Twinkling lights and festive atmosphere in Bludenz

The pre-Christmas period is many things: contemplative, romantic, sociable, full of expectation. Above all, the pre-Christmas period in Bludenz is full of variety. In November and December, when the days are shorter again and the mountains around bludenz are covered by snow, the lights come on in the Alpine town. Festive Christmas decorations adorn the alleyways of the old town and the wooden market huts open their stores. It smells of mulled wine and punch, sweet baked goods and hearty raclette bread. In between, market stalls sell beautiful and creative items.

The traditional Christkindlemarkt offers a wide range of goods and a varied program of music, customs and culture for young and old. A visit from St. Nicholas is also part of the program and ensures joyful excitement for the little ones. Have you ever heard of the "Heiliger Bimbam"? No? Then it's about time! This is a special feature of Bludenz - an alternative Christmas market where the focus is on regional arts and crafts and culinary delights away from the usual offerings. Here you can meet local individual producers and small businesses who offer their products for sale in a tranquil atmosphere. The organic cookie manufactory of Sabine Burtscher and Xaver Le Guennec from Raggal in the Großes Walsertal is also represented. They have over 14 different types of cookies in their range, from savory to sweet and vegan. "The orange variety is particularly popular in winter. Refined with cinnamon and ginger, they they pair perfectly with a mug of mulled wine," says Sabine. The Walser passed on her passion for baking from her grandmother. Together with her partner, a trained maître crêpier from France, she opened the cookie factory and small coffee shop in her home town of Raggal, where they now bake and tinker with recipes all year round. During the summer season, the café is a popular meeting place for hikers who want to stop for a bite to eat after a tour in the mountains of the Großes Walsertal. Sabine and Xavier's creations are also popular as regional gifts. "Our cookies are a piece of Vorarlberg. We make sure that the ingredients come from the region wherever possible," explains Sabine. The wholesome spelt flour, moist butter, eggs and tangy mountain cheese used in the bakery all come from the region and are of selected organic quality. This is a matter close to Sabine and Xavier's hearts. "The conscious use of nature and its resources is important to us and is also a key issue in the Großes Walsertal biosphere reserve. That's why organic cookies are the best fit for the region," explains the entrepreneur. And that's why the cookie manufacturer's products fit in so well with the "Heiliger Bimbam". There you also have the opportunity to taste the delicious creations. What Sabine particularly appreciates about this special market, which usually takes place in mid-November, is the relaxed and alternative atmosphere as well as the exchange with other creative people from the region and the visitors. "After all, that's what the Christmas season is all about - coming together," Sabine says.