Discover Schwarzenberg: Art, Tradition and Landscapes

Discover Schwarzenberg through its landscape, protected townscape and the art of Angelika Kauffmann. The municipality stretches from Hochälpele at 1,464 metres, via Bödele and Lorena, down to the Bregenzerache and Untere Au at 564 metres. The village square, parish church, museum and recurring events offer different cultural points of reference. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the landscape, art and event dates as separate highlights.

Village Square and the Art of Angelika Kauffmann

Schwarzenberg’s village square and the surrounding houses have been protected as historic monuments since the late 1980s. The parish church in Schwarzenberg features apostle frescoes by Angelika Kauffmann (1741–1807). It also houses a high altar painting by Kauffmann, which she dedicated to the church in 1802. The frescoes and altarpiece offer different insights into the painter’s art: the frescoes depict the Apostles, while the high altar painting is associated with her dedication to the church.

The Angelika Kauffmann Museum presents changing exhibitions of original paintings by Angelika Kauffmann each year. This offers a distinction when choosing what to see: the parish church contains specific works, while the museum’s exhibition programme changes from year to year. Art in Schwarzenberg can therefore be found both in the church works described here and in changing exhibitions.

Cultural Events Throughout the Year

The traditional Advent market takes place each year in the historic village centre during Advent. The Schubertiade Schwarzenberg is held in spring and autumn. The Angelika Kauffmann Hall hosts chamber concerts, song recitals and piano concerts as part of the event. Another annual date is the traditional market in mid-September; Alptag is celebrated in the days beforehand. Alptag marks the return of the animals and alpine herders after around three months on the alpine pastures.

These events are spread across different periods: the Schubertiade in spring and autumn, the market and Alptag in September, and the Advent market during Advent. If you are travelling for a concert or festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

Wälderbähnle and Walking Routes

The Wälderbähnle runs along the five-kilometre route from Bezau to Schwarzenberg; the journey takes 20 minutes. For specific travel planning, you should also check the current timetable.

When choosing a route, it is important to consider its conditions. On the Tobelrunde trail in Schwarzenberg, sturdy footwear and sure-footedness are required in wet weather because of several wooded sections and the unpaved terrain.

The Achauen Rundweg trail in Schwarzenberg is accessible year-round with a few exceptions. These apply when there is deep snow in winter or flooding of the Bregenzerache. The guidance therefore differs clearly: wet weather and ground conditions matter on the Tobelrunde, while deep snow and flooding affect the Achauen Rundweg. Take the stated conditions into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Hirschegg, Mittelberg, Wolfurt, Bildstein, Sibratsgfäll, Schnepfau, Bezau, Schwarzach

See the main travel overview: Bregenz.