Discover Brand: Walser history and mountain nature

Brand brings together the history of a Walser settlement with experiences centred on water and alpine nature. Kesselfall waterfall, themed trails and opportunities for physical activity offer a variety of highlights. When planning your holiday, it is worth first considering whether you would rather focus on village history, experiencing nature or active pursuits.

Walser history and the parish church

Brand is a Walser settlement. A prominent landmark in the village’s history is the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary: after 27 years of construction, it was consecrated in 1507 by Stephan Tschuggli, Auxiliary Bishop of Chur. The lengthy construction and the record of the consecration by name give the church a specific place in the history of the village. Those interested in culture will find a different way to discover Brand here than on the trails through the surrounding countryside.

Water and trails through nature

The landscape makes a striking impression at Kesselfall waterfall, a natural monument where the Alvierbach stream plunges through a gorge around 40 metres deep. The Kesselfall loop is a short winter circular trail from Brand to the waterfall and back to the Palüdbahn cable car. Trail conditions can vary in snow and ice. The waterfall as a natural monument and the winter loop therefore offer two different reasons to explore this place.

The Natursprünge Trail in the Brandnertal begins at the Dorfbahn Brand cable car. At eleven interactive stations, it playfully introduces visitors to the alpine forest, water and its inhabitants. The trail combines nature-themed learning with active exploration. By contrast, the Tiererlebnispfad in Brand focuses on observing local animals: along a circular trail of around one kilometre by the Alvierbach stream, you can see goats, pigs, chickens and other local animals up close.

The barefoot trail near Parpfienzalpe in Brand offers a different way to experience nature. This themed trail is 2.55 kilometres long and passes over forest floor, moorland, meadows and stones; you can also experience spring water barefoot. The trail engages different senses from the interactive stations on the Natursprünge Trail or wildlife watching by the Alvierbach stream. Which of these experiences appeals to you most may help shape the focus of your days out.

Climbing and other activities

To reach the Kellenegg via ferrata, the approach leads from the centre of Brand past the Brandnertal climbing park and along the Kellenegg hiking trail to the start. The climbing park also offers a course for children aged three and over. The approach and the course are two different ways to include climbing in your holiday plans; the age indication applies to the course at the climbing park.

In the Brandnertal, Alvierbad is a natural swimming lake fed by mountain spring water. At Alvierbad, small streams connect two child-friendly pools. Check seasonal information about swimming before your visit. Another option is the Brand Culinary Delights Tour, which starts at the valley station of the Dorfbahn cable car. Its seasonal programme details may change; checking the latest information can help with your planning. The Brandnertal also has an 18-hole golf course in an alpine setting.

The right holiday apartment for your plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in Brand, you can base your decision on the experiences that matter to you during your stay: Walser history and the church, water and themed trails, or climbing and other activities in the Brandnertal. The experiences described vary in focus and, in some cases, in their seasonal availability.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gaschurn, Nüziders, Bürserberg, Bludesch, Thüringerberg, Sonntag, Lech, Damüls.

Back to the main travel overview: Bludenz.