Description:

Vorarlberg is – apart from one of Vienna – the smallest state in Austria.

And the spurs of known powerful. Especially since Austria’s westernmost tip of this nature with much glory on earth has considered. This is an ideal paradise for a spontaneous trip curve or a properly extended weekend.


“Land of jewels” Vorarlberg call their home. And a 10-page, closely printed pamphlet of the Tourism Bureau lists the details on it. But all told us, the most important highlight of the region are its innumerable bends in lush landscapes. And let’s enjoy all-consuming. My tip in advance: Choose a neighborhood but in the pretty town of Bludenz, the southernmost city in Vorarlberg. And those closes to the south dominates the flair to this lovely alpine town.

Perfect warm-up
Treat as an introduction to the topic we are a cozy, well 180-kilometer round trip through the Bregenz Forest and the border regions with Germany. And two passes are also included – as a perfect warm-up for a more perfect trip. We leave Bludenz north and follow the signs to Ludesch and Thuringerberg. Lures us there for a short detour right the Faschinajoch, then it goes on along the eastern slopes Rankweil the Rhine valley and over again with great views of the Rhine itself and the neighboring principality of Liechtenstein.

Are in Dornbirn, we can feel the vastness of the Swabian Sea already clear, but that’s another matter entirely. Truly spectacular nature formed near the city in the form of the famous Rappenloch Gorge. If you want to stretch your legs a bit, I recommend a short detour to do there.

From the solitude
Before we lose ourselves in the now bustling year-round vitality of the shore of Lake Constance, we rely on the indicator right direction Schwarzach Alberschwende and Egg in the peacefulness around the Bregenz Forest. Powerful limited amount of forest and over again while the wide-sweeping view, but can not hide the fact that we are approaching the second pass of the day. Just behind it goes up to Damuls Furkajoch, 1761 meters, it is to climb up the mountain village Laterns says skillfully apply to the direction of turning Faschinajoch.

On the southern flank of the 1486 m high yoke lies the tranquil town Sunday.No joke, the pretty village is really so. What a successful place-name. To live there just has to be fun – after all, there really every day is a Sunday.

The bustling town of Bludenz then invites us to finish off this first Tourentag cozy. Because tomorrow it’s off to the mountains – the really high of course.

Panoramas of the finest
The “Silvretta High Alpine Road” as one of the most beautiful bike paths in the Alps is big and fat the next day on our road book. Early in the morning we head south out of Bludenz. On Schruns and St. Gall church we swing through the beautiful Montafon, before we start directly behind Part Ennen us to screw up in switchbacks in the Alps heaven.

For now it lies before us: the “Silvretta High Alpine Road.” It opens for a good 10 € biker toll the alpine world of 3.312m high Piz Buin, the highest mountain in Vorarlberg. Oh yes and if you’ve always wondered if the mountain and one of the most popular sun creams in the world are somehow connected? Yes, he was the namesake of the cream.

Views are of the finest biscuits and break right and left of the handlebar, cohorts of bikers join us from spring to autumn, especially on the weekends on the road to Bielerhohe to the commanding Silvretta reservoir. Its parking lot is on Saturdays and Sundays are often stuck in our gas source. Car talk, technical talk and not unimportant “see-and-be-seen” fill quickly for several hours.

Of course there have Arlberg Pass and Flex to further our trail hard to argue against the impressions of the Silvretta High Alpine Road. Enter nevertheless mainly the small detour to pass Flex a try and enjoy a caffeinated refreshment stop in one of the many cafes along the route, the mood in the Vorarlberg mountains. It’s worth it. We swing over to Galtur and Ischgl initially east, shortly before Landeck branch left towards St. Anton am Arlberg and then commute back comfortably on the B197 to the west.

If, however, been the day draws to a close, I recommend to Bludenz Once properly “to make route” and quickly return to our morning starting point. Because Arlberg and Flexenpass we treat ourselves and treat the next day yet. In contrast, Bludenz wait a daily closing-pleasure for us that will remain etched in memory: the Brandner.

Haste makes waste
No sooner had we left the traffic jams around Bludenz behind us, it is suddenly quiet as a mouse. No car, hardly even a biker is traveling with us in the direction Burserberg and fire. Okay – it is a dead end, the U-turn at the end of the valley is mandatory. But what the heck, the slope of the valley is always facing the mighty Brandner tip to go splendidly.

From bounce, before blossoms only so overflowing summer meadows around it goes uphill hairpin bend, the more alpine landscape, until they finally after about 25 kilometers by cable car and hiking trails just opens up the pedestrians. Quickly we pick up here a nice break spot with a view, get rid of helmets and biker gear, with the feet stretched in the cheerfully bubbling stream and wonderfully refreshing Alvier watch the rest of the day to the offense. This is a contrast at its best, the pore is deep relaxation.

Info:

General:
Vorarlberg is the westernmost province of the Republic of Austria with an area of about 2600 sq. km. Bounded by the River Rhine in the west, the Allgau region in the north, the east and the Swiss Verwallgruppe Ratikon and the Silvretta group lived in the south of Austria’s smallest state in a long slumber. It was not until the early 20th Century; tourism began to discover the treasure for himself. Today, Vorarlberg and adjacent Bregenzerwald present as a successful blend of stunning landscapes, lively cities and a high degree of naturalness grown.

Climate:
Mild and moderate in the north, quite high alpine and snowy in the south direction Silvretta – the climate of Vorarlberg has its extremes.

While the north rarely experienced frosty winter periods, the Silvretta region from mid-November through into May impassable for cyclists. In summer temperatures reach well to the values of 30 ° C, on the mountains but it is always pleasantly cool. Bikers best travel season begins in May with the spring and ends in October with a golden autumn.

Motor Racing:
Lonely country roads, through the sun-drenched valleys, hairpin turns and switchbacks best alpine routes in alpine regions up quality. The “Silvretta High Alpine Road is the absolute must of any visit, but dabbles in the Brandner, or to Gargellen Raggal – Marul worth in the Great Walser Valley forever. And swing with a little more time in the tank bag, for example when you arrive, but no later than simply on the way home on the “Cheese Road” by Au direction Hittisau and Sulzberg.

But not on the road – you’d rather take the village road right of way. It is one of benefit.

Tour length and time
Tour: 1 180 km
Tour 2 280 km

Suggested time of arrival without expenses including visits: 3 – 4 days.
Sights & Activities:

Small shrines, medieval-like city centers and some monasteries are among the artistic and historical treasures of Vorarlberg. Open-air theaters, festivals such as the Geierwally Elbigenalp of farmers and farmer’s markets and ensure that even in an otherwise rather quiet region is never boring. There are many opportunities to play sports (hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and hang gliding, golfing and much more.)

Food and Drink:
Cheese in all its variations play a major role in Vorarlberg, popular and well-known dishes include “Cheese dumplings” and “cheese spaetzle” in a myriad of taste completely different variations. Or “Krutspatzle”, “Kasdonnala” (special cheese bread), “Schupfnudla” and the popular “Fladlesuppe”, which is in the rest of the way, mainly in Austria called “pancake soup”.