With an altitude of between 1,200 and 1,500 meters and up to 11 meters of snow per year, Warth-Schröcken is one of the snowiest ski resorts in Europe. As early as the 17th century, the Walser people used the snow to transport their sledges with hay down into the valley - today, the powder snow attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.

Small but mighty! Nestled in a majestic mountain world, at 1,500 meters, lies Warth - the highest municipality in Vorarlberg. And although it is small, it has big stories to tell. The idyllic mountain village, which borders the natural landscapes of Tyrol, enchants with its authentic charm and a history that is deeply rooted in the traditions of mountain farming. With its 168 inhabitants, it exudes an intimate, even familiar atmosphere that gives visitors the feeling of immersing themselves in another time. Here, where the breath of the mountains can still be felt and nature is close enough to touch, the village retains its unique character. It is this very special mix of tradition and untouched nature, as well as innovation and a look to the future.

Anyone who has ever visited Warth-Schröcken knows this place: the Simmel on the Hochtannberg Pass. And anyone who climbs the uplifting round hill will find themselves next to one of the few world peace crosses in the world. A little below is a small church: the Church of St. James, which was built in 1550. This church is the highest parish church in Vorarlberg and was already a popular pilgrimage destination in the 16th century.

Lake Kalbelesee is not only an alpine idyll, but also the scene of a dark legend.
It is said that when the wind blows through the grasses on the shore of Lake Kalbelesee, a little bell can be heard: the miserable ringing from the bottom of the lake. This is where a beautiful calf is said to have sunk into the ground together with its proud owner. Legend has it that the rich farmer from the Bregenzerwald worshipped his magnificent calf so much that he had it baptized at the stream like a human being. However, his arrogance did not go unpunished and so the earth opened up and swallowed the poor animal along with the infatuated man. The dark pit then filled with water, creating Lake Kalbelesee. Today, the lake is a valuable biotope with rare flora and fauna - a place where the legend of the past meets the alpine idyll of today.

Schröcken has 220 inhabitants and, with its distribution over nine parcels of land and altitude differences of up to 500 meters, looks like a patchwork of nature and people. The village extends over nine parcels of land and stretches from 1,150 meters in Unterboden up to Körbersee at 1,660 meters. The name “Schröcken” comes from Middle High German and means “to split” or “to cleave” - an apt description of the rugged mountain landscape around the village. The extensive high-altitude settlement in a magnificent mountain setting characterizes the image as much as the people who live there. There is a very active village community here. With eight clubs, young and old are closely connected here - real proof of living tradition.

If you're out and about in Warth-Schröcken, you're guaranteed to have already crossed it: the Tannberg Bridge. Perhaps inconspicuous today, it was a real construction miracle in 1935 - after all, it was considered the third largest arch bridge in Europe at the time! A real prestige project that connected the Oberboden and Stutz parcels of land across the Wolfstobel.
Before this bridge was built? Phew, the path was an adventure. The Wolfstobel gorge had to be laboriously crossed - no walk in the park when the inhabitants were on their way to the parish church built in 1639, for example! Fortunately, there was an early alternative for the devout inhabitants on the other side of the Wolftobel: the Chapel of the Annunciation in Unterboden.

And this chapel? A real historical gem. Initial documentation dates back to 1269 - yes, you heard right, medieval throwback! Supporting evidence has been dated to around 1600 with remains of walls - making it the oldest sacred building in the village. Today's chapel, which was demolished and rebuilt between 1774 and 1778, shines in baroque splendor and tells stories of times gone by. The neo-Gothic altar, which dates back to the 18th century, is particularly impressive. And on the side walls? The pictures of St. Apollonia and St. Theresa, which are probably even older, shine there. Chapel of the Annunciation & the Tannberg Bridge - further evidence of eventful history.

Warth-Schröcken is more than just an idyllic vacation destination. It is a place that has not forgotten its roots. A place that connects: Past and present, nature and people, tradition and adventure. Whether exploring the history, immersing yourself in the Walser culture or enjoying the mountain world - everyone will find their own personal highlight up here.