The village of Fontanella-Faschina

Until the turn of the century, the Walser mainly lived as autonomous self-sufficient farmers. In addition to cattle breeding and dairy farming, only a little grain was grown, as well as flax and hemp. With the construction of the valley road around 1885, grain cultivation was gradually abandoned and the farmers concentrated more on cheese-making. Only now was it possible to bring their own products to market and purchase other necessities.

The Alemannic heritage of these settlers has been partially preserved to this day. For example, the High Alemannic Walser dialect is still spoken. The enjoyment of music can also be traced back to the Walser dialect. Although the Obergrechter had to fight hard for his existence for centuries, he still found time to play and sing. Fontanella is often referred to as the "musicians' village".

Fontanella is the highest mountain village in the valley and is known as the sunny balcony of the Großes Walsertal thanks to its location. In the small settlement on the Faschinajoch, at 1,485 m above sea level, you can feel the quiet, family atmosphere in winter as well as in summer. The view of the Lechquellengebirge mountains with the Rote Wand is impressive. Fontanella and the district of Faschina belong to the political district of Bludenz and are part of the Großes Walsertal biosphere reserve.