Gentle valleys & steep summits – hiking vacations in Vorarlberg

This Collection of eight hikes includes something for everyone: from nature walk suitable for children to panoramic high-altitude trails and challenging mountain hikes. No matter which route you choose, you are sure to visit some of the most beautiful places in Vorarlberg. You will visit the Montafon with its glaciated mountains, the romantic Lechquell mountains in the Lech Zürs region, the impressive limestone peaks of the Kleinwalsertal and the gentle slopes of the Bregenzerwald. In Austria's westernmost federal state, varied landscapes and hidden natural treasures are waiting for you.

The west of the region is framed by the Rhine Valley, whilst in the north, you will find Lake Constance and the Bavarian Allgäu. The Arlberg mountains are found in the east and the Silvretta in the south. Your hiking holiday in Vorarlberg will showcase this stunning scenery and its hidden nature gems.

In the north, bordering the region’s capital Bregenz, there are gentle mountains covered by forests and meadows — the Bregenzerwald. Family-friendly mountain hikes, leisurely alpine tours, and hikes to romantic mountain lakes are on the schedule here. We have chosen the summit route to Brüggelkopf and the stroller route to Körbersee for you. You can find even more inspiration at to.austria.info/wandernbregenzerwald.

In the northeast, completely surrounded by steep limestone mountains, you can visit the romantic Kleinwalsertal. Mittelberg, the center of the valley, can only be reached by road from Germany as the mountains are simply too high in the direction of Vorarlberg. Nevertheless, you will find both summit routes for enduring mountaineers and comfortable family hikes through idyllic valleys here. Our selection guides you over the dramatic Gottesacker plateau and on a family hike from Alpine meadow to Alpine meadow in the Gemsteltal. You can find more hikes at to.austria.info/kleinwalsertalwandern.

The Lech, the last big wild river in Austria, rises at the beautiful Formarinsee and gives its name to the region Lech Zürs. Here, you can hike on well-developed hiking trails through the wide Lech valley and its small towns and villages. You can also climb up narrow paths to the rugged peaks of the Lechquellen mountains. With our routes, you will visit the old Walser settlement of Bürstegg or take a summit tour up to the Saladinaspitze. You can find even more route options at to.austria.info/wandernlech.

In the south, at the border to Switzerland, the highest mountains of Vorarlberg rise into the sky. Here lies the Montafon, a vast mountain valley which is a paradise for hikers of all ages.
Passionate mountaineers can enjoy challenging routes with a backdrop of breathtaking mountain peaks, whilst families and pleasure hikers can take more comfortable routes through the mountainous terrain. With this in mind, we have prepared the exciting circuit of the Madrisa, a challenging mountain trail which crosses two passes, as well as a leisurely circuit of the Silvretta reservoir for you. You can find more hiking ideas at to.austria.info/wandertippmontafon.

And where will you stay during your hiking holidays? The Austrians offer just the right thing for you: the hiking hotels. These hotels are experts in hosting hikers and are located in the most beautiful hiking regions. Here, you can get practical tips and start hiking as soon as you step out the door. You can find more information on hiking hotels, here: to.austria.info/wanderhotels.

Austria by train means traveling comfortably and arriving well rested. There is a train every two hours between 06.40 and 18.40 from Zurich to Austria. Early bookers benefit from great deals on economy tickets which can be purchased from the online ticket shop. Information, timetables, and online booking can be found here: sbb.ch/oesterreich.