Doren – Trails, Nature and History

Doren combines walking routes with a strong connection to the village and its landscape. The family-friendly StandWOrtWeg focuses on observation and questions; the Achtalweg is a walking and cycling path along the former Wälderbahn railway line. There are also open spaces for children, young people and families, as well as historic sites and buildings.

Circular Trails and Railway History

The family-friendly StandWOrtWeg circular trail starts at the Doren municipal office and passes through the Sulz and Hüttersberg hamlets. Along the way, there are beautiful views of the Bregenzerwald mountains. The trail combines perspective games and close observation with puzzles and philosophical questions. This makes it a good option for anyone who wants to focus not only on the route but also on different perspectives and thought-provoking ideas while walking.

When planning your journey to the StandWOrtWeg, you can consider the Doren Egg-Dorf stop on line 820. Check the current timetable before travelling.

The Achtalweg is a walking and cycling path along the former Wälderbahn railway line. It passes through Egg, Lingenau, Langenegg and Doren. The adapted section of the former railway line between Egg and Doren is just under 10 kilometres long. The routes therefore have different focuses: the StandWOrtWeg is a themed circular trail, while the Achtalweg combines walking and cycling along a former railway line. The right option depends on whether you are more interested in the circular trail’s questions and perspectives or in the history of the railway line.

Outdoor Activities in the Forest and at Bozenau

The adventure course is a low-ropes course in the forest next to Doren’s football pitch. It is designed for families with children aged 2 to 10 who enjoy climbing and balancing, and they can use it free of charge. The course operates seasonally; check whether it will be open during your travel dates before visiting. It can be reached via a signposted service road through the forest. The Sportplatz stop on line 25 is also nearby. It is worth checking the timetable for this connection, too.

The Bozenau nature play area has a football pitch, a slackline course and a nature bike trail. It provides a play and recreation space for children, young people and families. The three facilities offer different activities, giving visitors several ways to enjoy their free time without having to limit their stay to just one activity.

The water trail from Doren to Langenegg is around 1.5 kilometres long. Benches along the way provide places to take a break. Check the condition of the trail before visiting.

Landscape and Local History

Set in a largely unspoilt landscape, Doren has preserved much of its agricultural character and is one of the municipalities in the Nagelfluhkette Nature Park. The open Gschlief landslide slope lies just outside the village centre. These landscape features complement the trails and recreational areas, offering a glimpse of the surroundings and the village’s agricultural heritage.

Local history can also be traced through specific dates: the present-day parish church was consecrated in 1823. In 1901, Austria’s first cheese-making school opened in Doren. These two events represent different chapters in the village’s history: its religious development and the importance of cheese-making as part of local life.

The Bozenau footbridge, a listed monument, connects Doren and Alberschwende. Historically, it gave Alberschwende access to the Wälderbähnle railway. The footbridge adds another dimension to the story of local routes, linking the two municipalities and showing how a single structure can also be significant to a neighbouring village’s history.

Discover more destinations: Alberschwende, Riezlern, Riefensberg, Lochau, Hirschegg, Egg, Andelsbuch, Bezau.

For the main travel overview: Bregenz.