Guardhouse ​|​ Dalaas

The “Wachterhaus”—still known by this name today after a former family of owners—is atypical for the Klostertal with its almost urban-looking architecture. It was likely built after the road toward Arlberg was extended in the 1780s. Across the street was the so-called “Wachterareal.”

The local history book *Dalaas-Wald* contains the following description of the building:

The inn “Zum weißen Kreuz” was opened in the eastern part of the building. The other, elongated section—where a staircase made of natural stone leads to the first floor, likely spanning the Mühlebach stream—served as lodging for guests, but presumably also for the staff. When the postal rider began passing by regularly and a regular postal service with carriages was established—and especially after the completion of the state highway, when heavy-duty wagons traveling over the Arlberg required many horses—the “Weißes Kreuz” served as the postal station. Across the street stood freight sheds, haylofts, and horse stables.

The Wachterhaus was originally named after Johann Baptist Wachter (1804–1887), a native of Vandans. He had married into the Schaller family, who lived here, and worked as a teacher in Dalaas. He became a prominent figure in the community, serving as mayor for ten years and, in 1861, being elected to the newly founded Vorarlberg State Parliament as a representative of the Klostertal valley.

After Johann Baptist Wachter’s heirs closed the “Zum weißen Kreuz” inn, the building was used for various purposes. Among other things, the Dalaas Consumer Cooperative operated a store here for decades. Today, the “Wachterhaus” houses numerous apartments. It also serves as the office and archive space for the Klostertal Museum Association.