Looking for a winter trip to Vorarlberg in Austria? We recently visited this lovely Austrian region, which offers cosy villages, great food and fantastic opportunities for great winter sports. Here we have collected our best tips.
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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
In the federal state of Vorarlberg there are six holiday regions: Alpenregion Vorarlberg, Bodensee-Vorarlberg, Bregenzerwald, Kleinwalsertal, Lech Zürs am Arlberg and Montafon. In each region there are many different villages, which you can start from or visit.
In Bregenzerwald, for example, there are 23 villages, which you can read about at the region's website. Here you can experience beautiful nature, but also architecture and local crafts. The pictures below are from the cosy village of Au, where we stayed during our stay.
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.
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, don't miss a guided tour. The tourist organisation of the Bregenzerwald region has put together a really neat little box with guides to the region's various villages.
You can go on your own - using the leaflets in German and English - or book a guided tour. Please note that guided tours are usually conducted in German, but if you arrive in good time you can ask if there is a possibility of a guided tour in English.
We followed a guide on a tour of the village of Schoppernau. This was really nice and interesting, as we learnt 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
The Bregenzerwald region in Vorarlberg also offers several varieties of culinary winter walks. You buy a ready-made package with a map and vouchers, and along the hiking trail you can then enjoy wonderful views, as well as breakfast, lunch and afternoon coffee. Very nice!
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.
8. Bregenz and Feldkirch
Beautifully situated on Lake Constance, Bregenz is the capital of Vorarlberg, despite only having around 30,000 inhabitants. In the summer, many visitors are drawn to the city's major opera festival, but the city also offers art, a historic old town, a cable car up Mount Pfänder and a lovely location on Lake Constance.
Another town worth visiting is Feldkirch, which offers historical buildings and the Schattenburg castle.
More tips for a winter trip to Vorarlberg
What else can you do on a winter trip to Vorarlberg? If we had more time, we would have liked to try snowshoeing and tobogganing. In addition, there are of course many places where you can enjoy wellness and spa.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
Close to Vorarlberg you will find the Tyrol in Austria, as well as Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. For more tips for Austria, click on the image below.
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Have you made a winter trip to Vorarlberg in Austria?
Do you like winter holidays? Have you made a winter trip to Vorarlberg? Which places did you visit? Please tell us!
facts about vorarlberg in austria
- Country: Austria
- Location: The western part of the country
- Capital city: Bregenz
- Largest city: Dornbirn
- District: Bregenz, Dornbirn, Feldkirch, Bludenz
- Residents: About 390 000 (2019)
- Highest point: Piz Buin (3,312 metres above sea level)
- Sea: Lake Constance
- Read more: You can find more information at Federal Republic of Germany website.
Travelling to Vorarlberg
- Flight: You can fly to Zurich in Switzerland and from there you can take a train to Bregenz (one hour and 15 minutes) or rent a car. Another option is to fly to Munich.
- Car: Travelling by car from Rostock in Germany to Vorarlberg takes about 9 hours, if you count pure mileage.
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BP says:
Talk about a total culture clash - Vorarlberg and the Philippines. This applies to the landscape, the weather and not least the food. Guess you "cool down" a bit when you now look at the pictures from Austria;-)
07 February 2023 - 18:03