KEEN

EXPECTATIONS
SUMMER IN VORARLBERG 2010
Gormley Horizon Field, test installation in Lech (July 2009) for the planned Horizon Field project, photo Markus Tretter / copyright: Antony Gormley, Kunsthaus Bregenz

Dear reader,

Vorarlberg’s natural scenery is inspiring in many dif-

ferent ways: contemplative enjoyment, outdoor
activity, or philosophical and artistic reflection.

Only recently, renowned British sculptor Antony

Gormley devoted a project to the interaction of man
and mountain, a characteristic hallmark of Vorarl-
berg since time immemorial. Horizon Field, Antony
Gormley’s first landscape project in Austria and his
first project in the mountains, is designed to visu-
alise this complex relationship.

We owe the realisation of this project in Vorarlberg to

the Kunsthaus Bregenz which acted as an interna-
tionally acclaimed artistic partner. What also
impressed and convinced Gormley was the pro-
nounced appreciation of the arts he found here as
well as Vorarlberg’s ideal topography.

The present Summer Journal will give you a taste of

the many special facets Vorarlberg has to offer. We
hope that we have been able to put together some
suggestions for your personal discovery tour.

We look forward to your visit!

Christian Schützinger
Managing Director, Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH

PS: Another artistic project is already in the mak-

ing: The film “Breath of Heaven” will be released
in summer 2010. Breath of the Sky is the adapta-
tion for screen of a novel by Vorarlberg-born
writer, singer & songwriter Reinhold Bilgeri, who
insisted on capturing the special atmosphere as
authentically as possible. Most of the shooting for
the film was done in Vorarlberg.

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INSPIRING PROSPECTS
WHAT A PRETTY SIGHT, THAT SPOT OF LAND STRETCHING FROM LAKE CONSTANCE TO
THE ARLBERG, SO NEAT AND PROPER. AND YET, THERE ARE SURPRISINGLY DIFFER-
ENT ASPECTS TO VORARLBERG: MODERN DESIGN, FOR INSTANCE, WHICH REINVENTS
BUILDING TRADITIONS AND LOCAL TIMBER ARCHITECTURE AND HAS GARNERED
ACCLAIM AND ATTENTION ALL OVER THE WORLD. OR THE CULTURAL SCENE, WHICH
BRINGS THE WORLD AT LARGE TO THIS FAR-FLUNG CORNER. AND THE CUISINE,
WHICH ADDS A TOUCH OF SOPHISTICATION AND LOTS OF CREATIVITY TO TRADITIONAL
FARE. ALL THAT RELIES ON PEOPLE WHO ARE CONFIDENT IN WHAT THEY DO, AND
DEEPLY ROOTED IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY, WHO ARE FULL OF CURIOSITY AND DAR-
ING, AS WELL AS REFRESHINGLY INNOVATIVE. THIS COMBINATION BREEDS OPPOR-
TUNITIES GALORE AND SCOPE FOR INSPIRING JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY.

04 A ZEST FOR LIFE

INSPIRING MOUNTAIN WORLD AND
SPELL-BINDING STORIES
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SCENIC CONTRASTS
EXPLORING THE LAND ON NEW
MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTES

10 EYE-CATCHING
CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE AND
STUNNING DESIGN
12 AWE-SOME
HIGH-KEY FESTIVALS AND CULTURAL
GEMS

14 FINE LIVING
HOSPITALITY STRAIGHT FROM THE
HEART, ACCOMMODATION IN STYLE
16 PALATE-TITILLATING
CREATIVE CHEFS AND CULINARY TREATS

18 GEARING UP FOR WINTER

A PERFECT SETTING FOR WINTER'S
DELIGHTS

www.vorarlberg.travel

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Photo credit: Peter Mathis
A ZEST FOR LIFE
STROLLING THROUGH A FLOWERING MEADOW
AGAIN, AT LAST, CARESSED BY THE GENTLE
TOUCH OF GRASS, HEAVENLY PEACE, ENRAP-
TURED BY NATURE’S PRISTINE BEAUTY.
“What is it that inspires you?“, Vorarlberg architects who
have just won another award are typically asked. “Nature”
is the usual answer, and perhaps your vis-à-vis will tell you
more about Vorarlberg’s scenic beauty and diversity, about
the charm exuded by that alluring trio of Lake Constance,
wide-open plains and imposing mountains. About how
4 www.vorarlberg.travel
ideas are unleashed almost by reflex when walking or
cycling, and how - suddenly -, new perspectives unfold.
And because the people of Vorarlberg are attentive hosts,
they want so share that magic with their guests, by select-
ing routes which not only showcase their gorgeous natural
landscape, but have many a story to tell. About life in the
mountains in high-alpine regions, about three-tier alpine
farming that has been practiced here since centuries, and
its vital role in sustaining an ecological balance, and the
quality of milk and cheese. About people, fauna and flora,
about tradition and innovation.
Vorarlberg offers ideal conditions for hiking. The network of uniformly signposted hiking trails is some 6000 km
long, including several themed tours such as alp and panoramic walks or “Pathways to water”.
For a comprehensive overview and a detailed description of all routes, see www.vorarlberg.travel.

Photo credit: Hans Wiesenhofer/Lech Zürs Tourismus Hohes Licht, looking to the Kleinwalsertal,
photo credit: Alex Kaiser/kpa.at

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 Young researcher at Golm/Schruns-Tschagguns, photo credit: Alex Kaiser/kpa.at

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You are looking for inspiring suggestions? Why
not try a diverting bare-foot walk in Bizau and in
Riefensberg in the Bregenzerwald, or in the
Brandnertal? The Silbertal forest school in the
Montafon is an educational trail on forest habi-
tats. A “Trail of the Senses” in the Kleinwalsertal
gets you acquainted with over 380 different medi-
cinal herbs. Especially for children, we recom-
mend a stroll to Sonnenkopf in the Klostertal,
where the Bear Land promises entertainment Golf course Bludenz-Braz, photo credit: Alpenregion Bludenz
and fun for the whole family, or Golmi’s explorer
trail at the Golm in the Montafon. The “Green
Ring” in Lech am Arlberg, a literary hiking trail to
the mountains lined by artistic installations and
benches to sit and rest for a while, has been newly
opened.

You prefer activities of a more laid-back nature?

Then go for the lakeside pools at Lake Constance,
heavenly places to relax and take a dip in the lake.
The cycling trails along the shores of Lake Con-
stance, in the Rhine valley, the Walgau and the
Bregenzerwald, Montafon and Klostertal valleys
run on pleasantly even terrain.

Photo credit: Herbert Raffalt/Lowa/Lech Zürs Tourismus

You are looking for a challenge? Then opt for
guided summit tours. The Montafon and Alpen-
region Bludenz offer extensive programmes.
From the Bregenzerwald, you can take different
tours lasting several days across Vorarlberg,
without having to worry about your luggage. Lech
is an ideal location for high-altitude training.
Demanding climbing paths await mountaineers
in the Kleinwalsertal.

A high-adrenaline shot is what you need? Rafting,

canyoning and paragliding is on offer in several
regions. Professional outdoor guides look after
would-be adventurers. More at www.outdoor-
vorarlberg.at.

Photo credit: Hans Wiesenhofer/Lech Zürs Tourismus

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 Schwarzenberg/Bregenzerwald, photo credit: Peter Mathis

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SCENIC CONTRASTS
THANKS FOR THE TIP! SO LET’S FIRST HAVE A LOOK AT THE
BAROQUE VILLAGE CHURCH, THEN TAKE THE PANORAMIC
ROUTE VIA SENNALPE AND TRY OUT THIS WELL-GUARDED
SECRET OF AN INN TONIGHT! AND, BY THE WAY, THOSE
NATIONAL COSTUMES ARE EXCEPTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL. CAN
YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THEM?
Some 1000 km of mountain bike trails have
been developed in Vorarlberg in recent years,
with uniform signposting. 500 km more are to
follow. Safety, environmental protection and
attractiveness were the three decisive ele-
ments when it came to selecting trails. Moun-
tain bikers are to be able to glimpse a special
facet of nature and take in a flavour of the par-
ticular way of life in Vorarlberg en route.
Starting out in towns and villages, the moun-
tain bike trails run across gently rolling hills,
high-lying alps, and right up to mountain sum-
mits. Wayside inns and mountain shelters
beckon for a break on the way. There is choice
of routes for beginners, advanced-level and
proficient riders.
Several villages and regions organise guided
tours, from leisurely excursions to mountain
bike safaris from the Montafon to the Paznaun
valley in neighbouring Tyrol. Mountain bike
parks such as those in the Kleinwalsertal and
in Andelsbuch in the Bregenzerwald offer an
ideal terrain to practice and perfect your skills.
Aktivpark Montafon in Schruns-Tschagguns is
the largest mountain bike base with bike rental
and a comprehensive programme.
The brochure “Tipps für Rad & Bike“ (German
only) contains useful hints and tips for cycling
and mountain biking and is available from the
Vorarlberg State Tourist Board and at
www.vorarlberg.travel. There you can explore
the digitised routes also in Google Earth!
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Civic centre Andelsbuch, photo credit: Lucia Degonda

EYE-CATCHING
HOW ON EARTH IS THAT POSSIBLE, SUCH A WEALTH OF CONTEMPORARY
DESIGN IN AN ALPINE REGION? DON’T PEOPLE ALL GET INTO A FUSS? SUR-
PRISINGLY FEW DO! BECAUSE SURPRISINGLY MANY WHOLE-HEARTEDLY
ENDORSE WHAT HAS BEEN CREATED IN VORARLBERG IN RECENT DECADES
AND WHAT IS STILL IN THE MAKING. GOOD DESIGN IS ALL THE RAVE, FUNC-
TIONAL AND PRACTICAL, DARING AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AT THE
SAME TIME.

10 www.vorarlberg.travel
Architects from all over the world come to visit Vorarl-
berg. Students of architecture literally vie for out- place-
ments. Prospective home owners combine their holi-
days with in-depth research. Managers are downright
delighted if they can take time out and study Vorarlberg
craftsmanship hands-on.
Vorarlberg design is conspicuously modern and excep-
tionally stunning. It reinvents building traditions using
glass and timber, stone and clay. With their clear lines,
the new buildings are genuine eye-catchers, whilst
seamlessly blending into the surroundings. The interior
design is unmatched in its elaborate sophistication.
Low-energy design is a matter of course, as much as
ecologically-minded furniture and materials. This is
where the craftspeople come in. Matching the modern
architecture, relying on age-old techniques, and with a
good measure of creativity and imagination, they design
tables and chairs, beds and lounges, shelves and cup-
boards, and a lot more. The result is living spaces that
are not only beautiful to look at, but extremely pleasant
to dwell in.
HINT: The brochures Architektur Land Vorarlberg and
Modern Hospitality present exceptional architectural
sites and hotels. They can be ordered free of charge
from the Vorarlberg State Tourist Board, or viewed and
downloaded at www.vorarlberg.travel.
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 AWE-SOME
AT THE END OF THE ALP SEASON, HERDSMEN AND THEIR CATTLE HIT THE
TRAIL TO THE VALLEY IN THE SMALL HOURS OF THE MORNING. THE MOODS
OF THE EVENING SKIES OVER LAKE BODENSEE AND DAZZLING LIGHT
EFFECTS MAKE THE SUCCESS OF THE BREGENZ FESTIVAL. THE INTERPLAY
OF NATURE AND CULTURE IN VORARLBERG IS FINELY TUNED.
Old and new
One could be led to believe that where mountains
abound, people primarily play folk music, devote them-
selves to yodelling and the merriment of folk dancing.
However, the people of Vorarlberg would be bored stiff if
they had to repeat the same old things all over again.
Fledgling musicians and bands revive traditional
melodies with a new twist, enriched by the tunes and
rhythms of pop, jazz and world music, creating a fasci-
nating and vibrant dialogue. Concerts of old and new folk
music are staged the year round at many different sites,
and folk music seminars are attracting a growing clien-
tele.
Classic and avant-garde
Winner of the 2009 European Culture Brand award, the
Bregenz Festival epitomises the broad and fascinating
spectrum of cultural events in Vorarlberg. The festival
programme features both classical and contemporary
music, including the spectacular operatic production on
the floating stage, the performance of a rarely played
opera, modern operettas, and the “Art of the Time”
series of contemporary music. Entirely devoted to clas-
Bregenz Festival, stage setting for "Aida",
photo credit: Karl Forster/Bregenzer Festspiele
12 www.vorarlberg.travel
sical music, the Schubertiade festival stages concerts in
Hohenems and in the picturesque village of Schwarzen-
berg in the Bregenzerwald. Music dedicated to one
country takes centre stage at the Feldkirch festival. The
“poolbar” festival in Feldkirch features music and cul-
ture from niche to pop.
Museums and exhibitions
Kunsthaus Bregenz (KUB) is one of the leading muse-
ums of modern art. The building alone is worth seeing:
a cube-shaped construction clad with glass shingles
designed by renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor.
Alternating exhibitions are devoted to one international
artist at a time. And there are other museums displaying
art collections and contemporary works of art.
The Jewish Museum in Hohenems presents Jewish his-
tory and fascinating exhibitions on subjects of current
interest. The museums in the Montafon and Klostertal
valleys stage exhibitions on mountains and tourism. The
Women’s Museum in Hittisau is devoted to the world of
women, and the Angelika-Kauffmann Museum in
Schwarzenberg to the life of the Baroque paintress.
Lighthouse – Houselight, 2006 – photo credit: Markus Tretter
© Michael Craig-Martin, Kunsthaus Bregenz
 Driving down of cattle Alpe Amerlug, photo credit: Ludwig Berchtold

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Sonne Lifestyle Resort Bregenzerwald, Mellau

FINE LIVING
FOR ALL THEIR ALOOFNESS WHEN FIRST MEETING STRANGERS, PEOPLE
IN VORARLBERG DO LOVE TO TELL A STORY. SO, SIMPLY ASK IF YOU WANT
TO FIND OUT MORE, ABOUT A BUILDING AND ITS HISTORY, ABOUT YOUR
HOST’S PREFERRED OUTDOOR SPOTS, OR ABOUT FASHIONABLE INNS AND
RESTAURANTS.

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Spoilt for Choice
Vorarlberg offers accommodation in all categories,
modern or traditional, elegant, romantic or rustic,
catering to special likings and needs. The standards of
quality are generally high; almost all hotels and inns
are family-run and deeply rooted in the local village,
town or valley, most often for generations.
Happy Kids
The Vorarlberg Family Club is a special-interest pool
catering to families with children. For detailed informa-
tion about the members, their special facilities,
programmes and packages, consult our Family Club
brochure.
Pure Pampering
Lovely landscapes are a picture-perfect setting for a bit
of indulgence. Many hosts offer soothing and whole-
some activities, and propose healthy exercise, nutrition,
as well as beauty programmes for body and mind. The
Feel Well brochure contains a complete list of all health
and wellness hotels in Vorarlberg.
Useful Hint
These brochures are available in German only and can
also be viewed or downloaded at www.vorarlberg.travel.
For more information on your hosts in Vorarlberg, also
consult the holiday brochures of the regions, which we
will readily send you free of charge.
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 Gourmet cheese plate, photo credit: 4 Eyes Photography

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PALATE-TITILLATING
COOKING IS A MOST DELIGHTFUL PURSUIT IF YOU ENJOY IT. IT IS A CREATIVE
PROCESS THAT INVOLVES ALL THE SENSES, AND IDEALLY THE MIND AS
WELL. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT VORARLBERG BOASTS AN ARRAY OF PEO-
PLE WHO EXCEL IN COOKING, SOMETHING WHICH IN TURN IS APPRECIATED
BY THOSE WHO LIKE TO DINE WELL.

Creative and regional award-winning restaurants (toques and stars) in all of

Vorarlberg chefs have been teaming up with local farm-
ers since long. When preparing food, they rely on
regional and seasonal produce - whenever possible - to
concoct traditional hearty fare or light, creative cuisine.
Initiatives such as the Bregenzerwald Cheese Road,
bewusst-montafon and events in the Grosses Walsertal
biosphere park promote cooperation of restaurateurs
and farmers.
Award-winning
Gourmets have developed a particular liking for the
tasty Vorarlberg cuisine as has been expertly proven,
time and again, by several top-of-the league listings in
Austrian and international gourmet guides. You will find
Vorarlberg’s regions, in towns and villages. Also, there
is a wide choice of typical inns, rustic mountain taverns,
and a string of restaurants focusing on international
cuisine.
Yummy, the cheese
Cheese, notably the spicy Bergkäse (a hard mountain
cheese) is the best-known speciality from Vorarlberg. It
is manufactured at a host of small alpine dairies, in
summer on high-lying alpine homesteads. Other culi-
nary treats include the milder alp cheese, Emmental,
and tender soft cheese made from cow’s, goat’s or
sheep’s milk. Smooth and creamy camemberts round
off the range of cheeses made in Vorarlberg.

Photo credit: Andres Rodriguez, Fotolia.com Photo credit: walser-image.com/Happy Austria

“VORARLBERG ISST …“
"Vorarlberg isst ..." is an initiative launched by Vorarlberg’s innkeepers to promote high-quality dining. Visitor satisfaction reigns
supreme, whether in regional or ethnic restaurants, inns or gourmet restaurants, trendy eateries or wine cellars. To find out more
about specialty weeks, concert dates and recipes, visit the website www.vorarlberg-isst.at.
Vorarlberg’s first gourmet dining guide presents sites of culinary excellence. Available at booksellers’, all Raiffeisen banks in
Vorarlberg, and at www.vorarlberg-isst.at.

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 YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION ON VORARLBERG?
THE INFORMATION FOLDER CONTAINS NUTS-AND-BOLTS INFORMATION ON SUMMER IN VORARLBERG.
SIMPLE TO ORDER: WE WILL READILY SEND YOU INFORMATION ON SPECIAL THEMES AND BROCHURES
COMPILED BY THE HOLIDAY REGIONS FREE OF CHARGE.

For information please contact:

Vorarlberg Tourismus, P.O.Box 99, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria, phone +43 (0)5572/ 377033-0 (Mon-Sat from 8:00–18:00),
fax +43 (0)5572/ 377033-5, info@vorarlberg.travel, www.vorarlberg.travel
or the destinations, your travel agent and the holiday service of your nearest Austrian National Tourist Office
(www.austria.info)

Vorarlberg Room Information: Our room information service will look for suitable holiday offers tailored to your wishes
(dates, type of accommodation, facilities…). You may then book the offer of your choice directly with the hotel.
Your hotline: +43 (0)5572/ 377033-0 (Mon-Sat from 8:00–18:00)

Accommodation in Vorarlberg on the Internet

From 5-star hotels to holiday apartments – you may look for and conveniently book accommodation and packages on-line on
our website: www.vorarlberg.travel

VORARLBERG IN WINTER
Vorarlberg is a pioneer of alpine skiing and has never stopped setting standards to this very day. Some of Vor-
arlberg’s ski resorts rank among the finest in the world, first and foremost Lech Zürs am Arlberg. Innovations
from Vorarlberg in skiing and ropeway technology have won international acclaim.

Find out more about winter and the specials for the upcoming season in the Winter Journal, due to be released
in late summer 2010.

Publisher’s statement
Publisher: Vorarlberg Tourismus, Poststraße 11, 6850 Dornbirn. Concept: Silberball Bregenz GmbH
Text: Kinz Kommunikation/Wien. Translation: Michaela Ott-Spracklin. Map: © Freytag-Berndt and Artaria, 1230 Vienna.
18 All information is based on material provided to us. No liability can be accepted for the correctness or completeness of the information given.
Print: Vorarlberger Verlagsanstalt, Dornbirn. Printed in Austria. Data as of Dec. 2009
Photo credit: norbert-freudenthaler.com

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 At the Silvrettastausee reservoir/Montafon, photo credit: Edward Groeger/Elsa Mark

VORARLBERG TOURISMUS
Vorarlberg State Tourist Board

P.O.Box 99, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria

phone +43 (0)5572/377033-0, fax +43 (0)5572/377033-5
info@vorarlberg.travel, www.vorarlberg.travel