A city for all seasons

Hohenems brought to life

Looking for a fun-filled day in Hohenems? A small city that is big on charm, it’s ideal for taking a stroll and exploring at your own pace. Historic Hohenems is packed with terrific tales

Hohenems – small city, big character

Is it any wonder that this small city bursting with history has always maintained a thriving cultural scene? After all, Hohenems has at various times been home to the first bank, the first coffee shop and even the first printing shop in Vorarlberg.

Today, locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling through the Jewish Quarter – one of the few fully preserved ensembles with Jewish roots. We can also recommend a
shopping tour taking in the small independent shops that line Marktstraße, as well as a visit to Schlossplatz square to see the chocolatier Fenkart and the Renaissance palace that is still inhabited by the Count’s family.

Every Saturday, Hohenems hosts a charming weekly market selling fresh regional organic produce. Not only is this covered market an all-weather event, shoppers can also pop next door to Café Frida for an organic snack. Hohenems is great for a little indulgence!

Autumn is the ideal time for a city trip to Hohenems, where you can enjoy walks, shopping, hiking and a variety of nature excursions. You can even climb the towering Schlossberg mountain to reach the imposing Alt-Ems castle ruins. The sprawling biking, hiking and climbing areas with fantastic views of the Rheintal valley also invite you to explore the city’s surroundings. In particular, the extensive cycle paths and hiking trails in Emsreute and Schuttannen are perfect for a little exercise in and around Hohenems.

Join us as we explore the highlights and insider tips of the city!

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Hohenems, Salomon Sulzer Sall, Jewish Quartier (c) Alexandre Schabernig

Hohenems has a long tradition of coffee houses – it was even the site of “Kitzinger”, the first coffee house in Vorarlberg, which opened in 1797.

Discover Hohenems with us as we take in the city’s oldest and newest attractions!

Teresa and Corinna

Experience Hohenems

Tips from our editorial team

01 The Jewish Quarter

To this day, the centre of Hohenems is characterised by the unique ensemble of the former Jewish Quarter. The square in front of the former synagogue was redesigned exactly one year ago and renamed “Salomon Sulzer Platz”. It also features the stunning Salomon Sulzer Saal hall, which now hosts cultural events and meetings following its renovation.
- Hohenems Jewish Quarter
- Salomon Sulzer Saal hall
02 Schlosskaffee Fenkart cafe

This dazzling cafe at the heart of Hohenems offers a variety of delights and an unrivalled array of cakes. A chocolaterie featuring an open production space was added a few years ago. Located in Schlossplatz square, Fenkart is open daily from 9am to 7pm (closed on Tuesdays).
- Schlosskaffee Fenkart Schokoladengenuss
03 Jewish Museum

Hohenems Jewish Museum reflects on the Jewish community in Hohenems and addresses contemporary Jewish issues in Europe, including diaspora and migration. It also features a dedicated exhibition for children aged 6 and up. Visitors to the museum cafe can sample Jewish wedding cake, coffee, bagels and kosher wine – all of which can be enjoyed outdoors in the garden.
- Jewish Museum
04 Renaissance palace and Schlossplatz square

The historic centre of Hohenems, featuring the unique Renaissance palace, Schlossplatz square and St. Charles’ parish church, is located some 433 metres above sea level. Formerly the seat of the Counts of Ems, the palace boasts a beautiful courtyard and a knights’ hall. This was also where the manuscripts of the Nibelungenlied were found. Today, the palace is inhabited by the Count’s family and is increasingly being opened up to the public. It’s a fantastic location for concerts, celebrations and fairytale weddings!
- Hohenems Palace
05 Frida – our top tip for dining out

Frida Bioladen.Café has its finger on the pulse: located in the heart of Marktstraße, this popular cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a quality cup of coffee, vegan cakes and biscuits while soaking up the wonderful atmosphere with family and friends. Take a well-earned coffee break in the sunny and secluded courtyard, then visit Frida’s shop for a variety of organic and sustainable products!
- Frida Bioladen & Café
- Additional restaurants in Hohenems
06 Handicraft in the city

Visit Anna Waibel Schmuck, a new shop on Marktstraße in Hohenems, for beautiful items of jewellery hand-crafted by master goldsmith Anna Waibel. Shoppers can also explore a range of additional products and accessories. It’s a celebration of true craftsmanship!
- Anna Waibel Schmuck
07 Schloss Glopper castle and Burg Alt-Ems ruins

Schloss Glopper (aka Burg Neu-Ems) is a medieval castle in Emsreute that once belonged to the former Counts of Hohenems. Now owned by the Waldburg-Zeil family, it is inhabited all year round. In contrast, the Burg Alt-Ems castle ruins at 740 metres up are what remains of one of the largest complexes in Central Europe. This castle once boasted seven gates, a drawbridge and no fewer than 47 rooms! Follow the trail that snakes up Schlossberg mountain for 40-60 minutes to be rewarded with a stunning view over the Rheintal valley.
- Burg Alt-Ems castle ruins

Hohenems – small city, big character

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Instructions:

01 The Jewish Quarter

02 Schlosskaffee Fenkart cafe

03 Jewish Museum

04 Renaissance palace and Schlossplatz square

05 Frida – our top tip for dining out

06 Handicraft in the city

07 Schloss Glopper castle and Burg Alt-Ems ruins