I have this theory that wherever in the world you dream of visiting (whether you’ve heard about it on CNN or a viral Facebook post), there is always going to be some place nicer just around the bend.

In this case, I have been told to visit Innsbruck and Vienna, Austria many times and instead, I decided to take a road less travelled to the magical and wonderful region of Vorarlberg.

This is not to say that Innsbruck and Vienna shouldn’t be on that bucket list as well, but you may just surprise yourself in what you can find sitting right around the corner.

Vorarlberg is that place you always dreamed of going to, the picturesque Sound of Music type of dream.

You won’t find city, but fields of flowers, mountains as far as the eye can see and the sounds of cowbells ringing in the distance.

See… a dream. So here are 15 reasons I think you should be adding Vorarlberg to your bucket list.

1. The people are sweet

You can often get by in Vorarlberg with English, if not, touching up on a bit of German can go a long way. Regardless, the people in Vorarlberg are helpful, genuine and caring. There wasn’t a single person I met (bus drivers and servers included) that wasn’t a friendly face.

2. The mountains and hills are spectacular

I never really imagined what it would be like to wake up to a full 360 panorama of a perfect view. In Vorarlberg every minute of the day served as a perfect photo opportunity. Whether you’re standing in the center of a town or the top of a hill, the views are spectacular.

3. Being in the clouds is pretty cool

Since I was a child I had always wondered what it was like to touch a white, fluffy cloud. All I had to do in Vorarlberg was too on board the Kanzelwand aerial cart and head to the top of the hills. While it wasn’t quite like I had dreamed, it was pretty neat being able to run through the clouds overlooking the area of Kleinwalsertal.

4. It’s a hikers paradise

It’s also a well-known region for skiing, but since I’m a bigger fan of staying warm and hiking the hills, I’ll tell you why it’s so incredible for hiking.

It’s up to you, you can explore the open mountain tops and their many well-marked trails, or you can hike down into the valley’s and explore the nature beneath the towns. The Breitachklamm Gorge was an incredible experience.

5. The force of nature is mind blowing

Having the opportunity to explore Vorarlberg allowed me the chance to really understand just how powerful nature can be.

From the crashing waters in the Breitachklamm Gorge to the muddy landslides in Rindberg shifting some houses hundreds of meters downhill, you really have no idea how strong the force of nature is until you’re standing in the middle of it.

6. The local cuisine is delicious

The local restaurants take pride in their delicious 4-course menus, regional products, and talented chefs. It is not uncommon to find local butchers, dairy farms and vegetable gardens growing in every tiny town.

I had the unique opportunity to wine and dine at a few of their prestigious restaurants in the region including s’Ernele, Adler Grossdorf, Chesa Valisa and the Hotel Krone.

7. The architecture is eye-catching

I would have never expected such incredible architecture from such a natural region, but the modern wooden designs are incredible.

Vorarlberg now has an international reputation for their modern designs and their incredible craftsmen who use local timber to build.

8. They have delicious cheese

There is a reason the Bregenzerwald Cheese Trail is located in Vorarlberg. This exploration allows visitors and locals to explore the famous ‘bergkase’ and alpine cheese while meeting the farmers and dairymen first hand.

I even managed to sneak a few blocks back in my suitcase!

9. They’ve got a thing for sustainability

This blog all makes sense now, doesn’t it? Vorarlberg is one of the most incredible places I have ever explored when it comes to sustainability. Many of the restaurants and locals prepare dishes using only local produce, meats, and cheeses. There are also very few people that purchase mass production meat. They raise their owns cows, a population which is almost equal to that of the human population.

It is also common in the Bregenzerwald area for locals to build their homes out of local timber. The most surprising thing I learned about their homes is that most of the wood is not stained or finished. After asking why? One of the local tour guides explained that it serves as a more natural process when the house is old so the materials can compost in with the land. 

Even their furniture is often made from local felt and handmade crafts.

10. There are countless spas

Given the population almost triples when travellers come in from all over the world to experience the skiing in Austria, there are plenty of spas in the area for you to kick back and relax after a full day of hiking or skiing. Many of the guesthouses come equipped with a sauna, and you might even be lucky enough to score and outdoor pool warm enough to swim in the winter weather.

11. It’s a perfect destination in all seasons

You can hike in the summer and ski in the winter, but there are also many other things you can do in Vorarlberg. There are culinary tours, architecture tours and one of a kind museums, like the Women’s Museum located in Hittisau, Vorarlberg (ironically running on top of the local fire station which has employed only males).

12. Their hotels are like little cottages

You won’t feel as if you’re waking up in a standard 5 star hotel in the center of a city, but more so like you’re waking up in your family bed and breakfast while looking out the window in the morning and seeing nothing but the mountains, the clouds and the numerous cow walking by.

We stayed in Das Naturhotel Chesa Valisa in Kleinwalsertal which offered beautiful accommodations and a stunning view of the mountains.

In Hittisau, we stayed in the Hotel Krone which offered warm tea and cake during the day when you’re relaxing in the fireplace room filled with books about local stories.

13. The cows are cuddly

I’m serious. You won’t find any industrial cows here. The local cows are friendly and cuddly and love the attention.

*Mind you, don’t be blaming me if you happen to disturb one*

14. They have some of the coolest bus stops in the world

In the small town of Krumbach, Vorarlberg lives a population of 1,000 and 7 bus stops which showcase Vorarlberg as a leading destination for architecture across the world. Project BUS:STOP Krumbach was designed by 7 different international architects and built using local craftsmen from the region.

If you’re interested in reading more about these incredible bus stops, check out my blog: Project BUS:STOP Krumbach, it’s genius.

15. The beer is delicious!

For such a natural region, it came to my surprise that there are a couple delicious breweries in the region. While there was plenty of opportunity to indulge in a variety of Austrian wines, I often found myself ordering the delicious Egger Beer from Egg, Vorarlberg. There are of course many other beers in the region worth trying out as well! 

BONUS: It’s only a couple hours drive from Zurich or Munich Airport

The best part about it is that the region of Vorarlberg is only a couple hours away from both the Zurich Airport and the Munich Airport.

If you’re interested in venturing into Austria for a romantic, relaxing or active long weekend, it’s easy enough to rent a car, enjoy the views and stop in Vorarlberg for a visit.