St. Gallenkirch along the Illweg to Gortipohl

The Illweg is the winter trail right outside our front door. It starts at St. Gallenkirch's parish church (878 m; built in 1474, tower from 1669) and follows the river up the valley: past the sports shops in the centre, past the Garfrescha Bahn valley station – 600 m from our house – and via the Blendolmaweg into the centre of Gortipohl. 3.3 km, 52 m of ascent, about an hour; the state of Vorarlberg classifies it as an easy winter trail, and according to state data it is groomed almost all the way – a broad, grippy snow surface rather than a ploughed tarmac path.

We often walk it in the late afternoon when the sun lights up the slopes of the Grasjoch; it also works well with a pushchair with large wheels or with a sledge in tow. Return to St. Gallenkirch either the same way, via the farms of Innerziggam on the sunny side (see the loop via Innerziggam) or on bus 650 (stop 400 m from our house). Refreshments in St. Gallenkirch and Gortipohl.

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.

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