Welcome drink and information • Information package & underground car park Price per person: Fri to Sun: EUR 159 S/r supplement: EUR 22 Fri to Mon: EUR 189 S/r supplement: EUR 33 Rates for children on hotel services: Up to 6 years free, 6–14 years EUR 22/night with breakfast

Hochtannberg, photo: Franz Oberhauser

Number of beds / Number of rooms: EZ = single / DZ = double / MZ = multiple-bed / App. = apartments Hotel location: — = town centre Means of payment: y = debit card/Maestro ‘ = credit cards Foreign languages spoken e.g. … of town _ = environs

– = out 35

PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Alpenregion Bludenz Tourismus GmbH

Sporthotel Beck ★★★★ Reit-, Golf-, Kinderhotel

A-6700 Bludenz Tel. +43 (0)5552 / 30227 Fax +43 (0)5552 / 30227-1712 [email protected] www.alpenregion.at

A-6708 Brand Tel. +43 (0)5559 / 306 Fax +43 (0)5559 / 306-70 [email protected] www.sporthotel-beck.at

BRANDNERTAL – ALPENSTADT BLUDENZ – KLOSTERTAL: Nature at your doorstep – in the valley around the alpine city of Bludenz in Vorarlberg’s south. Discover the stunning mountain scenery on 800km of sign-posted hiking trails, along bubbling springs, lush green alpine pastures with their herbal fragrances, and marvel at awe-inspiring mountain peaks. With the SummerActiveCard (SommerAktivCard), which is good for unlimited rides on all cable-cars and lifts, as well as for public transport on 3, 5, 7, 10 or 14 consecutive days you can be out and about at a bargain; valid also for many other services and various discounts.

Mountain Summer in the Brandnertal Valley

Summer Retreat in the Klostertal Valley

Dates: Summer season 2009 Package includes: • 7 nights in a deluxe apartment (for 2 persons) • 5-day SummerActiveCard • Guided walks Price per person: starting at EUR 398 incl. end-of-stay cleaning

Dates: Summer season 2009 Package includes: • 4 nights in a B&B • 3-day SummerActiveCard • Guided walk Price per person: EUR 126

Walking & Sports Weekend Alpenstadt Bludenz Dates: 24.4. – 22.11.2009 Package includes: • 2 nights with buffet breakfast • Guided walk • Use of the pool and sauna,

sports & fitness club • 1 relaxing massage • Underground car park Price per person: EUR 159

Beds 110 | 5 EZ / 33 DZ / 15 App. | rooms with TV

—y‘…= Hotel facilities: Lift, indoor/outdoor pool, spa complex with sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, sun bed, fitness room, sun lawn, sun terrace, nursery/playground for children, child-minding (10.5 hours daily SunFri), tennis court, horseback riding school/hall, wellness, archery (private parcours), dogs permitted, à-la-carte restaurant, weekly entertainment/sports programme, shoe shine, storeroom.

Hiking Week Package Dates: 20.5. – 4.7, 7.9. – 18.10.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights and deluxe full board (buffet breakfast, small lunch buffet or lunch pack, afternoon snacks, 5 course dinner with choice of main course) • Guides walks with “BergAktiv“ • Free golf green fee from 13.–20.6, 20.–27.9, 50% discount from 23–29.5, 20.–27.6, 12.–20.9

• Free admission to the swimming lake, free use of the tennis courts and the archery parcours • Child-minding from Sun-Fri, 9:00–20:30 (10.5 hours/day) and programme of activities • Free use of the pool and wellness facilities Price per person: EUR 595 S/r supplement: EUR 14/package Rates for children: EUR 31 – 72

Hotel Scesaplana ★★★★ A-6708 Brand Tel. +43 (0)5559 / 221 Fax +43 (0)5559 / 445 [email protected] www.scesaplana.at

Hämmerle Appartements ★★★ A-6708 Brand Tel. +43 (0)5559 / 213 Fax +43 (0)5559 / 213-40 [email protected] www.haemmerle-brand.at 11 App. | with TV and safe

—…= Hotel facilities: Lift, sauna, massages, beauty treatments, sun lawn, sun terrace, garage, WLAN, nursery/playground for children, tennis court (free tennis), dogs allowed, non-smoking apartments; discount on the green fee at the Brand golf course; boot storage room, shoe butler, coin-operated laundromat/dryer

Mountain Summer Dreams Dates: 4.7. – 26.9.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights in a self-catering apartment • 2 x 4 points for the Brandnertal lifts • 2 x 1 ride up/down on Lünerseebahn • 1 pampering massage (25 min)

• 1 hiking rucksack and hiking map • Guided walks with “BergAktiv“ (Mon-Fri) • 1 bottle of wine as a welcome • End-of-stay cleaning Prices for 2 persons: starting at EUR 372 Children born until 2005 free (without separate bed linen etc.)

Beds 120 | 3 EZ / 24 DZ / 20 MZ | rooms with TV and safe

—y‘… Hotel facilities: Sun terrace to relax, Scesaplana spa with indoor pool, panorama whirl pool, steam bath, sauna, infrared cabin, sunbed, wellness and beauty treatments in the Brand Beauty Spa, nursery, trendy hotspot for youngsters, 4 outdoor tennis courts, 2 indoor tennis courts, 5-min walk from the 18-hole golf course

Scesaplana for First-Timers 4 = 3 Dates: 18.4. – 11.10.2009 Package includes: • 4 nights Sun-Thurs for the price of 3 • Incl. gourmet half board with buffet breakfast, afternoon snacks, set 4-course dinner with choice of main course or buffet • Guided walks with licensed mountain and hiking guides from Brand

• Free admission to the lake for swimming • Supervised activities for children as of 3 years during holidays • 20% discount on the green fee at all golf clubs in Vorarlberg Prices per person: starting at EUR 210 Rates for children: 0–6 years free, 7–12 years EUR 105, 13–17 years EUR 150

Price: Overnight in a double room with shower/WC oder bath/WC; for children sharing their parents’ room – unless stated otherwise – discounts upon request, deluxe half board: see page 44 • Regional Inclusive Cards: for a description of included services see page 7

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PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Familienhotel Lagant ★★★★

Damülser Hof – Wellnesshotel ★★★★

A-6708 Brand Tel. +43 (0)5559 / 285 Fax +43 (0)5559 / 444 [email protected] www.lagant.at

A-6884 Damüls Tel. +43 (0)5510 / 210 Fax +43 (0)5510 / 543 [email protected] www.damuelserhof.at

Beds 150 | 57 DZ / 18 MZ | rooms with TV and safe

Beds 110 | 7 EZ / 30 DZ / 13 MZ | rooms with TV and safe

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Hotel facilities: Sports & Fun area (300m²) for children and youngsters, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, indoor/outdoor tennis, sun terrace and sun lawn, hotel bar with fireside, restaurant with live cooking, adventure playground, free internet terminal and WLAN, non-smoking hotel, multi-purpose room for Moms & Dads.

Hotel facilities: Lift, indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, sun bed, beauty farm, fitness room, nursery/playground for children, bowling alley, car park, indoor parking, à-la-carte restaurant, rental poles, boot closet with dryer.

Hiking with the Youngsters 7=6 Dates: 28.5. – 4.7, 22.8 – 26.9.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights inclusive board (buffet breakfast, lunch snack, afternoon coffee and cakes or ice cream, set 4-course dinner with choice of main course or themed buffets with salad bar) • Free soft drinks during meals • 5 guided walks with licensed mountain guides from Brand • Activities for parents and children: family kneipping with vitamin drink, parent-children adventure games, Lagant treasure hunt,… • Free hiking and bad-weather pick-up taxi (within a radius of 10km)

• Rental hiking backpacks, rain poncho, mountain buggy... • 2 x per week sleep-in service for parents • Supervised activities for children and toddlers in the Fantasy Workshop • Baby massage course • Free admission to the Alvierbad, (natural lake for swimming) • Free use of the indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool • Welcome drink and family pool bag as a gift Prices per person: starting at EUR 348 Children: 0–3 years, free, 4–6 years EUR 180, 7–12 years EUR 240, 13–17 years EUR 300

Landhaus Alpstein ZZZZ A-6708 Brand Tel. +43 (0)5559 / 256 Fax +43 (0)5559 / 256-5 [email protected] www.alpstein.at Beds 11 | 1 EZ / 5 DZ | rooms with TV and safe

—… Facilities: Private guesthouse of superior standard; non-smoking house, sauna, sun lawn, indoor/outdoor tennis, horseback riding, free pick-up of guests arriving by train from Bludenz railway station.

Alpstein Weeks – Hiking & Sports Activity Holidays Termin: 15.5. – 15.10.2009 flexible arrival and departure Package includes: • 6 or 7 nights including buffet breakfast (organic food corner, healthy drinks) • Participation in guided walks according to weekly programme • Rental trekking poles for the tours • Free use of the Alvierbad (natural lake for swimming)

• Free use of the “Älmele“ tennis courts • Welcome drink, holiday coaching Price per person: EUR 153/182 to 168/189 S/r supplement: EUR 8/night Half board on request: 6/7x dinner in a partner hotel or restaurant from EUR 16/day

The Call of the Mountains Dates: September to October 2009 Package includes: • 7 nights incl. half board • 1 wildflower bath • 1 aroma massage • 1 amber therapy • Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools

Prices per person: EUR 425 Discount for children on the package price: 4-6 years 50% off, 7-10 years 40%, 11-15 years 30% off, children up to 3 years: EUR 12 all-in rate if sharing their parents’ room.

Damüls-Faschina Tourismus A-6884 Damüls Tel. +43 (0)5510 / 620-0 Fax +43 (0)5510 / 549 [email protected] www.damuels.at Damüls-Faschina – a bracing cocktail of inspiration and mountain scenery. Nestling between the Bregenzerwald and the Grosses Walsertal, the resort of Damüls-Faschina is set in a glorious mountain scenery. Highland moors, bold ridges, awe-inspiring peaks, crystal-clear mountain lakes and blossoming alpine pastures just wait to be discovered. Facilities: depending on accommodation and category.

Summer Package Dates: 11.7 – 29.8.2009 Package includes: • 3 or 7 nights in the selected category • Supervised activities for children (Mon–Fri) • 2 guided walks • Visit of a dairy farm • Sunrise walk • Visit of a biomass plant • Ride in a horse-drawn carriage • Welcome evening • Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools

Price per person: Breakfast: 3 nights EUR 75-90 7 nights EUR 175-210 Half board: 3 nights EUR 135 – 225 7 nights EUR 315 – 525 Apartments for 4 persons (selfcatering): 3 nights EUR 210 – 270 7 nights EUR 490 – 630 Discount for children on the package price: up to 6 years free if sharing their parents’ room.

Other packages on request.

Number of beds / Number of rooms: EZ = single / DZ = double / MZ = multiple-bed / App. = apartments Hotel location: — = town centre of town _ = environs Means of payment: y = debit card/Maestro ‘ = credit cards Foreign languages spoken e.g. …

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PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Hotel Faschina ★★★★

Familienhotel Mateera ★★★

A-6733 Fontanella/Faschina Tel. +43 (0)5510 / 224 Fax +43 (0)5510 / 224-26 [email protected] www.hotel-faschina.at

A-6787 Gargellen Tel. +43 (0)5557 / 6387-0 Fax +43 (0)5557 / 6387-5 [email protected] www.mateera.at

Beds 75 | 3 EZ / 20 DZ / 15 suits | rooms with TV and safe

Beds 44 | 1 EZ / 17 DZ / 2 MZ | rooms with TV, safe

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Hotel facilities: Lift, wellness programme with indoor pool, outdoor pool, sauna, steam bath, solarium, massage and beauty department, fitness room, sun lawn, playground/nursery for children, tennis court, horse-back riding, car park, garage, dogs allowed, à-la-carte restaurant, weekly entertainment/sports programme

Hotel facilities: Spa with sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin and rest area, sun lawn, sun terrace, weekly family and sports programme, free rental mountain bikes, bicycle shelter that can be locked, rental of cycling and mountain bike maps, nursery/playground for children, 10% discount on our private equestrian farm with award-winning Haflinger breeding mares, hiking poles and rucksacks, bad weather and hiking pick-up service (within a radius of 10km), private mountain guide, Nordic walking trainer, nonsmoking hotel, free internet terminal and WLAN, lift

Hikeable & Likeable Dates: 20.6. – 11.7, 19.9. – 11.10.2009 Package includes: • 6 nights with gourmet half board • 5 guided walks with the host family • Sunrise walk with copious mountain breakfast (weather permitting) • 5 x savoury delicacies at the alp

or as hiking snack • 1 x wine tasting • Participation in the programme of the BergAktiv mountaineering school (daily) • Panorama hiking map • 1 relaxing or sports massage • Akivcard for cableways, buses... Price per person: EUR 499

Family Hiking Activity Week Dates: 11.7.– 23.8.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights with gourmet half board • 6 x hiking activity programme (adults: hikes, mountain tours; children/adolescents: climbing, river safari ...) • 1 x “Walser meal & wine“ on our own alp

• Aktivcard for lifts, buses Price per person: EUR 511 – 574 No single room supplement! Prices for children: up to 6 years free, 7–9 years EUR 315, 10–12 years EUR 350, 13–15 years EUR 385, 16–17 years EUR 434.

Mateera Hiking Week Dates: 18.6. – 11.10.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights with half board (buffet breakfast, 3-course set dinner) • 1 guided walk per week • Individual tour suggestions • Hiking map and schnapps on the room • Free participation in the Family Club in Gargellen with an entertaining programme

• Supervised activities for children at the hotel’s Fantasy Workshop • Athletes’ and hikers’ regular table Prices per person: starting at EUR 364 Package prices for children: up to 3 years free, 4–6 years EUR 20, 7–12 years EUR 30, 13–16 years EUR 45.

Vital-Zentrum Felbermayer ★★★★ A-6793 Gaschurn Tel. +43 (0)5558 / 86170 Fax +43 (0)5558 / 861741 [email protected] www.vital-zentrum.at

Photo: Gröger/Montafon Tourismus

Beds 116 | 26 EZ / 24 DZ / 21 MZ | rooms with TV and safe

—y‘… Hotel facilities: Lift, indoor pool, vitality oasis with sauna, steam bath, tepidarium, laconium, sun bed, fitness room, sun lawn, sun terrace, dogs permitted, weekly entertainment/sports programme, wellness treatments, massages, beautician, rental walking sticks and rucksacks, shoe shine, separate boot room.

Hiking & Medical Wellness in the Montafon Dates: 11. – 18.7., 1. – 8.8., 5. – 12.9., 3. – 10.10.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights incl. half board (buffet breakfast, lunch package, afternoon snack, set dinner with choice of main course) • 4 guided walks with a hiking guide (cost of bus/lifts not included) • 1 x Nordic walking coaching

• Free use of the wellness facilities Price per person: EUR 650 standard room EUR 797 superior room Prices for children/day incl. half board: up to 2 years free, 2–6 years EUR 20, 6–10 years EUR 40, 10–14 years EUR 50. Minimum of 4 participants.

Price: Overnight in a double room with shower/WC oder bath/WC; for children sharing their parents’ room – unless stated otherwise – discounts upon request, deluxe half board: see page 44 • Regional Inclusive Cards: for a description of included services see page 7

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PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Das Naturhotel Chesa Valisa ★★★★

Almhotel Hochhäderich ★★★

A-6992 Hirschegg/Kleinwalsertal Tel. +43 (0)5517 / 54140 Fax +43 (0)5517 / 5108 [email protected] www.naturhotel.at

A-6952 Hittisau Tel. +43 (0)5513 / 8254-0 Fax +43 (0)5513 / 8254-52 [email protected] www.alpenarena.com

Beds 100 | 4 EZ / 20 DZ / 20 MZ | rooms with TV, safe

Beds 92 | 4 EZ / 40 DZ / 4 App. | rooms with TV

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Hotel facilities: Lift, outdoor pool all year round, sun bed, fitness room, sun lawn, sun terrace, nursery/playground for children, child-minding, WLAN, indoor car park, non-smoking rooms, à-la-carte restaurant (organic quality), entertainment/sports programme, yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, massages, Nordic walking & mountain bike instruction, biking tours for beginners, fitness checks, boot room. Free rental mountain bikes and rucksacks, rental touring boots, Nordic walking poles/telescopic poles at a fee. Lifts and cable-cars free for guests staying 3 days and longer.

Hotel facilities: Lift, sauna, steam bath, sun bed, rental bath robes, sun terrace with deck chairs (free), sun lawn, nursery/playground for children, fireside lounge, internet corner (at a fee), seminar facilities, horse-back riding, parking site, indoor car park (free), dogs permitted, 2 rooms for disabled visitors, non-smoking rooms, located right in the hiking area, shoe shine and store room, 10% discount for bikers on the half board rate, from one night’s stay.

Mountain Discovery – Hiking Weeks Dates: 30.5. – 14.11.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights incl. deluxe board (buffet breakfast, set dinner menu with choice of main course, soup and salad bar at lunchtime, afternoon snack) • 7 days sun package (4 x active wake-up, 2 x yoga + Qi Gong, 2 x Tai Chi) • 1 guided walk • 1 Nordic walking instruction • 1-2 themed walks • 1 mountain bike instruction for beginners

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1 massage or floating-bed pack 1 wine tour 2 x sun bed Free use of the mountain railways Price per person: EUR 533 – 713 S/r supplement: EUR 40 Rates for children in their parents’ room: up to 2 years EUR 33, 3–5 years EUR 53, 6–11 years EUR 58, 12–15 years EUR 63, 16 years and moor EUR 78. ”Familien-Herzwochen“ (13.–27.6., 12.–26.9., 1.–14.11.2009): Up to 3 years EUR 20, 4–14 years EUR 40.

Wellfit Weeks Dates: 30.5. – 14.11.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights incl. deluxe board (buffet breakfast, set dinner with choice of main course, soup and salad bar at lunchtime, afternoon snack) • 7 days sun package (4 x active wake-up, 2 x yoga + Qi Gong, 2 x Tai Chi) • 1 guided walk • Fitness check and training programme • Nordic walking instruction and course for beginners • Mountain bike instruction and tour for beginners

• 1 brush massage • 1 oil pack on the floating bed • 1 full-body sports massage and camphor rub • 2 x sun bed • Free use of the mountain railways Price per person: EUR 648 – 828 S/r supplement: EUR 40 Rates for children in their parents’ room: up to 2 years EUR 33, 3–5 years EUR 53, 6–11 years EUR 58, 12–15 years EUR 63.–, 16 years and more EUR 78. ”Familien-Herzwochen“ (13.–27.6., 12.–26.9, 1.–14.11.2009): Up to 3 years EUR 20, 4–14 years EUR 40.

Hiking Wellness Package Dates: 30.5. – 1.11.2009 Package includes: • 4 nights incl. half board (buffet breakfast, afternoon snack, 4-course dinner) • 1 guided walk or schnapps tasting • Hiking map • 1 hydrojet massage • 1x sun bed (for adults) • Welcome drink

• Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools Price per person: EUR 199 + tourist tax S/r supplement EUR 5/night Discount for children: up to 4 years free, 5–7 years 60%, 8–14 years 25% off the package price. Package can also be booked for 7 nights: EUR 325,80 + tourist tax.

Family Package (1 child or more) Dates: 30.5. – 1.11.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights incl. half board (buffet breakfast, afternoon snack, 4-course dinner); separate bedroom for children (if 2 adults + 2 paying children) • 1 accompanied walk or afternoon programme for children • 1 vitality massage for Mum • 1x coffee and cakes • Welcome drink

• Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools Price: 2 adults + 1 child (5–14 years): EUR 735 + tourist tax Single + 1 child: EUR 479 + tourist tax every further child: EUR 115 Children up to 4 years, free Apartment supplement: EUR 70.

Gottesacker/Kleinwalsertal, photo: Alexander Rochau/Kleinwalsertal Tourismus

Portlaseen, Damüls/Bregenzerwald, Foto: Herbert Flatz

Number of beds / Number of rooms: EZ = single / DZ = double / MZ = multiple-bed / App. = apartments Hotel location: — = town centre Means of payment: y = debit card/Maestro ‘ = credit cards Foreign languages spoken e.g. … of town _ = environs

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PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Gasthof Krone ★★★

Hotel Gotthard ★★★★

A-6952 Hittisau Tel. +43 (0)5513 / 6201 Fax +43 (0)5513 / 6201-16 [email protected] www.krone-hittisau.at

A-6764 Lech Tel. +43 (0)5583 / 3560 Fax +43 (0)5583 / 3560-52 [email protected] www.gotthard.at

Beds 50 | 4 EZ / 23 DZ |

Beds 92 | 5 EZ / 33 DZ / 3 MZ / 9 suites | rooms with TV and safe

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Hotel facilities: All rooms non-smoking, lift, sauna, sunbed, fireside lounge, sun lawn, car park, dogs permitted, seminar facilities, à-la-carte restaurant (1 toque according to GaultMillau 13/20 points); broadband internet, shoe butler, shoe storage room.

Culture Hiking Days Dates: 5. – 10.7., 16. – 21.8.2009 Package includes: • 5 nights with half board, one gourmet dinner • 1 guided chapel walk with food and drink • 1 guided walk “Timber Culture Hittisau” • Hiking map

• Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools Prices per person: starting at EUR 395 S/r supplement: EUR 40/package Minimum of 6 participants required.

Lech Zürs Tourismus GmbH A-6764 Lech Tel. +43 (0)5583 / 2161-0 Fax +43 (0)5583 /3155 [email protected] www.lech-zuers.at www.welltain.at In 2004, Lech am Arlberg was designated Europe’s most beautiful village and is a member of Best of the Alps. The magnificent scenery around Lech and sophisticated programmes make the heart of every sportsman beat faster, Lech is an ideal base for hiking, mountaineering, jogging, Nordic walking or rambling. The Active Inclusive Card, which you receive free of charge from your landlord, is a sesame to this hiking region.

Hotel facilities: 2 lifts, spa complex with indoor pool, whirl corner, block sauna, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, infrared cabin, sun bed, fitness room, sun lawn, sun terrace, nursery/playground for children, car park, indoor parking, indoor tennis, dogs permitted, à-la-carte restaurant, internet, massages, non-smoking rooms, bakery-café-pastry shop, hiking guide, shoe shine, rental poles, rucksacks and bicycles.

Arlberg Hiking Week Dates: 27.6. – 4.10.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights with breakfast or half board (buffet breakfast, 4-course dinner) • guided walks with our own, licensed hiking guide • 1 rental hiking rucksack/room • Mountain breakfast on our own alpine farm

Gotthard Days of Wellbeing Dates: 27.6. – 11.10.2009 Package includes: • 3 nights with half board (buffet breakfast, 4-course dinner) • 1 soothing massage • 1 guided walk • 1 x Nordic walking coaching • 1x sun bed • 1 welcome gift

toddlers and infants • Lending library, local museum, slide shows, brass band concerts • 50% discount on the Lechtal cableways in Bach Accommodation of choice Price example per person: For 7 nights (Sat–Sat): Guesthouse cat. ** + *** with breakfast: EUR 140 – 308 Hotel cat: *** with breakfast: EUR 140 – 455 Hotel cat. *** with half board: EUR 280 – 511 Hotel cat**** with half board: EUR 336 – 1.218 Children: from 5–14 approx. 30% discount, depending on the accommodation. Detailed information and packages at the Lech Zürs Tourist Board.

• Active Inclusive Card for cableways, buses, guided walks, child-minding etc. Price per person: starting at EUR 330 Rates for children: up to 3 years free, 4–9 years EUR 20, 10–14 years EUR 30.

Apart-Hotel Filomena ★★★★

Lech Mountain Summer Dates: 27.6. – 4.10.2009 The Active Inclusive Card covers: • All cable cars and chair lifts in operation • The regional and hiking bus (entire area from lake Spullersee and Formarinsee to the Hochtannberg pass (excluding toll fee on toll roads) • Supervised activities for children in the Kids Active Club • Selected guided walks • Forest pool with a slide and children’s basin • Soccer pitch, indoor/outdoor tennis courts • Vita parcours and Welltain® Trail • Day green fee at the Golf Academy in Lech (driving range, putting green and 3-hole course) • Recreation centre Lech: mini golf, pit-pat, pools, paradise for

• 1 drinking bottle • 1 hiking cap, 1 hiking map/room • Active Inclusive Card for cableways, buses, guided walks, child-minding etc. Price per person: starting at EUR 590 Rates for children: up to 3 years free, 4–9 years EUR 20, 10–14 years EUR 30.

A-6764 Lech Tel. +43 (0)5583 / 2211 Fax +43 (0)5583 / 26038 [email protected] www.filomena.at Beds 67 | 4 EZ / 3 DZ / 13 MZ, App. for 2-8 pers. | rooms with TV, safe

—y‘… Hotel facilities: Reception, hotel lounge with day bar and fireside, lift, indoor pool and whirl fountain, infrared cabin, sauna, aroma/brine steam bath, sanarium…., sun lawn, nursery, table soccer/tennis, pools, darts, airhockey, parking site, indoor parking, dogs permitted.

Culture Hiking Days Dates: 27.6. – 18.7., 22.8. – 4.10.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights incl. breakfast • Guided walks as part of the local programme • Hiking map • Fondue evening

• Active Inclusive Card for cableways, buses, guided walks, child-minding etc. Price per person: EUR 290

Price: Overnight in a double room with shower/WC oder bath/WC; for children sharing their parents’ room – unless stated otherwise – discounts upon request, deluxe half board: see page 44 • Regional Inclusive Cards: for a description of included services see page 7

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PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Burg Hotel Oberlech ★★★★s

Sonne Lifestyle Resort ★★★★s

A-6764 Lech Tel. +43 (0)5583 / 2291-0 Fax +43 (0)5552 / 2291-12 [email protected] www.burghotel.at

A-6881 Mellau Tel. +43 (0)5518 / 20100-0 Fax +43 (0)5518 / 20100-70 [email protected] www.sonnemellau.com

Beds 131 | 11 EZ / 41 DZ / 9 APP | 9 suites | rooms with TV and safe

Beds 92 | 38 DZ / 8 suites | rooms with TV and safe

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Hotel facilities: Lift, spacious wellness area with indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, tepidarium, sunbeds, beauty, massage, Ayurveda, fitness room, sun lawn, nursery, supervised activities and entertainment programme for children, tennis court, indoor parking, table tennis, squash, pools, WLAN, entertainment/sports/activity programme, dogs permitted, àla-carte restaurant (2 toques according to GaultMillau 15/20 points); shoeshine service, rental poles and rucksacks, drinking bottles, rental mountain bikes.

Hotel facilities: Reopened for the winter season 08/09, the hotel has design rooms (35 m2) and suites (45 m2), all rooms non-smoking, 1,500m2 wellness area with indoor and outdoor pool, saunas, steam baths, whirl pool, solarium, fitness room, jogging track, sun lawn; lift, nursery/ playground for children, dogs permitted, à-la-carte restaurant, sun terrace; piano bar/lounge with live music, Havana club; outdoor operator “Input for Life“ based at the hotel with daily entertainment and sports programme.

Arlberg Hiking Week/Weekend Dates: 2.7. – 20.9.2009 Package includes: • 3 or 7 nights with gourmet half board (5-course set dinner with choice of main course or buffet) • Daily guided walks and Nordic walking tours • 1 x weekly mountain breakfast at our own alpine shelter • Hiking club cap and Arlberg hiking map • Rental rucksacks/ hiking poles

• Active Inclusive Card for cableways, buses, guided walks, child-minding etc. Price per person: 3 nights EUR 318 7 nights EUR 735 No single room supplement. Discount for children: up to 6 years 75%, 6–10 years 55%, 10–15 years 50% on the package price

Game and Mushroom Season Dates: 7. – 20.9.2009 Package includes: • 3 or 7 nights with gourmet half board (5-course set dinners with choice of main course or buffet) • Guided walk to the ibex colonies in our own hunting grounds • Mushroom walk • Autumnal gourmet dinners with game and mushroom specials

Mystery Trails Dates: 2.5. to late October 2009 (stay 7 – pay 6 days) Package includes: • 7 nights with deluxe board (buffet breakfast, afternoon snack, 5-course gourmet dinner and themed nights; tea/drinks and snacks in the spa) • 3 guided walks with our outdoor partner: “Mystic Water”, cave walk with equipment and “High tech on deserted trails” with GPS • Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools

• Active Inclusive Card for cable cars, buses, guides walks, child-minding etc. Price per person: 3 nights EUR 318 7 nights EUR 735 No single room supplement. Discount for children: up to 6 years 75%, 6–10 years 55%, 10–15 years 50% on the package price.

Price per person: EUR 870 S/r supplement: EUR 120/package Discount for children on hotel services: up to 2 years free, 3–5 years 70%, 6–11 years 50%, 12–15 years 20%. 10% discount on other outdoor programmes and rental equipment (Sport Natter) Minimum of 4 participants required.

Gesundhotel Bad Reuthe ★★★★ A-6870 Reuthe Tel. +43 (0)5514 / 2265-0 Fax +43 (0)5514 / 2265-100 [email protected] www.badreuthe.at Beds 244 | 40 EZ / 100 DZ / 2 suites | rooms with TV and safe

–… Hotel facilities: Thermal spa with 3 indoor pools and garden pool, saunawellness worlds with hammam, fitness room, sunbed, wellness/beauty/ health treatments, sun lawn, sun terrace, internet, indoor car park, dogs permitted, à-la-carte restaurant, non-smoking rooms, lift; guest bicycles, Nordic walking pole rentals (free).

Hiking & Wellness in the Mountains Dates: June to August 2009 Package includes: • 6 nights with half board (buffet breakfast, set dinner with choice of main course) • Guided walks • 2 bog packs

• 2 partial massages • 1 facial peeling & mask • Aquaerobics • Activity programme Price per person: EUR 587 In a single room: EUR 611 Rates for children on request.

Lake Spullersee, Lech Zürs/Arlberg, photo: Hans Wiesenhofer/Lech Zürs Tourismus

Number of beds / Number of rooms: EZ = single / DZ = double / MZ = multiple-bed / App. = apartments Hotel location: — = town centre Means of payment: y = debit card/Maestro ‘ = credit cards Foreign languages spoken e.g. … of town _ = environs

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PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Sporthotel Krone ★★★★

Montafon Tourismus Incoming

A-6886 Schoppernau Tel. +43 (0)5515 / 2116 Fax +43 (0)5515 / 2116-16 [email protected] www.sporthotel-krone.at Beds 74 | 6 EZ / 33 DZ | rooms with TV and safe

—y‘… Hotel facilities: Lift, indoor pool, whirl pool, sauna, steam bath, sun bed, fitness room, sun lawn, sun terrace, à-la-carte restaurant, non-smoking rooms, internet station, lending library, shoe shine and storage room

Hikeable & Likeable Bregenzerwald Dates: 1.6. – 28.9.2008 Package includes: • Package includes: • 7 nights incl. half board • 2 guided hikes (organised by the local tourist office or with the landlady)

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1 x infrared cabin per room 1 x Duo Fun per room 1 x whirlpool per person Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools Price per person: EUR 400 – 500

A-6780 Schruns Tel. +43 (0)5556 / 72253-0 Fax +43 (0)5556 / 74856 [email protected] www.montafon.at The Montafon is an alpine valley in the south of Vorarlberg and hemmed in by three mighty mountain ranges, the Rätikon, the Verwall and the Silvretta ranges with peaks up to 3,312m (Piz Buin). The Silvretta HighAlpine Road connects the Montafon with the Tyrol. Characteristic for the Montafon are resorts that cater to sport and activity-minded visitors, a wide range of recreational activities, and cosy villages that are ideally suited for holiday-making families with children.

Hikable Montafon Dates: 6.6. – 3.10.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights • Guided hikes (according to programme) • Visit of the Enzianhof farmhouse • Visit of the Kristahof farmhouse • Slide show

Hotel Gasthof Hirschen ★★★★

Price per person: Breakfast: starting at EUR 210 Half board: starting at EUR 420 Self-catering apartment sleeping 2: starting at EUR 336

Hotel Zimba ★★★

A-6867 Schwarzenberg Tel. +43 (0)5512 / 2944 Fax +43 (0)5512 / 2944-20 [email protected] www.hirschenschwarzenberg.at

A-6780 Schruns Tel. +43 (0)5556 / 72630 Fax +43 (0)5556 / 72630-45 [email protected] www.hotel-zimba.at

Beds 66 | 2 EZ / 27 DZ | 3 MZ, APP + suites | rooms with TV and safe Beds 124 | 18 EZ / 15 DZ / 38 MZ | rooms with TV, safe

—y‘… Hotel facilities: Lift, sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, sun bed, sun lawn, dogs permitted, à-la-carte restaurant; rental poles/rucksack

Hiking in the Footsteps of Eduard Mörike Dates: 1.5. – 31.10.2009 Package includes: • 4 nights including buffet breakfast • Hiking map of the region • Individual tour suggestions and recommendations • 4 x 4-course dinner, 1 x with wine pairing • Bregenzerwald Guest Card for cableways, buses, pools etc.

Prices per person: starting at EUR 391 Package can be booked up to one week, supplement: starting at EUR 97 per pers./night with half board Discount for children on the price of accommodation: up to 6 years free, 7–10 years EUR 20, 11–16 years EUR 30/night

—y‘… Hotel facilities: Lift, wellness area with indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, whirl pool, sunbed, brine bath, sanarium, massages, sun lawn, sun terrace, WLAN, nursery/ playground for children, indoor car park, dogs permitted, entertainment/sports programme; member business of Aktivpark Montafon (www.aktivpark-montafon.at); boot storage room with dryer, rental poles, shoe butler.

Hiking Package Dates: 13.6. – 18.10.2009 Package includes: • 7, 10 or 14 nights with gourmet half board (buffet breakfast, afternoon snacks, 5-course set dinner) • Mountain breakfast • Guided walks • 1 sports massage (30 min.) • Zimba mountain spring mineral water

• Slide show • Entertainment programme and activities at Aktivpark Montafon • Montafon Silvretta Card for 7, 10 or 14 days Prices per person: starting at EUR 460 S/r supplement: EUR 4/day.

Price: Overnight in a double room with shower/WC oder bath/WC; for children sharing their parents’ room – unless stated otherwise – discounts upon request, deluxe half board: see page 44 • Regional Inclusive Cards: for a description of included services see page 7

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PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Aktiv & Spa Hotel Alpenrose ★★★★

Sporthotel Steffisalp ★★★★

A-6780 Schruns Tel. +43 (0)5556 / 72655 Fax +43 (0)5556 / 72655-77 [email protected] www.spa-alpenrose.at

A-6767 Warth Tel. +43 (0)5583 / 3699 Fax +43 (0)5583 / 3699-53 [email protected] www.steffisalp.at

Beds 100 | 8 EZ / 32 DZ / 10 MZ | rooms with TV and safe

Beds 117 | 5 EZ / 40 DZ / 7 MZ / 4 suites | rooms with TV, safe

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Hotel facilities: Lift, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, sun bed, fitness room, sun lawn, nursery, tennis court, underground car park, internet access on the rooms, massage and beauty treatments, dogs permitted, à-la-carte restaurant, entertainment/sports programme, rental mountain bikes, use of the tennis courts.

Take a Break Dates: Summer season 2009 (Sun-Thurs) Package includes: • 4 nights with deluxe board (buffet breakfast, set evening dinner with choice of main course) • 1-2 guided walks • Folkore evening on our own Fellimännle alpine lodge • Manicure or pedicure

• Alpienne relax massage • Empress Sisi bath • Fitness & mental training Price per person: starting at EUR 399 S/r supplement: EUR 30 – 36 Rates/discount for children: Up to 4 years EUR 10/incl. breakfast, 4–12 years 50 %, 12–14 years 30 %, from 14 years on 20 %

Panoramagasthof Kristberg ★★★ A-6780 Silbertal im Montafon Tel. +43 (0)5556 / 72290 Fax +43 (0)5556 / 72290-5 [email protected] http://kristberg.at Beds 39 | 2 EZ / 15 DZ | 1 rooms with TV, safe, internet

_y‘… Hotel facilities: Sauna, fitness room, sun lawn, playground/nursery for children, car park, dogs allowed, à-la-carte restaurant, enlivened water, rental mountain bikes. 1 additional holiday home and 1 apartment.

Hotel facilities: Lift, indoor pool, Steffi’s spa and sauna, steam bath, sunbeds, fitness room, massages and beauty treatments, sun terrace, nursery, dogs permitted, non-smoking rooms, fireside bar, underground car park, entertainment/sports programme, à-la-carte restaurant; boot storage room and shoe shine, private hiking guide, 3 guided tours per week, rental bicycles and internet at a fee; the hotel is located just next to the lift.

Ready for a Short-Break? Dates: 10.7. – 12.10.2009 (Sun-Thurs) Package includes: • 4 nights with half board (buffet breakfast, set dinner with choice of main course and salad bar) • Healthy afternoon snack • Welcome cocktail • Guided walks • 1 partial massage • 1 x sunbed

• Free use of the wellness and fitness area and participation in the activity programme • Warth Card (free use of the lifts and hiking buses in Lech and Warth) Price per person: EUR 299 Single room: EUR 339 Rates for children on request.

Set for 7 Days in the Mountains? Dates: 10.7. – 12.10.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights with half board (buffet breakfast, set dinner with choice of main course and salad bar) • 1 gala dinner • Healthy afternoon snack • Welcome cocktail • Guided walks • 1 full massage

• 1 x sunbed • Free use of the wellness and fitness area and participation in the activity programme • Warth Card (free use of the lifts and hiking buses in Lech and Warth) Price per person: EUR 555 Single room: EUR 649 Rates for children on request.

Kristberg Hiking Paradise Dates: 9.5. – 26.10.2009 Package includes: • 3 nights incl. half board (buffet breakfast, 4-course dinner) • 1 guided walk with a hiking guide • 1 hiking badge, 1 hiking map • 1 voucher for the use of the Silbertal-Kristberg private road • Free use of the infrared sauna and other amenities (see http://kristberg.at)

Price per person: Breakfast EUR 111 – 153 Half board EUR 141 – 183 Full board EUR 171 – 213 S/r supplement: EUR 5 to 10/night Discount for children off the package price: up to 4 years free, 5-8 years EUR 15, 9-12 years EUR 24 incl. half board. Discount for children in their own room: Up to 9 years 50 %, up to 12 years 20 %

Alpe Gaisbühel near Warth-Schröcken, photo: Christoph Lingg/Bregenzerwald Tourismus

Number of beds / Number of rooms: EZ = single / DZ = double / MZ = multiple-bed / App. = apartments Hotel location: — = town centre Means of payment: y = debit card/Maestro ‘ = credit cards Foreign languages spoken e.g. … of town _ = environs

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PACKAGES FOR MOUNTAIN ZEALOTS AND INDULGENT WALKERS Tourismus Warth-Schröcken A-6767 Warth Tel. +43 (0)5583 / 3515-0 or (0)5519 / 267-0 Fax +43 (0)5583 / 3515-6 or (0)5519 / 267-5 [email protected] www.warth-schroecken.com Set amid the Vorarlberg mountainworld, the villages of Schröcken (1,260m) and Warth (1,500m) have plenty of holiday fun to offer for families with children: imposing peaks, hiking routes of all levels of difficulty, climbing and mountaineering, wardened alpine farms with cosy sun terraces, magic mountain lakes, and an amazing alpine flora. The variety of activities for grown-ups and little ones is certain to keep boredom at bay. Facilities: depending on accommodation and category

Marmot’s Family Adventure Dates: 4.7. – 12.9.2009 Package includes: • 7 nights for 2 adults and 2 children up to 14 years with breakfast or half board • Inclusive Card for cableways, buses and pools • Weekly guided walks • 1 guided mountain tour • Hiking map • Marmot mountain adventure pass for children including: vouchers for mini canyoning and kids’ climbing and participation in the adventure day at a discount

Prices in a double room: Accommodation in a selected hotel/inn/guesthouse or B&B 2 adults + 2 children up to 14 years With breakfast starting at EUR 588 With half board starting at EUR 1,386 Single room supplement and discounts for children depending on accommodation. Minimum of 4 participants required. Alpe Batzen, Schröcken, photo: Ludwig Berchtold

Prices: Unless stated otherwise, the prices indicated are for one person sharing a double room with bath or shower/WC. Single room supplements and discounts for children should be agreed directly with the landlord. Exchange rate: 1 Euro = approx. £ 0.95545, $ 1.39480 (status end of Dec 2008). Deluxe board: Generally includes a buffet breakfast, afternoon snacks or cake buffet, set evening dinner with choice of main course or buffet. Some hotels also offer a lunch snack and soft drinks.

HIKING MAPS, HIKING AND TOUR GUIDES Maps of the Alpine Club (www.alpenverein.at) 26 Silvrettagruppe, 28/2 Verwallgruppe/Mitte, 3/2 Lechtaler Alpen, Arlberggebiet freytag & berndt hiking maps: (www.freytagberndt.at) 363 Oberstdorf – Kleines Walsertal–Sonthofen, 364 Bregenzerwald – Rheintal, 371 Alpenregion Bludenz – Montafon – Grosses Walsertal – Brandnertal, 372 Arlberggebiet – Paznaun – Verwallgruppe, 5371 Brandnertal – Nenzinger Himmel – Rätikon, 5364 Hinterer Bregenzerwald – Kleinwalsertal – Damüls Maps of Bundesamt für Eich- und Vermessungswesen (www.bev.gv.at) UTM-Karten (1:50.000) Bergverlag Rother (www.rother.de) Hiking book: Vorarlberg (Mayr) Hiking guides (Mayr): Arlberg – Paznau, Bodensee bis Rätikon, Brandnertal mit Grossem Walsertal u. Klostertal, Bregenzerwald, Montafon; Guides of the Alpine Club, e.g.: GF Brandnertal 44

(Flaig), AVF Bregenzerwald- und Lechquellengebirge (Seibert), Silvretta alpin (Flaig), Verwallgruppe (Luzian) Deutscher Wanderverlag „Kompass“ (www.kompass.de) Hiking guides: GPS 4297 Vorarlberg 3D 910 Arlberg-Silvretta, 912 Bodensee und Umgebung, 911 Bregenzerwald-Montafon; 1058 Europ. Fernwanderweg E5 BodenseeAdria Hiking maps: 1b Bodensee Ost, 2 Bregenzerwald-Westallgäu, 3 Allgäuer Alpen – Kleinwalsertal, 03 Oberstdorf – Kleinwalsertal, 21 Feldkirch – Vaduz, 032 Alpenpark Montafon, 32 Bludenz – Schruns – Klostertal, 33 Arlberg – Verwallgruppe, 41 Silvretta – Verwall; 120/121 Europäischer Fernwanderweg E 5 Other hiking guides on sale at booksellers’: E.g.: Mountain Walking in Austria, Cecil Davies, Cicerone Guide, Cicerone Press Limited Hiking guides/books in German only: Helmut Tiefenthaler, Tyrolia Verlag: Wege in die Vergangenheit in Vorarlberg

Wege in die Vergangenheit im Alpenrheintal Wege in die Natur in Vorarlberg Rudolf Mayerhofer, Loewenzahn Verlag: Die schönsten Bergwanderungen in Vorarlberg Alpwandern in Vorarlberg Dieter Buck, Tyrolia Verlag: Erlebnis-Wandern! Vorarlberg. Stille Seen, wilde Wasser Vorarlberg. Mit Kindern unterwegs Herta Glück/Gerhard Vylet, Tyrolia Verlag: Erlebnis-Wandern! Vorarlberg. Sagen und Mythen entdecken Michael Reimer/Wolfgang Taschner, Loewenzahn-Verlag: Die schönsten Familienwanderungen in Vorarlberg Die schönsten Alpwanderungen in Vorarlberg Bruno Fink, Eugen Russ Verlag: Wandern in Vorarlberg Werner Sandholzer, Robert Weinhofer, WAG'S: Nordic Walking & Wandern im Dreiländereck Apart from published guides, there are regional and local hiking maps and guides. Please ask at your local tourist office.

WHAT A FIND!

Near Andelsbuch, photo: Ludwig Berchtold Arlberg, photo: Hans Wiesenhofer/Lech Zürs Tourismus

VORARLBERG TOURISMUS Vorarlberg State Tourist Board

Postbox 302, 6901 Bregenz, Austria phone +43 (0)5574/425 25-0 (MON–SAT 8–18 h), fax +43 (0)5574/425 25-5 [email protected], www.vorarlberg.travel