Röthis: Winegrowing and Architecture

Röthis is best explored through its winegrowing and architectural history. The municipality combines a winegrowing tradition that has continued uninterrupted since it was first mentioned in historical records with tangible evidence from several centuries. The Torkelbaum press, two differently themed GoTrails, and several buildings each offer their own clues for discovering the area.

Winegrowing and the Torkelbaum Press

Wine has been grown in Röthis without interruption since the municipality was first mentioned in historical records. Local winemakers cultivate around two hectares of vineyards. This provides an approximate measure of the area under cultivation, alongside the long tradition. A wine shop is located in the historic center, in a farmhouse over 200 years old, spread across the ground floor and cellar.

A special testament to the history of winegrowing is the Torkelbaum, also known as a press tree. It dates from 1674 and is one of Austria’s oldest surviving tree presses. Information panels on site explain its former function. This means the surviving device can be viewed not only as a historic structure: the panels also offer insight into its purpose at the time.

Comparing the Two GoTrails

The “Rautina and the Hunt for the Blue Grape” GoTrail passes the centuries-old Torkelbaum press and the Röthis vineyards. The route is about four kilometers long, has 21 stations, and takes approximately two to two and a half hours. Winegrowing and the surviving press are central to its theme.

The “Floriani Red and the Röthis Fire Brigade” GoTrail is designed differently: it is a hydrant rally, about three kilometers long, with 25 stations. Its estimated duration is one to one and a half hours. The two activities therefore differ in their themes, as well as in length, number of stations, and time required. These details can help you plan; as route information may change, check the latest information before your outing.

Buildings and Finding Your Way Around

Röthner Schlössle was probably built in the 16th century by the Litscher family, a patrician family from Feldkirch. A painted sundial on its south side is dated 1676. The old schoolhouse in Röthis dates from 1908 and is considered a typical elementary school building of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The buildings reflect different historical connections, from the presumed origins of the Schlössle to later school architecture.

The Catholic parish church of St. Martin is one of the important buildings in Röthis. The historic center lies southwest of the listed parish church. This location helps place the church and the old center in relation to one another without conflating the two.

Architecture and Another Activity

More recent architecture is also part of the townscape: the music house by Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekten is an exemplary work of Vorarlberg architecture. There is a café on the ground floor. This building therefore belongs to a different architectural context from the Schlössle, the church, and the schoolhouse, which represent various historical periods.

Another activity is the fitness trail in the Ganta-Loresch forest area. The forest area lies within the municipalities of Weiler and Röthis. This trail complements the two differently themed GoTrails with an opportunity for exercise in the forest; its geographical location encompasses both municipalities.

Discover more destinations: Dünserberg, Meiningen, Koblach, Schlins, Laterns, Viktorsberg, Götzis, Altach

For the overview of the wider region: Feldkirch.