Andelsbuch: Alpine History, Waterfalls and Craftsmanship

In Andelsbuch, you can choose from a range of different themes: the Alpine History Trail explores the landscape and Alpine flora, while a cycle path runs through the village and continues in both directions along the valley. There are also distinctive buildings, ecclesiastical history, and destinations related to water and mountains. This makes it easy to plan your stay around the topics that interest you most.

Hiking and Cycling

The Alpine History Trail is a circular route with several options and shortcuts available. It takes families through the alpine pasture area, across a raised bog and over a ridge. Information panels introduce them to Alpine flora. Landscape and interpretation go hand in hand here: the route passes through different types of terrain, while the panels draw attention to the plant life. With different route options and shortcuts, you have several ways to plan your itinerary.

A cycle path runs through all of Andelsbuch and continues up the valley to Schoppernau or down the valley to Doren. Unlike the circular trail, with its route variations, the defining feature here is the path through the village and its continuation in both directions along the valley. For hikers, there is also the route “Andelsbuch | Trails to the Water – Andelsbuch Power Plant with Reservoirs,” which passes two reservoirs. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The waterfalls also have a specific geological origin: the Brühlbach, also known as the Andelsbuch village stream, has carved deep into the slate rock between Andelsbuch and Egg, creating the falls. The stream, the rock and the waterfalls are related, but this does not mean they are part of the same hiking route.

Buildings and History

The Bezegg-Sul stands in front of the Bezegg pass at an altitude of around 800 metres. The neo-Gothic, listed column commemorates the historic “Wälder Republic.” The Andelsbuch power plant adds another architectural feature: it is an Art Nouveau building. Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau refer to two different styles, each represented by one of these buildings in Andelsbuch.

The church in Andelsbuch is also part of the village’s history. In connection with the years 1086 to 1092, it is regarded as the oldest parish and thus the mother church of the Inner Bregenzerwald. This historical context adds the village’s ecclesiastical history to the picture of its buildings.

Since 2013, the Werkraum Bregenzerwald has been housed in a new building, the Werkraumhaus. It was designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and built by members of Werkraum. The building symbolises regional craftsmanship and serves as an exhibition and meeting venue. The Werkraum Bregenzerwald is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The Werkraumhaus thus offers a distinct way to explore craftsmanship, separate from the historic buildings and the church.

Another destination for architecture enthusiasts lies along the “Umgang Andelsbuch” walk: it takes you to the remarkable “Hof Nr. 626” house. The walk complements the exploration of individual buildings with a route leading to this house.

The Mountain and Trails to the Water

The Tal–Gerach and Gerach–Niedere double chairlifts take you up to the Niedere, Andelsbuch’s local mountain at 1,540 metres, in two sections. As the lifts operate seasonally, check whether they are running before your visit. The Niedere therefore offers a different focus from the paths through the village or the routes that take you through the landscape and local history.

You can choose from a range of different themes: a circular route with several options and shortcuts, a cycle path continuing in both directions along the valley, waterfalls and reservoirs, and buildings with different historical and architectural connections. You can decide which of these to include in your stay based on your interests.

Discover more destinations: Alberschwende, Eichenberg, Möggers, Buch, Bildstein, Au, Schwarzach, Kennelbach.

Back to the main travel overview: Bregenz.