Settlement History Route

Moderate
Alpenmosaik - Verwall
Einkehrmöglichkeit
Rundtour
Themenweg · Hiking · Alpine mosaic – Verwall · Alpine mosaic · Refreshment stops · Round trip · Bartholomäberg
02:30 h duration
7,06 km Length in km
1495 m Highest point
1086 m Lowest point
449 m gain Ascent
449 m gain Descent
Stamina
Skill
Difficulty
Adventure
Scenery

Tour description

On this challenging loop hike, you’ll discover the early history of settlement and mining on Bartholomäberg while enjoying sweeping views of the striking peaks of the Rätikon.

The Settlement History Trail takes you through the cultural landscape on the “Sunny Balcony” of the Montafon and shows why people settled at this elevation so early on. Historic trails, meadows, and pastures, as well as the mining area, characterize the tour and bring the history of settlement to life even today.

For almost the entire hike, you’ll be treated to views of the Rätikon range, including the Drei Türme, Sulzfluh, and Drusenfluh. The Zimba in the Vandanser Steinwand is also clearly visible. The historic mine offers a unique glimpse into the area’s mining history right along the trail.

What is the Montafon Alpine Mosaic?

The Montafon Alpine Mosaic showcases the scenic diversity of the Montafon. Four exploration areas—Verwall, Silvretta, Rätikon, and the valley—reveal how geology, nature, and the cultural landscape are interconnected.

Along 34 themed trails, you can discover the unique features of these diverse landscapes. Starting points, themes, and stories along the trails continually offer you new perspectives on the Montafon.

So: Choose an exploration area, lace up your hiking boots, and discover the diversity of the Montafon step by step.

You can find more information about the Montafon Alpine Mosaic HERE.

Starting Point - Directions - End Point

Starting Point
Bartholomäberg, Baroque Church

Directions
From the Baroque church in Bartholomäberg, you’ll first hike uphill past the Bärger Lädili and follow the Lindaweg. After a distinctive S-curve, leave the road and switch to a dirt path. Passing through Neyers-Legi, you’ll climb up to Rellseck, where a sweeping view of the valley and the surrounding mountains opens up near the chapel.

Passing the Alpengasthof Rellseck, follow the road back toward Bartholomäberg. In the Goritschang area, the trail branches left toward Fritzensee. At the start of the natural lake, hike down to the right toward the historic mine at 1,337 meters above sea level.

From the mine, a trail leads you further down the valley. You’ll cross the Roferweg, follow a short paved section, and then return to a hiking trail. Via the Obwaldweg and other trails, you’ll rejoin the Roferweg and follow it back to the Baroque church in Bartholomäberg.

End Point
Bartholomäberg, Church

Getting to the starting point

Getting to the Starting Point
The starting point for the tour is the Baroque church in Bartholomäberg.

By public transportation:
The Montafon regional bus and the Montafonerbahn railway offer a convenient and flexible way to get around the valley. Trains and buses run regularly between the towns, every half hour or every hour depending on the route. You can find the right connection HERE. Bus stop at the start/end of this tour: Bartholomäberg Church

By car:
Take the A14 to the Bludenz/Montafon exit, then follow the L188 into the Montafon valley. When you reach St. Anton im Montafon, turn left at the train station and follow the road to Bartholomäberg. Paid parking is available at the Baroque church.

Important Information

For this hike, we recommend sturdy shoes with good traction and weather-appropriate clothing. Also, be sure to bring plenty to drink and a snack if needed.

An “Active Hiking Map” is recommended to help you find your way on the trail.

Tips

A visit to the historic mine offers you the chance to delve even deeper into the history of the miners and mining on the Bartholomäberg.

You can find more information about the Verwall European Protected Area and its unique habitats HERE.

Sicherheitstipps für Wandern in Vorarlberg

EN NOTRUF:

EN 140 - Alpine Notfälle österreichweit 

EN 144 - Alpine Notfälle Vorarlberg 

EN 112 - Euro-Notruf (funktioniert mit jedem Handy/Netz) 

Properties
Route type Themenweg, Hiking, Alpine mosaic – Verwall, Alpine mosaic, Refreshment stops, Round trip
Difficulty Moderate
Start Barockkirche Bartholomäberg
Finish Barockkirche Bartholomäberg
Elevation profile
Best months
Jan
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