Discover Feldkirch

Feldkirch combines medieval urban history with viewpoints, forest trails, natural areas and regional culinary delights. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Feldkirch will find a destination that brings together cultural programmes and active days, as well as market visits, nature observation and special events.

Old Town, castles and art

The medieval centre invites visitors to take a stroll through cobbled streets, narrow lanes and romantic arcades. The Powder Tower was part of the southern city wall near the Mühletor gate and was built in 1460. Today, the City of Feldkirch uses the tower in the historic centre as an art space. Another historical point of reference is the Feldkirch Charter of Liberties: On 17 December 1376, Count Rudolf V of Montfort issued the document; in nine paragraphs, he granted the citizens extensive rights, participation in decision-making and existing privileges.

Schattenburg Castle, dating from the High Middle Ages, is considered one of the best-preserved castle complexes in Central Europe. The keep offers views of Feldkirch and the surrounding mountains. Tostner Castle is also part of the town’s history: It was built around 1260 by the Counts of Montfort, the founders of Feldkirch. From there, a path leads down to the little church of St Corneli, the old parish church of Tosters.

For sacred art and historic buildings, it is worth visiting St Nicholas Cathedral. The late Gothic church was completed in its new form in 1478; its interior includes, among other things, a wrought-iron pulpit from 1520 and the St Anne Altar by Wolf Huber. The Johanniterkirche provides a different cultural accent and has served as an exhibition space for contemporary art and installations from Austria and abroad since 1995. Visitors can also use a cloister at the Capuchin Monastery.

Trails, views and nature

Ardetzenberg is home to a nature trail with a long and a short loop. The walking path to Stadtschrofen leads to a viewpoint overlooking Feldkirch. An official walking route also leads to the Hohes and Niederes Känzele viewpoints and back through the Felsenauschlucht gorge. These different trail options make it possible to tailor the day’s plans to the preferred distance and interest in views, forest or gorge scenery.

More than 160 animals from 26 species live at Feldkirch Wildlife Park. Guided tours are led by certified forest or hunting educators. The circular path through the wildlife park on Ardetzenberg also offers views of houses built on the rocks of the Ill gorge in the historic “Im Kehr” district. Those who prefer to travel by bicycle can consider the EuroVelo 15: It passes the Old Town, follows the Ill through floodplain forests to Illspitz and, in the Vorarlberg section, forms a connection from Feldkirch to Höchst.

The Bangs-Matschels area is a special natural attraction. It is located in Feldkirch and covers 447.31 ha. In this Natura 2000 site, millions of Siberian irises transform many wet meadows into a blue sea of blossoms in early summer. This seasonal highlight is particularly interesting for travel planning when nature observation and a stay during the appropriate period coincide.

Market, wine and events

The weekly market takes place year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays and offers regional and seasonal products. The “Culinary Tours at the Weekly Market” combine stories from the market’s history, encounters with market traders and tastings of seasonal specialities. Small vineyards lie below Schattenburg Castle and on Ardetzenberg and Amberg. Feldkirch wines include Ardetzenberger Rivaner, also known as Müller-Thurgau.

The events calendar includes a range of formats: The traditional wine festival lasts three days and is dedicated to enjoying wine, while the poolbar Festival takes place in Feldkirch every year. For activities regardless of the weather, the GUK cinema shows an international arthouse programme; through its cooperation with the Tas cinema of the Saumarkt cultural association, many films are shown in their original language. The indoor go-kart track has a 360-metre high-speed circuit on 4,000 m². From October onwards, public ice skating is available at Vorarlberghalle, where skates can be hired.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When searching for a holiday apartment in Feldkirch, you can first determine the focus of your stay. For historical discoveries, the Old Town, Schattenburg Castle, the cathedral and the Johanniterkirche are the main attractions. Those who want to spend time outdoors can focus their plans more on the nature trail, viewpoints, wildlife park, the Ill and the nature of Bangs-Matschels. Market dates, culinary tours and events add fixed occasions to the stay. This allows you to link your choice of accommodation with your own daily plans without limiting your holiday to a single activity.

Other places for orientation

For further searches, you can also select Meiningen, Laterns, Schnifis, Röthis, Rankweil, Viktorsberg, Schlins, Göfis, Klaus, Übersaxen, Satteins, Röns, Altach, Weiler, Batschuns, Zwischenwasser, Götzis, Koblach, Dafins, Dünserberg, Fraxern, Frastanz, Furx and Feldkirch for your search.

For the overarching travel overview: Vorarlberg.