Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg is the European centre of modern architecture, and its Bregenzerwald region is a true architectural feast for the eyes with its unique blend of traditional wooden buildings and steel, concrete and glass-inspired new-builds. Bregenzerwald is also famous for the art of cheese-making.

Innovative Construction
Unexpectedly modern, yet simply elegant may best describe the Bregenzerwald architecture. Close cooperation between innovative constructors, creative architects and craftsmen ensures that the contemporary buildings of the Bregenzerwald only heighten the beauty of the old. A splendid example of this is the village of Hittisau, where slick glass façades fit harmoniously alongside the classic pitch-roofs of an era past. Architecturally noteworthy buildings can be found in numerous villages and many of the hotels in the region seem to have achieved this old new balance in particularly exciting fashion. Only in the Bregenzerwald can your hotel be part of your ‘must-see’ attractions!

Visual attractiveness aside, the Bregenzerwald is not only built nicely, but also sensibly. Sustainable development is part of the building mantra here, with a focus on renewable energy to heat and generate hot water. Indeed, this idea of preservation - whether of traditions or the environment - is a common theme throughout the Bregenzerwald.

Wood Culture
While the aforementioned village of Hittisau may have its contemporary glass structures, it is wood that has ingrained itself as ‘the’ building material. Wood has always played – and still plays – an essential role in the design of living spaces and daily functions in the Bregenzerwald and Hittisau. Visitors can find out more about wood architecture and the part wood plays in the way of life in the Bregenzerwald during rambles and guided tours. In fact, the oldest bridge in Vorarlberg – a wooden one - can even be found here.

The Traditional Bregenzerwald Farmhouse
Elegant, sunburned, made of wood: traditional Bregenzerwald farmhouses can still be seen in many places. Normally, the stable and residential house are situated under one roof. Something very typical, and uniquely Austrian, is that the farmhouses are covered with wooden shingles. These shingles give the building an elegant flair. The so-called Schopf, a loggia or winter garden, in the entrance area is another architectural feature. Several exceptionally beautiful farmhouses can be found in: Au-Schoppernau, Bizau, Hittisau (around the Dorfplatz/town square), Schnepfau and Schwarzenberg.

A street Dedicated to Cheese
Cheese is undoubtedly ‘the’ product of the region, and if there are any doubts to the contrary just find your way to Bregenzerwald’s famed Cheese Street. While not a street in the true sense of the word, the Cheese Street is instead a variety of ‘stopping off’ points including small dairy farms, cheese cellars, and delicatessens – all important partners in the cheese-making process. Throughout the year this association of cheese partners collectively help organise cheese-themed events and tasting sessions to share the secrets behind the production process. Don’t miss the popular spicy alp and mountain cheeses!

Highlights
Farmer Ingo Metzler and his family, in addition to producing whey-based products, also established Vorarlberg’s first dairy school where every student is invited to produce a wheel of cheese which can then be taken home.

Andelsbuch is one of Bregenzerwald’s oldest villages, and Andelsbuch Cheese House is just the place to try different varieties of cheese as well as purchase regional specialties. Open daily; cheese-making demonstration every Sunday at 4pm. At the Bregenzerwald Cheese Cellar in Lingenau you can admire thousands of loaves of cheese stored to age. Shop open for purchases and sampling: Mon - Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9 - 5pm. Nazes Hus in Mellau, the only listed house in Mellau, was built several hundred years ago and since then has been extensively renovated. A delicatessen offering numerous local wine and cheese products can be found in the house today. You can also watch how cheese is made on the Bregenzerwald’s small dairy farms. Visitors welcome at the alpine dairy Bergkäserei Schoppernau, the historic dairy Nostalgiesennerei Au-Rehmen or the modern Sulzberg Dairy.

Culinary Walks
The Bregenzerwald Tourist Office offers two different, scenic culinary walks. Best of all, the walk includes a 3-course menu of regional specialties (with choice), uniquely served in three different mountain inns or restaurants.

On show: Cultural Bregenzerwald
There is a wonderful range of museums in Bregenzerwald to quench your thirst for culture. In Hittisau, Austria’s only women‘s museum celebrates the cultural achievements of women through varying exhibits. The Angelika Kauffmann museum in Schwarzenberg explores, from several perspectives, the works of this famed baroque painter, a founding member of the ‚Royal Academy of Arts.‘ And, for those with an interest in fashion, there’s the Juppe workshop in Riefensberg where one can watch this piece of traditional Bregenzerwald women’s costume take shape. Finally, don’t miss ‚Handwerk+Form‘ (Oct) - part competition, part exhibition that only takes place every three years, this year in Andelsbuch. Bregenzerwald craftsmen as well as international designers and architects showcase their works.