Side Events

Hop on, brakes off, and downwards you go. Around curves, over bridges, through forests and meadows – the view is marvellous, and adrenaline is guaranteed: is there a better team event than this?

The ice-skating rink in Bludenz is one option that turns up when an alternative to the classic day of skiing is being sought. There is also a spectacular ice run there where visitors can test their skills on a Vutschko (bobsleigh) at speeds of up to 100 kph.

Feel that grass beneath your feet, and breathe in the freshest mountain air. Countless edible wild herbs grow in our meadows, from dandelions to yarrow. But how to distinguish the beneficial herbs from the weeds? Luckily, there are various hiking excursions available where you can learn exactly that.

Once upon a time, you had to travel to the far north to take a dog-pulled sleigh ride, to experience up close the life of a musher in the wilderness. These days, however, a lovely team of dogs awaits guests in the Kleinwalsertal and in the Brandnertal.

As the peak gets nearer and stress reduces with each passing second, the Pfänder mountain reveals the impact of having this nature paradise a stone’s throw from the city centre.

The region’s architects have been picking up international prizes and awards for some time now, and it is well worth taking a walk to visit interesting buildings in practically all of the towns and villages in the region. The re-interpretations of the traditional wooden buildings to be found in many a region are simple, natural and sustainable, and have already characterised a certain style.

Two architectural worlds combine at Museum Bezau – a typical Bregenzerwald farmhouse from the 18th century, a listed building, and a modern addition built mostly using local handworkers. 

The Inuits’ traditional construction methods are being increasingly cultivated in the mountains around here, especially since team building presents an essential factor for success when it comes to constructing an igloo. As well as a shovel and saw, you need a portion of stamina to build a viable igloo residence.

Creative minds and technical skills are required here. The task is to build a soapbox that can be raced from pre-made kits. There are no limits to creativity here. The next two hours will see participants fastening, measuring, building, glueing, painting and carrying out several test runs.

The historic old town of Feldkirch at the foot of Schattenburg Castle and protected by a Buddhist monastery is home to many historical nooks and crannies, inns, taverns and markets and the legacy of the humanists who made history there long ago.

The Bregenzerwald wouldn’t be what it is today without the famous Wälderbähnle. The original steam engine still services a stretch of the line – a cosy journey through time, whatever your age.

While the head is spinning in meeting rooms in the mornings, the cobwebs can be blown away by the fresh mountain air on the Karren in the afternoons. Dornbirn's local mountain is right at the heart of it all and the cable car takes visitors up to 976 metres in no time at all. 

The secret behind cheese-making is much less complicated than you’d think. All you need to make your own cream cheese is half a day’s time, a few litres of milk, the right recipe and ingredients – and an introduction into cheese-making at one of the region’s professional alpine dairies.

Known as the ‘King of Grill’, Vorarlberg’s master of barbecues Tom Heinzle has long since made a name for himself on the international cooking scene. He has put an end to the myth that barbecuing is an activity only for the summer.

For those who simply can’t get enough of it, head to the Alpenkäse Bregenzerwald Sennerei on a journey of discovery. There you can learn how cheese is still produced in the time-honoured way.