Spring between the valley and the hills
When Bludenz slowly wakes up
Spring doesn’t arrive all at once here. It creeps in gradual – along the trails between Bludenz, Nüziders, and the first green hills. The selection of hikes has been deliberately kept small: trails that are already easily accessible. Not too high in elevation, but varied enough to spend several days outdoors. Bludenz serves as a reliable starting point. Many hikes begin right in town, while others are easily accessible via short bus rides.
A first step – and a clear sense
The hike takes me from Bludenz to Bürs and on into the Bürser Gorge. The trail winds through the village for a bit, following the road. It’s not until I reach the gorge that everything changes. The sound of the water grows louder, the air turns cooler, and the rocks close in. I don’t go far into it. But far enough to truly be there.
Out and about on the sunny side
The next day, I’m drawn to the sunny slopes around Bludenz. The "Sunna Weg" connects many of these sections. I hike individual segments, combining them with detours toward Rungelin and extending the loop via the Montikel Panorama Trail. It’s a pleasant hike here – not too steep, not too long, but varied. Time and again, the views open up onto the valley. With every step, it becomes clearer: spring has already arrived here.
A view from above – art meets spring
A few days later, I change my perspective.
I take the cable car up to Muttersberg. Up here, it’s quieter, more open, and a bit cooler.
I stick to the paths around the mountain station, follow the Panoramic Trail and take my time. Every now and then, works of art pop up – part of the ‘Alpine Art’ trail.
No grand display, more like individual points in the landscape that alter the view.
I don’t go far.
But I stay for a long time.
A journey with a destination
A day belongs to the Klostertal. The path to Mason Waterfall winds steadily through the forest, climbing steadily uphill. Without haste, but with purpose. At the waterfall, everything comes together: movement, sound, coolness.
A brief moment – one that lingers.
In between
Between the longer walks, quieter stretches seem to emerge almost of their own accord.
A circular walk to the Hellwald rest area.
Short walks around Bludenz.
Routes that aren’t planned, but simply come about.
They link the days together – quietly and naturally.
And what remains to be seen
A few paths have been deliberately left open:
The Furkla High Trail.
To the Untere Brüggelealp.
To the Gavar Alpe in the Klostertal.
The "Stebok-Wäg".
Perhaps they still need some time.
Or simply another visit.
