Trying to decide what to do in Vorarlberg but not sure where to start? Austria’s smallest and most overlooked region, Vorarlberg has a LOT to offer and should be on anyone’s travel bucket list. It has Austria’s highest percentage of returning guests for a reason!
Sandwiched between FOUR countries from the hills/lakes to the high alps, Vorarlberg is as full of exciting adventures as it is beautiful landscapes. Soft powdery ski slopes give way to vibrant wildflower-filled hiking trails as the seasons change, so you’ll keep busy no matter the season. But which Vorarlberg destinations should you visit?
The answer to this question lies within YOUR preferences and adventure level, as there’s plenty to do in Vorarlberg for any kind of person. But the sections below should give you a good idea of the different options you have of what to do in Vorarlberg in each of the 6 main regions as well as activities that are possible all around the province.
What to Do in Vorarlberg in ALL Destinations
Here are some things to do in Vorarlberg that are not limited by destination. These are Vorarlberg’s beating heart: activities that define the province and are possible in all 6 regions. In other words, these are the things that you MUST try out while you’re here, and most have everything to do with the great outdoors!
Vorarlberg is one of the world’s best adventure destinations which you will soon find out, and absolutely one of the most beautiful places in Austria. You’ll be glad you planned this trip!
Mountain Biking (in Summer)
Imagine the wind in your face as you zoom down a mountain trail, your bike’s shocks absorbing the bumps from each rock and root below you while you notice the dramatic mountain view in front of you. Mountain biking is one of the most popular activities in Vorarlberg in the summer and can be done in all regions from beginner trails to advanced.
Hiking (in Summer)
Hiking is an unmissable activity in Vorarlberg. Actually though, I think it would be REALLY tough to visit Vorarlberg without ending up on some sort of walk or hike along the way.
Each of the Vorarlberg destinations has dozens of special hikes, from urban architecture walks around towns to mountain treks that you must reach by cable car. These hikes are all SO rewarding because you’ll have a jaw-dropping view at the end no matter which region you’re in. THAT is something Vorarlberg can guarantee.
You can even take it to the next level and go climbing or try many via ferratas in Vorarlberg. Check out my experience on the Silvrettassee via ferrata in Montafon.
Mountain Art + Architecture (Year Round)
Something that surprised me the most about Vorarlberg was the art installations and exhibitions throughout the province. Vorarlberg has truly intertwined architecture, nature, and art in a beautiful way which becomes clear as soon as you arrive.
There are unexpected artistic installations and amazingly designed buildings scattered everywhere, from the remote mountains to the middle of cities. Many hikes in different regions will guide you past art installations in the middle of mountain scenery.
Try a Hotel Sauna – and Ice Bath! (Year Round)
There’s a HUGE sauna culture here in Austria, and especially in Vorarlberg. Chances are that your Vorarlberg hotel will be complete with a sauna, as well as possibly a steam room, ice bath, different kind of showers, a pool, and even multiple kinds of saunas too.
Make sure to visit your hotel’s sauna area bcause you may be surprised how extensive they can be! It’s up to you if you want to wear your robe or experience the sauns in a true Austrian fashion – without the robe! 😉
Skiing and Snow Sports (in Winter)
Skiing and snow are what Vorarlberg is KNOWN for. The snow region of Vorarlberg might not be as famous as some other regions of Austria or surrounding Italy and Switzerland, but that’s what gives it charm. The mountains here are just as good as any you’ll find in the alps, with slopes of many different levels and often with fewer crowds.
Stay in a Cute Mountain Hotel With a View (Year Round)
Make sure to choose your Vorarlberg hotels wisely, because you can get some of the dreamiest hotel views in Europe here! Wake up to the sound of a flowing river below as the sunrise illuminates low-hanging clouds in pink and yellow, before they slowly burn off to reveal the view of a valley, dramatic mountain top, huge cliff, or waterfall… depending on which hotel you choose.
Vorarlberg Destination 1: Arlberg
Given that Vorarlberg actually derives its name from Arlberg, it’s worth mentioning first! Vorarlberg actually means BEFORE-ARLBERG, which is a mountain in this area giving the region its name.
Arlberg is home to the largest connected ski area in Austria (actually top 5 in the world) and claims to be the birthplace of alpine skiing in the first place. What better reason to ski here?! Here are the best things to do in Arlberg and places to ski, hike, and explore.
What to do in Arlberg, Vorarlberg
Explore the Alpine town of Lech in winter OR summer!
Lech is the main town in the Arlberg region of Vorarlberg. Lech is a wonderfully quaint alpine village with undeniable charm in every season – although its most attractive look would most definitely be blanketed in glimmering snow in winter.
Lech is known to be the base of amazing skiing areas, a haven for incredible architecture, and an epicenter for delicious gourmet food.
Hike the Green Ring, Arlberg Trail, or Lechweg Trail
These are some of the most popular and best hikes in Arlberg, Vorarlberg. The Green Ring hike is 24km and can be done over 2-3 day period or in increments as you like. The Green Ring is known for its interesting art installations and landscapes.
The Lechweg trail is 125 kilometers… but you can explore the Lechweg’s first stretch in one day if you like. The Arlberg trail connects all the different resorts in the region
Ride up Cable Car Rüfikopf in Lech
Perhaps the most famous cable car in Arlberg is the Rüfikopf cable car that leaves directly from the center of Lech. It leads to what is called Panorama mountain, which has a 360-degree viewing platform and leads to dozens of hiking trails in the summer and ski slopes in the winter.
Check out Lake Formarinsee
This one cannot be left out of any list of things to do in Arlberg because it was voted Austria’s most beautiful place back in 2015. Gorgeous!
World Gourmet Village Tour
Did you know that Lech, Vorarlberg has one of the highest densities of award-winning restaurants? Check out some top restaurants yourself or take a ‘World Gourmet Village Tour’ to experience the best of them all.
Visit Skyspace Lech
Skyspace Lech is an incredibly designed space at the top of one of Vorarlberg’s mountains that invites visitors to experience the sunset and sunrise through a cupola that opens up from a circular room. Designed by an American artist, it’s definitely one of the most artistic things to do in Vorarlberg.
Vorarlberg Destination 2: Bregenzerwald
Bregenzerwald is one of the largest regions on Vorarlberg and is perhaps the best-known due to some famous destinations and exhibits.
Bregenzerwald is a region of many talents – it’s known for not only for its incredible mountains and trails/slopes, but also for its innovative architecture that seamlessly blends old and new styles, for its gourmet food, and craftsmanship in both the arts and local food.
What to do in Bregenzerwald, Vorarlberg
Visit the Krumbach Bus Stops
Visiting the Krumbach bus stops is one of the most unique things to do in Vorarlberg that really showcases the area’s love for unique architecture, local materials, and artistic collaboration. This series of 7 completely unique and unusual bus stops was designed by 7 different architects from 7 different countries alongside local craftsmen.
Walk the Umgang Bregenzerwald
Another really unique thing to do in Bregenzerwald Vorarlberg is to walk a portion of the Umgang Bregenzerwald. This is a series of 12 walks through different villages characterized by small bronze poles, inside of which you can view a story and summary about design and architecture of buildings in the area.
This pays homage to the creativity in the area not only in architecture but in showing it off as well. Walking the Umgang is a fascinating way to get to know Bregenzerwald and see the landscape as well!
Try Käsespätzle at Nas’s Hus in Mellau
You cannot leave Vorarlberg without trying Käsespätzle, a local cheesy pasta dish, and a little village in Bregenderwald called Mellau has the picture perfect place. Naz’s Hus is an authentic Austrian restaurant located in a picturesque old building, and they serve up some of the best stuff around.
When we ate here, the waiters were even dressed in traditional garb and making SURE that our glasses were always full with the best local wine and beer. It was an experience I’ll never forget – as was the ooey-gooey cheese dripping off the Käsespätzle. Yum!
Take the Mellaubahn for an Amazing View
When in Mellau, after walking the Umgang there and perhaps before stopping for Käsespätzle, check out the Mellaubahn cable car that leads to a ski lodge up above the town. This cable car ride presents AMAZING views and has hiking trails in the summer and state-of-the-art ski slopes in the winter.
Frauenmuseum Women’s Museum
The Frauenmuseum in Hittisau is one of the only rural women’s museums that graces the countryside of Vorarlberg. This museum focuses on history and culture from the long-marginalized perspective of women. See what inspiring exhibits are on now.
HIke Kanisfluh Mountain
Kanisfluh is one of the most famous peaks in this region of Vorarlberg and presents incredible views from hiking trails. You can even hike OVER the Kanisfluh from Mellau to Au Vorarlberg to continue the explorations of Bregenzerwalk (and the Umgang too)!
Visit Körbersee Lake
Körbersee is another high-altitude mountain lake that you can only reach by foot or skis! It was voted the loveliest place in Austria in 2017, is loved by many, and is beautiful year-round.
KäseStrasse Cheese Route
Yes, you heard that right – there’s a CHEESE HIKE in Vorarlberg! KäseStrasse actually means ‘cheese street,’ and this route connects almost 200 cheese-related industries of the alps together in one route. It’s a long route – around 100km – so you might need to break it up and visit a couple of the stops at a time to get a true cheese-lovers fill.
Vorarlberg Destination 3: Dornbirn + Bodensee
The Bodensee Region of Vorarlberg may be slightly less mountainous than other Vorarlberg destinations, but it’s no less interesting! It stretches from the shores of Lake Constance, which has shores in Germany and Switzerland as well, to larger towns like Dornbirn and Feldkirch (the largest city/town in Vorarlberg).
Activities here can include the classic Vorarlberg skiing, hiking, and biking, as well as a few more mellow activities such as exploring old towns and boating on the lake. Here are some of the best things to do in the Bodensee region of Vorarlberg.
What to Do in Bodensee, Vorarlberg
Explore Old Town Bregenz + Marvel at the View
Bregenz is the Austrian city on the shores of Lake Constance and is definitely worth an explore. Like most towns I’ll mention in this Vorarlberg travel guide, Bregenz has an old and charming feel.
Bregenz is the capital of Vorarlberg and has a lot of hidden gems. Explore the Oberstadt ‘upper town’ for a view and tiny Medieval streets. Explore the gourmet restaurants in town and up on the hills above it. Enjoy the shores of Lake Constance and, if you get it at the right time, a big waterfront summer festival!
Take a Boat on Lake Constance, Bike Around it, or Relax on the Shore
Lake Constance is a massive and beautiful alpine Lake that brings plenty of activities with it. You can take little paddle boats out on the lake to experience it firsthand – but you may only want to do this in summer!
Biking is also a popular activity as you can rent bikes in Bregenz and explore the beautiful lake shores. If you just want to relax, pick a bench or stretch of green around the Lake and soak up the sun.
Marvel at Kunsthaus Bregenz Art Museum
Kunsthaus is an impressive contemporary art museum that’s worth seeing even if you aren’t a museum person at heart. Imagine high ceilings and creatively decorated and often minimalistic spaces and installations that illicit a sense of wonder to anyone passing through.
Take the Pfänderbahn Cable Car for Lake Constance Views
It seems that most amazing towns in Vorarlberg have their very own cable car that rises to a mountain above it, and Bregenz is no different. Check out the Pfänderbahn for incredible views of Lake Constance, restaurants with a view (of course), and also amazing hiking trails in summer and skiing in winter.
Vorarlberg Museum
If you want to learn more about Vorarlberg in general, its history, and how things came to be, check out the Vorarlberg Museum. It’s a must during a day exploring Bregenz, and like most of Vorarlberg, has incredible architecture and visually pleasing design. Isn’t it just great how everything around here is great to look at?! Check out more architectural marvels in Bodensee.
Take a Cable Car to Karren Mountain in Dornbirn
Perhaps the best view in Dornbirn, one of the region’s main cities, is by taking the Seilbahn to the top of Karren mountain. Here you can reach a panoramic viewpoint and restaurant perfectly placed for enjoying a sunset.
Visit Feldkirch, Austria’s Westernmost City
I could write an entire post on Feldkirch itself; it’s a city with so much rich history and amazing viewpoints. Get lost in the colorful streets of the medieval old town, marvel at the Katzenturm ‘cat tower,’ see the amazing architecture of the Montforthaus conference center, and visit the spectacular 14th-century Schattenburg castle that looks out over the whole city.
If you’re feeling hungry, taste an array of delicious food from the Rio Kino Restaurant then slump down into a comfy red plush sofa to watch a movie at their upstairs cinema room.
Vorarlberg Destination 4: Montafon
Montafon for some reason is another fairly overlooked region of Vorarlberg, which in my opinion is silly! Montafon is an adventurer’s paradise – full of high mountain peaks just begging to be hiked and skiied, incredible views, alpine lakes, and a good dose of art and architecture as well.
What to Do in Montafon Vorarlberg
VIa Ferratas + Climbing
Montafon is home to TWENTY-FOUR via ferratas – my new favorite adventure! This is when you climb vertical mountains, rocks, and even dams while connected to a stationary wire. It’s a true adrenaline-pumping adventure that enables you to hang and climb in places you never thought possible.
I did my first via ferrata here, the Via Ferrata Silvrettasee, and it was climbing up a nearly vertical dam! It was so exhilarating to be able to climb across wires that were suspended in the air over an 80m drop with an uninterrupted mountain view. Check out my experience here!
You can even climb a via ferrata into a dark cave – check out the Gauablickhöhle if you are up for an extra adventure, or see my video above of the via ferrata in Silvretta on a dam!
Hike Around the Silvretta-Stausee Reservoir
The Silvretta-Stausee Reservoir is one of the most popular attractions in Montafon. You would never believe that this beautiful powder-blue alpine lake is actually a man-made reservoir used to generate power for the region!
It’s about a 6 kilometer hike around the lake, and along the way you can view a few different art installations such as a tunnel with lights, and silver metal map of the region, and a fountain-bridge combination that symbolizes the border of Montafon and Tyrol.
Drive the Silvretta High Alpine Road
On the way to Silvretta-Stausee Lake and reservoir, you must take the Silvretta High Alpine road – but make sure not to do it if you get carsick! This incredible mountain road has 40 complete U-turns where the road doubles back on itself completely. You can see the road winding like a snake back and forth up the mountain. Try to sit at the front of the bus to see it with your own eyes!
Amazing Hike up Muttjöchle
Perhaps one of the most incredible hikes in Vorarlberg is in the Kristberg Mountains – called Muttjöchle. This challenging hike takes 4-6 hours and ends with the most spectacular vantage point where you are quite literally surrounded by 360 degrees of alps mountain peaks (with a few valley views as well).
We were so amazed when this hike started emerging from tree-laden forests and we saw mountain peaks slowly rise up from the horizon on all sides. We picked blueberries, gaped at the view, took too many photos, and made sure to enjoy an Austrian packed lunch of meat, cheese, and bread at the top.
Try Some Local Montafon Sura Kees Cheese – in 3 Ways
This sour, low-fat cheese not only characterizes Vorarlberg, but specifically Montafon. It’s been produced here for hundreds of years and is now served in many restaurants in the area.
AFter the Muttjoche hike, make sure to stop in at the Parnoramarestaurant at the top of the cable car – where the hike begins. They serve a delicious platter with Sura Kees plain, wrapped in bacon, and with a tasty dip mix. It’s simply delicious!
More Hiking in Montafon + Other Adventures
Montafon is home to over 1160 kilometers of hiking trails and hundreds of hiking tours. There’s no limit to the adventures you can have here – it would take you YEARS to finish all the trails, see all the views, and check out all the mountain chalets.
When the mountains cover with snow in the winter, the adventures do not end. You can do ALL kinds of snow sports here, from snowshoe hiking to ice climbing. If you can dream it you can do it in the Montafon!
Explore small town of Schruns
Schruns is the main town of Montafon. It’s where you’ll probably get the train to/from if you take one, and the place near which cable cars rise up to reach a lot of the hiking regions of the area. Schruns is actually one of the best places for shopping as it was named a ‘market town’ back in 1927 and still retains its historic charm – and shops!
Vorarlberg Destinations 5: Alpine Valleys of Bludenz, Alpenstadt, Brandnertal, and More
The Vorarlberg Alpenregion is comprised of different alpine valleys and the main town of Bludenz, Vorarlberg. The valleys and mountains that comprise the Alpenregion prove to be perfect for adventure activities in both winter and summer – amazing hikes and lake views in the winter and snow sports of every kind in the winter. Here are some of the best:
What to do in the Alpenregion of Vorarlberg
Lünersee Lake
The Lünersee is one of the most popular places to visit in Vorarlberg, for a good reason! It’s a stunning mountain lake- one of the largest in the alps – at 1970m above sea level. It’s a fabulous place to hike, climb, bike, and spend warm summer afternoons with a view.
Bikepark Brandnertal
The Bikepark Brandnertal is THE place for mountain biking in Vorarlberg. It’s got over 30 kilometers of mountain bike trails from easy to advanced, and is a perfect place to practice or learn mountain biking before hitting some mountain trails.
Snow Sports and even Night Sledding
Brandnertal is, as is most of Vorarlberg, one of the best places in Austria for skiing and snow sports. There are tons of lifts all over the regions’ valleys that take you up to top-notch mountains. But one of the most unique things to do in the Vorarlberg Alpenregion is no night sledding! The mountain doesn’t have to close at night when you can sled under the moon.
Explore Bludenz Town
Bludenz is another charming Austrian medieval town rich in history and viewpoints. Check out the Castle Gayenhofen as you wander the old town streets. Or, you can take the Muttersburg cable car for a view over the town.
Vorarlberg Destination 6: Kleinwalsertal
Kleinwalsertal is the smallest of the Vorarlberg destinations and is unique because it’s truly remote – in fact, you can only get there by car by going through Germany! When you look at a map, you’ll see the road through this region ends abruptly when the alps get too intense for more road.
Kleinwalsertal is home to 36 peaks and three main villages that have tons of adventures and also great places to stay. Kleinwalsertal is home to most of the best things to do in Vorarlberg – hiking, biking, and climbing in summer and snow sports, skiing, tobogganing, and cross country skiing in winter.
What to Do in Kleinwalsertal Vorarlberg
Ski or Hike in the TWO-COUNTRY region of Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal
Have you even skiied from one country to another? Well, not it’s possible in the Oberstdorf region. Take a lift to the top of Hahnenkopfle or Oberstdorfer Hammerspitze mountains and experience a ski region in two countries. Or, in the summer you can hike through two countries and even take a two-country via ferrata.
Canyoning in Kleinwalsertal
One of the most popular things to do in Kleinwalsertal is to go canyoning. For such a small region, there’s a surprising number of places to go canyoning and adventure companies that will take you.
Casino Kleinwalsertal
Casino Kleinwalsertal is one of the only casinos in Vorarlberg and also one of the highest altitude casinos in the alps! It’s known in the region for many different games and for outstanding hospitality, too – you can also eat here or buy packages for eat, stay, and play.
Kanzelwandbahn, One of Longest Cable Cars
The Kanzelwandbahn is just over 15km in length, making it one of the longest cable cars in the region~ Take this cable car from near the center of Rizlern to the top of the Obersdorfer mountain for amazing views and ski slpoes!
Where to Stay in Vorarlberg (Hotels)
Here are some of the most amazing hotels in Vorarlberg and what makes them unique. I’ve included Vorarlberg hotel options in a few different regions.
Where to Stay in Bregenzerwald – Hotel Bären, Mellau
We stayed for a few nights of our conference in Hotel Bären in the little village of Mellau. This hotel perfectly complimented the cozy slow pace of the little village and accentuated the natural beauty of the surroundings with its many windows and earthy colors.
The morning breakfast spread at Hotel Bären might be one of the best I’ve ever seen – Austria truly knows how to set up a hearty breakfast! With plenty of room for activities – including yoga retreats, a full sauna area, balconies, and meeting rooms – this hotel topped my list.
Where to Stay in Montafon – Sporthotel Grandau, Sankt Gallenkirch
Sporthotel Grandau is where we stayed while exploring Vorarlberg’s destination of Montafon, and we couldn’t have been more impressed with it! We were greeted by the lovely owner who was wearing a traditional dress, and she introduced us to the main areas of the hotel and its resident labrador, Adam.
The hotel rooms were spacious and eclectic, with a colorful pattern adorning many parts of the hotel. The rooms ALL has a lovely alp view, and the saunas and indoor pool section was one of the largest I have seen in a hotel (with 4+ saunas and steam rooms)!
The menu here at the restaurant is also simply fantastic, with very hospitable waiters and delectable food. You’d be lucky to try their 5-course dinner menu – the options are fabulous and the wine list is equally so.
I hope this big travel guide gives you a good idea of what to do in Vorarlberg – if not gives you TOO much of an idea! Enjoy your trip to Vorarlberg and make sure to leave a comment below if you need any more advice for trip planning. Happy mountain exploring!
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Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.