Stunning landscapes

Wind, rain, heavy weather?

As the clouds gather and the rain begins to fall, the landscape around us changes – sometimes with dramatic speed. All the while, we are able to soak up the natural spectacle that surrounds us. These are the moments and the places that remain long in our collective memory.
This page features a series of locations in Vorarlberg that never fail to serve up thrilling sights when the weather conditions deteriorate. Our pictures are helpfully accompanied by walks and hikes that are also suitable for rainy weather, provided you wear the right clothing. Some hiking tour information is available in German only.

01 A magical experience – Petersboden, Lech

A trip to the mountain station of the Petersbodenbahn chairlift in Lech is particularly rewarding when the sun vanishes behind the clouds. The special thermal conditions generate an eye-catching show that ranges from beautiful to truly awe-inspiring, depending on the strength of the wind.
If you need to take a refreshment break, the Kriegeralpe mountain inn is a 20-minute walk from the mountain station.
- Information on the Kriegeralpe
- The Schlegelkopf – Petersboden adventure mountain
02 Rüfikopf mountain, Lech

Take the chair lift up to a height of 2,350 metres and enjoy the view: whether lit up by the sun or shrouded in cloud, the surrounding peaks are always a sight for sore eyes!
- Rüfikopf panoramic mountain
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03 Fallbach waterfall, Klostertal

A genuine natural rush!
As one of the largest waterfalls in Austria, the Fallbach drops from a height of 1,430 metres to 820 metres in the Klostertal valley. It is a particularly spectacular sight during or after rainfall, with nature lovers and amateur photographers able to reach the site via a newly created panoramic trail.
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04 Gadental valley, Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park

Traversed by the Matonabach stream, the unique landscape of the Gadental is a pristine habitat for plants and animals. This is place where nature puts on a real show whatever the weather, as the waters of the Matonabach tumble down onto the rocks below – sometimes gently, at other times with their full might. The valley streams join up in the Wildbach, where they provide another lively attraction.
- Bad Rothenbrunnen (starting point for hikes into the Gadental valley)
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05 View of the Drei Türme (Three Towers), Montafon

Located on the border between Vorarlberg and the canton of Grisons in Switzerland, the Drei Türme (Three Towers) are the most prominent mountain formation in the Rätikon. Towards the south, they feature vertical walls up to 600 metres in height. Certain of these southern ascents are among the most important climbing routes in the Rätikon. In cloudy, misty and sunny conditions alike, the summits are a majestic sight above the Lindauer Hütte hut in the upper Gauertal valley.
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06 Route to Teufelsbach waterfall, Montafon

A side valley of the Montafon, the multi-faceted Silbertal commands impressive views. The valley head also serves as the source area of the wild river Litz. A gentle hike from the Kristberg brings you to the Fellimännle, with the roaring and foaming Litz river then leading past the Teufelsbachwasserfall waterfall and out of the valley on the way to the starting point of the Kristbergbahn cable car.
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07 Water hiking trail, Hittisau

Look, listen and follow the route of the water as you experience the springs, streams, water levels, rain, marsh and moor. Heading along the Bolgenach river, the Wasserwanderweg water hiking trail in Hittisau leads across the 300-year-old Kommabrücke bridge and past countless overgrown, moss-covered rocks.
The trail is particularly enchanting in rainy conditions.
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08 Anlong the valley of the Bregenzerach

Having once been the most important transport connection between the Rheintal valley in Vorarlberg and the Bregenzerwald region, the route of the old Bregenzerwaldbahn railway line is now used as a recreational space. Stretching for almost 10 kilometres between Doren and Egg, the Achtalweg route is ideal for pleasant bike rides and walks.
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09 Natural bridge and surroundings, Kleinwalsertal

Gravel trails and root-covered paths bring you to the rock bridge that crosses the Schwarzwasserbach stream. The forest clearings and lush green moss give the scenery a magical air. Filled with a variety of idyllic locations and footpaths, this is the perfect place to spend many happy hours.
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10 In the Breitachklamm gorge, Kleinwalsertal

Boasting a length of 2.5 kilometres, the deepest gorge in central Europe was formed around 10,000 years ago in what is now the border region of Kleinwalsertal-Allgäu. On hot days, shaded hikes alongside the cool water provide a refreshing experience. The gorge is best experienced immediately after rainfall, when the roaring and foaming torrent comes to the fore.
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11 At the Molo and along the “Pipeline”, Bregenz

As you traverse the “Pipeline” from the Lochau lakeside lido to Bregenz harbour, you can enjoy the view of the Pfänder while following the course of the lake. Sample the maritime atmosphere of the wooden walkway from the former military bath “Mili” and continue past the flashing lighthouse on the way to the Molo. Once you reach the lakeside stage, you will find your gaze being drawn towards Lindau: be sure to take a good look at the dramatic spectacle of the stormy lake.
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12 In the Rappenlochschlucht gorge, Dornbirn

As you head along narrow walkways past damp rock walls, you will feel the dripping of the water. The cold and clear current of the roaring Dornbirner Ach stream provides the background to a series of stunning views down into the narrow gorge. No matter whether you make for the Staufensee lake, walk along the circular path or take an extended break at one of the vantage points in the gorge, a visit to the Rappenlochschlucht is sure to make a big impression.
It seems incredible that all this is just a few short kilometres away from Dornbirn city centre.
- Current information and hiking suggestions
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01 A magical experience – Petersboden, Lech

02 Rüfikopf mountain, Lech

03 Fallbach waterfall, Klostertal

04 Gadental valley, Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Park

05 View of the Drei Türme (Three Towers), Montafon

06 Route to Teufelsbach waterfall, Montafon

07 Water hiking trail, Hittisau

08 Anlong the valley of the Bregenzerach

09 Natural bridge and surroundings, Kleinwalsertal

10 In the Breitachklamm gorge, Kleinwalsertal

11 At the Molo and along the “Pipeline”, Bregenz

12 In the Rappenlochschlucht gorge, Dornbirn

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