Lamas, igloos and snowshoes
The hiking season in Vorarlberg doesn’t end in autumn. The region’s countryside can also be explored on foot in the winter, and not just on conventional ski tours.
Date: 30 November 2017
True, the holiday region of Vorarlberg is famous for its excellent skiing and snowboarding pistes. But winter in Austria’s most western state has much more to offer. Nature lovers in particular can come here to be inspired and make the coldest season of the year into something very special.
Lamas feel perfectly at home in Vorarlberg
They were once known as mere pack animals, but many people nowadays appreciate lamas and alpacas for their calm demeanour and their lovable character. This is evidenced by the increasing popularity of hikes with the “Camels of the Andes”. These animals feel right at home in Vorarlberg, and thanks to their thick fur, they don’t have a problem with the winters here either. There are several ways to go walking through our wintry landscape with lamas and alpacas: Tours with lamas are offered by Horst Kuster on the Bartholomaeberg near Schruns in the Montafon; by the Riedmann family in Dornbirn with their award-winning lama breeding farm; by Reinhard Achleitner in the Klostertal valley, and by Eva and Anton Vigl in Langenegg in the Bregenzerwald. You can take a walk with alpacas in Lech and Zürs, departing from the Hotel Aurelio, and Birgit Knecht hikes with both lamas and alpacas, departing from Röns.
Igloo Adventure Night
Who doesn’t want to find out what it’s like to sleep in an igloo? You can take the opportunity to do just that in the Silvretta Montafon. A fondue dinner at the Valisera Hüsli is followed by a torch-lit hike through the snow-covered landscape. At 2,000 meters’ elevation lies the small Igloo Village up on the Schwarzköpfle – a tiny ice paradise amidst the mountain landscape. But cold doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable: choose the cosy option with sleeping bag and fleece, or the glamping alternative with comfortable double bed. The igloos open their icy doors every Monday from 25 December to 2 April.
Snowshoe hike in the Klostertal valley
Breathtaking views over the snow-covered Klostertal valley, the Rätikon and the Walgau after a hike through a winter wonderland: every Wednesday in winter, from mid-December until the end of March, the Sonnenkopf can be reached in a very special way. On a snowshoe hike to the Muttjöchle, the experienced guide Bruno Berthold leads the participants up to the mountain’s summit.
Exploring the GenussRegion
The “GenussRegion” (“Culinary Region”) in the Kleinwalsertal Valley lives up to its name again this winter: From 16 December to 8 April, visitors can embark on snowshoe hikes that feature a culinary bonus. Along the way, you’ll learn fun facts about handling mother cows, the region’s agriculture and hunting philosophy – and at the end a hearty snack is served, including a glass of Austrian wine.
Food in the Wintry Forest
Winter hiking in the Bregenzerwald can be a delicious event as well. On these day trips, the group hikes from breakfast to lunch and then on to dessert – with each leg of the trip ending in a different mountain inn or restaurant. There are three different but equally delicious hiking routes to choose from: From Hittisau to Hochhäderich, from Mellau to Bezau via Bizau, or from Sibratgfäll to Schönenbach.
