Winter trip to Vorarlberg in Austria - our 8 best tips

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: September 2026 | Fancy a winter trip to Vorarlberg in Austria? We've visited this lovely Austrian region in winter and experienced cozy villages, delicious food and stunning winter landscapes. Here we've collected our 8 best tips for things to see, do and experience in Vorarlberg in winter.

Vorarlberg in Austria

Vorarlberg is a federal state in western Austria, where you can travel for skiing or other nature experiences. The capital of the province is Bregenz, although Dornbirn is the largest city.

Vorarlberg is the westernmost part of Austria and borders Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the federal state of Tyrol.

Winter travel to Vorarlberg - our top tips

Are you keen to take a winter trip to Vorarlberg? Here we have collected our best tips.

1. cosy villages

Vorarlberg consists of several different holiday regions, including Bodensee-Vorarlberg, Bregenzerwald, Kleinwalsertal, Lech Zürs am Arlberg and Montafon. There are many smaller villages here that are great starting points for a winter holiday.

The pictures below are from the cozy village of Au in the Bregenzerwald, where we stayed during our stay. You can read more about the villages of the Bregenzerwald here.

2. Hotel Rössle in Au

There are of course many different hotels in Vorarlberg and certainly many that are nice. We can highly recommend Hotel Rössle in the village of Au, where we stayed, and from where you can easily get to different lift systems by bus.

This is a slightly smaller and cosy hotel, with a traditional alpine feel while the decor is modern. In addition, the staff is incredibly friendly and service-minded.

We had half board and ate both breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Here we got our "own" table, which felt very cosy. The breakfast buffet was also very good, with everything you could wish for, including surprises that could vary from morning to morning.

At noon each day, a four-course menu is served: salad from the salad buffet, soup, main course (with three options to choose from) and dessert. The food here was really tasty and creative, often using traditional ingredients, but prepared in modern and innovative ways.

3. skiing - performed and in the long run

Vorarlberg is ideal for alpine skiing, and there are many different ski areas for those who want to ski or snowboard. There are also plenty of cross-country tracks if you want to enjoy cross-country skiing in beautiful surroundings.

READ MORE: Cross-country skiing in Austria - ski school in Vorarlberg

4. the top of Diedamskopf

Diedamskopf is a small ski resort in Schoppernau in Vorarlberg, which offers really beautiful views from the top. Most people take the lift up to ski or snowboard down the slopes. We took the lift up in regular winter boots, to enjoy the view.

The lift goes up to 2020 metres above sea level. To get to the absolute top at 2090 metres, you have to hike the last little bit. It is certainly not a long hike, but in the uphill and deep snow it still felt in the legs and in the heart. But shame on those who give up!

And it's well worth the effort to get to the top. The views from up here, on a sunny day, are stunning.

From the top you can see in all directions, both towards ski lifts and dramatic mountain peaks. A really great feeling to be up here!

Right next to the lift, at an altitude of 2020 metres, there is also a restaurant. Here we took the opportunity to take a break with a beer before heading down with the lift again.

5. Guided tour of the Bregenzerwald

If you are interested in culture, history and architecture, a guided walking tour can be a nice way to get to know the villages in the Bregenzerwald. We went with a guide on a walking tour in Schoppernau and learned more about the traditional houses and the hard life in the past.

The guide also told the interesting story of Franz Michael Felder, who grew up in Schoppernau as an ordinary farmer's son, but in his short life became a socially committed writer.

6. Culinary winter walk

In the Bregenzerwald, culinary winter hikes are offered where hiking through the winter landscape is combined with dining experiences at various restaurants along the way. Very nice!

READ MORE: Culinary winter walk in Vorarlberg, Austria

7. Austrian and regional cuisine

Speaking of food, you'll want to take the opportunity to experience Austrian and regional food culture. Schnitzel, often served with some form of potato and lingonberries, is almost a must. The same goes for apfelstrudel, the Austrian savoury version of apple cake.

You can also try Käsknöpfle, which is a variation of spätzle (Central European pasta) with cheese. In addition, we recommend looking for regional cheese, which you can buy in delicatessens around the villages.

READ MORE: What to eat in Austria? - 15 Austrian specialities

8. Bregenz and Feldkirch

Bregenz is beautifully situated on Lake Constance and, despite being a small city, is the capital of Vorarlberg. In the summer, many visitors are attracted to the city's large opera festival, but the city also offers art, a historic old town, a cable car up the Pfänder mountain and a wonderful location on Lake Constance.

Another town worth visiting is Feldkirch, which offers historical buildings and the Schattenburg castle.

READ MORE: Things to do in Bregenz, Austria - our top 12 tips

More tips for a winter trip to Vorarlberg

What else is there to do during a winter trip to Vorarlberg? If we had more time, we would have loved to try snowshoeing and tobogganing. In addition, there are of course plenty of opportunities for wellness and spa.

More inspiration for Austria

Near Vorarlberg you will find Tyrol in Austria, and it is also close to Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Here you will find more tips about Austria:

• Things to do in Innsbruck
• Things to do in Salzburg
• Skiing holidays in Austria - which resort to choose?