This calm market town in western Austria sits among Alpine peaks. Its cobbled streets lead to local cafes, while the nearby ski resort welcomes beginners with gentle slopes.
Bludenz, a town of 15,000 residents in western Austria, sits at the intersection of five Alpine valleys. Walk through medieval streets to find the Nepomukbrunnen fountain, climb to St. Lawrence's Church with its distinctive onion dome, or take a tour at the Fohrenburg Brewery Museum. The Muttersberg cable car lifts you to mountain trails, while the annual Alpinale Short Film Festival brings international cinema to this Alpine town each August.
Getting to Bludenz
The town's main railway station connects three major lines: the Vorarlberg Railway, Arlberg Railway, and Bludenz-Schruns railway. You can reach Bludenz in 15 minutes from Feldkirch by train, making it easy to visit from Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The station works as a hub for buses to nearby ski resorts and hiking trails.
Exploring the Medieval Center
The Old Town spreads out from the Nepomukbrunnen fountain, with narrow cobblestone streets extending in all directions. More than 100 independent shops and boutiques occupy buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. St. Lawrence's Church, built in 1514, stands on an elevated position above the town. The baroque Gayenhofen Castle, constructed between 1228 and 1245, rises above the rooftops.
Mountain Activities at Muttersberg
Take the Muttersberg cable car to reach 1,401 meters in seven minutes. At the summit, walk through an open-air gallery where seven artists created sculptures using stone, wood, and metal from the region. Summer trails lead from the mountain station - choose between 30-minute circular walks or full-day ridge hikes. In winter, rent snowshoes and explore marked winter hiking paths.
Winter Sports Access
Ten ski areas lie within easy reach of Bludenz. Head to Brandnertal ski area for slopes at Loischkopf and Niggenkopf. Deep snow enthusiasts will find challenging runs at Sonnenkopf area in Klostertal. You can also reach Austria's largest connected ski area, Ski Arlberg, or travel to Montafon valley resorts like Golm/Tschagguns and Silvretta.
Cultural Events and Festivals
Watch around 40 international short films during the Alpinale Short Film Festival each August. The festival includes a Horror Short Film Night in autumn. Listen to experimental compositions at the Bludenzer Tage zeitgemäßer Musik, an international contemporary music festival in autumn/winter. The Remise cultural center, a converted train depot, runs concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Local Industry and Tours
Learn about 130 years of brewing at the Fohrenburg Brewery Museum, where you can see historical photographs, vintage bottles, and brewing equipment. Visit the Milka chocolate factory's visitor center to understand chocolate production and learn why the purple cow became the brand's symbol. Every week, local farmers sell fresh produce and regional specialties at the Old Town market.
