11 Kleinwalsertal Rain-Rules

Rule No. 1: Let yourself get fascinated!

Tip 1: Discover nature from a new side

Hiking in the rain has its own special charm. Especially the hikes in our side valleys are a unique nature experience on rainy days. The lush green landscape and the play of colors of the alpine flowers come into their own on rainy days. Enjoy the refreshingly cool air on your way through the Bärgunttal, the Wildental, the Gemsteltal or the Schwarzwassertal. Puddles to jump into and a warm chocolate at the hut await little rain hikers. You might even spot an alpine salamander or two coming out of hiding.

Tip 2: Learn from the pros

How does cheese get its’ the holes or how does milk get into the glass? What secrets does the Walser water hold and which tasty herbs grow mostly unnoticed by the wayside? The Kleinwalsertal hiking guides, alpine dairy farmers and nature guides share their expertise during exciting and interesting experiences such as a family excursion to the alp, a cheese hike through the Gemsteltal, a gourmet hike followed by cooking on the alp or a nature excursion to the mysterious water worlds. On the associated hikes you will experience the Walser nature from its mystical side.

Tip 3: Enjoy natural wonders out of a storybook

The Breitachklamm between Oberstdorf and Kleinwalsertal is an impressive spectacle. After a rainy day, the power of water shows itself especially well. Listen to the sound of the river and be fascinated by waterfalls and rivulets along the rock walls.

Tip 4: Just take your time

Stroll leisurely along the shop windows, pick up souvenirs for the Kleinwalsertal feeling at home and enjoy a fine piece of cake with a coffee... The three villages Riezlern, Hirschegg and Mittelberg as well as Baad invite you on rainy days with cafés, restaurants and various shopping opportunities for a relaxing stroll day. Take your time to enjoy, linger and observe the hustle and bustle in the towns.

Tip: Which sights you can find in the villages and which stores are open, you can find here.

Tip 5: Get on the trail of the Walser

You hear many legends and tales, but the best and truest Walser stories tell time witnesses. On the local tours through Riezlern, Hirschegg and Mittelberg, atonement crosses, Walser houses, chapels and bridges tell the stories of the Walsers in their very own way. Accompanied by audio guides, you will dive into the exciting past of the valley.

Tip: On a guided hike with community chronicler Stefan Heim, no question about the Walser architecture and way of life will go unanswered ?

Tip 6: Stay curious

Even on rainy days, you can explore nature - and even stay dry. The “inatura” in Dornbirn is a special kind of museum and has something to offer everyone. Because the focus here is on trying things out and experiencing them. The journey takes you through the mountain, forest and water habitats typical of Vorarlberg. In the end, we overcome the limits of what is possible and literally go inside ourselves. The inatura makes our bodies accessible. On your way through the inatura permanent exhibition, you will not only encounter extraordinary, historical industrial architecture, but also technical stations - the Science Zones. Current special exhibitions, a restaurant, playground and the Dornbirn city garden as well as the proximity to the pedestrian zone in the city center make a trip to inatura an experience.

Discover now!

Tip 7: Expand your horizons

Experience the art of brewing up close. Have you ever looked behind the scenes of a brewery or distillery? On a guided tour of one of the region's beer breweries or schnapps distilleries, you will find out how much dedication and experience goes into producing the alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialties. You will get an insight into traditional crafts and may taste one or the other drink (with refreshing soda tasting, the tours are partly even suitable for children).

Tip 8: Climb high up

Climb higher and higher along the rock - except indoors. Climbing enthusiasts get into the action in the climbing gyms in the area and can really get their groove on. Which route do I choose next? How high will I get on the bouldering or climbing wall?

Tip: For young climbers, a visit to the Allgäulino in Wertach is a promising idea.

Tip 9: Go on a time travel

On which planks did the Walsers learn to ski in the past? The ski museum in the Walserhaus in Hirschegg shows beginnings of skiing in the late nineteenth century up to the 1940s. In the Burgberg ore mines, you can follow the tracks of the former open-cast mining on the Grünten and learn a lot about the hard manual work of iron ore extraction. And if you wonder how the Romans lived in the Upper Allgäu, you will get your answer at the Archaeological Park Cambodunum in Kempten. Go on a discovery trip to the oldest town in Germany mentioned in writing and get exciting impressions about the way of life in the former Roman provincial capital.

Tip 10: Experience fun and relaxation in the water

Water fun as far as you can look! Boredom gets wet in the various water parks in the area. Water slides, whirlpools, wave pools for romping around and splashing await young and old water nymphs.

For those who prefer something more relaxed, the wellness and sauna areas of the baths are the perfect place to be. Between fresh sauna effusions and the soothing scent of mint and honey, time stands still for a few hours while you leave the stress of everyday life behind.

With the Allgäu-Walser-Card you will not only discover great offers in Kleinwalsertal, but also in the neighboring Allgäu. 1 day - 7 services offers the day package "Erlebe Kempten", which provides variety especially on rainy days. For a small surcharge of € 11.00 for adults and € 7.00 for children and teenagers (born 2008-2017), seven different offers await you, which you can combine as you wish. Start the day with exciting time travels and explorations in the Kempten museums, let off steam in the swimming world of the CamboMare leisure pool or relax and then visit the theater in Kempten - just an idea of what your day in Kempten could look like.

Tip: You can easily add the day package via the Allgäu-Walser app or have it booked at the tourist office in Hirschegg.

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