Discover Satteins: Ried, History and Regional Cuisine

Satteins combines a remarkable cultural landscape with traces spanning many centuries. The Satteinser Ried, St. Sebastian’s Chapel, the Parish Church of St. George and several historic sites offer visitors a variety of themes to consider when planning their trip. In addition, there is a specific culinary destination at Lake Schwarzer See. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Satteins can therefore choose the village as a base for a trip where natural landscapes, local history, regional cuisine and a sporting activity stand side by side.

The Satteinser Ried as a defining natural landscape

Alongside the Frastanzer Ried, the Satteinser Ried is the largest remaining valley-floor peatland in the Walgau. It is a habitat for numerous rare and highly endangered plant communities. Another special feature is the groundwater-fed Puntenifa stream, one of the last irrigation streams in the area. These characteristics make the Ried an important destination for anyone who wants to discover not only local history during their stay, but also the special features of a landscape that has developed over time.

The Roman Villa of Satteins is located on the Rühe above the northern edge of the Satteinser Ried. It was discovered in 1920 and is now an archaeological monument covered again with soil. For families, this contrast can be particularly interesting: on the one hand, there is a sensitive natural landscape; on the other, the memory of a Roman complex hidden beneath today’s landscape.

Chapels, Church and a Long Local History

St. Sebastian’s Chapel was consecrated on 27 July 1508 by Chur auxiliary bishop Frater Stephanus in honour of Saints Roch and Sebastian. The chapel contains a Late Gothic high altar. Its construction is said to have resulted from a vow made in connection with the plague of 1349. The chapel stands directly on the ancient and important route from the Walgau via Lake Schwarzer See to Rankweil, thereby combining religious history with the historical orientation of the village.

The Parish Church of St. George also tells the story of Satteins’ development. A church at this location is documented as early as 850. In 1426, the church was elevated to parish church status; between 1822 and 1824, it was rebuilt according to a design by Alois Negrelli. Those interested in architectural history will find several clearly distinguishable periods here, without the village having to be reduced to a single historical event.

Historic Sites Around Satteins

The Schwarzenhorn ruins were first mentioned in 1256. They are located on a hilltop above the village of Satteins at the forest boundary, east of the Pfudidätschbach and directly on the old Gulmweg. Remains of Schwarzenhorn Castle, built in the mid-13th century, including parts of the keep, have survived. The Horwa ruin site lies around 200 to 250 metres above the castle. According to the excavations carried out from 1992 to 1994, the complex essentially consisted of a ring wall enclosing the plateau and a tower on the eastern side.

Another historical trace is Vatlära. The settlement, described as a refuge castle, lies northeast of Lake Schwarzer See on a long, wooded hill. Its outer enclosing wall is around 180 m long. Those interested in medieval sites and archaeological connections will find a range of topics here for planning their trip, without combining all the sights into a single circular route.

Regional Cuisine and Active Travel Ideas

Gasthaus Schwarzer See is located directly on Lake Schwarzer See in Satteins and serves Austrian cuisine as well as regional specialities. This adds a culinary dimension to exploring nature and history. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is useful to clarify your personal priorities: should the trip focus mainly on the Ried and historical topics, or should it also include a sporting stage?

Stage 2 of the 5 Valleys mountain bike tour passes through Satteins and then climbs uphill along farm tracks towards the transmitter. This specific route appeals to travellers who would like to include a mountain bike stage in their plans. Those travelling with children or in groups of different age ranges can vary their days accordingly and choose between nature observation, cultural history, regional food and an active excursion. When looking for accommodation in Satteins, the specific location within the village should above all suit your individual daily plans.

More Destinations for Trip Planning

If you would like to expand your search beyond Satteins, you can also include Klaus, Dünserberg, Furx, Röns, Dafins, Altach, Viktorsberg and Übersaxen in your further selection.

For the overarching travel overview: Feldkirch.