Just a few decades ago, the reed beds (Riedwiesen) in the Rheintal valley were covered with a bright violet band of the blossoms of millions of Siberian irises (Iris sibirica) in early summer. Due to habitat loss and intensive agricultural practices in many areas, only remnants of this former sea of blossoms can be found in Vorarlberg today. The Bangs-Matschels European Protected Area in Feldkirch is still home to an impressive amount of these gorgeous blossoms today. In addition to beautiful irises, this protected area in the three-countries border triangle area between the Alpine Rhine and Ill rivers provides valuable habitat for numerous rare butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and some of the rarest bird species in Austria. For this reason, it is particularly important to be extremely careful when visiting the area. Whether riding your bike or walking, the special features of the protected area’s flora and fauna can be best enjoyed from the trails.

The circular walking trail starts at the Gasthaus Stern inn in Bangs, which is accessible via public transport from the town of Feldkirch every quarter of an hour. From the inn, the path first leads into the protected area, keeping to the right. After crossing through a small wooded area, the first “iris meadow” opens up on the left-hand side. With a total area of just under 80 hectares, these reedy areas are still traditionally managed as litter meadows. This intensive form of agricultural usage is achieved by a single mowing in autumn. The cuttings are used as bedding or “litter” in the stables, from which the name “litter meadows” is derived.
These litter meadows are one of the last refuges for rare plant and animal species in valleys that are increasingly exploited. Continuing on, the trail alternates between alluvial forest, commercial forest and meadow areas until it reaches the Illspitz area. In addition to the Siberian irises, marsh gladiolus or fragrant-flowered garlic can be admired along the path. Very special animal species include ground-breeding birds such as the corncrake and whinchat in addition to one of Austria’s rarest butterflies, the false ringlet, which only occurs in two places in all of Austria, one of which is the Bangs-Matschels European Protected Area.

Throughout the protected area, it is important not to go off the signposted paths and roads and not to enter the litter meadows in the protected area between 15 March and 15 September (not even for a great photo!). If dogs are present, please make sure that they are kept on a leash at all times. For the rare, ground-nesting bird species in the area, free-roaming dogs constitute a major danger and create a high-level of stress. If we observe these points together, then the beauty of this very special area can be enjoyed in all its glory.

Though we recommend that you travel by public transport, there are a few parking spaces at the chapel near Gasthof Stern inn.