Blooms, scents and whizzing insects - 10 hiking tips for spring in Vorarlberg

Natural awakens between Lake Constance and the mountains

10 hiking tips for spring

In those vernal seasons of the year (...),
it were an injury and sullenness against nature not to (...)
partake in her rejoicing with heaven and earth.

John Milton, 1608-1674, English poet, philosopher

Spring is an invitation to allow the little wonders of nature enchant you, to enjoy the fresh air and take a closer look, instead of focusing on the elevation gain when hiking.
At Lake Constance, spring starts in mid-March and spreads gradually throughout the country week by week. In early May, the meadows bloom in the Rheintal valley in Vorarlberg. The mountain meadows are full of crocuses and cowslips, butterflies float through the air. The many bird species have returned from their winter habitats, and start mating and brooding their young.

Lukas Rinnhofer, Biologe inatura Dornbirn

Lukas Rinnhofer, biologist at inatura-Erlebnis-Naturschau in Dornbirn and hiking guide, has chosen 10 wonderful hiking tours in Vorarlberg’s diverse landscapes.

Get your hiking boots on! We wish you lots of fun in nature.

Our hiking tips for spring

01 Lagoon hike by Lake Constance

In Fußach, the circular trail (approx. 1.5 hours) around the lagoon where the Rhine flows into Lake Constance takes you into the protected habitat of rare birds and butterfly species. The shallow water is a spawning ground and nursery for fish. Respectful visitors are welcome!
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02 At the Alter Rhein river, Hohenems

Alluvial forests – including those on the Alter Rhein at Hohenems – are biodiverse habitats and home to an astonishing variety of plants, mammals, amphibians, birds and insects.
The pleasant walk (1.5 hours) through this natural gem appeals to all senses in spring.
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03 Tufa formations Lingenau, Bregenzerwald

What a sight!
Marvel as you walk past flowstone draperies and baldachins – created by lime deposits from water that flows over the mosses and algae day-in, day-out. The hiking trail leads from Lingenau to the tufa formations (1 hour) as a short circular route, or continue via Egg-Grossdorf (3.5 hours) back to the starting point.
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04 Into the moors, Bregenzerwald

Carnivorous plants, peat mosses, crooked trees: moors are fascinating landscapes thousands of years old. Here in Krumbach in Bregenzerwald, you can explore them at your own pace or on a guided hike. We suggest the pleasant approx. 3 hour hike via Rossbad.
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05 Along the Schwarzwasserbach stream, Kleinwalsertal valley

The little valley owes its varied nature and landscape to climatic and fascinating geological conditions. The approx. 3.5 hour hike along the Schwarzwasserbach stream takes you past biodiverse moors and a natural bridge. The route offers several shorter options.
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06 From Söllereck to Riezlern, Kleinwalsertal valley

The roughly 2.5 hour spring hike offers impressive panoramic views of the Kleinwalsertal valley with the Hoher Ifen mountain and Gottesacker plateau.
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07 To Muttersberg, Alpenstadt Bludenz

Mountains as far as the eye can see!
Here on Muttersberg, the view of the snow-capped mountains is fascinating. However, if you take a closer look you can also find rare plants in spring on this almost 3 hour hike east of the mountain station in the sunny pine forests, or at the inn in Laz.
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08 Through the Ludescherberg European Protection Area, Grosses Walsertal

Meadow masters are at work here at Ludescherberg – on the Walserweg trail from Raggal to Bludenz. The beautiful meadow landscape in Ludescherberg European Protection Area is a joy for the eyes and ears. After the day hike (approx. 6 hours), you can return by bus from Bludenz to the starting point in Raggal.
09 Circular hike on Bartholomäberg, Montafon

The panoramic, roughly 4-hour hike here on Bartholomäberg mountain takes you through a traditional mountain pasture landscape. This cultivated landscape created via traditional farming is a habitat for amphibians, dragonflies, other small animals and rare plants.
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10 Along the Ill river, Montafon

Though the surrounding mountains are still snow-capped, spring has already arrived on the valley floor in the alluvial forests along the Ill river. The first spring blossoms are sprouting, insects are whirring and and the songbirds start their morning concert as day breaks. This roughly 1.5 hour valley hike along the Ill river from Schruns to St. Anton im Montafon is simply beautiful.
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01 Lagoon hike by Lake Constance

02 At the Alter Rhein river, Hohenems

03 Tufa formations Lingenau, Bregenzerwald

04 Into the moors, Bregenzerwald

05 Along the Schwarzwasserbach stream, Kleinwalsertal valley

06 From Söllereck to Riezlern, Kleinwalsertal valley

07 To Muttersberg, Alpenstadt Bludenz

08 Through the Ludescherberg European Protection Area, Grosses Walsertal

09 Circular hike on Bartholomäberg, Montafon

10 Along the Ill river, Montafon