Hiking in Vorarlberg – the most beautiful hiking trails in Montafon

What would a vacation in the mountains be without a hike or two in nature? With its unique mountain panorama, Montafon in Vorarlberg offers the ideal starting point for varied hiking routes for adults and children alike.

Out and about in Vorarlberg

Put on your hiking boots and head out into the mountains. Vorarlberg invites its visitors to enjoy a variety of hiking experiences in its many different regions. Whether you find yourself in the Bregenz Forest, the Walsertal valley, or the Lake Constance region, Vorarlberg has everything you could wish for when it comes to hiking. Montafon in particular is a true hiking paradise, as all 21 of Vorarlberg's three-thousand-meter peaks are located in this Alpine region. This is where the Silvretta, Verwall, and Rätikon mountain ranges meet, creating a unique natural idyll.

The Montafon – mountains as far as the eye can see

Montafon is the southernmost Alpine valley in Vorarlberg and offers 1,160 km of marked hiking trails. The adventure starts right on your doorstep, as most accommodations are the perfect base camp for varied mountain tours. You can also use the cable car to gain altitude and start hiking right from the mountain station. The mountain railways in Montafon and the neighboring partner regions are also in operation during the summer months. Alternatively, simply use one of the three hiking buses to cover the first part of the ascent.

Hiking tips in Vorarlberg

Preparation is everything, so here are three tips to help you enjoy your tour even more:

1. The right equipment: Blisters on your feet or chafing pants can quickly spoil your hiking mood. Therefore, check all your equipment before your vacation and planned tour and, if necessary, break in new shoes a few days beforehand.

2. The right level: Remote peaks and steep slopes may be very appealing, but they are not worth injuring yourself on the ascent or descent. Always choose hikes that match your personal fitness level and try not to overestimate your abilities. It is better to increase the difficulty of your circular hikes slowly and steadily.

3. A good snack: Hiking makes you hungry. And there's nothing better than enjoying regional specialties in the great outdoors. In Montafon, many hosts offer snack packs that you can enjoy on your hike. But be careful: always bring all your trash back down to the valley with you to keep the mountain scenery clean and preserve Vorarlberg's nature.

The most beautiful hikes in Montafon

As the southernmost Alpine region of Vorarlberg, Montafon has numerous hiking routes that are well worth seeing. A total of 260 hiking trails await you here. Nine of these are designated children's hiking trails, where little hikers can experience nature in a playful way. There are also varied themed trails for adult hikers. From the Gargellner Fenster circular trail to the Naturkräftepfad (Nature Forces Trail) on the Hochjoch – there is a hiking trail to suit every taste. With so much choice, we can't decide which hike is the most beautiful, but we have compiled a few of our favorites here:

3 Lakes Panorama Trail: Starting at the Hochjochbahn mountain station, this circular hike takes you to three breathtaking lakes. During the approximately four-hour walk, you can decide which you like best: Herzsee, Schwarzsee, or Seebligasee.

In the Wiegensee European nature reserve, you can discover a special natural spectacle. The unique moorland is home to many rare plants and animals that are found nowhere else in Vorarlberg. However, it is essential to stay on the designated hiking trails here so as not to damage the naturally occurring "swinging grass".

One viewpoint you shouldn't miss is the Rellseck. Starting from the center of Bartholomäberg, the circular hike takes you past the Bartholomäberg mine and the romantic Fritzasee lake to the Alpengasthaus Rellseck at an altitude of 1,500 meters. This relaxed and interesting hike, which offers insights into the history of Vorarlberg, takes just two hours.

Hiking with animals

The Montafon offers a number of special features to make hiking an experience for the whole family. On a llama hike with llama guide Horst Kuster, you can explore the area together with the llamas Pedro and Amadeus. Children's eyes immediately light up when they see these friendly animals, and adults also slow down to the leisurely pace of the llamas on the hike.

You can experience a hike with an animal destination when you hike to St. Gallenkirchen to see the Montafon stone sheep. This regional breed of sheep was saved from extinction in an impressive project. Sheep lovers can even sponsor the fluffy four-legged friends or purchase a wide variety of sheep wool products.

Montafon hiking map

You can find out which hike is right for you on the interactive hiking map of the Montafon Tourist Association. There you will find information on all tours from Schruns to Silbertal and Gargellen. For a personal hiking recommendation, it is best to ask at your accommodation, as most hosts in Montafon are also enthusiastic hikers. Our Fernblick team will be happy to help you find the perfect mountain tour, for example.

Hiking & mountain biking

Those who prefer to travel on two wheels rather than two legs in summer will also appreciate Vorarlberg. On designated mountain bike trails, you can experience the nature of the Montafon without disturbing hikers or forest dwellers. On the tour around the Itonskopf, for example, one viewpoint follows another, but at 24 km, the tour should not be underestimated.
The shorter panoramic tour on Bartholomäberg is suitable for beginners. Thanks to gentle climbs and a journey time of only one hour, you can combine leisurely cycling with great mountain views of the Silvretta, Verwall, and Rätikon ranges.

Hiking in winter

Hiking is also possible in the cold season. Even in winter, snow-covered Vorarlberg offers plenty of hiking trails where you can enjoy nature. Snowshoes prevent you from sinking into deep snow, allowing you to make good progress even in this white wonderland. Many accommodations also offer guided snowshoe tours through the Montafon. This means that children and adults, beginners and professionals alike can find the perfect hike for them.

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