Kleinwalsertal (Riezlern, Hirschegg, Mittelberg)

The Kleinwalsertal is a geographical curiosity: it belongs to Vorarlberg but has no road link to Austria – the only access climbs up from Oberstdorf in the Allgäu and ends at Baad. For that reason the valley was a German customs exclusion zone from 1891 to 1995, and it still has both a German and an Austrian postcode. The municipality of Mittelberg with the villages of Riezlern (1,086 m), Hirschegg and Mittelberg has around 5,000 inhabitants, was settled by Walser people around 1270 and, with over 1.6 million overnight stays a year, is one of Austria's most visited places; above the valley stand the Hoher Ifen (2,230 m) and Großer Widderstein (2,536 m).

The classic day plan: first the Breitachklamm near Oberstdorf, 2.5 km long and up to 150 m deep, accessible on walkways since 1905 (admission €9, children €2.50, as of 2026; Walserschanz car park on the valley side), then up by the Kanzelwand cable car (8 May–8 Nov 2026) or the Heuberg cable car from Hirschegg (1 May–26 Oct 2026) to easy paths such as the Burmiwasser adventure trail to the Riezler Alpsee. In rain, the free Bergschau 1122 in the Walserhaus in Hirschegg covers nature and Walser history. From our house it is 139 km and about 2½ hours via Bregenz and Oberstdorf; worthwhile as a stage on the journey home to Germany or during a longer stay. The Walserbus runs within the valley; don't forget your ID.

Last updated: 13 Sep 2026