Some call it Kässpätzle, others Käsknöpfle: the main thing is lots of melted cheese. Whatever the weather, this attracts connoisseurs to one of the Alpine huts and restaurants where the secret national dish is served. True to original family recipes, of course, which are closely guarded under lock and key. Here are six places where Kässpätzle tastes particularly great after an active day in the mountains.

• Learn the art of spätzle
  Some of the best Kässpätzle is still of the homemade variety. With this in mind, Kriegeralpe am Arlberg offers a kässpätzle cooking course upon request. First it’s all about preparing according to Helga Lucian's original recipe, then you can savour the delicious creation – served with salad and a homely atmosphere. The cookery course takes place for groups of 10 or more and only in the summer months. A team hike can easily be done beforehand to work up a hunger!
• Hiking to "Kraftplatz am Öberle" in summer
  Admittedly, kässpätzle is not the lightest dish, but after the hike to the Edelweiss, a magical place up on the Öberle in Bregenzerwald, it’s certainly well deserved. You’ll certainly feel recharged afterwards – it’ll be worth the wait. It's a good thing that summer is the best time for hiking - in winter the Edelweiss takes a break.  
• Enjoy Kässpätzle and views at Rufana Alp
  The Rufana Alp in Bürserberg certainly secured one of the most beautiful spots in Vorarlberg to spoil guests with sumptuous cheese. The Plaickner family serves up tasty delicacies ideal for a team hiking day or a hearty Christmas party. Of course, kässpätzle with roasted onions and potato salad are a must. To be on the safe side, remember to book your kässpätzle party in advance.
• Gasthaus Moosegg in Lochau 
  Two rustic farmhouse parlours, a real wine cellar and a sun terrace at over 1,000 metres above sea level - what more could you want? Well, kässpätzle, of course. And at Gasthaus Moosegg, you can enjoy this with a fine wine and a view of Lake Constance. The restaurant is perched on an enviable spot on the Pfänder mountain and is the perfect hiking destination from the capital city of Bregenz.
• Meierei Bödele 
  Vorarlberg specialities are the order of the day in Meierei on the Bödele hill. Whether it's a Christmas party or the tasty end of a seminar or team event, you can indulge in hearty delicacies - primarily kässpätzle, of course. In summer you can soak up some sunshine, and in winter you can find a cosy spot in the farmhouse parlour and enjoy the views. In summertime, Meierei even gets its cheese straight from the neighbouring alpine pasture.
• Kässpätzle on a mountain plateau
  In the alluring Schönenbach in Bregenzerwald lies a little pearl of nature. Several hiking trails lead to the Vorsäßsiedlung plateau, where you can replenish your calories with Jagdgasthaus Egender’s legendary kässpätzle. Opening times and seasonal hiking tips can be found on their website. For a barrier-free journey with a wow effect, Kurt's Dorfzügle is also available – more info also on the website.
• A cheesy excursion to Laternsertal 
  Fresh mountain air, the sound of cowbells and the smell of cheese - your mouth starts watering as soon as you approach. At the Saluver mountain hut, the Felder family invites hikers to enjoy a kässpätzle and typical alpine dishes on 70 days of summer. The wonderful hike through the nature reserve is perfect to work up a hunger on the way!