Faggen – Trails, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Faggen lies on the alluvial fan of the Faggenbach stream at the entrance to the Kaunertal valley. Its landscape, historic irrigation systems and cultural heritage offer several distinct points of interest for a stay. The dry grasslands are part of a nature reserve and are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. At the same time, chapels, a former inn and named trails offer insight into different aspects of the village’s history.

Landscape, Water and Trails

Historic traces in the landscape include irrigation channels known as Waale. They add a human-shaped dimension to the natural surroundings. In Faggen, the diversity of plant and animal life and the history of irrigation are both in focus.

The Kaunerberger Wasserweg starts at the confluence with the Inn near Faggen or Prutz. From there, it runs via Kauns and Kaunerberg, as well as the hamlets of Unterfalpetan and Oberfalpetan, to the Gallruth tunnel. Its description thus names several places along the route and a specific endpoint.

Other routes follow different landmarks. The Faggen–Außergufer walking trail starts in Prutz or Faggen, passes the Maria Hilf Chapel and continues to the hamlet of Außergufer. The Faggenpromenade, Variant 2, follows the Faggenbach stream to the Faggen Bridge and then continues along the opposite bank to the Faggen footbridge.

The Prutz–Faggen–Kauns trail-running route also has prominent landmarks along the way: it crosses a wooden bridge over the Faggenbach stream and passes the Fischerranch on the way to Kauns. The return route to Faggen and Prutz goes via Innergrufer. Faggen is also suitable for various cycling and mountain-biking tours.

Cultural History and Monuments

The former Faggner Wirt was built in 1678 and is protected as an immovable monument under an official decision. The Weißes Haus Chapel in Faggen is also protected as an immovable monument, in this case under an ordinance. An inscription inside records that it was built in 1854 and renovated in 1958.

The altarpiece from the old chapel dates from the 18th century and now hangs on the rear wall of the new Faggen Chapel. The chapel in Obergufer was renovated in 1995. Inside are an old crucifix and a somewhat newer image of the Virgin Mary.

The Mariahilf Chapel was built between 1975 and 1977 and consecrated on March 2, 1980. On the path to Außergufer stands the sculpture group “Martin with the Beggar,” created by Engelbert Gitterle from Urgen. Anton Sturm (1690–1757), a Baroque sculptor, was born in Faggen and is best known for his work on the furnishings of the collegiate church in Füssen.

A small prehistoric Bronze Age settlement was also discovered above Faggen in 1993. Together with the later chapels, the former inn and the works of art, this find shows the breadth of the village’s historical themes, from a prehistoric settlement site to architectural and art history.

Playground and Farm Shop

The playground by the Faggen Chapel has a slide, climbing frame and swing. As the equipment may change, check before visiting whether the listed play equipment is available.

The Mair farm shop in Faggen offers home-produced goods and regional specialities. The selection may change. If you are planning to visit for a particular product, it is best to check in advance what is currently available.

When planning your stay, you can weigh the topics described according to your interests: dry grasslands and Waale offer a glimpse into the landscape and irrigation history; chapels, monuments and sculptures reflect local and art history. The trails, in turn, can be distinguished by their stated starting points, waypoints and destinations. This lets you take Faggen’s special features into account when considering where to stay and looking for a hotel for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Feichten in the Kaunertal, Fliess, Pians, Pettneu am Arlberg, Kaunerberg, Ischgl, Kaunertal, Ladis.

To the main travel overview: Landeck.