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Two mountain villages straight out of a picture book: original, traditional and full of stories. Here, tradition meets originality - with a good dose of independence. Warth and Schröcken are not just places, they are experiences - shaped by the Walser culture that has been at home here for centuries. Often described as unique, the only “unique” thing about these places is their unmistakable history: anyone who believes that the people of Warth and Schröcken are part of the Bregenzerwald may be right geographically, but it's not quite right. Because the Walser spirit reigns here. Different costumes, different traditions, different dialect. So different, in fact, that even the transition from elementary school in Warth-Schröcken to secondary school in the neighboring village just 20 minutes away used to be tantamount to a culture shock: the Wälder dialect was a real tongue twister for many Walser children.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
The Walser: Pioneers of the mountains.
Warth, Schröcken and Lech form the Tannberg region, framed by the Arlberg in the east, the Tyrolean Lech Valley in the north and the Bregenzerwald in the west. The three villages share a common past: in the 14th century (around 1300), driven by scarce resources and their search for new habitats, they were settled by the Walser people, who came from the Swiss canton of Valais. In Warth and Schröcken they found an inhospitable high mountain landscape in which they made a home with courage, skill and ingenuity.
Masters of survival and craftsmanship.
The Walser were not only skilled settlers, but also true masters of their craft. They were pioneers who saw an opportunity in every challenge. As self-sufficient people, they were not only farmers, dairymen and cheese-makers or often hunters, beekeepers and schnapps distillers - they also showed talent as tailors, shoemakers, blacksmiths, carpenters, coopers or saddlers. This diversity made them resilient and independent. Their craftsmanship is evident in their architecture: Walser houses, with their characteristic shingled façades, still characterize the villages. It combines centuries-old architecture with modern hospitality. The architecture is typical of Vorarlberg: crouching wooden houses with shingle-roofed façades that create a romantic atmosphere, especially in winter. And that happens often - we have Mrs. Holle on our side, so to speak.
Snow, snow & more snow.
With an altitude of between 1,200 and 1,500 meters and up to 11 meters of snow per year, Warth-Schröcken is one of the snowiest ski resorts in Europe. As early as the 17th century, the Walser people used the snow to transport their sledges with hay down into the valley - today, the powder snow attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
Warth.
A mountain village that combines tradition & future.
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Small but mighty! Nestled in a majestic mountain world, at 1,500 meters, lies Warth - the highest municipality in Vorarlberg. And although it is small, it has big stories to tell. The idyllic mountain village, which borders the natural landscapes of Tyrol, enchants with its authentic charm and a history that is deeply rooted in the traditions of mountain farming. With its 168 inhabitants, it exudes an intimate, even familiar atmosphere that gives visitors the feeling of immersing themselves in another time. Here, where the breath of the mountains can still be felt and nature is close enough to touch, the village retains its unique character. It is this very special mix of tradition and untouched nature, as well as innovation and a look to the future.
St. Sebastian parish church.
The parish church of St. Sebastian in Warth am Arlberg is not only a spiritual center, but also a real gem with history. What makes it special? It is a listed building - in other words, a true place of worship! Originally, the church was just an outpost of Lech. But it was built in 1590-1592, consecrated in 1602 and elevated to its own parish church in 1625. Then it went from strength to strength: extension (1749-1752), new look with stucco (1791), completely rebuilt (1893-1895) by master builder Fidel Körner. The church has officially belonged to the Hinterwald deanery since 2012. The parish church impresses with its neo-Romanesque style, a harmonious saddle roof and the striking north tower with pointed spire. The walled cemetery and the simple monopitch roof of the porch complete the picture.
Walserhus: magnificent building craftsmanship & ancient, imposing dwelling.
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The “Walserhus” in Warth, for example, is a testimony to the past and a prime example of Walser architecture: an architectural masterpiece. If you're out and about in Warth, it's hard to miss the Walserhus - and why should you? This impressive wooden block building with sun-browned façades, a stately pitched roof and a memorable front with traditional sliding windows is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a real leap back in time.
The location right next to the parish church of St. Sebastian, the architecture and the dimensions suggest wealthy former owners. A look in the attic reveals finds from the 15th century and makes the history tangible. Yes, you read that right - 1400 something! The construction method? True carpentry. The so-called knitted construction is the star of the show: beams are artfully interlocked here and stack up as if by magic to form a stable, imposing whole. Then there is the striking gabled or purlin roof, which rests majestically on the raised gable walls - simply wow! But the details are also impressive: the traditional “arbor” in front of the entrance door - a kind of mini platform - welcomes you with its typical Walser character. Even today, the Walserhus can only be admired from the outside, as it is still inhabited.
From a place of pilgrimage to an abandoned community: Hochkrumbach.
Anyone who has ever visited Warth-Schröcken knows this place: the Simmel on the Hochtannberg Pass. And anyone who climbs the uplifting round hill will find themselves next to one of the few world peace crosses in the world. A little below is a small church: the Church of St. James, which was built in 1550. This church is the highest parish church in Vorarlberg and was already a popular pilgrimage destination in the 16th century.
Here is a brief excursion into the history of Hochkrumbach: in 1687, Krumbach became its own parish when it was separated from the mother parish. From 1777, there were even school lessons and as late as 1835, five boys and four girls received lessons in Hochkrumbach. While Hochkrumbach had twelve houses inhabited all year round and 50 communicants in 1692 and 13 stately Walser houses in 1800, by 1840 Hochkrumbach was already described as the smallest and poorest parish in the country. Due to emigration, only 20 souls remained in 1860 and so the parish was dissolved in 1856.
Kalbelesee: A lake full of secrets.
Lake Kalbelesee is not only an alpine idyll, but also the scene of a dark legend. It is said that when the wind blows through the grasses on the shore of Lake Kalbelesee, a little bell can be heard: the miserable ringing from the bottom of the lake. This is where a beautiful calf is said to have sunk into the ground together with its proud owner. Legend has it that the rich farmer from the Bregenzerwald worshipped his magnificent calf so much that he had it baptized at the stream like a human being. However, his arrogance did not go unpunished and so the earth opened up and swallowed the poor animal along with the infatuated man. The dark pit then filled with water, creating Lake Kalbelesee. Today, the lake is a valuable biotope with rare flora and fauna - a place where the legend of the past meets the alpine idyll of today.
Schröcken.
A scattered settlement full of life.
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Schröcken has 220 inhabitants and, with its distribution over nine parcels of land and altitude differences of up to 500 meters, looks like a patchwork of nature and people. The village extends over nine parcels of land and stretches from 1,150 meters in Unterboden up to Körbersee at 1,660 meters. The name “Schröcken” comes from Middle High German and means “to split” or “to cleave” - an apt description of the rugged mountain landscape around the village. The extensive high-altitude settlement in a magnificent mountain setting characterizes the image as much as the people who live there. There is a very active village community here. With eight clubs, young and old are closely connected here - real proof of living tradition.
Maria Himmelfahrt parish church.
The parish church in Schröcken is also a listed building and began life as a branch church of the parish of Lech. Consecrated in 1639, it became a chaplaincy church in 1640 and an independent parish in 1661. An extension followed (1726-1732), and in 1785 the iconic tower was added, crowned by the pointed spire (1786). After a fire in 1863, the church was rebuilt until 1867 - fresh look, old soul! Exterior: The neo-Romanesque nave and the slightly recessed choir sit under a gabled roof. Rarely seen is the tower with its octagonal upper storey and round arched shell openings. Particularly impressive inside: the stained glass on the arched windows, which decorate the choir with scenes of St. Agnes and St. Aloisius.
The Tannberg bridge & the oldest chapel in Warth-Schröcken.
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If you're out and about in Warth-Schröcken, you're guaranteed to have already crossed it: the Tannberg Bridge. Perhaps inconspicuous today, it was a real construction miracle in 1935 - after all, it was considered the third largest arch bridge in Europe at the time! A real prestige project that connected the Oberboden and Stutz parcels of land across the Wolfstobel. Before this bridge was built? Phew, the path was an adventure. The Wolfstobel gorge had to be laboriously crossed - no walk in the park when the inhabitants were on their way to the parish church built in 1639, for example! Fortunately, there was an early alternative for the devout inhabitants on the other side of the Wolftobel: the Chapel of the Annunciation in Unterboden.
And this chapel? A real historical gem. Initial documentation dates back to 1269 - yes, you heard right, medieval throwback! Supporting evidence has been dated to around 1600 with remains of walls - making it the oldest sacred building in the village. Today's chapel, which was demolished and rebuilt between 1774 and 1778, shines in baroque splendor and tells stories of times gone by. The neo-Gothic altar, which dates back to the 18th century, is particularly impressive. And on the side walls? The pictures of St. Apollonia and St. Theresa, which are probably even older, shine there. Chapel of the Annunciation & the Tannberg Bridge - further evidence of eventful history.
The glacier mill - a geological hit with a wellness factor.
Schröcken is home to a true relic of the Ice Age: the glacier mill, also known as the “Fellchessel” by the locals. Back then it was thought that witches, giants or even the devil had a hand in this, but today it is clear that it is Mother Nature. Melt water rushing through the Gleschter crevices at speeds of up to 200 km/h hollowed out the rock and created this impressive work of rock art. The scale of this natural phenomenon? It's something to behold! The Fellchessel can compete with large glacial potholes, such as those found in the Valais, the region where the Walser people originated. Its size is due to the glacier that once lay between the Braunarlspitze, the Johanneskopf and the Zuger Hochlicht. Even in the 60s there were still masses of ice here! Today, only field names bear witness to this - and of course the glacier mill as a fountain of health and a true source of strength. The rising, negative oxygen molecules make the Fellchessel a real wellness spot that promotes health: Breathe in, relax and recharge your batteries.
Conclusion: More than just a winter fairy tale.
Warth-Schröcken is more than just an idyllic vacation destination. It is a place that has not forgotten its roots. A place that connects: Past and present, nature and people, tradition and adventure. Whether exploring the history, immersing yourself in the Walser culture or enjoying the mountain world - everyone will find their own personal highlight up here.
The communities of Warth and Schröcken in the Tannberg region combine breathtaking nature with a rich Walser culture. Old architectural monuments and the vibrant language "s'Walserdütsch" bear witness to the settlement history of the Walser people.
The traditional costume of the Walser people is more than just clothing: it is a living culture, a symbol of pride and attachment to the homeland that keeps the traditions and values of the region alive to this day.
From dipping your toes to a bold leap into the cool waters: our crystal-clear mountain lakes promise refreshment on warm summer days! Dive in, take a break, or simply let your mind wander. These seven lakes will make your summer retreat in the mountains complete.
Silence, the air is clear, darkness. High above this peaceful natural scene: the overwhelming twinkling of the starry sky. And thanks to the low light pollution in Warth-Schröcken, this can be marvelled at particularly well!
Vom Outdoorabenteuer in regenfester Kleidung, über ganz besondere Indoor-Aktivitäten, bis hin zum Wellnesstag: hier findet ihr eine kunterbunte Zusammenfassung aller unserer Ideen für Regentage!
Olympic champion. An incredible title that Johannes Strolz has held since 2022. Olympic Champion Beijing Alpine Combined. Olympic champion Beijing team competition. Silver medal Beijing Slalom. Unbelievable. But is that all? No - this title alone does not do Johannes justice. So much is still forgotten. Fireman. Policeman. Mountain farmer. Big brother, ... And all that at once.
