The Mountain Villa as a Starting Point
Summer at the Bergvilla begins right on your doorstep: In the morning, the trail leads through dew-kissed meadows into the Wiegentobel Gorge; at noon, you can cool off in the chlorine-free natural swimming pond; and in the evening, you can enjoy the sunset over the Rhine Valley from your terrace. At altitudes ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters, everything is close by—from leisurely walks to challenging summit hikes, and from flat bike paths to technical trails.
And best of all: With the free Lake Constance-Vorarlberg Guest Card, you can easily reach many starting points by bus and train—so feel free to leave your car in the driveway.
Hiking – right from the Bergvilla
Hikes Starting from the House
Masella Trail
Historic timber-hauling trail through rocks and forest
Duration: about 1.5 hours
Highlight: Cultural landmark, spectacular rock formations
Wiegentobel Gorge
A Wildly Romantic Gorge with a Waterfall
Duration: about 1 hour
Highlights: Waterfall, footbridges over the stream
An Exciting Circular Hike Through the Götzner Gorges from the Ice Age
The hike through the Götzner Gorges takes you on a journey straight back in time, as the gorges date all the way back to the Ice Age. Here, you’ll experience the true power of water, which has shaped and sculpted the landscape over thousands of years.
The trail begins at the parking lot of the Pfänderbahn mountain station and follows the Römerweg along the edge of the forest toward Hohenems, then continues along a beautiful path through the Urill Gorge to the Götznerberg parking lot. From there, the trail enters the forest, then ascends via the Meschacher Kirchweg around Meschatle. Next comes a descent to the Emmebach stream, followed by a bridge leading to the Örflaschlucht gorge. Follow this gorge to the Immaculata Spring and the sign for Götznerberg before turning toward the Kobel Chapel at the ball playground; shortly thereafter, you’ll find yourself back at the starting point.
Family Hike to the Örflaschlucht Gorge
Let’s start with an easy hike to the Örfasch Gorge in Götzis in the Bregenzerwald, which is especially ideal for families and during the hot summer months, since the easy trails run mostly through the forest. The roughly one-hour hike starts at the bus stop or in front of the church in St. Arbogast, heading toward Meschach. The Örflaschlucht is a protected biotope surrounded by mixed deciduous forests, limestone beech forests, and limestone beech-fir-spruce forests. There are also caves in the area. A great hike for warm summer days, lasting about 2¾ hours.
Hiking Trip to the Hohe Kugel
The Üble Gorge Captivates Hikers
The Bergvilla team highly recommends the quite challenging hike to the Üble Schlucht, which requires alpine experience. The Üble Schlucht is located on the valley floor of the Frutz River. You can reach the Üble Schlucht via well-marked hiking trails as follows:
Hike to the Üblen Schlucht I
In Laterns-Thal, start at the “Löwen” inn and walk across the meadows to the entrance of the gorge at Fluhschrofen. This hike takes about ½ hour.
Hike to the Üblen Schlucht II
For the loop hike, your tour also begins in Laterns-Thal at the “Löwen” inn. From there, the trail follows the Bädleweg to Frutz, then continues along the Netschelweg and descends to Frutz, through the Üble Schlucht, and back to the starting point. This hike takes about 2¾ hours.
Hike to the Üblen Schlucht III & IV
Other hiking routes to the Üblen Schlucht include the hike from Rankweil along the Netschelweg, which takes about 2 hours, or the hike from Übersaxen via the Alpe Wies, which also takes about 2 hours.
Once they arrive at the Üble Schlucht, hikers who have actually dared to descend into the depths of the Frucht Valley are greeted by bizarre rock formations, a waterfall, and impressive plays of light and water that make the Üble Schlucht a truly unique destination.
The origin of the name “Üble Schlucht” is believed to date back to earlier times, when the woodcutters—hardworking laborers who used the Frutz River as a transport route for logging—found it very difficult to pass through this gorge due to its vegetation. Today, this gorge is used exclusively as a hiking trail.
Hike to the Alpwegkopf (1,481 m)
Another beautiful hike, lasting about 3 hours, is the hike up to the Alpwegkopf at 1,481 meters. This hike also starts in Laterns-Thal and leads along the Furxweg to the village of Furx, where you should stop by the Gasthof Peterhof.
From this inn, you’ll hike along the southern side of the mountain range, past the village of Bingadels, to the summit of the Alpenwegkopf. Once there, you can enjoy a beautiful view before heading back down the Schendeweg to Laterns-Thal and your starting point.
Panoramic Hike Through the Valley – From the Pfänderbahn to Bregenz
The Pfänder is 30 minutes away by car and 40 minutes by train (guest card included)
The valley hike from the Pfänderbahn mountain station, via Fluh and the beech forest, to the Gebhardsberg restaurant and back to the valley station in Bregenz is one of the most scenic hikes in the Bregenz area. Taking just under 3 hours and classified as “moderate” in difficulty, this tour offers a lovely change of pace. This hike is especially ideal during the late summer months and the golden autumn from August through October.
Biking & Cycling
Whether it’s a leisurely cycling tour along the Rhine or a challenging singletrack in the Walgau—the Vorarlberg Rhine Valley offers the perfect route for every skill level. The flat valley floor is ideal for e-bike tours and family outings, while the surrounding mountains offer technical trails and challenging climbs.
Recommended Tours
Rhine Valley Bike Trail (Leisure Cycling / E-Bike)
approx. 40 km (Feldkirch – Bregenz)
Special feature: Flat, paved, Lake Constance as the destination, return trip by train (guest card)
Walgau Loop (MTB / E-MTB)
about 35 km
Highlights: Flowing trails, panoramic views, a stop in Nenzing
Three-Country Route (Road Bike / E-Bike)
about 60 km
Highlight: Through Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland in a single day
Ill Bike Trail (Family Tour)
about 20 km
Special feature: Along the Ill River from Feldkirch to Rankweil, flat and shaded
Swimming & Water
On the Premises: The Bergvilla's Natural Swimming Pond
Just a few steps from your room lies the chlorine-free natural swimming pond—filtered by plants, surrounded by sunbathing lawns, and offering a view of the mountains. In the summer, it’s a refreshing way to cool off after a hike; on warm evenings, it’s a peaceful spot for a final dip before bedtime. For those who prefer warmer water, the exclusive indoor pool on the top floor is heated year-round.
Lakes and Outdoor Pools in the Area
Lake Constance (Bregenz/Lochau Beach)
Large swimming lake, sunbathing areas, dining options
Distance: 30 minutes
Feldkirch Forest Bathing Area
At the Erlebnis Waldbad, kids and parents feel like they’re in paradise. That’s because the Erlebnis Waldbad has everything to make a child’s heart race. But adults get their money’s worth, too: water lovers can swim laps in the lap pool, bookworms can cool off between chapters, and those looking for fun can let loose in the adventure pool. Plus, a varied program of events ensures plenty of entertainment.
Paspels Lakes (Rankweil)
The largest swimming area, 20 hectares, dining options, accessible by swimming bus (free guest card)
Just 15 minutes away
Or would you rather go into town to Feldkirch?
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Historical
Admission starting at €4.50; castle restaurant serving regional cuisine
Schattenburg
A city landmark and one of the best-preserved castles in Central Europe. A museum featuring suits of armor and the city's history. -
Free admission, open year-round
Feldkirch Wildlife Park
160 native animals (ibex, deer, lynx) in near-natural enclosures on the Ardetzenberg. -
Montforth House
A modern cultural and convention center featuring concerts, theater performances, and readings. Program at montforthaus.at -
Exterior viewing is available at any time
Cat Tower
A historic fortified tower housing one of the largest bells in Vorarlberg. -
in the spring/summer of 2027
Free admission, family-friendly
Montfort Spectacle
Medieval street festival featuring street performers, music, and crafts throughout the Old Town (held annually in August). -
Cafés & Restaurants
A lively café scene under the arcades: from breakfast cafés to wine bars—perfect for a relaxing afternoon after a stroll through the city. Discover Cafés & Delights -
in the summer
Poolbar Festival
Legendary culture and music festival at the old indoor swimming pool and the Reichenfeld complex (July–August). Concerts, film, architecture, and design. Program at poolbar.at
