Hiking in the Bregenzerwald
From a valley loop to the Kanisfluh. A dense network of trails, mountain lifts and buses free with the Guest Card — and a base from which you simply set off in the morning.
Hiking without the crowds
In summer the Bregenzerwald is what it can’t quite be in winter: an insider’s tip. The trails are well marked, the huts are staffed, and yet on many routes you meet surprisingly few people. If you know the overcrowded corners of the Alps, you will notice the difference on the first day.
Mellau works well as a base camp because you can set off in several directions from here without a long drive. The cable car takes you up to over 1,200 metres if you want to shorten the climb — free of charge with the Bregenzerwald Guest Card. And if you would rather stay in the valley, paths lead along the Bregenzerach through meadows that have not yet been mown in June.
Hiking routes: four suggestions, graded
From easy to serious. You can get more detailed descriptions and current conditions from us at the breakfast table.
| Route | Character | Walking time | Ascent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley loop along the Bregenzerach | Easy, suitable for pushchairs in parts | 1–2 h | approx. 80 m |
| Mellaualpe via the cable car | Easy to moderate, places to stop for food and drink | 2–3 h | approx. 350 m |
| Damülser Mittagsspitze | Moderate, summit with fine views | 4–5 h | approx. 700 m |
| Kanisfluh traverse | Demanding, sure-footedness required | 6–8 h | approx. 1,200 m |
The Kanisfluh is our local mountain, but it is no stroll. The normal route requires sure-footedness and a head for heights, and the limestone becomes slippery when wet. If you are unsure, the Mittagsspitze is the better choice — the view is hardly any worse.
Mountain bike and road bike.
Three classics from the front door: the Furkajoch, the Hochtannbergpass and the ride down to Lake Constance.
Among mountain bikers the Bregenzerwald is known as a region where you can still find routes that aren’t listed on every website. Forest roads and alpine tracks open up the area far and wide; the terrain is ideal for e-bikes, because the climbing is there but the distances stay manageable.
If you are travelling with children, you will find suitable routes on the page about family holidays. Road cyclists have three very different classics on the doorstep: the Furkajoch, the Hochtannbergpass and the ride towards Lake Constance. A bike hire shop is a few minutes’ walk away.
Bicycles and motorbikes go in the lockable garage — dry and locked. We offer guided bike tours by arrangement.
Rainy-day ideas
KäseStrasse (Cheese Road)
Dairies and farms in almost every village. Watch, taste, buy — and understand why mountain cheese is a protected term here.
Werkraum Andelsbuch
The home of Bregenzerwald craftsmanship, built by Peter Zumthor. Changing exhibitions on timber construction, furniture and design.
Bad Reuthe and Lake Constance
Peat baths and spa ten kilometres away. Or take the bus to Lake Constance: Bregenz, Lindau, a boat trip with Vorarlberg Lines.
What summer guests ask
When is the best time?
From June to September. In late June and early July the mountain meadows are in flower and the high trails become free of snow; September is the quietest and often the clearest month. August is busier, but never as busy as better-known regions.
Do you need a car?
No. With the Guest Card the buses are free, and the regional bus (Landbus) covers the whole Bregenzerwald as far as Dornbirn and Bregenz. Many of our summer guests come by train and leave the car at home.
And if we bring a dog?
You are very welcome to — up to two well-behaved animals. The paths around Mellau are dog-friendly; on alpine pastures with cows and calves the usual caution applies — keep the dog on a lead, keep your distance and turn back if necessary.
A summer week in Mellau
From €105.00 per apartment and night, with a free Guest Card from three nights. Ask about your dates.