Thematic Trail

Gargellner Window Path

Gargellner Window
Viewpoint Gargellner Fenster
Trail marking Gargellner Fenster
Gargellner Fenster
Kalkofen Gargellen
Valzifenzbach Bridge
The floating bench at Gitzistee
Floating bench at Gitzistee
Horses in the Schwefeltobel
View towards Vergalden
Gargellen
Bridge in the Alptobel
Alptobel
Flower meadow on the Gargellner Rüti
Forest-meadow route near the Gargellner Fenster
Rüti Maisäß Gargellen
Rüti Maisäß Gargellen
Rüti Maisäß Gargellen
Miorama Gargellner Fenster
Information panels on the hiking route
Ronggalpe
On the way to the Ronggalpe
Gargellner Church
Gargellner Fenster - more than just a hiking route project
Kalkofen Gargellen
Maisäß Gargellen
Maisäß Gargellen
Theme route in Montafon: Gargellner Fenster Weg

Factbox

Difficulty: mittel
Distance: 7.28 km
Ascent: 375 m
Descent: 375 m
Duration: 3 h
Deepest point: 1375 m
Highest point: 1616 m
Condition:

Experience:

Landscape:

  • Höhenprofil

    The path offers, based on the geological peculiarity, a multifaceted view of the historic sites of the border region, which the inhabitants of Gargellen have revived. From the Vergaldner bridge, it goes through the forest among others to the impressive lime kiln, to beautiful views, and over maize pastures to Ronggalpe. Of course, the famous geological Gargellner Window can also be seen.

    A CIRCULAR HIKING TRAIL WRITES HISTORY.

    The Gargellner Windows are already known to many as a geological peculiarity, which appears as bright limestone rocks in the otherwise somewhat darker ancient rock massif. However, the newly initiated project “Gargellner Fenster” goes far beyond that. It primarily uses the Gargellen memory and brings many interesting events from the past to light again. This is intended to create a multifaceted view of all eras, making today’s Gargellen holistically experienceable through an exciting journey through time. At all historically relevant places, “windows” opening views and insights are planned, allowing a mysterious look behind the scenes of this enigmatic border region.

    A WHOLE VILLAGE PITCHES IN.

    As part of the “Bergdorf 2025” project and in preparation for the Gargellner Windows, community work on the village image has been ongoing since May 2018. In a large-scale clearing operation, trees fell like stubble and Gargellen regained the face that lightly and brightly recalls earlier times. Further community actions aimed at revitalizing and constructing the “Gargellner Window Path.” Again, the whole village pitched in, and generations worked hand in hand to create something special together.

    At Ronggalpe, you have a wonderful view of Gargellen and Vergalden and can let your soul relax while enjoying an excellent bacon or cheese sandwich.

    Presented by: Montafon
    Author: Andreas Marent

  • Difficulty: mittel
    Condition:

    Experience:

    Landscape:

    		Altitude: 1616 m 1375 m Best season:
    JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
    JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

  • Directions

    The starting point is in front of the Schafbergbahn valley station at the starting area of the Alpenmosaik Montafon. From there, you walk downstream towards the Vergalda district, cross the road, and enter the forest parallel to the road. After about 100 meters, you reach a small wooden hut. Behind it hides a small bridge over the Valzifenzbach. Right after that, you arrive at the second station, the lime kiln. From the lime kiln, the path continues upward, over the road and further through the forest until you meet a path. Here you go right over the bridge to Gitzistee. Then continue always along the path and across the small stream until you reach Schwefeltobel. You cross this and follow the forest road towards Rüti for about 200 meters. Hidden away, a small path on the right side of the road leads you back into the forest past two beautiful lookout points down to the Alptobel. Over the bridge and left towards Rüti, the route continues for you. Zigzagging up through the forest and over the first limestone rocks, you reach the stable at Rüti. Take a short break here. You have already climbed most of the elevation. Now continue over the beautiful alpine landscape of Rüti towards Ronggalpe. On the left side, the geological Gargellner Window opens up to you. Again, a bit of zigzagging through the forest downhill and always further towards Ronggalpe until you can see it through the forest on the other side of the ravine. Now cross the Ronggbach stream and you are almost at the alp. Here you can refresh yourself and just let your soul dangle. Refreshed, continue to Röbi and then slowly back towards Gargellen. On the way down into the valley, you will eventually come to the main road, which you must cross. Then over the bridge and a short stretch on the left along the Suggadin to St. Gallenkirch. After about 200 m, go up a wide meadow towards Juliusruhe. However, before reaching Juliusruhe, you first have to cross the forest road and then turn left. Above Gargellen, continue towards Vergalden. Juliusruhe ends in a small forest road. From there, cross the forest road over a beautiful meadow path into the Vergaldner Wäldle. At the end of the trail through the forest, your path continues downstream back to your starting point.

    Waypoints

  • Public transportation:

    Just leave your car behind

    The regional buses operate throughout the Montafon. The main lines run every half hour from Schruns station.

    Bus stop at the start/finish of the route: Gargellen Schafbergbahn / Line 670

    Timetable: www.vmobil.at

    Getting to Montafon by train

    From Bludenz station, the Montafon railway runs hourly (partly every half hour). There are also direct connections from Lindau (D) and from Bregenz.

    Timetable: www.oebb.at

    Approach:

    Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit and continue on Montafonerstraße L188 to St. Gallenkirch. There turn right into Gargellnerstraße and follow it uphill to Gargellen. In Gargellen, drive past the Bergbahnen Gargellen valley station until you see parking lots at the Vergalden junction after the bridge.


    Route Planner

    Park:

    In Gargellen, you can park at the Bergbahnen Gargellen parking lot, the starting point of the route.