Do you know the Montafon holiday region in Vorarlberg? Last summer and this summer too, we traveled through this wonderful region and experienced numerous mountain adventures. We not only went on varied hikes, but also on great bike and climbing tours. The 39-kilometer-long Alpine valley, which stretches from Bludenz to the Bielerhöhe, awaited us with impressive peaks, picturesque mountain lakes, breathtaking views, roaring waterfalls, and lush forests. The Montafon region offers a fantastic all-round package for a thoroughly successful mountain summer. In the following article, we would like to introduce you to 15 great highlights in Montafon and inspire you for your own trip. Enjoy browsing!
- Overview of Montafon in Austria
- The 11 Montafon towns
- Our top highlights in Montafon
- 1. Hike Versettla & Madrisella
- 2. Hike through the Garnera Gorge
- 3. Hike Zamangspitze & Kreuzjoch
- 4. Hike on the Montafonerhausweg
- 5. Mountain breakfast in the Nova Stoba
- 6. Röbischlucht via ferrata
- 7. Rongg Waterfall via ferrata
- 8. Sankt Anton Waterfall via ferrata
- 9. Kälbersee via ferrata
- 10. SUP on the Kälbersee
- 11. Magnificent bike tour through the Ganifertal
- 12. Hochjoch Trail Park
- 13. Gravity Carts on the Hochjoch
- 14. Silvretta High Alpine Road
- 15. Hike around the Lünersee
- Mountain railways in the Montafon
- Guest cards & BergePLUS Guest Program
- Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon
- Conclusion on the Montafon Region
Overview of Montafon in Austria
The 39-kilometer-long valley with its 11 villages offers everything you need for a truly successful mountain holiday. Not only spectacular peaks and passes await you, but also lush valleys and forests, picturesque mountain lakes, roaring waterfalls, idyllic alpine meadows, and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you’re a connoisseur, nature lover, sports enthusiast, or adrenaline junkie—there’s something for everyone in the Montafon region. There are numerous well-marked hiking and biking trails as well as adventurous climbing routes and cool climbing gardens.
The Alpine valley stretches from Bludenz to the Bielerhöhe and is bordered by the Rätikon, Verwall, and Silvretta mountain ranges. At the end of the valley, Vorarlberg’s highest mountain awaits you: the 3,312-meter-high Piz Buin. In the 11 different tourist resorts, you will find numerous hotels and vacation apartments, museums, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés. Visit Gargellen, the highest town in the Montafon at over 1,400 metres above sea level, or stroll through the valley’s only pedestrian zone in Schruns.
The 11 Montafon towns
- St. Anton i. Montafon
- Vandans
- Bartholomäberg
- Schruns
- Taschagguns
- Silbertal
- Gargellen
- St. Gallenkirch
- Gortipohl
- Gaschurn
- Partenen
By loading the map, you accept Google’s privacy policy.
Learn more
Load map
In winter, the Montafon transforms into a popular ski area. With towns like Schruns, Tschagguns, Gaschurn, and Partenen, the region offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The Silvretta Montafon is one of the largest ski areas in Vorarlberg and offers state-of-the-art lifts and well-groomed slopes. There is also plenty to experience off-piste in the Montafon. The region is proud of its traditional culture and history. Old farmhouses, churches, and museums provide a glimpse into life in bygone times.
Our top highlights in Montafon
We did plenty of activities on our two trips and explored the most diverse corners of Montafon. Whether hiking, via ferrata, walking, wellness, bike tour, or SUP – in the following paragraph, we present you 15 great activities in Montafon. There is, of course, much more to experience, but we have to save one or two highlights for our next trips.
1. Hike Versettla & Madrisella
Ascents of the Versettla summit and the Madrisella summit are popular outdoor activities for hikers and mountaineers. The hike begins at the Versettla cable car mountain station at an altitude of 2,010 m. From there, follow the markings toward Versettla and Madrisella. Right from the start, the trail leads over smaller paths and a boulder field via Burg up to the Versettlaspitze peak at an altitude of 2,372 m (duration: 1.5 hours). Along the way, you can enjoy magnificent views of the wild and romantic Ganeratal valley and the surrounding mountains.
From the Versettlaspitze, you can hike back to the mountain station along the same path or climb the Madrisella summit at 2,466 m, about 30 minutes away. The effort is worth it, as a stunning view of the majestic Silvretta and its mountain peaks awaits you. From the summit, you can hike back to the mountain station along the same path or continue your tour towards the Matschuner Joch and Nova Tal. However, you should plan 5 to 6 hours for the so-called Madrisella Summit Trail.
- Distance: approx. 10.8 km
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Elevation gain: 829 meters
- Refreshment stops: Alpe Nova, Nova Stoba
- Route description: see here
2. Hike through the Garnera Gorge
During our last trip, there were also days when the clouds hung low and the weather was generally not that good. But sitting in our hotel room was out of the question for us. So we went on a fantastic hike through the Garnera Gorge, which led us to a fantastic waterfall. From the Versettlabahn parking lot, we hiked for about 20 minutes to the Fenggatobel entrance. A narrow path (marked white and blue) leads up to the left of the roaring Garnerabach stream, offering many great views and photo opportunities. We hiked to the beautiful Ganeu-Maisäß (about 1 hour) and continued along the wide farm track back to Gaschurn. For this hike, you should have a basic level of fitness and stamina, as well as be sure-footed. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
- Route: Gaschurn – Fenggatobel – Ganeu-Maisäß – Gaschurn (approx. 5.5 km)
- Duration: approx. 2 – 2.5 hours
- Elevation gain: approx. 450 m
- Refreshment stops: none
- Other routes: see here
3. Hike Zamangspitze & Kreuzjoch
One of our favorite hikes in the Montafon is the high-altitude hike to Zamangspitze and Kreuzjoch. During this fantastic tour, you will be surrounded by over 200 peaks, towers, pinnacles, ridges, and ridges. The hike begins with the Grasjoch cable car, which takes you from St. Gallenkirch up to the Grasjoch Hut. From there, follow the trail toward the Zamangspitze, which you reach after about 60 minutes. The view from there over the Montafon and the surrounding mountains is fantastic. If you haven’t had enough yet, we recommend continuing your hike for about 45 minutes to the Kreuzjoch.
Over a great Following the panoramic trail, you reach the Kreuzjoch at an altitude of 2,398 meters. From there, you can already see almost the entire Montafon and take a few souvenir photos. As a reward, you should definitely stop at the Wormser Hut, which is already visible from the Kreuzjoch (approx. 15 minutes walk). Here you can look forward to delicious regional specialties (cash only!). For the return journey, we took the Hochalpila cable car to the Grasjoch Hut and then the Grasjoch cable car back to St. Gallenkirch. A truly fantastic and highly recommended circular hike!
- Distance: approx. 8 kilometers
- Duration: approx. 3 to 4 hours
- Elevation gain: approx. 614 m
- Refreshment stops: Grasjoch Hütte, Wormser Hütte, Alpe Zamang
- Route description: see here
4. Hike on the Montafonerhausweg
The so-called Montafonerhausweg offers a wonderful opportunity to get to know Gortipohl better. The Montafonerhausweg trail reveals the distinctive features of the typical residential and farm buildings that shaped the valley from the 15th to the 20th century. These buildings are inextricably linked to the cultural landscape of the Montafon. The hike begins at the Church of St. Nicholas in Gortipohl. On your circular route, you’ll pass not only historic houses but also roaring streams and lush meadows. Be sure to also visit the impressive Balbier Waterfall in Gortipohl.
- Distance: approx. 3 km
- Duration: 1 hour
- Elevation gain: 63 m
- Route description: see here
5. Mountain breakfast in the Nova Stoba
Another highlight in the Montafon holiday region is definitely the unique mountain breakfast in the Nova Stoba at over 2,000 m altitude (ride on the Versettla cable car). Here, a gigantic imperial buffet with regional specialties and countless delicacies is served. The selection and variety are enormous. Enjoy the view of the peaks and indulge in culinary delights. There are other restaurants and huts in the region that invite you to enjoy a mountain breakfast. You can find an overview here: Mountain breakfast in Montafon.
- In summer every Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- In winter every Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- Price: Adults €20.50, children €13 (a valid train ticket is required)
- Reservations: +43 5557 6300-510+43 5557 6300 or service@silvretta-montafon.at
- Further information: see here
6. Röbischlucht via ferrata
Last year we completed our first via ferrata in the Montafon. We drove to Gargellen, where we were able to park our car in a parking lot along the road. From there, it was only a short hike to the start of the Röbischlucht via ferrata. The via ferrata led us directly along the Röbibach stream through the beautiful gorge and water landscape. We had to cross the stream several times and master our first via ferrata at a height of about 3 to 4 meters. It was incredibly fun and we really enjoyed it. For us, it was the perfect introduction to climbing. The difficulty level is mostly A/B (also suitable for children). It took us about 50 to 60 minutes for the via ferrata and about 30 minutes for the walk back to the car. Click here for the overview map.
7. Rongg Waterfall Via Ferrata
Directly next to the Röbischlucht via ferrata is the even more impressive Rongg Waterfall Via Ferrata. We also completed this one during our last trip. The via ferrata demanded a bit more from us, leading at times at dizzying heights through the enchanting gorge. In addition to an impressive waterfall and steep overhanging walls, a rope bridge awaited us right at the beginning.
The difficulty level of the via ferrata is rated B/C. You should definitely not be afraid of heights and be sure-footed. It can be quite tricky in wet conditions, and the risk of flooding during heavy rain and thunderstorms should not be underestimated. However, we really enjoyed the scenery on this via ferrata. Click here for the overview map.
8. Via ferrata Sankt Anton Wasserfall
On the last day of our trip last summer, we also tested the via ferrata Sankt Anton Wasserfall. This via ferrata leads past two roaring waterfalls and boasts a unique scenic backdrop with views of St. Anton in Montafon. Adventurous rope bridges (which you can also bypass) and some steeper passages await you. You should allow two hours for the approach, the via ferrata itself, and the descent. The difficulty level is rated C/D (mostly B & C). Click here for the overview map.
9. Kälbersee Via Ferrata
We recently tried out the Kälbersee via ferrata on the Hochjoch. We took the Hochjoch cable car to the mountain station and then the Sennigrat chairlift to the turnaround station. From there, we hiked down to Kälbersee. Shortly before the lake, a path led us up the left side of the rock to the start. This “practice via ferrata” has four different climbing routes, ideal for beginners and advanced climbers.
We chose the easy route B and it took us just under 45 minutes to reach the top. There is also a route C and a route D, which is only suitable for experienced climbers. Along the way, we enjoyed the great views of the three mountain lakes (Kälbersee, Schwarzsee, Herzsee) on the Hochjoch. Once at the top, we were treated to another fantastic mountain panorama, with views all the way to the imposing Rote Wand. More information about the via ferrata here.
10. SUP on Lake Kälbersee
If you’re taking a trip to the Wormser Hut or the via ferratas, we also recommend a detour to Lake Kälbersee on the Hochjoch. Here, if the weather’s good, you can grab a free SUP and paddle around the lake. The small hut by the lake has restrooms and a self-service refrigerator with drinks and snacks. Payment is on a trust basis (a small cash box is available on site).
11. Magnificent bike tour through the Ganifertal
If you enjoy cycling in the mountains, we can highly recommend the bike tour through the beautiful Ganifertal. Equipped with modern e-mountain bikes, we cycled from Gaschurn to Partenen. At the second bend after the toll booth, we turned left and followed the road via Ganifer up to the Verbellaalpe. The climb is steep and features numerous switchbacks (an e-bike is definitely an advantage here). This section of the route itself is a true feast for the eyes and offers magnificent views. We took breaks at many points and enjoyed the scenery. For us, the Ganifertal is one of the most beautiful areas in the Montafon.
After a short break from the Verbellalape, we continued to the Kops Reservoir, where you can experience the impressive connection between nature and technology up close. Be sure to plan a break at the Zeinisjoch Alpine Inn and order what is probably the most delicious Kaiserschmarrn in the region. From the inn, the route led us along the Zeinisjoch Road and Silvretta Road through the idyllic Paznaun Valley to the Bielerhöhe. Here, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the mountains. At the end, a rapid descent on the Silvretta High Alpine Road awaits you. Click here for the tour description (similar to our tour).
12. Trailpark Hochjoch
Last summer, the Trailpark Hochjoch opened its doors to all those who love exploring the mountain panorama by bike. The park proudly presents three newly designed flow trails that lead from the Kapellrestaurant through the dense forest to the Kropfen mid-station. These three varied trails offer almost 7 kilometers of fun for beginners and experienced bikers. We rode the Hubertus Trail and the Kilka Wald Trail, among others. We had an incredible amount of fun on both routes.
You can rent bikes and helmets at Intersport directly at the Hochjoch cable car valley station. The Train & Bike day ticket costs €42 for adults. This allows you to use the cable car all day and take your bike with you. If you already have a multi-day, season, or annual ticket, you can get the Bike Transport day ticket for €17 and transport your bike up the mountain. More information here: Biking in the Silvretta Montafon.
- Trail 1 – Hubertus Trail – Difficulty: easy | 4,138 meters
- Trail 2 – Kilka Wald Trail – Difficulty: moderate | 2,531 meters
- Trail 3 – Wolfsgruaba Trail – Difficulty: moderate – difficult | 226 meters
13. Gravity Carts at Hochjoch
Want some fun on three wheels? From the Hochjoch cable car mountain station, you can whizz down to the mid-station in the new Gravity Carts. You can rent them at Intersport right next to the mountain station. The wide and well-maintained forest path winds its way down almost 6 km to the mid-station (Kropfen). On this stretch, you can really put the pedal to the metal and enjoy the rapid descent to the fullest. The ride takes about 15 minutes, depending on your speed. You can return your vehicle at the mid-station. A one-way ticket costs €19, and a day ticket costs €39 (valid train ticket required).
14. Silvretta High Alpine Road
An absolute highlight in the Montafon is the Silvretta High Alpine Road, a well-known 22.3 km long panoramic road in the Austrian Alps. The toll road takes you from Partenen (1,051 m) over the Bielerhöhe (2,032 m) to Galtür (1,584 m). The Silvretta High Alpine Road connects the Montafon with the Paznaun Valley, thus providing an important link between the two valleys. 34 hairpin bends await you along the way, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, glaciers, and valleys.
The most popular view is between hairpin bends 22 and 23. Using the Silvretta High Alpine Road is subject to a fee, as it is a toll road. Prices vary depending on the vehicle type. Currently, the toll for a car with up to 9 people is €18, and for a motorcycle, €14. We were traveling by bike and didn’t have to pay anything. Due to alpine weather conditions, the road is closed during the winter months. All information here.
15. Hike around Lake Lünersee
Our friend Vanessa lives and works in Montafon and has already shown us some great places in the region (online and offline). She and her dog are often drawn to the beautiful Lünersee, which we have not yet visited ourselves. But that is very high on our agenda for one of our next trips. You can easily take the Lünerseebahn cable car to the starting point of the circular hike. From the mountain station, you can then walk around the lake in both directions and enjoy the beautiful views (refreshment stops include Alpe Lünersee and Douglass Hütte). More information here.
Mountain Railways in Montafon
Throughout the Montafon holiday region, numerous cable cars and lifts are available to comfortably transport you into the alpine terrain. From the mountain stations, you can embark on numerous great hikes, climbing tours, and mountain bike tours in summer, and ski the diverse slopes in winter. But even if you just want to stop off at one of the huts or enjoy a leisurely mountain breakfast, a ride on the cable car is recommended. You can find an overview with all the information on the cable cars and lifts here: Cable cars in Montafon.
If you are staying in the region for at least 3 days, we recommend the Freizeit-WildPass (from €66). This gives you unlimited access to a total of 19 lifts in Montafon, Bludenz, the neighboring Brandnertal, Klostertal, Grosses Walsertal, and Walgau (public transport is also free). You can find all the information here: Freizeit-WildPass. Of course, you can also purchase day tickets, season tickets, and annual passes for the various mountain railways.
Guest cards & BergePLUS guest program
We also think the BergePLUS guest program is really cool. If you’re a guest at one of the approximately 200 BergePLUS partner establishments, you’ll have access to guided, daily changing BergePLUS experiences (hikes, climbing tours, bike tours, and much more) free of charge. So, if you prefer to be out in the mountains with an experienced guide, this program might be of interest to you. If you’re not staying at a partner establishment, you’ll receive a 20% discount with the Montafon Guest Card, which you’ll receive free of charge at your accommodation.trong> to the BergePLUS experiences. All information can be found here: BergePLUS guest program.
Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon
During our last trip, we stayed for 5 nights at the excellent 4* Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon. This gourmet and sports hotel is located in Gaschurn and awaited us with a spacious and tastefully furnished Junior Suite. In addition to a comfortable double bed, a balcony, and a bathroom with a shower, we were also treated to a small sauna. Bathrobes, slippers, and a wellness bag were already in our room. The hotel has a fantastic 2,000 sqm wellness area with various saunas, an indoor pool, a fitness room, a tepidarium, relaxation rooms, and much more.
In the morning we could always enjoy a rich Enjoy the breakfast buffet. In the evening, we were treated to a 3-course menu as part of our half-board stay. The food was always delicious and prepared with great attention to detail. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much choice on this menu, which made things a bit difficult at times. Alternatively, we could always choose something from the à la carte restaurant’s menu. Book a room here. Last summer, we stayed at the Hotel Verwall, which we can also recommend. You can find a detailed review here: Hotel Verwall in Montafon.
Conclusion on the Montafon Region
The Montafon is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating holiday regions that can be found in the Alps. With its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse recreational opportunities, and the warm hospitality of the locals, this region offers everything the (outdoor) heart desires. The majestic peaks of the Montafon mountains, such as the Hochjoch, the Silvretta massif, and the Verwall, form an impressive backdrop for outdoor activities year-round. For us, the Montafon is the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking relaxation alike. We’re already looking forward to our next mountain summer.