Großes Walsertal biosphere reserve
The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Vorarlberg
The biosphere reserve concept stands for the development of new and sustainable forms of human-nature interaction. So that everyone can benefit from an intact and wonderful nature now and in the future. Biosphere reserves like this can be found all over the world and sustainably help to have a positive influence on our environmental situation. You as a guest can additionally benefit from an intact and beautiful natural environment.
Sustainable natural beauty
In the Große Walsertal the sustainable natural and cultural landscapes are being supported and further developped. The region is characterised by hundreds of years of cattle breeding and cheese production traditions.
The biosphere reserve is also wildly romantic, hilly and full of life from a geological point of view. In the reserve's conservation areas you will meet a greatly diverse flora and fauna. Visit us and take a stroll through nature to discover the pure beauty of this history-charged valley yourself.
The Großes Walsertal
in summer
During the summer the Große Walsertal presents itself as a true nature gem in the middle of the Austrian Alps. 40 mountain tops, 230km of sign-posted hiking paths, climbing crags and about 50 hosted alpine huts invite you to outdoor activities.
Clear mountain lakes and many lidos and pools are perfect for refreshment in the summer, just like the many alpine dairies and snack stations, which will indulge you with delicious alpine cheese and other Vorarlberg delicacies.
Culture fans will love the wide range of regional art and culture events, which are incredibly interesting because of the high art and culture of the Walser people.
The well developed public transport network, including a hiking bus, takes you safely and quickly to the most beautiful spots in the Große Walsertal.
The Große Walsertal
in winter
During the winter the Große Walsertal lures winter sports enthusiasts to the “Ländle” (as Vorarlberg is called by the locals). The ski resorts Damüls-Mellau-Faschina, Sonntag-Stein and Raggal with a total of 34 lift facilities spread over 130 kilometres of pistes are waiting for you. Family-friendly ski regions, snow parks and cross-country ski trails as well as toboggan runs enhance your snowy winter in the Große Walsertal and make Damüls, the “world's snowiest valley”, one of the regions most popular holiday resorts.
50km of sign-posted winter hiking paths as well as kilometres of deep powder snow for your snowshoe hiking or off-piste bliss are also waiting for you in Vorarlberg's biosphere reserve, which is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
Gem in a gem: the Madlener Mountain Hotel
Stay in the Große Walsertal for 3 nights of longer and get the Bregenzerwald Card for free. With this card you will enjoy various advantages like free access to all the cable cars and to the region's pools.
Winter or summer, the cosy rooms and suites at the 4-star Madlener Mountain Hotel in Damüls offer you comfort in a warm atmosphere and the panorama restaurant will indulge you with delicious Vorarlberg and Austrian cuisine. Make your reservation conveniently online or send your no obligation holiday enquiry to the Madlener family, your hosts in Damüls.