Authentic Mountain Villages
Habitats in harmony with nature
The villages in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal tell stories of living tradition, sustainable coexistence and a deep connection to nature. Each community contributes to the diversity of the region with its uniqueness - from idyllic Alpine villages to cultural highlights. Immerse yourself in the special features of the six mountain villages and experience how traditional life and modern standards are harmoniously combined.
Thüringerberg: Valley entrance and sunny plateau
If you choose the northern route into the Große Walsertal, you will first come across the small municipality of Thüringerberg, which lies on the southern slope of the Walser ridge. Thanks to this location, Thüringerberg enjoys plenty of sunshine and offers sweeping views of famous peaks such as the Rote Wand, the Zimba, the Schesaplana and the Drei Schwestern.
St. Gerold: The cultural center of the Großes Walsertal
St. Gerold impresses with its combination of culture and nature. Known for the Propstei St. Gerold, the village attracts people who are looking for peace and inspiration. The traditional hospitality and cultural events in the provostry create an atmosphere of contemplation and slowing down. St. Gerold is an ideal place to organize your thoughts and come to rest.
One day and one night
Between tradition and modernity: a retreat in St. Gerold that relaxes body and soul.
Blons: A young community with cutting-edge technology
The place name Blons refers to the Rhaeto-Romanic expression for "small plain". With around 350 inhabitants, it is the smallest municipality in the valley. In January 1954, one of the worst avalanche disasters in the Alps hit the Großes Walsertal; Blons was hit particularly hard by the masses of snow and recorded a high number of victims. Today, the avalanche paths and the small documentation center tell the story of staying and rebuilding.
Education and innovation
The Biosphere Park Secondary School in Blons is the educational hub for pupils in grades 5 to 8 from the entire valley. The Blons telecommunications association took pioneering steps towards the expansion of fiber optics at a very early stage, creating high-quality jobs in the small mountain village.
Raggal: Sunny experiences on the shadow side
If you choose the eastern route to the Großes Walsertal biosphere reserve, you will first come across the small municipality of Raggal and its district of Marul, on the so-called shady side of the valley. But that in no way diminishes the charm of this cozy mountain village. In summer, hiking trails lead up to the Alps and peaks. In winter, Raggal delights visitors with its small, family-friendly ski area, the "Skilifte Raggal". Either way: In Raggal and Marul you will find peace, nature and an authentic Walser experience.
Sonntag/Buchboden: The largest municipality in the Großes Walsertal
The houses in Sonntag are widely scattered, as is typical of mountain villages in the Alps. The village center is formed around the village church, which is also home to the Museum Großes Walsertal. In the biosphärenpark.haus you can taste and buy the delicious Walserstolz mountain cheese and many other regional specialties. Away from the alpine summer, with a bit of luck you can even take a look inside the alpine dairy and watch the herdsmen at work. At the end of the village, a lonely road leads to Buchboden, a picturesque district of Sonntag. You won't find cell phone reception there - and that's a good thing. From here, many hiking trails lead into the Gadental, a core zone of the biosphere reserve.
A Sunday in Sonntag
From the cable car to the regulars' table: a summer day full of nature, culture and enjoyment in Sonntag in the Großes Walsertal.
Fontanella/Faschina: Between rugged mountains, gentle meadows and wild mountain streams
The villages of Fontanella and Faschina offer all those who want to set off into the mountains almost directly from the front door all year round a number of options. In summer on foot, in winter on touring skis - on the Glatthorn or the Zafernhorn. Enjoy the sweeping views over the Alps.
In Faschina, situated at 1,485 m above sea level directly on the Faschinajoch, things are usually quiet and informal. Family-friendly, clearly laid out and nostalgic - that's how the Faschina cable cars can be described. In summer, the Seewaldsee lake in Fontanella refreshes more than just the senses. Two artistic swings, so-called "Hutschn", invite you to swing in the middle of the mountains.
Swinging high
A day full of highs and lows: Two summits, a swing and a refreshing jump into the Seewaldsee.