Last updated: 25 June 2023
Feldkirch, a historic medieval town located in the state of Vorarlberg in Austria often flies under the radar of most tourists, making it a real hidden gem and what some may refer to as the best kept secret in Austria.
Feldkirch is situated in the western edge of Austria, bordering Switzerland and the north-eastern edge of Liechtenstein. There are so many fantastic things to do in Feldkirch during a short break that the biggest challenge you’ll be faced with is trying trying to fit it all in!
So if you’re seeking to explore an area that provides incredible views, delicious foods, and layers of rich history then you really can’t go past Feldkirch, Austria. I think that it’s very fair to say that Feldkirch will win your heart during your stay and that you will no doubt be returning for another visit in the future.
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When’s the Best Time to Visit Feldkirch?
The answer to this question really depends on what you’d like to do during your visit to Feldkirch.
The warmest time to visit Feldkirch is during the European summer months of July and August, with average temperatures hovering around the mid to high 20s degrees Celsius, and staying in the low teens after the sun disappears.
However, with the region’s close proximity to the Alps, Feldkirch is a winter playground attracting the swoosh-swoosh-swoosh of skiers traversing Montafon, one of the larger ski regions in Vorarlberg.
The shoulder seasons are always a personal favourite, benefiting from mild weather and affordable prices. It’s at this time that the surrounding forests will explode in technicolour of reds, yellows, and oranges in autumn, and in spring wild-flower-filled meadows making it very appealing for those interested in tackling one of the many hiking trails this region is known for.
In short, there’s no bad time to discover Feldkirch!
Top 5 Things to Do in Feldkirch Austria | Feldkirch Sightseeing Guide
Schattenburg Castle
Schattenburg Castle was constructed in 1200 CE by Duke Hugo von Monfort, the founder of Feldkirch, and became the family residence for close to 200 years before it became the property of the Habsburgs.
Perched on top of a hill overlooking the town, the Castle has undergone numerous renovations in the years since it was first built to repair damage caused by fires, wars, and conflicts. The restoration works are one of the reasons why Schattenburg Castle is considered to be one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe today.
The town of Feldkirch bought the castle in a state of semi abandonment in 1825.
There’s no missing Schattenburg Castle when strolling through Feldkirch, it’s not only an important historical landmark but also a restaurant, a museum, and plays host to various events throughout the year.
Don’t miss the Keep where some of the walls are original from the 13th century, and make sure to explore the museum which spans 18 rooms over 3 floors. Each room is dedicated to a different aspect of Feldkirch’s city history and leads visitors on a journey through time.
There are various public tours available including the evening tours which run across 2022 on the last Thursday of every month from April to October and last for 90 minutes. Click here for the booking details.
The Katzenturm (Cat’s Tower)
The Katzenturm, a 40 metre tall round tower, and one of the tallest structures in the city. It was originally completed in the early 16th century as part of the city’s fortification before becoming the town’s bell tower in the 17th century.
Unfortunately the bell tower was engulfed and destroyed by fire in 1697 and was subsequently rebuilt.
If you’re wondering about the name – Katzenturm – the name comes from the unique cannons which were designed with cat and lion heads as the cannon sights.
Today it’s home to Vorarlberg’s largest bell and the sixth largest in Austria which weighs in at around 8.5 tons. You can hear the gargantuan bell ring every Friday at 3pm.
BOOK NOW: Private 2 Hour City Highlights Walking Tour
Marktgasse
This wide pedestrian cobble-stoned street is a drawcard for visitors when they’re awash with activity on market days with stalls selling flowers, clothes, ornaments, and freshly harvested local products including cheese from the Bregenzerwald.
Marktgasse has been the main market area since the Middle Ages. In the festive season, this is the place to come as it’s home to the famous Christmas market.
The Feldkirch farmers’ and weekly market has been an all year round affair since the 13th century, taking place twice a week – on Tuesdays and Saturdays, in the heart of Feldkirch’s city centre.
READ MORE: Discover why Bregenz should also be on your Must Visit List when in Vorarlberg!
Wildpark Feldkirch
Expect to experience the well-signposted nature trails and guided forest tours with incredible scenery of the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop.
Take a stroll through the wilderness and see alpine wildlife close up from local red deer, lynx, wolves, alpine ibex, wolves, and birds of all kinds. Today around 160 animals, belonging to approx. 18 different species, live in the park so be sure to pack your camera.
Time permitting, why not make a day of it. There’s enough to keep the whole family interested, with a play area, picnic grounds and a restaurant; plus different trails making the wildlife park the perfect day out in the city.
The Home of Skiing
During your visit to Feldkirch it won’t come as a surprise but skiing is a popular pastime and when you’re surrounded by some of the world’s greatest ski slopes it’s little wonder that the entire region of Vorarlberg takes skiing seriously. Why not take the opportunity to strap on skis and immerse yourself in the natural wonder on your doorstep.
Here’s 3 ski resorts in Vorarlberg that you might be interested in visiting;
- Laterns-Gapfohl which is a slightly smaller resort but one that you might want to start off with as they offer 27km of natural slopes and 11km of ski runs
- Brandnertal which boasts over 64km of pristine snow runs and plenty of activities available for those visitors who wish to experience something different, such as toboganning, ski touring, and snowshoe hiking
- Silvretta Montafon, offers an incredible 117km of mountain slopes with 23km of immaculate natural powder. Also, when you visit be sure to take the Silvretta lift which is the fastest 8-person chairlift in all of Vorarlberg. For more information about skiing in Vorarlberg, click here
What to Eat in Feldkirch?
Kässpätzle
It’s also known as cheese spaetzle, Kässpätzle is a dish of dumplings or noodles with cheese. In my humble opinion, it’s best served hot, and topped with crispy fried onions.
Cheese
Perhaps it’s the fresh alpine air or the happy cows, but Vorarlberg is famous for the excellent cheeses it produces. News flash, I love cheese! So I was very much in my happy place sampling the assortment of cheeses from the region. If you’d like to discover more about cheese culture in Vorarlberg then check it out here.
Sura Kees
Awarded a PDO* (protected designation of origin) denoting it as a significant element of Vorarlberg’s peasant gastronomy, Sura Kees is a gem of Alpine cuisine.
Sura Kee (sour cheese), a speciality of the region of Montafon since the 12th century, is made without rennet. Skimmed milk is allowed to sour in a wooden barrel before being gently warmed and the bolma (curd) rises as a solid component, this is separated, salted and matured.
Side note – the cream is skimmed off and turned into butter. Yum!
In 2005, Bregenzerwald alpine cheese and mountain cheese was recognized as a Region of Indulgence. If you’re exploring this region check out the project “Genussregion Österreich”, which is an organisation that promotes traditional food and food-products of Austria.
When exploring this region, try these different types of cheese:
- Vorarlberger Bergkäse – firm to hard, long-matured varieties may be crumbly
- Alp cheese – exclusively hand-made during the summer
Other dishes to look out for are:
Ländle Alpschwein (alp pig)
The pigs spend up to 120 days in the open, fresh air and are only fed with the best quality food – a mixture of grain and whey. Hormones are strictly forbidden, which also guarantees the highest meat quality.
Riebel
Made from a mixture of corn and wheat semolina, it is primarily eaten for breakfast.
*Note: A PDO (protected designation of origin) is a type of geographical indication of the EU aimed at preserving the designations of origin of food-related products. Interested in a traditional Riebel recipe?
Where to Stay in Feldkirch?
Gutwinski Hotel
Totally rocking the medieval vibe without compromising the comfort of your stay, Gutwinski is a fab place to stay because it’s perfectly located in the heart of the Old Town.
Easily stroll to experience the city’s highlights and easy access to cafes, restaurants, market stalls, and 15th to 16th century townhouses.
Best Western Premier Central Hotel Leonhard
Travelling by car? Then consider the Best Western. It is located near the Schattenburg castle so it’s just on the edge of the old town.
Hotel Bären Feldkirch
This is a great option for travellers watching their budget. It’s got a great location, proximity to the train station and across the street from the Old Town area.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to explore an area of Austria that is not as well known as the larger cities, somewhere that could be described as a hidden gem, then you really can’t go past Feldkirch in Vorarlberg. There is much on offer to visitors, as this list of things to do in Feldkirch has covered, there really is something for everyone – from the world-class ski fields to historic monuments to the incredible food (and cheeses!!) – the only challenge you will face when visiting Feldkirch is how to extend your holiday to stay longer. A must visit!
Thank you to Bodensee-Vorarlberg Tourist Board for their support during this trip in conjunction with Captivate.
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