Montafon lore part 1: Maisäß - Alpine farming and history

In this new series, we present our favorite features of the Montafon. And we are starting with a special aspect of Vorarlberg's cultural history: the Montafon Maisäß landscape.

If you have ever been to Fernblick, you will have noticed them: the quaint little huts that you can discover while hiking on the Bartholomäberg. These simple dwellings are true witnesses to the history of the Montafon and, together with the surrounding pastures, they shaped the agriculture of the region. The name Maisäß is derived from the word "Maisitz" and refers to the place where farmers and animals stayed during the month of May. Even today, you can still sense the emotionality of the Montafon people when it comes to their Maisäß.

What is a Maisäß?

Originally, a Maisäß consisted of an agricultural area as well as a small, functional residential building and a stable, situated at an altitude of around 1,200 - 1,600 meters. However, the land could not be used for arable farming due to the steep slope. These areas were cleared and thus served as an intermediate station between the farm in the valley and the alp, where the animals spent the summer months. This gave rise to the term "three-stage farming". In May, the animals were driven to the Maisäß and spent around a month there with their shepherds before moving to the Alpe above the tree line during the summer. In the fall, the process was repeated in reverse order: before being driven down into the valley, the animals stayed at the Maisäß for a few weeks. The advantage: at higher altitudes, the animals found enough food for the summer months, so they could be hayed more often in the valley and more food could be brought in for the winter.

A home for generations

Today, only a few Maisäß in the Montafon are still used for livestock farming as they were originally. The majority are used by their owners as weekend cottages and a place to slow down. You can tell how attached the Montafoners who own a Maisäß feel to it. Previous generations have spent many wonderful months in the simple wooden parlors and the memories of these long-gone days have been preserved in many families. So it's no wonder that the owners of the Maisäß see the rustic huts as a second home.

Old Maisäß - modern function

You can experience the tranquillity and originality for yourself while hiking through the unique Maisäß landscape. The cute little huts exude a special mountain romance that will grow on you as you hike through the Montafon.

However, some Maisäß owners are also converting the quaint buildings today, making them a versatile experience. As the name suggests, our Maisäß outdoor sauna was created from a Maisäß that was once used as a snack bar. Now you can enjoy the fantastic view and experience the Maisäß tradition in a very special way in the sauna with its historic wood paneling. After our extension, the Maisäß outdoor sauna will be available again from September 2020 and you can relax undisturbed in "probably the most coveted place on the Bartholomäberg".