Grosses Walsertal Region
The Biosphere Park Großes Walsertal in the heart of Vorarlberg is one of the most sparsely populated regions in the country. The high mountain valley, oriented from east to west, was settled in the 13th century by Walsers from what is now the Swiss canton of Valais. A natural gem that was awarded UNESCO Biosphere Park in 2000, a model region for sustainable living work and agriculture in harmony with nature.
Facts on Grosses Walsertal
- Inhabitants: 3.400 persons
- Villages: 6
- Surface: 192 km²
- Cultivated pasturelands: 47
- Highest mountain: Rote Wand 2.704 m
As varied as the natural landscape of the biosphere park Großes Walsertal, so are the possibilities of experiencing it in summer. Whether classic hiking on 230 km of hiking trails or numerous theme trails, mountain biking or something completely different, such as horse riding, fishing or climbing - the summer in the mountains of Vorarlberg is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The starting points are easy and comfortable to reach by the summer mountain railroads or special hiking buses.
wohl.zeit & wohl.plätze
Vacation in the biosphere park Großes Walsertal means finding peace and time for yourself with the wilful Walser people. Taking time for special moments, having time to engage in extraordinary experiences and letting personal encounters unfold. Taking the time to marvel and enjoy. This is exactly what "wohl.zeit" is about. Special, guided programs and hikes allow for inspiration in the biosphere park Großes Walsertal. The „wohl.plätze“ invite to come to rest in special places. Take your time, sit down on a „wohl.platz“ bench and simply enjoy the moment and the view. Special places were defined with views so special you should sit here for a moment. Or even two.
Living in harmony with nature - UNESCO Biosphere Park
The program „Man and Biosphere“ was launched by UNESCO in the 1970s. Its ambitious goal was to identify ways of preserving habitats worthy of special protection for future generations. To this end, a worldwide network of model regions for sustainable lifestyles and economies has been established over the years. These model regions are called biosphere parks and include famous places such as the Rocky Mountains, the Galápagos Islands and the Serengeti. In a biosphere park, man and nature should interact and complement each other positively. Using nature without harming it, is the motto of a biosphere park. The Große Walsertal was awarded a biosphere park by UNESCO on November 10, 2000.