Why even the royals spend their holidays in Vorarlberg?
At Villa for You we find Vorarlberg one of the most beautiful destinations in Austria. But not only our team is a fan of this special place. Also, the royal families of England, Jordan and the Netherlands love to stay here. Who does not know them? The annually recurring images of our royals, elegantly skiing down the slopes in the fashionable city of Lech.
But what else makes Vorarlberg so special? We like to lift a tip of the veil. Due to its location close to Switzerland, the area is 'the best of both worlds'. The high Arlberg is a natural barrier between Vorarlberg and the rest of Austria. This ensures that you enjoy a holiday in Austria, but with a distinct Swiss touch. This is noticeable in the language, but also in the culinary sense. As an Austria expert, my family and friends often ask me for tips. Which house should I book? My first question is: what do you enjoy most? Because the offer of our holiday homes is just as surprising as the landscape. Do you like the fresh mountain air? Then choose a holiday home between the mountains or in green mountain meadows. Do you enjoy the water the most? Then go for a chalet near the mountain lakes or a waterfall. Are you a winter sports fanatic? Well, then of course you go for the more elevated chalets. These winter sports chalets are also ideal for a family holiday', says our Austrian expert Sybrand.
Which area of Vorarlberg is best for me?
Vorarlberg is a destination that is perfect for nature and winter sports enthusiasts.
- Nature holiday
If you are an active person and like cycling or/and biking, Vorarlberg is the place to be! Inhale the fresh mountain air while braving the majestic mountains. Rest at one of the crystal-clear mountain lakes or rivers. You need more action? Did you know that there are plenty of opportunities for rafting, mountain biking and swimming?
- Winter sports
In Vorarlberg, the choice is enormous when it comes to winter sports. Of course, the beautiful slopes are the ideal backdrop for unforgettable winter sports. But in addition to skiing or snowboarding, you can also go tobogganing, skating on an artificial ice rink, cross-country skiing or you can take part in an expertly guided ski or mountaineering tour. Good to know: all winter sports, at all levels, are available in Vorarlberg.
Winter sports in Vorarlberg
The most important winter sports areas are the Montafon and the Brandnertal. The Montafon area is located in the southwestern part of Vorarlberg. The various ski areas of the Montafon valley total more than 200 km of slopes. But the big advantage here is that all ski areas are accessible with only 1 ski pass! Silvretta Montafon is the most popular ski area in the Montafon, but the other villages are also well worth a visit!
The second winter sports area we would like to tell you more about is the Brandnertal. This area is quieter and recommended for families with children. In winter, you can quickly reach one of the snow-white slopes from your holiday home. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, which is ideal for kids. But in the valley, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing, a walk or one of the popular mountaineering tours.
The best way to travel to Vorarlberg?
Tips on how the best reach Austria can be found here.
Say cheese... when you think of the delicacies of Vorarlberg!
'If there is anything I enjoy, it's a delicious mountain cheese with a good glass of wine. Cosy by the fireplace, in my own holiday home. If you are a cheese lover too, you are at the right place in Vorarlberg,' says Sybrand, our Austria expert. There are many farmer's markets in this region. Tint them off for the - often organic - regional products such as cheese, butter, milk and yoghurt. Taste the famous Walser Stolz here, this is a cheese from the Großwalsertal valley, made from the best Alpine milk. If you like cheese, we recommend a visit to one of the many traditional cheesemakers in the Bregenzerwald! You won't be surprised by now... the specialities from this region are made with cheese! Typical dishes are Käsespätzle or Käsknöpfle. This is a kind of pasta with cheese, often served with fried onions and a fresh salad. All the good things here come from the Alpine cows! The most famous one is a lilac cow... exactly, the Milka cow we all know of! Located in the beautiful town of Bludenz is the Milka chocolate factory. Are you a chocolate fan? Then we definitely recommend this trip!
Tip: You need something to warm you up during winter sports? Taste the home-burned organic schnapps.
Our top 5 sights in Vorarlberg
Not only the nature in Vorarlberg is surprising, also the sights are to write home about. Summer or winter, sun or snow; this area will leave an impression that will last a lifetime on you. We therefore recommend you hit the road.
- The town of Dornbirn. Why is this town worth a visit? Because of the two impressive gorges on the outskirts of town. These are the Alplochschlucht and the Rappenlochtschlucht. Here you can take a beautiful walk between the high cliffs. South of Dornbirn lies the historic town of Feldkirch with its medieval fortifications.
- Bregenz. This is the capital of Vorarlberg. In the historic centre you will find medieval half-timbered houses and imposing city walls. In the Kunsthaus, a glass cube, you can see contemporary Austrian art. Because of its direct location on Lake Constance (Bodensee) you can easily get on a boat for a boat trip on the lake or a crossing to Lindau (March-October).
- The Pfänder. From this 1000-meter-high mountain you have a panoramic view over the city of Bregenz, the Alps, the Black Forest and Lake Constance (Bodensee). The cable car takes you from the centre to the top of the mountain. Here you will also find the Alpine wildlife park Pfänder, a wildlife park with bucks, goats, deer and birds of prey shows.
- A car trip on the Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse. This road connects Vorarlberg and Tyrol. You will be treated to beautiful views. Discover the varied landscape of lakes, picturesque villages and high mountain peaks in this unique way.
- Outdoor activities in beautiful nature. There are countless possibilities: lovely walks, tobogganing, Nordic walking, winter golfing, mountain biking, rafting, canoeing, abseiling or swimming in one of the many lakes. Be one with the nature and enjoy in a way that suits you!
In Vorarlberg, your kids will never get bored!
Llamas! Kids love these fluffy white animals with their friendly and somewhat sulky look. In the Montafon valley it is possible to walk through the mountains with real llamas. Even as adults we become very enthusiastic about this. Calmly walking together with the llamas through the glistening snow, while you get acquainted with the fascinating history of mining that took place there.
Winter sports with children is also very enjoyable here because the areas are not too big. The Montafon is one of the most child-friendly ski regions in the Alps. Families with children have thought of everything. Both in terms of childcare, as well as ski lessons and prices. Are the children still too young for skiing lessons? No problem. They are welcome to join a children's club, while you can go off the slopes without a care in the world.
Do you have real adventurers at home and are you looking for a nice destination for your summer holiday? Then Vorarlberg is a must as well. Our four tips for a child-friendly trip:
- Bewegungsberg in Golm. We guarantee you can spend your whole day here. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush and hiss at 70km per hour with a zip line over the reservoir! There is a climbing park, there hiking tours with missions and the 2600-meter-long Alpine-Coaster, which reaches a speed of 40 km per hour. Our conclusion? This is not for the faint hearted.
- Waldseilgarten in Damüls. During a visit to the Waldseilgarten your children climb and clamber. It is a true climbing course in the forest, in 6 different levels of difficulty.
- E-biking at Klösterle. In the surroundings of Klösterle am Arlberg you will find both paved roads and off-road routes on which you can cycle along the river or uphill with an e-bike. You can also make a wonderful tour with your family accompanied by a guide.
- Bärenland on the Sonnenkopf near Klösterle. Here you can take a special bear gondola for 8 people (with cuddly bears!) and get off at an altitude of 2000 metres in a breath-taking mountain landscape with a lively play paradise. You can raft, swing, play in the sand or follow the bear route.
As far as we are concerned, Vorarlberg is an ideal region for a holiday with children. Have you decided to book a holiday home with the family? Then we would be happy to give you many more tips and advice to get the most out of your holiday.