Hirschen insider tips

Accessible in approximately one hour on foot from Älpele car park on the Bödele, the Lustenauer Hut is located high above Schwarzenberg. Passing a small swampy lake, the Spechtweg (Woodpeckers‘ path) heads off in the direction of the Hämmerlealp. From here it is not far to the Lustenauer Hut, located at an altitude of 1,250m. Most walkers reward themselves with a glass of Mohren beer or an apple juice spritzer. If you’re hungry why not indulge in a large schnitzel with salad, or Älpler Rösti covered with bacon and melted mountain cheese? These treats are available from Tuesday to Sunday from 09.00 to 17.00. The hut is closed for the winter season between November and April.

Wanderung entdecken

This is a real Dornbirn classic, and thoroughly recommendable to anyone who is fond of cheese. This walk takes you past several mountain dairies, at least one of which should be  visited to try an Älpler snack with mountain cheese. From the peak of the Hohe Kugel you will be rewarded with superlative panoramic views over the Rhine Valley and into the Bregenzerwald.

This approximately 15-20 minute walk starts by Ebnit church. After about a quarter of an hour you will be rewarded with a view across the alm, characterised by patches of woodland,  rock-strewn hillsides and rugged peaks. In the centre of this area is the Pfarrers Älpele alpine hut, located at an altitude of 1,270m above sea level. From May till October it is open from 11.00 – 19.00 daily except Wednesdays, (closed Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the low season, with the opening times remaining unchanged). Kässpätzle can be ordered specially for groups, and in the autumn speciality meats are available. In addition to the standard menu, daily specials feature items such as roast meat with cabbage and dumplings, goulasch or Beuschel (stewed heart and lights).

The starting point for this one-hour walk is once again in Ebnit, heading out past the former Gasthaus Freschen towards Ach. En route you will reach Ebensand before arriving at the Ilgenwald Alpe. This is a neat, secluded little alm hut, located at an altitude of 1,140m high above the Dornbirn village of Ebnit. Visitors who make their way up to this cosy little house can enjoy a tasty snack of sausage and home-made cheese. The freshly made cider, produced on the premises, is guaranteed to satisfy any walker’s thirst. The Alpe is open in summer from June to September, with the opening hours dependent on the needs and numbers of passers-by.

Head off from the hotel towards Ried, following the Dornbirner Ache, our local river, until you reach the Rhine Delta nature reserve in Höchst. Our destinations are the two viewpoints at Rohrspitz and Rheinspitz. This trip encompasses two attractive natural bathing spots: cool off in the Bruggerloch pool or directly in Lake Constance at Rohrspitz, the latter of which offers a charming place to bathe shaded by trees, and attendant refreshment facilities. The flat natural terrain is really lovely, with unique plants and birdlife. Continue along the shores of Lake Constance past small idyllic moorings before returning to Dornbirn.

Full or ½-day trips are possible, either with or without a picnic rucksack. Picnics are only available when pre-booked the previous day.

Radtouren in der Umgebung

In the course of the 18th century Dornbirn developed into a textile centre. Until the 1980s textile companies such as Herrburger & Rhomberg, Franz M. Rhomberg and F.M. Hämmerle or Elastisana have shaped the history of the town and its surrounding area. Our tour begins right outside our front door. We head off in the direction of the local river, the Dornbirner Ache, where the “textile barons” set up numerous factories employing thousands of people. Our destination is the idyllic Inatura area, once known as the “Rüsch factory”.  
This city tour is possible on foot or by bike.