Since that time, the village has become even more attractive, encouraging many establishments and hotels to modernise. The selection of holiday apartments or houses has been expanded, as has the number of small houses built in the style of modern Vorarlberg timber architecture. Naturally, the range of restaurants and cafés has also followed suit.
Culture & Events
Walking through the streets of Mellau one discovers a range of traditional Bregenzerwald houses with shingled wooden facades. The “Nazes Hus” is just one of many historically protected buildings that also features an inn. The majority of new buildings are made of timber and feature wooden facades. The valley station of the Mellaubahn cable car is no exception. During renovations and modernisation works, wood was a key component.
Activities
Hiking trails that begin in Mellau range from challenging to leisurely. Those who prefer a more gentle pace can walk along the Bregenzerache or hike on a more-or-less level path to the neighbouring villages of Bezau, Reuthe and Bizau. Trails lead upwards to the Kanisfluh massif, which can be viewed from its more rocky side from Mellau. Those with less lofty goals can shorten the journey with the Mellaubahn cable car. Mountain bikers will love discovering the landscape and the picturesque side valleys, whilst cyclists and racing-bike enthusiasts will enjoy the cycling network. The Bregenzerwald Bike School offers courses and camps for all varieties of cycling.
In wintertime. the Mellaubahn cable car comfortably transports visitors to the slopes of the expansive Damüls-Mellau ski area. A range of trails is available here for winter hikers. There is also the “Dosegg,” a 2-km long sledging track.
Tips
- The “Umgang Bregenzerwald” village walk provide insights into the design culture of Bregenzerwald. Rust-coloured pillars indicate the location of the various stations.
- Guided hikes and mountain bike tours regularly take place in summer.
- The Mellau ski school offers ski tours accompanied by professional as well as taster courses for novice freeriders.
- Insights into the technique and architecture of the modern Mellaubahn cable car, led by the head of operations himself, take place once per week in winter.
