Side Events

Cultural highlight, architectural challenge and a holistic experience of space, light and time. SkyspaceLech is a work of art in the medium of light and is also a part of a worldwide series of art by the internationally renowned artist James Turrell. 

Seeing what goes on behind the scenes at a schnapps tasting or chatting on a stroll through an orchard. A guided tour at the local producer Dietrichs Vorarlberg Kostbarkeiten creates a casual and entertaining setting for meetings, workshops and conferences. 

A very special natural monument takes you right down to the depths of the Cave Schneckenloch in Bizau. The biggest cave in Vorarlberg requires a certain degree of stamina and sure-footedness, yet once the visitors get back to terra firma they are usually lost for words, overcome by images of subterranean halls, stalactites and natural tunnels, some of which you have to crawl through.

For a few weeks, a small festival with a large fan community attracts international stars and an international audience to Schwarzenberg and Hohenems. Established in 1976, the famous Schubert Festival grew to such an extent that it now hosts over 90 events a year.

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.

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.

How does a steam locomotive actually operate? And how far can it go? You can find out all this and much, much more at Rhein-Schauen.

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 crunch of the snow, the crisp air, the panoramic views… a snowshoe hike brings you into the heart of wintery nature, to enjoy alpine landscapes with a sense of true calmness.

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.

Doing something as a group can be not only a nice experience, but a delicious one too. At Sabine + Xaver’s Gourmet Manufactory that is certainly the case – here you can try out their whole range of cookies and cheesy snacks. Or even whack on an apron yourself and get your hand doughy in one of their bespoke tart workshops. 

Award-winning Vorarlberg chef and restaurateur Mike P. Pansi has created an innovative pop-up restaurant concept in Hohenems: Pansi’s Kochmeisterei. His Chef’s Table, which seats four to ten people, is the place where participants may experience a new interpretation of the culinary culture to be found in Austria’s alpine region and Vorarlberg.

The BUS:STOPs Krumbach are an extraordinary architectural project in which seven international architectural firms have worked together with regional partners to create small utility buildings in public spaces. 

The name says it all: fun is the name of the game at Funworld Hard. There’s something for everyone here – whether it’s 10-pin bowling on one of the 10 state-of-the-art Brunswick bowling alleys or exciting laser tagging. 

The art of archery is underestimated – this sport is a far cry from our childhood games of cowboy and Indians. It demands a high degree of precision and concentration, discipline and inner tranquillity. All these are things which would be useful in daily life, if only we had gotten round to practising them.