Hörbranz: Trails, culture and regional tradition

A stay in Hörbranz can be planned around specific themes: trails along the Leiblach and on the Pfänder massif, local architectural and religious history, and a regional distilling tradition. If you are looking for a hotel, these highlights can help you decide what kind of trip you want. Information about trails, cultural sites and activities shows you different ways to get to know Hörbranz.

Trails and cycling tours

A cycling and hiking trail runs along the Leiblach to the lakeshore in Hörbranz. Hikes on the Pfänder massif are possible year-round; viewpoints offer views of the Leiblach Valley and Lake Constance. This gives you a choice between riverside trails and hikes with scenic views.

The Leiblachtal Route is an easy cycling tour from Bregenz via Lochau and Hörbranz to Hohenweiler. Another tour leads from the Pfänder via Möggers and the Leiblach Valley; the return to Bregenz follows the Lake Constance Cycle Path via Hohenweiler, Hörbranz and Lochau. The routes therefore differ mainly in their starting points and described itineraries: one connects Bregenz with Hohenweiler, while the other includes Möggers and the return journey on the Lake Constance Cycle Path.

Culture and architectural history

Rochus Chapel stands above Alte Landstraße at the edge of the forest and is surrounded by a small cemetery. Inside the chapel is an early Baroque Deposition from the Cross, acquired from Sulzberg in 1832. The chapel’s furnishings also include a Stations of the Cross by Bregenzerwald painter Alois Waldner. The setting and the two works of art each give the chapel a distinct cultural connection.

A parish church in Hörbranz dates from 1488. The Salvatorkolleg, on the border between Hörbranz and Lochau, is different: it is a striking building in the Historicist style. Together, these buildings reflect different historical influences without needing to be grouped as a single attraction.

Corpus Christi and living tradition

Every year, the Fronleichnamsschützen (Corpus Christi marksmen) turn out in Hörbranz and accompany the Corpus Christi procession. The dates vary each year. On Corpus Christi Day, the procession goes to Oberdorf; the following Sunday, it goes to Unterdorf. Along the route, three Gospel readings are held at three decorated altars. So if you would like to experience this recurring tradition, the date for that particular year is important when planning your trip.

The Leiblach, Kneipp facility and distillery

The Leiblach is designated as a European protected area in both Austria and Germany. Its transboundary protected-area designation is a distinct feature of the landscape around Hörbranz. The Kneipp facility in Hörbranz is free to use for non-members and hikers.

Hörbranz also has a distilling tradition: for four generations, the Prinz family has produced fruit brandies there. By prior arrangement, the Prinz Fein distillery offers group tours followed by a tasting for groups of 15 or more. If you plan to take part, be sure to factor in both the advance booking and minimum group size.

Discover more destinations: Lauterach, Au, Eichenberg, Riefensberg, Schnepfau, Warth, Wolfurt, Bizau.

Back to the main travel overview: Bregenz.