Blog — Hirschen, fine hotel in the Bregenzerwald

This winter is special. Just in time for Christmas, it has snowed, and for the last two weeks, we have all enjoyed deep blue skies and plenty of sunshine. And because it is so beautiful right now (fresh new snow!), we simply have to rave a little about winter here in the Bregenz Forest …

Scenic Attractions & Endless Possibilities

Is there anything more graceful than freshly snow-covered forests, meadows, and mountains? Exactly.

The silence that swallows all noise.

The gentle falling of thick flakes.

The snow caps that grow larger by the hour.

And when the sun drives away the clouds -

that light, the sparkle of the crystals, the fresh air…

What does a winter day look like here? Early in the morning, you can hear the click of bindings from those who strap on their touring skis right behind the dance house at the village square and make their way up towards Bödele between the old Bregenz Forest houses. The first turns in the virgin snow are always the most beautiful!

Shortly thereafter - after a hearty, served breakfast - you can already see the first daredevils zooming down the slopes on their sleds.

Bödele - The Cradle of Skiing

At Bödele, the ski lifts start, sun loungers are arranged, skins are laid out, and the first cups of "hot chocolate with whipped cream" are served on the terrace. The view from the Lank out over the sea of fog above Lake Constance or into the mountains of the rear Bregenz Forest will stay in your memory for a long time.

Bödele is unjustly small. Alongside Arlberg, it is considered the cradle of skiing. Ski jumping competitions were already held here on simple jumps over 100 years ago. The first Austrian ski championships took place here in 1912. Today, it is a wonderful family ski area with 10 lift systems, runs of all difficulty levels, and fantastic natural snow slopes. With good snow conditions like at the moment, you can ski about 4.5 km down the World Cup run right back to the hotel.

On Quiet Snowshoes and Narrow Skates

While some glide over the slopes, Katharina sorts the snowshoes for the tour through the thickly snow-covered Fohramoos: soon, the guests will arrive with whom she will dive into the mysterious world of the forest for about 3 hours (always on Saturdays and on request) - a truly special experience.

If you want to stomp through the deep snow on your own, you can of course do that at any time: we organize snowshoes, provide tips for beautiful routes, and can prepare a snack for your backpack on request.

A bit more momentum is needed for cross-country skiing. The groomed trails in the Bregenz Forest are over 320 kilometers long. The trails lead through river meadows, forests, over wide meadows, and through old hamlets (classic and skating). The nearest cross-country skiing areas are at Bödele, in Bezau-Bizau-Reuthe, Andelsbuch, Au-Schoppernau or the border trail in Hittisau-Balderschwang (30 km over into the Allgäu and back).

After exerting yourself in the fresh air, a sauna visit is a blessing. A few laps in the steaming pool, a good sip from the bathrobe bar, maybe a massage, and then relax on the cozy loungers in the spa.

By Horse-Drawn Carriage Through the Village

Sometimes you just don't want to exert yourself too much, but simply enjoy. One books a carriage ride through the village and let oneself be pulled through the winter landscape with 2 horsepower, cuddled in a warm blanket. A schnapps is obligatory.

At the Blue Hour

If you want to stretch your legs a little before the apéritif by the fireplace, the walk to Angelikahöhe is highly recommended. The elevation just a few minutes from the hotel offers a wonderful panoramic view of the village and the evening atmosphere or the nightly sea of lights. This then leaves nothing in the way of a drink at the bar, and you can reflect on the impressions of the day by the fire …

Photos: Michael Meusburger, Christine Kleber, Victoria Rüf, Bregenzerwald Tourism, Tourism Association Egg