In the northeastern part of the Austrian state of Vorarlberg lies the beautiful region of Bregenzerwald. This picturesque area is known for its impressive mountain landscapes, with lower slopes covered in dense forests that give the region much of its character. Following the main road that winds through the valleys of Bregenzerwald, you pass a series of traditional villages where alpine heritage remains very much part of everyday life. During our stay, we base ourselves in the small village of Schröcken, one of the last and most remote settlements along the valley road. It proves to be an ideal base for exploring this beautiful corner of Austria.
Read this article in DutchBerghaus Schröcken – Hotel Apartments Spa
For our stay in Bregenzerwald, we check in at Berghaus Schröcken – Hotel Apartments Spa, a wonderful property offering a wide range of accommodation options. Guests can choose from cosy studios for two, spacious apartments that accommodate up to eight people and even a chalet with a private swimming pool for groups of up to twenty. The property also features a welcoming restaurant, sauna facilities and a rooftop infinity pool with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Each morning, a generous breakfast is served in the restaurant, while the evening menu offers a selection of excellent dishes that make it tempting to stay in after a day spent outdoors.
Culinary hiking trail
No trip to Austria feels complete without spending time in the mountains and this walk adds an extra incentive along the way. Rather than setting out with only the scenery in mind, we follow a culinary hiking trail that takes us from one mountain hut to the next, with a different meal waiting at each stop. The route is around 16 kilometres long and begins in the village of Warth, where we enjoy breakfast at Wolfegg. A generous buffet is laid out with a wide selection of local products, including regional cheeses, honey, herb butter, granola and yoghurt. It is the perfect start to a day in the mountains. After breakfast, we take the Steffisalp Express up into the alpine landscape and begin walking towards Berghotel Körbersee, where lunch awaits. From there, the trail continues to Wanderhütte Hochalp for a sweet treat to round off the experience. Along the way, the route passes through some beautiful scenery, making this much more than just a food-focused walk. It is a wonderful way to experience both the landscape and the local flavours of Bregenzerwald.
Ziplining in the mountains
Austria is never short of outdoor adventures. Whether it is mountain coasters, climbing routes, mountain carts or scenic cycling trails, there is always something to do in the mountains. During our time in Bregenzerwald, we decide to try ziplining at Abenteuerpark Schröcken. The experience begins high in the mountains. From there, we follow a hiking trail downhill, encountering no fewer than six ziplines along the route. Each one offers a different perspective on the landscape. Some glide above waterfalls, others cross deep ravines or stretch through dense forests. The variety keeps the experience exciting from start to finish. The ziplines range in height from around 20 to 90 metres above the ground, making them thrilling without feeling overwhelming. Combined with the mountain scenery, it is a fun and memorable activity for anyone staying in or around Schröcken.
Visiting a traditional cheese dairy
To learn more about one of the region’s most important local products, we visit Schweizer Hof & Alpe Unterdiedams. From the village of Schoppernau, we take the Bergbahnen Diedamskopf cable car into the mountains and get off at the middle station. From there, it is a pleasant walk downhill to Alpe Unterdiedams. With a drink in hand and views of the surrounding peaks, we settle in for a fascinating introduction to traditional cheese making. We are given a look behind the scenes and learn more about the production process before tasting several of the cheeses made here. Unsurprisingly, the tasting is one of the highlights of the visit. To return to the valley, you can either walk back to the middle station and take the cable car down or continue on foot. We choose the latter. It is a fairly long descent but the trail passes through beautiful alpine scenery and rewards the effort with breathtaking views along the way.
Enjoying the local cuisine
One of the things I always look forward to in Austria is the food. Every region has its own culinary traditions and local specialities, making each trip an opportunity to discover something new. Bregenzerwald is no exception. During our stay, I regularly spot dishes such as Käsknöpfle and Bregenzerwälder Kässuppe on restaurant menus. Naturally, these are exactly the kinds of regional specialities I want to try. Käsknöpfle, a comforting alpine dish made with small pasta dumplings and melted cheese, quickly becomes a favourite. The rich and flavourful Bregenzerwälder cheese soup is another local classic that is well worth ordering. Wiener schnitzel remains a firm favourite with our family as well, so it appears on our table more than once during the trip. Combined with the warm hospitality and mountain views, the local food is very much part of the Bregenzerwald experience.
Guest Card Bregenzerwald & Großes Walsertal
Visitors staying in Bregenzerwald and Großes Walsertal can take advantage of the Guest Card Bregenzerwald & Großes Walsertal, which includes free use of public transport and access to a number of mountain lifts throughout the region. The card is available to anyone staying in Bregenzerwald or Großes Walsertal for at least three nights between 1 May and 31 October. One of the great advantages is that it can already be used on the day of arrival and remains valid on the day of departure as well, allowing you to make the most of your time in the region.
Combine Bregenzerwald with a visit to Bregenz
After several days of mountain adventures, hiking trails and alpine scenery, it can be nice to slow the pace and spend some time by the water. In that case, a visit to Bregenz is highly recommended. Located on the shores of Lake Constance, known locally as the Bodensee, Bregenz offers a completely different atmosphere from the mountain villages of Bregenzerwald. The city is perfect for a leisurely day of lakeside walks, relaxed lunches on sunny terraces and exploring its vibrant waterfront. For panoramic views, take the Pfänderbahn up to Pfänder, the mountain overlooking the city and the lake. You can also stroll along the promenade or explore the nearby Rheindelta by bicycle, a beautiful nature area where rivers, wetlands and lakeside landscapes come together. The contrast between the mountains of Bregenzerwald and the waterside atmosphere of Bregenz makes these two destinations a perfect combination during a trip to Vorarlberg.
