The Austrian high mountain valley lies amidst majestic peaks at an altitude of 1,100 to 1,250 meters, on the northern edge of the Alps in the federal state of Vorarlberg,
as part of the Bregenz district.
Surrounded by mountains, the valley is only accessible by car via German territory. To reach the "rest" of Austria from here, you either need to be a good hiker or take a roughly 45 km drive.
The Walser mountains border the Lechtal Alps to the east and southeast. The Großer Widderstein (2,536 m) marks the border to the south and west with the Lechquellen mountains/Arlberg and the Bregenzerwald. To the north, the valley opens toward the Alpine foothills and the Allgäu.
The Kleinwalsertal can only be reached by road from its neighboring community of Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region.
Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of the Kleinwalsertal.
It’s the stunningly beautiful mountains that attract countless guests. The possibilities are nearly endless. In summer, hikers, bikers, Nordic walkers, and leisurely strollers explore and enjoy nature on 180 km of trails. With paths laid out on three different altitude levels, every mountain enthusiast can find the right challenge. Exciting alpine adventures appeal not only to the young but also to the experienced. In addition to free guided tours, themed hikes are also very popular.
And for our little guests, the children’s program offers fun and excitement on the mountain, in the forest, and across the meadows –
all summer long.
Events take place through the end of October.
Winter promises pure snow enjoyment. The ski pass is valid from Kleinwalsertal to Oberstdorf, covering a total of 124 km of perfectly groomed slopes.
Cross-country skiers can explore 44 km of trails, while walkers enjoy nearly 50 km of prepared winter hiking paths. Eight snow sports schools ensure you'll find your rhythm on the slopes. Snowboarding, snowshoe hiking, and ski touring are also part of the program.
Experience well-preserved tradition and culture during your vacation
You can admire the unique traditional costumes of the Kleinwalsertal region during the Heimatabend and Alpenzauber (folklore under the open sky), or at the local concerts held two to three times a week.
Even on vacation, the weather isn’t always perfect… In that case, we recommend a visit to the Bergschau exhibition in the Walserhaus in Hirschegg, the local heritage museum in Riezlern, or exploring the cultural trail, which highlights interesting landmarks and tells fascinating stories throughout the valley's villages.
But best of all: come and visit us in person and enjoy relaxing and exciting holiday days amidst the stunning Walser mountains.
History of the Kleinwalsertal
The valley was settled around 1270 by the Walser people, an ethnic group who migrated from the Upper Valais (Switzerland). The local dialect has remained well-preserved and is distinctly different from that of the neighboring regions in Vorarlberg and the Allgäu.
While the Walser settled along the Breitach river, the side valleys remained pure alpine areas – original and untouched by modernization. Four mountains are now accessible via cable cars for your enjoyment.
Today, around 5,000 people live in the three villages of Riezlern, Hirschegg, and Mittelberg with Baad, most of whom are employed in tourism and are looking forward to your visit.