Home to magnificent mountains and to culture
Visit the picturesque mountain town of Bludenz in the centre of Vorarlberg, Austria. The local monuments breathe history, and the mass of alpine peaks rises just beyond the town gates. Explore them on skis and by bike, and take a piece of chocolate to keep your strength up. Purple Milka is at home here.
Description:
Bludenz in winter: skiing and historic sights in one place
Surrounded by 5 alpine valleys, Bludenz is ideal for everyone who loves winter sports. A few minutes by car and you are in one of 10 ski areas with more than 1000 km of perfectly prepared pistes. Would you like family-friendly Brandnertal, with easy runs within sight of the town, or rather the more adrenaline-charged Montafon, ending at 3000 metres above sea level at the Silvretta glacier? In the afternoon you can give cross-country skis their turn, or rest in the warm pools of the VAL BLU spa centre. Recharged, set off in the evening on a journey back in time and discover, on a walk through the snow-covered town, the charm of the local monasteries, the church and the baroque castle.
Bludenz in summer: discover the Alps with all your senses
Head out of the town gates into magnificent alpine nature. A wealth of themed trails will lead you to crystal-clear mountain lakes, to rock echoes, or barefoot through the forest and out to meadows of heady mountain herbs. The varied terrain is laced with cycle paths and invites you to ride as well, from Bludenz to Klösterle, or further still into the Montafon. A cable car trip up the Muttesberg saves a great deal of time - the sun-drenched viewing platform lies at the start of a series of mountain routes and the view from it is breathtaking. At the end of July, though, it is better to stay in the town. The renowned purple Milka chocolate festival is held here, and it is well worth not missing.
Accommodation in the area
Accommodation in Bludenz stands out for its intimate scale and its leaning towards alpine tradition. You can choose from a range of hotels and Pensionen built in the spirit of traditional timber architecture, from modern wellness options, and from rooms with private hosts. In summer the local campsites also make an ideal base.
Typical local food
In Bludenz you will taste the best of traditional Vorarlberg cooking. Order a strong beef broth with Flädle, liver dumplings in a noodle coating, or any sauce made from excellent Montafon mountain cheese. A sweet tooth will be pleased by Millirahmstrudel, a curd strudel poured over with vanilla cream. You must also taste the excellent beer from the local Fohrenburg brewery. With the first sip you will understand why it is known beyond the region as well.