Schnifis: Discover Hiking, Forests and Culture

Schnifis is nestled gently into the hilly landscape of the Walgau on sun-drenched slopes. Beech and fir forests shape the character of the village and make it an interesting destination for anyone looking to combine nature, activity and regional culture on their trip. Depending on your mood, you can plan a hike, discover historical details or gain insights into regional food production.

Forest Paths and Tours around the Hensler

From the Hensler mountain station, tours lead to the Hochgerach and the Walserkamm. The Legends Hiking Trail also begins there. This makes the mountain station a prominent starting point for planning your excursions if you would like to explore the landscape along trails. The Vorarlberg Way of St. James: Bludenz–Rankweil leads from the “Jordan” junction through forests and meadows to Schnifis. Those who enjoy longer routes can include this section in their travel plans.

There are also paths within the village with different focal points. The Laurentius Trail has ten stations with benches for resting. At these stations, audio samples about Laurentius von Schnüffis can be accessed using a scan code. The Forest Knowledge Trail provides information about the functions and benefits of forests, the importance of sustainable management and climate-resilient tree species. This allows you to combine an active day with topics that go beyond simply being on the move.

Culture and Regional Specialities

The parish church of Saint John the Baptist stands in the village centre. It was rebuilt in 1972/73; only the old tower with its gabled pointed roof was preserved. On the way to the Gampelin alpine pasture, you will also find the Alte Bild, a small chapel with a votive painting from 1704. These two places offer different historical highlights and are suitable as specific destinations for a circular walk or hike.

The regional character of Schnifis also includes the dairy. Vorarlberg mountain cheese PDO is produced there from silo-free raw milk supplied by cows from the Dreiklang region. For travellers who want to get to know regional products not only on the menu but also as they are made, this aspect is a special complement to the trails and cultural destinations.

Winter Hiking and Paragliding

During the cold season, the winter hiking trail leads from the Winkel car park in Dünserberg via the Naturfreunde Gerachhaus to the mountain station of the Schnifis cable car on the Hensler. When suitable winter conditions prevail, the trail is prepared; it is easy to walk and can be completed without snowshoes. When planning, bear in mind that these characteristics depend on the winter conditions mentioned.

Paragliders find ideal training conditions on the Schnifisberg all year round. In addition to hikers, Schnifis therefore also appeals to people who would like to combine their trip with air sports. For families or groups, it can be appealing to alternate active activities with quieter discoveries such as the Forest Knowledge Trail, the church or the chapel.

Getting There and Choosing Your Accommodation

Line 550 (75a) runs every two hours from Nenzing municipal offices via Nenzing and Schlins railway stations into the Dreiklang region. It stops in Schnifis, Düns and Dünserberg. This connection is a practical consideration if you do not want to plan your arrival and excursions exclusively by car. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Schnifis, it is worth deciding on your preferred travel rhythm first: Would you like to focus on the trails around the Hensler, nature and cultural topics, or regional specialities?

Discover More Places

If you would like to view further destinations in the same regional overview alongside Schnifis, you will find Röns, Röthis, Furx, Feldkirch, Viktorsberg, Altach, Frastanz and Zwischenwasser here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Feldkirch.