Sustainable Leisure Activities
Rules of conduct in nature
The Respect your limits initiative was launched in 2004 by the Vorarlberg provincial government to raise awareness among sports enthusiasts and those seeking recreation in nature. The aim is to preserve Vorarlberg's natural beauty while allowing people to enjoy nature. The initiative focuses on information and education in order to designate the most important protected areas and make people aware of the complex interrelationships in nature.
To protect the animal and plant world, it is important that we adhere to a few rules. The initiative has summarized the most important rules of conduct; detailed information on the individual topics can be found in the respective link or on the website.
- Litter
Respect nature and take everything back down into the valley. - Avoid twilight hours
Wild animals are particularly active at twilight and should not be disturbed under any circumstances. Therefore, avoid tours at dusk and dawn. - Forest closures
Whenever a forest trail is closed, there is a good reason. Accidents can occur, especially during logging work, which can be avoided if you follow the signs. Therefore: Please observe the closures at all times! - Restricted hunting area
Shooting is permitted in restricted hunting areas - so be careful! Non-hunters are not permitted to enter game reserves and restricted areas. - Grazing livestock: Please note that...
... always keep an eye on grazing cattle and cross alpine pastures calmly and quickly.
... you close fence gates behind you and avoid grazing animals at a distance of at least 20-50 meters.
... You never feed or pet animals and do not carry buckets or bags.
... you do not take a break on the pasture or unpack a snack.
... the dog is always on a leash and is only let off the leash in the event of an attack. - Wildlife rest areas and feeding sitesPleasenote that...
... you avoid wildlife rest areas and feeding places.
... You close passages behind fences or similar.
... you do not enter or drive on young forest areas and thus make an important contribution to avalanche and landslide protection.
In addition to these basic rules, you will also find tips for nature-friendly tour planning, outdoor guidelines and interesting facts about the animal world on the platform
Protected areas
Planning with the Vorarlberg Atlas:
In the Vorarlberg Atlas you will find all the relevant information for nature-friendly tour planning in Vorarlberg. It lists all protected areas and wildlife rest areas with their regulations, designated hiking trails and forest roads, contour lines, etc.
Click on the areas through which your tour runs. The "Area information" will provide you with further information along your route.
Planning with tour apps:
The maps on popular tour portals such as Outdooractive.com and Alpenvereinaktiv.com also show most of the protected areas. Here you need to make sure that the additional layer "Notes & closures" is active. Click on the leaf symbol for more information and you will also land on the page for the protected areas.
Analog tour planning:
Check whether your printed map still corresponds to the current status and compare it with the online content if necessary.
Natura 2000 and European protected areas in Vorarlberg
In 2003, the first Natura 2000 areas were designated in the Klostertal with the "Klostertaler Bergwälder" and "Verwall" areas.
The term Natura 2000 refers to a network of protected areas of Europe-wide importance. The aim of Natura 2000 is to protect endangered or rare species and habitats and thus preserve them for future generations. There are 39 European nature reserves in Vorarlberg, which provide an important habitat for a wide variety of animal and plant species. The basis for this is the European Birds and Habitats Directives.
Steep mountain forests, species-rich low-nutrient meadows, impressive moors and extensive alpine meadows - the Klostertal has a lot to offer in terms of habitat diversity. It is therefore hardly surprising that the Klostertal is part of two Natura 2000 protected areas - the "Klostertaler Bergwälder" on the sunny side and the "Verwall" European protected area between Burtschakopf and Kaltenberg.
Christian Kuehs
Regional Manager of the Montafon-Klostertal Natura 2000 protected areas, Managing Director of the Verwall-Klostertaler Bergwälder Nature Conservation Association
Protected areas in the Klostertal
Natura 2000 protected areas such as the "Verwall" and the "Klostertaler Bergwälder" offer pristine nature and quiet retreats that invite you to hike and explore in summer. The clear waters and shady forests create ideal conditions for escaping the hot days and actively relaxing at the same time.
learn moreLight, air and water
Lights out at dusk - saving nature and energy
Most animals are active at dusk. Therefore, avoid unnecessary light sources. Especially on evening and sunrise tours, which should be kept to a minimum anyway. Only use your headlamp when it is really needed and avoid bright or flashing lights near protected areas. This will help to preserve the natural darkness and protect the animals in their nocturnal retreat.
Light pollution in Europe, development from 1992 to 2010
Take a deep breath! The air quality in Vorarlberg
The air quality in Vorarlberg is good overall and is among the best in Austria. This is partly due to its geographical location with the Alps, which ensure natural air circulation, as well as the many measures taken to reduce emissions. Especially in rural regions, such as the Großes Walsertal biosphere reserve or the Bregenzerwald, the air is very clean. In urban areas, there can be higher levels of pollution in some places, especially in winter when there is more heating. However, thanks to strict environmental standards and the promotion of sustainable mobility, air quality remains at a high level.
Water as a source of life: pure, clear, irreplaceable
The water quality in Vorarlberg is among the best in Europe. Thanks to the clear mountain springs, clean rivers and lakes as well as modern wastewater treatment plants, a high level of water purity is guaranteed. The streams and rivers in the Alps in particular, as well as the numerous lakes, offer drinking water quality. Strict environmental regulations and sustainable management help to protect this resource in the long term. In Vorarlberg, almost all drinking water comes from natural sources, without additional treatment.
The water euro for future hosts
The GASCHT water project
Anyone who orders a carafe of fresh Vorarlberg drinking water from a GASCHT partner business is making a contribution to the training of skilled workers at GASCHT - the hospitality school for tourism professions. Every euro of water supports the school and gives young, motivated Vorarlberg residents free access to innovative tourism training. In this way, even more young people can be inspired and trained for jobs in tourism.
Documenting biodiversity - your help counts!
The inatura in Dornbirn is an interactive nature and adventure museum that offers insights into the natural world of Vorarlberg. With hands-on stations, adventure rooms and a combination of science and entertainment, it is an ideal destination for families, nature enthusiasts and those hungry for knowledge. Visitors can experience regional habitats, animal and plant species and discover the diversity of nature in a fun way. The inatura also provides expert advice and nature guides.
inatura is currently working together with Observation.org - Europe's largest reporting platform. At Observation.org, the reports are validated and approved in the background by qualified experts. The data is imported into their distribution database for animals, plants and fungi in Vorarlberg. This currently contains around 1.2 million validated data records. The cooperation between inatura and Observation.org is extremely successful - Vorarlberg currently ranks third out of around 380 participating areas in Germany and Austria. 42,700 reports, 1,100 observers and 3,790 species.
Take a walk and help identify the biodiversity in the region with just one click.
Get involved
Mowing, hoeing, haying, plucking - the diversifier days are intended for all those who want to support the diversity of the natural and cultural landscape in Vorarlberg's European protected areas.
The Hayfork campaign is the origin of the Walgau Wiesen Wunder Welt (WWWW for short). In this campaign, ecologically valuable areas, the magnificent flower meadows of the slopes and valleys, have been preserved and cared for by farmers in cooperation with the local population for over 25 years.
Themed trails: Hiking for knowledge
Our themed trails are more than just hiking trails - they are a journey through the history, nature and culture of the region. Immerse yourself in times gone by, discover hidden places and experience how nature and people have lived together harmoniously here for centuries. Guests of all ages learn about nature in a playful way on our themed trails. Moments experienced together create lasting memories as you hike and gain new perspectives on the region.
Cool hiking routes for hot summer days
On warm summer days, shady hiking trails and cool retreats in nature beckon. Whether along babbling brooks, through dense forests or up to lofty heights - these hiking routes not only offer you breathtaking views, but also the refreshment you long for. Find your perfect tour for hot days.
A list of recommendations for "cool summer hikes" will be available shortly!
Explore the snow-covered landscape away from the slopes
The Vorarlberg Alpine region offers numerous opportunities to explore the fascinating natural and cultural landscape away from the slopes. Most of the starting points for the tours can be reached by public transport.
Zuugle
Zuugle is a tool that visualizes mountain tours in the Alps that are accessible by public transport. It was developed by the"Bahn zum Berg" association and has been online since May 2022.
The main aim of Zuugle is to minimize the planning effort for hikes and outdoor activities without a car. The platform searches various tour portals and checks whether it is possible and sensible to travel by public transport. It then supplements the tours with optimally calculated timetables for the outward and return journeys.
The current version of Zuugle covers the entire Alpine region and offers thousands of mountain tours that can be reached by train and bus. The search engine makes it possible to select the home station and filter tours according to criteria such as journey time, type of sport, mountain group and level of difficulty.
Bike rental
Vacation with dog
To ensure that both you and your dog have a great time in the Vorarlberg Alpine region, there are a few points to bear in mind. Here you will find all the tips you need for a carefree stay in the region.