Illweg: valley trail from Partenen to Bludenz

The Illweg follows the river from the head of the valley in Partenen (1,050 m) to Bludenz (570 m). The State of Vorarlberg lists it as a regional main route and OpenStreetMap records it as a named hiking route – we merged both sources. Over 33 km the trail loses just under 500 m of altitude and climbs only briefly in a few places, making it the easiest long walk in the valley. It can be split as you like because the Montafonerbahn railway and the Landbus run parallel almost everywhere.

The natural stages: Partenen – Gaschurn (approx. 4 km, past the Rifa reservoir), Gaschurn – St. Gallenkirch via Gortipohl (approx. 6 km – our holiday house is a few minutes from the path here), St. Gallenkirch – Schruns/Tschagguns (approx. 8 km, riverside woodland), Schruns – Vandans (approx. 5 km) and Vandans – Lorüns – Bludenz (approx. 10 km through the narrow valley). The surface alternates between gravel, tarmac and forest track; large sections double as the Ill cycle path, so watch out for cyclists. Pushchairs manage most sections.

The Illweg is at its best in spring and autumn, when the high trails are still or already snowy, and on hot summer days in the shade of the riverside woods. There are places to eat in every village; in Gaschurn the Maria Schnee chapel is worth a detour, in Schruns the local history museum.

Emergency: Alpine rescue 140 · Euro emergency 112 · Ambulance 144
All information without guarantee. Please check weather, opening hours and cable car operating times before setting off. Alpine tours require personal responsibility, suitable equipment and experience.

📚 Listed in: OpenStreetMap · Vorarlberg hiking route network

Last updated: 13 Sep 2026 · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)