Bregenzerwald region
The Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg is the largest region in Austria’s westernmost province. Stretching from Lake Constance in the west almost to the Tyrolean border in the east, it offers an impressive diversity of landscapes. From rolling alpine foothills to majestic high mountains, the Bregenzerwald has it all – making it both a wonderful place to live and an inspiring destination to explore.
Around 32,000 people live in the Bregenzerwald region, spread across 23 villages. The people here have always been mindful in shaping both their living spaces and the cultural landscape of agriculture. Many villages surprise visitors with a fascinating mix of traditional and modern wooden architecture.
Architecture and craftsmanship play a pioneering role in the Bregenzerwald. Working hand in hand, architects and artisans create houses and spaces of outstanding quality. At the same time, they cultivate an awareness of aesthetics and ecology that continues to inspire other fields and disciplines.
Visitors to the Bregenzerwald can experience this awareness in many different ways:
-By staying in houses that combine old and new, or that have been carefully restored in recent years.
-By dining in local inns, hotels, and restaurants. Culinary highlights include the famous Bregenzerwald cheeses – especially mountain and alpine varieties. The KäseStrasse Bregenzerwald (Bregenzerwald Cheese Route) is dedicated to this unique cheese culture, with many informative and enjoyable stops along the way.
-By attending cultural events and exhibitions that blend the classical with the contemporary, often in harmony with the surrounding nature. A highlight is the annual Schubertiade in Schwarzenberg, while the Werkraum in Andelsbuch showcases innovative craftsmanship.
To this day, a large part of the Bregenzerwald is a region characterized by agriculture. The three-stage cultivation of the pastures (valley - Mittelalpe "Vorsäß" - Hochalpe) is an important basis for the preservation and maintenance of the cultural landscape. It has now been included in the Austrian UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. The cultural landscape can be explored on numerous hiking and themed trails that tell stories about the region. A mountain bike map with detailed descriptions of the 23 top routes for beginners, advanced and professionals is available from the Damüls Faschina tourist office. Some outdoor providers also accompany adventurers and nature lovers on special trails.