Discover Mellau

Mellau combines hiking and cycling routes with seasonal winter activities, an outdoor swimming pool on the Mellenbach, and a rich church history. If you are looking for a hotel in Mellau, these themes can help you choose when to travel and what to focus on during your trip. Some routes follow waterways, while others climb to a summit; in winter, cross-country ski trails and winter hiking paths are also available.

Hiking trails and mountain tours

The “Around Mellau” circular route follows the Mellenbach and Bregenzerach rivers. It passes the Schwimmbadsteg, Bengathbrücke, the hamlet of Prinzwies, and the area around the mountain railway before returning to Mellau. The route therefore highlights two waterways and several specific waypoints.

The Rossstelle–Kanisfluh circular route offers a different destination: it begins with a ride on the mountain railway from Mellau, passes Kanisalpe, and reaches the summit of Kanisfluh via a hiking trail. As the tour is partly dependent on the Mellaubahn operating, check its service status before setting out. On the route from Mellau to Schnepfau, by contrast, the landscape is shaped by the rocks of the northern face. They rise up to 1,300 m above the valley floor and form a mosaic of different natural habitats. The routes described can therefore be distinguished by their main features: waterways and waypoints on “Around Mellau,” a mountain railway ride and summit destination on Rossstelle–Kanisfluh, and a rocky face and habitats on the route to Schnepfau.

Cycling on routes with varied profiles

The Suttis Mellau mountain bike route is 10.8 km long and begins at the Mellaubahn mountain station. From there, a long descent leads via Suttis Alpe to the village of Mellau. Mountain bikes and e-bikes can be transported on the Mellaubahn; check the current conditions for taking bikes on board before your trip.

Another option is the Mellental loop, which descends gently through the secluded Mellental valley to Mellau. The route descriptions have different focuses: for Suttis Mellau, they specify the distance, the starting point at the mountain station, and the descent via Suttis Alpe; for the Mellental loop, the emphasis is on the course through the valley and the gentle downhill gradient.

Winter activities and tourism history

Seasonal winter activities include a 2.5 km winter hiking trail in the ski area on the Roßstelle, 22.5 km of cross-country ski trails for classic and skating styles, and 10 km of groomed winter hiking trails in the village. The offering therefore includes both ski trails and winter walking routes; grooming and operation are seasonal.

Mellau’s tourism history dates back to the 19th century, when summer retreats and mountaineering became popular. Another historical milestone was the development of the Rossstelle ski area in 1973, with a gondola lift and four drag lifts. These dates place the present-day importance of hiking and winter sports in the village within the longer development of local tourism.

Church history, outdoor pool, and crafts

The history of the parish church dates back to a chapel built in the late 13th century; Mellau became an independent parish in 1464. A church built between 1793 and 1806 was destroyed in the village fire of 1870, and its replacement was consecrated in 1876. The modern parish church was built in 1980–1981, while the old church tower was preserved as a landmark of the municipality. This sequence reflects several building phases and the church’s evolution over the centuries.

Mellau Swimming Pool is a seasonal outdoor pool right on the Mellenbach. Weather permitting, the pool water is heated to around 24°C from May to September. Opening times may vary depending on the weather; check the current opening status before your visit.

The Mellauer Werkstatt showcases traditional Bregenzerwald craftsmanship in an old workshop. Fruit brandies, liqueurs, and chocolate can be sampled on site. Groups can arrange visits outside regular opening hours by phone; advance arrangements are required. Before travelling, check the contact details and the current conditions for visits and tastings.

Discover more destinations: Wolfurt, Hohenweiler, Egg, Bizau, Kennelbach, Eichenberg, Lauterach, Reuthe.

To the main travel overview: Bregenz.