Regions · Vorarlberg
Holidays in Vorarlberg: mountains, Lake Constance and cheese culture
Between Lake Constance and the Arlberg lies Austria’s westernmost state: Walser villages, dairy Alps with tangy mountain cheese, modern architecture – and with the Kleinwalsertal a high valley you can only reach via Bavaria.
What is Vorarlberg known for?
What defines Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg is small and immensely varied: at Lake Constance it begins in Mediterranean style with shore promenades and the Bregenz Festival; behind them rise the Bregenzerwald, the Montafon and the Arlberg. The Walser settled the high valleys – their villages and dialects shape the state to this day.
In summer, hiking, mountain lifts and bathing days are part of it; in winter the ski areas between the Arlberg and the Kleinwalsertal are among the best in the Alps. And everywhere: mountain cheese from the dairy Alp, Kässpätzle and farm shops.
Mountains and nature
Kleinwalsertal · Bregenzerwald · Montafon · Arlberg · dairy Alps and high valleys
Lakes and water
Lake Constance · mountain streams and rock pools · Breitachklamm · bathing lakes in the Rhine valley
Culture and excursions
Bregenz Festival · Feldkirch · Walser villages · modern timber architecture
This is how Vorarlberg tastes
Mountain cheese · Kässpätzle · Riebel · dairy Alps · farm shops and weekly markets
The main part
Our holiday region in Vorarlberg
Here we only briefly place the destinations in context – you will find the full excursion texts on the holiday region page.
Here it begins
Here your holiday in Vorarlberg begins
Accommodations we know personally in Vorarlberg and like to recommend – from the Kleinwalsertal into the valleys.
Travelling sustainably
By train and bus through Vorarlberg
Railjets and night trains run to Bregenz and Feldkirch. To the Kleinwalsertal you travel by train to Oberstdorf in the Allgäu – from there the Walserbus takes you into the valley, even free with a guest card. With each accommodation we say honestly how the last stretch works.
Railjet & night train to Bregenz
Train to Oberstdorf + WalserbusGuest cardsHonest last mile
Farming in Vorarlberg
In Vorarlberg the Alm is called Alpe. That is not a dialect joke but a language border that runs right through Austria.
- Alm, Alpe, BergmahdThe same, something different – and the most widespread misconception about the tree line.
- GrazingThe most demanding way of keeping animals – and the only one where the land gets something back.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know for your Vorarlberg holiday
Which region in Vorarlberg suits us?
For hut holidays with mountain lifts, a gorge and Walser villages, the Kleinwalsertal is our first recommendation – a pleasantly small high valley with a big mountain programme for summer and winter.
Why can the Kleinwalsertal only be reached via Germany?
From the Austrian side the valley is enclosed by high mountains – the only road leads in from Oberstdorf in the Allgäu. That is why it is one of the most curious and most beautiful corners of Austria.
What should you try in Vorarlberg?
Tangy mountain cheese from the dairy Alp, Kässpätzle, Riebel and a Brettljause – best bought directly on the Alp or in the farm shop.
Which destinations are suitable for families?
In the Kleinwalsertal the Burmiweg along the Breitach, the mountain lifts with their adventure trails and the Breitachklamm – plus bathing days at Lake Constance if you are out in the Rhine valley.
Can I travel to Vorarlberg without a car?
Yes – by Railjet or night train to Bregenz or Feldkirch, to the Kleinwalsertal by train to Oberstdorf and on with the Walserbus. On site, dense bus lines and guest cards help.
Where do I find all accommodations in Vorarlberg?
In our accommodation list, filtered by Vorarlberg – or you enter via the Kleinwalsertal holiday region and see the matching houses there.
Together for the region
For hosts, tourist boards and regional partners
Your accommodation is in Vorarlberg?
We do not just show beds and amenities. Your accommodation is connected with its holiday region, matching excursion destinations, regional shopping options, sustainable travel and your personal tips.
Present your accommodation and personal tipsYou work for a tourist board or a regional business?
We link to official information on mountain lifts, museums, nature parks, farm shops, markets and other excursion destinations. We are happy to include notes, additions and up-to-date details after editorial review.
Review the region page together