Feldkirch – a beautiful medieval town in Arlberg province
I would lie if I would told you that I was planning a visit to Feldkirch, the town in the Arlberg province in Austria. I have visited this place by coincidence and I don’t regret this at all. A few weeks ago I was watching a documentary on the best rail journeys and I have found out about the Transalpin train that goes from Zürich, Switzerland to Graz, Austria. I was so stunned that I had to start making plans for my visit in the Arlberg province. The original plan was to visit Bludenz and then head to Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol province. Later I have decided that I will visit Liechtenstein, the neighbouring country, too.
The only way to get from Bludenz to Liechtenstein by public transport is through Feldkirch. And I’m really happy that I had to go to there. It is such a beautiful medieval town, with charming old town, river flowing through the city and amazing backdrop with mountains. It is a great place to add on every itinerary if you ever find yourself nearby. Unless you are not into charming medieval buildings, narrow cobblestoned streets and hilltop castles overlooking the city.
VORARLBERG REGION
Vorarlberg is one of the smallest Austrian states, in fact the second smallest after Vienna. Regardless, it still borders three countries – Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. If we go into details it is bounded by Bavaria (Germany) on the north, by lake Constance (Bodensee), by Liechtenstein, by Switzerland on the west and south and on the east by Tirol (over the Arlberg pass). The principal town is Bregenz, followed by Dornbirn, Feldkirch and Bludenz.
Vorarlberg is known as paradise for people who love hiking.
So, after a quick Vorarlberg introduction, let’s move back to Feldkirch.
GETTING TO & AROUND FELDKIRCH
When you think of Austria, Feldkirch is probably not the first town you think of but its connections are very well and it is very easy to go there. Especially easy is to come from Zurich or Innsbruck.
After our train arrived at the Feldkirch train station, we got ourselves a coffee and a brunch to-go and we continued our way towards the city. There is a short walk to the city, in about 10 minutes you are in the city centre. There are also buses, but there is absolutely no need to use them if you are not going far away from the centre. The city is completely walkable and everything is close, no matter where are you located.
You may ask yourself when is the best time to visit Feldkirch. Due to its proximity to the Alps, Feldkirch is a great place to visit in the winter, especially if you are a winter sports lover. I have visited the city in the winter and I can tell you that it is beautiful. There is no doubt that it looks amazing in any time of the year. I loved the fact that there were not too many tourists.
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WHAT TO DO IN FELDKIRCH?
If you are wondering what to do there, let me help you with some ideas and activities I like. I am not a huge fan of museums and stuff, I prefer to spend my time outside either exploring cities and its history or in the nature. But I have a thing for castles and I love visiting them. Or just admiring them from outside. So, I had a chance to visit the castle and I would start from here.
Visit Schattenburg Castle
The Schattenburg Castle was built in the 12th century and it was the residency of Earls of Bregenz for more than 200 years and later the Habsburg’s for 300 years. Today it serves like a museum with lots of local history and architecture. You will have to pay a 8€ admission to enter and the visit includes all 18 rooms of the museum.
Wander around the Old Town
This is one of the things that is always on my list of activities when I am exploring cities and towns in Europe. By doing this, you get an insight into local life and at the same time you can enjoy in the view of the magnificent buildings and architecture. I love the feeling of exploring a new town. And drinking a cup of coffee while admiring the beauty of a place.
During my visit the main street Marktgasse was filled with vendors selling their local products on the street. During Christmas time the Marktgasse becomes the main place for Christmas markets.
Go to Liechtenstein to get a stamp in your passport
Liechtenstein (officialy the Principality of Liechtenstein) is one of the smallest countries in the world, in fact it is sixth-smallest. Like I have previously mentioned, my plan was to visit Liechtenstein and I was in Feldkirch for this reason only. But you can also do the opposite. You can visit Feldkirch and then do a day trip to Liechtenstein if you have enough time to do so. From the train station there is bus Liemobil that goes to Liechtenstein every 30 minutes. It makes a few stops in the town, so you don’t have to go to the train station. From there, you can return with a unique souvenir, with stamp in your passport from post office. It is a pretty epic souvenir, right?
If you are curious about Liechtenstein or you are seriously thinking about visiting it, you can read more about in my post here.
Visit the Towers
There are two towers worth visiting – the Katzenturm (Cat’s Tower) that was built in the 16th century and it was once part of the defensive town walls. It is a home to the largest bell in Vorarlberg and the Wasserturm (Water Tower) that is located by the river Ill. Inside of it where was an access to the river once. The river Ill itself is also something that it has to be seen.
Stroll along the Ill River
The riverside in Feldkirch is pretty, very pretty to be honest and it is certainly worth the stroll along the river. You can take a short walk along a path lined with trees growing on the banks of river. Across the river you will be able to be able to admire the building of the Regional Court of Vorarlberg built in the renaissance and gothic style.
The most I was impressed by the river colour, it looked amazing! You can see it on your own eyes.
Feldkirch is a beautiful city with charming streets, lots of interesting architecture and with nature on the doorsteps. For me, Feldkirch was seriously a hidden gem I didn’t expect to be found. I was limited with the time, so I think that this place has even more to offer. The list is based on my own experiences and preferences, but I think that there is more to be included in your itinerary.
I hope you find this post useful in planning your own trip to Feldkirch. Have you visited it already? I will be very happy if you will share your experience with me. What are some other places in Austria you have been to and you would recommend me to visit?
Here are some of my Austria favorites:
Danielle
February 18, 2023These kinds of little happenstance discoveries are one of the best parts of travel.
Jasmina
February 19, 2023I couldn’t agree more. I love discovering places like this one.
Terri
February 18, 2023I love spending time in the woods so I know my favorite thing in this town would be to take a short riverside walk along a path lined with trees.
Jasmina
February 19, 2023That would be so great. And the fresh air there… amazing!
Bejal
February 18, 2023I have never visited this region but you’ve definitely stoked my interest. I also love spending time outdoors so this is perfect! Thankyou
Jasmina
February 19, 2023Austria is a great destination for spending time outdoors!
Natascha
February 18, 2023I researched a trip from Liechtenstein to Innsbruck last summer and came across Feldkirch too! I ended up taking a different route and never set foot into Feldkirch. Reading your post – I think I should have gone with my original plan. It really looks like a picture book town. I will save your post for the next time I am in the area.
Jasmina
February 19, 2023If you ever find yourself in this area, it is totally worth the visit. I’m glad that I’ve discovered this place!
Wendy
February 19, 2023I had never heard of Feldkirch, but it does look like such a charming little town. Thanks for sharing all about it!
Jasmina
February 19, 2023I’m so lucky that I found out about Feldkirch, I had no idea of this place before!
Jody
February 19, 2023First of all I love your website name? Feldkirch sounds super cute and quaint. Would love to visit this place and plan some hiking nearby! Thank you for the great info!
Jasmina
March 4, 2023Oh, thank you so much! 🙂 Feldkirch was such a pleasant surprise on this trip! There are some great places to do some hiking both in Austria and in neighbouring Liechtenstein!
Jenn | By Land and Sea
February 19, 2023We will be in this area later this year. Might have to add this to our itinerary!
Jasmina
March 4, 2023It’s worth considering adding it to itinerary!
Pam
February 19, 2023Wow! This looks like such an idyllic town to visit. It’s got such fun colors, I can definitely see myself enjoying just walking around the town! Thanks for introducing me to this area of the world!
Jasmina
March 4, 2023I had no idea about this place before, but it was such a cute little town with pretty much to offer!
Alanna
February 19, 2023Wow! The color of that river would draw me in all on its own!
Jasmina
March 4, 2023The color of the river was just wow – the water was so clear and beautiful!
Goya Galeotta
February 19, 2023I can’t believe I have never heard of this place, looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jasmina
March 4, 2023Same here! I was really surprised in a positive way 🙂