Frühmesshaus Museum Bartholomäberg

For centuries a Frühmesser was a village's second priest, who said the early Mass – and in 1657 the community of Bartholomäberg built this house beside the church for its Frühmesser. He lived here until about 1850; after that the plain building remained almost unchanged, with no later extensions, which makes it a stroke of luck for building history. It was listed in 2007, bought and restored by the municipality in 2009, and on 6 June 2009 Vorarlberg's 50th museum opened inside. Two themes interlock: the early-Baroque architecture with its historically furnished parlour, and the early history of the Bartholomäberg, the oldest settlement in the valley. Archaeological excavations here document the Bronze and Iron Ages and a mining tradition whose roots reach back to Celtic times. Special exhibitions with a regional focus round off the programme; in 2026 the postcard show “IMWANDEL” moves in from 10 September. For children there is an outdoor museum rally through the village.

Until the end of June the museum is open Tuesday and Thursday 2–5 pm, from 1 July to 26 October 2026 Tuesday to Friday and Sunday 2–5 pm; admission is by voluntary contribution, and the combined ticket is valid. From our house it is 15 km or 20 minutes; buses 640 and 641 stop at the church. Right next door stands the Baroque church with the Graß organ, and from the church square you have the panorama that earned the Bartholomäberg the name “sunny balcony”. The miners' trail continues in 50 minutes to the historic mine.

📚 Listed in: Wikivoyage

Last updated: 13 Sep 2026