Nature only knows good weather
There’s no such thing as bad weather in Vorarlberg! Rain or shine, there’s always something special to discover in Austria’s westernmost state.
Date: 14 November 2017
It can’t be sunny every day. But that’s OK. In some places, wind and rain can make the scenery and views even more spectacular. With a raincoat and suitable footwear, these unique natural spectacles in Vorarlberg are well worth a visit:
Inexorable masses of water
Waterfalls are natural phenomena that are even more spectacular during or after a rain shower. The “Fallbach” in the Klostertal valley is a very good example. Nature lovers and amateur photographers can reach one of Austria’s biggest waterfalls via a newly constructed, safe panoramic stairway. Or they can marvel over the “Teufelsbach” waterfall in Silbertal, before returning to “Gasthof Fellimännle” to enjoy fresh fish from the restaurant’s own pond.
Views of the mountains
Not far from the “Teufelsbach” waterfall, you can enjoy views of the “Drei Türme”. These mountain summits, situated on the border between Austria and Switzerland, are spectacular in any weather. But Vorarlberg’s other mountains are also worth visiting on overcast days, including the “Petersboden” and the “Rüfikopf” in Lech Zürs am Arlberg. The majestic summits of the Arlberg are overwhelming, whether bathed in sunshine or surrounded by clouds.
Roars from the depths
From the very top to the very bottom: With the “Breitachklamm” in Kleinwalsertal and the “Rappenlochschlucht” in Dornbirn, Vorarlberg boasts two spectacular gorges. They are especially worth a visit during or after rainfall, when the river is even more powerful and the roaring water is all that can be heard. Yet even in these wet conditions, hikers in the gorges won’t get drenched.
Walking with water
The power of water can also be observed along the water walk in Hittisau in the Bregenzerwald valley. This educational adventure trail demonstrates the significance of water. The natural bridge in Kleinwalsertal offers an equally idyllic hiking opportunity. Via gravel paths and overgrown trails, you arrive at a stone bridge leading over the “Schwarzwasserbach”. Or you can walk along the “Matonabach” torrent in “Gadental” in the “Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park”. All the streams in “Gadental” flow into this torrent, providing atmospheric scenes with various waterfalls.
On foot or by bike
Between Doren and Egg in the Bregenzerwald valley, visitors can enjoy laid-back hikes along almost 10 kilometres of trails. The combined footpath and cycle path is worth experiencing in any weather. The pipeline from the lido in Lochau to the harbour in Bregenz can also be explored on foot or by bike. It is a perfect way to take in the beauty of Lake Constance, which is just as impressive in rough seas.
By the way: If you don’t feel so confident venturing into the wild, you might prefer a trip to “inatura” in Dornbirn: The largest natural history museum in the Lake Constance region offers an interactive nature exhibition in a heated indoor environment.
