Cultural Cycling Tour Vorarlberg

Experience culture, enjoy landscapes
The Vorarlberg Cultural Cycling Tour is a journey of about 252 kilometers across Austria’s westernmost province. It combines alpine panoramas with cultural encounters, quiet paths with creative places – and invites you to discover Vorarlberg with all your senses.

The starting point is the high alpine Bielerhöhe in the Silvretta mountain range. From there, the route leads through the Montafon valley, along the Ill River and through villages such as Partenen and Schruns – featuring traditional wooden buildings, covered bridges, and small museums along the way. In Bludenz, the ascent through the Klostertal begins, heading towards the Arlberg, where pristine alpine landscapes and rural traditions leave a lasting impression.

Towards Lech am Arlberg, the route alternates between the Klostertal cycle path, side roads, and more demanding passages – such as the climb to the Flexen Pass, which can optionally be bypassed by public bus with bicycle transport. In Lech, alpine architecture, culinary experiences, and cultural events present themselves at their finest. A detour into the Zugertal valley to Lake Formarin is a scenic highlight.

Beyond the Hochtannberg Pass, the route opens into the Bregenzerwald – famous for its unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary architecture. Along the Bregenzerwald cycle path, the route passes through picturesque villages such as Schoppernau, Au, Mellau, Andelsbuch, and Egg – mostly along the old railway line of the Bregenzerwaldbahn, past rivers, meadows, and charming hamlets. Highlights include the Werkraumhaus in Andelsbuch, the BUS:STOP bus shelters in Krumbach, and the Women’s Museum in Hittisau.

Through Alberschwende, the route reaches Bregenz on Lake Constance. Here, natural beauty meets cultural richness – with the floating stage of the Bregenz Festival, the vorarlberg museum, and the vibrant city center. The journey continues along the Rhine embankment and EuroVelo 15, via Lustenau (with the Rhein-Schauen Museum) and Hohenems, where Jewish history and a young creative scene create a fascinating blend.

The tour concludes in Feldkirch. With its medieval flair, cosmopolitan spirit, and the prominent Schattenburg castle, this border town to Switzerland and Liechtenstein offers a memorable finale to the cultural cycling tour – leaving lasting impressions of a journey between nature and culture, movement and encounter.

Stage 1: From the Silvretta to Bludenz (54 km)

Between peaks, glaciers, and history: The journey begins where the mountains touch the sky – at the Bielerhöhe in the Silvretta range. Here, riders can either descend the famous Silvretta High Alpine Road or opt for the quieter but no less impressive route via Lake Kops and the Zeinis Pass. Then follows the long descent through the Montafon valley – along the Ill-Rhine Route (Route 1), almost entirely on cycle paths. The villages along the way tell stories: Partenen with its hydroelectric legacy, Gaschurn with traditional crafts, Schruns with alpine culture and small museums. Wooden bridges span rivers, springs invite refreshment, and well-maintained paths gently lead downhill.

Daily summary: A relaxed introductory stage with plenty of space to settle in.

Stage 2: From Bludenz to Lech (40 km)

Bludenz – charming, colorful, lively – lies nestled between five valleys. Its arcaded old town and cafés are the perfect start to a varied day’s ride through the Klostertal towards the Arlberg. Following the Klostertal Route (Route 4), the Alfenz River accompanies the journey past hamlets, meadows, and shady forests. The climb to the Arlberg is demanding and requires stamina – those who prefer comfort can board the local bus with bike transport from Klösterle.

In Lech, alpine architecture reveals itself in new ways: simple elegance, abundant wood, warm hospitality. Summer brings quiet to the village – time to explore its streets or enjoy a concert at the Lech Classic Festival. A detour into the Zugertal to Lake Formarin is well worth it: turquoise, crystal clear, framed by peaks – a place where silence can be heard.

Daily summary: A day of exertion and reward, with panoramic views and cultural stops.

Stage 3: From Lech to Mellau (67 km)

On historic tracks into the Bregenzerwald: Early in the morning, the route leads over the Hochtannberg Pass – past Warth, a small village at 1,500 meters above sea level. The Biberkopf mountain towers over the valley, and the pass opens wide vistas. Through an avalanche tunnel, the route continues to Schröcken – known for its Gothic church and rare ossuary, powerful reminders of the conditions of past centuries. In Schoppernau, the route joins the Bregenzerwald cycle path (Route 3) along the Bregenzer Ach River. The path winds through alluvial forests, past gorges, and through villages with distinct identities. In Au, the baroque “Auer Guild” recalls the craftsmanship of Bregenzerwald master builders, whose principles still shape regional architecture today.

Daily summary: A stage full of heights and stories – both scenic and cultural.

Stage 4: From Mellau to Bregenz (62 km)

Villages, design, and steam trains: The day begins with breakfast at Nazes Hus – a traditional Bregenzerwald house where regionality is savored, perhaps with Kässpätzle (cheese spaetzle). Following the old Bregenzerwaldbahn railway line, Route 3 continues – over historic bridges, past train stations, through forests and meadows. In summer, steam trains still run between Bezau and Schwarzenberg. In Andelsbuch, tradition meets modernity: the Werkraumhaus presents contemporary craftsmanship, designed by Peter Zumthor. Next door, the Käsehaus offers regional specialties.

An optional loop through Hittisau (with Austria’s only Women’s Museum) and Krumbach (with its BUS:STOP architectural bus shelters) deepens the cultural experience in charming ways.

Arriving in Bregenz, the view opens to Lake Constance. The festival city impresses with its blend of urban ease and cultural diversity.

Daily summary: A stage that shows how innovative rural regions can be.

Stage 5: From Bregenz to Feldkirch (47 km)

Through the Rhine Valley to a medieval town: The final day begins at Lake Constance – in Bregenz, between views of the Pfänder mountain and the floating stage. Passing the vorarlberg museum, the route leads onto the Rhine embankment and briefly follows the EuroVelo 15 – a path that links all of Europe. In Lustenau, the Rhein-Schauen Museum tells the story of Rhine regulation – a pioneering project of its time. The ride continues to Hohenems, with its Jewish Quarter, small cafés, and regional design shops.

Feldkirch welcomes with its city walls, the prominent Schattenburg castle, and narrow medieval alleys – a finale that vividly connects past and present.

Daily summary: A conclusion full of wide views, history, and urban vibrancy.