Discover Mellau: Hiking, Nature and Village History

Mellau combines impressive routes through valley and mountain landscapes with a multifaceted village history and seasonal experiences. Those planning a trip to Mellau can choose between hikes along waterways, a mountain tour to Kanisfluh, cycling routes, winter trails, a visit to the swimming pool and insights into traditional craftsmanship. This allows you to tailor your search for suitable accommodation to your preferred mix of activity, nature, culture and relaxation.

Hiking between the Mellenbach, Bregenzerach and Kanisfluh

The “Around Mellau” route follows the Mellenbach and the Bregenzerach. Along the way are, among other places, the Schwimmbadsteg, the Bengath Bridge, the hamlet of Prinzwies and the area around the cable car, before the route leads back to Mellau. This route is suitable for planning a trip that combines waterways, bridges and varied landscape impressions.

Another tour begins with a ride on the cable car from Mellau. The Rossstelle–Kanisfluh circular tour passes the Kanisalpe and reaches the summit of Kanisfluh via a hiking trail. Those who would rather experience the landscape along the valley will find striking cliffs on the route from Mellau to Schnepfau: The northern flank rises up to 1,300 m above the valley floor there and forms a mosaic of different natural habitats. For planning the day, it makes sense to consider the desired landscape and the character of the route before making a choice.

Cycling with cable cars and descents

Mellau also offers various possibilities for cycling. Mountain bikes and e-bikes can be transported on the Mellaubahn cable car. The Suttis Mellau mountain bike route is 10.8 km long and begins at the mountain station of the Mellaubahn. It includes a long descent via the Suttis Alpe to the village of Mellau. Those looking for a different route idea can plan the Mellental Loop: It leads gently downhill through the secluded Mellental to Mellau. The two routes described offer different focuses for a travel group that does not want every day to be organized in the same way.

Village history and traditional craftsmanship

The history of Mellau parish church dates back to a chapel built at the end of the 13th century. In 1464, Mellau became an independent parish. A church built between 1793 and 1806 was destroyed in the village fire of 1870; its replacement was consecrated in 1876. The modern parish church was built in 1980–1981. The old church tower was retained as a landmark of the municipality. Those who want to get to know Mellau through more than just its landscape and sports can trace the village’s long development through this architectural transformation.

In an old workshop, the Mellauer Werkstatt presents traditional craftsmanship from the Bregenzerwald. Visitors can sample spirits, liqueurs and chocolate on site. Groups can arrange visits outside regular opening hours by telephone. This provides a cultural and enjoyable program item that differs from outdoor activities.

Summer swimming pool and winter trails

The Mellau swimming pool is a seasonal outdoor pool directly beside the Mellenbach. In suitable weather, the pool water is heated to around 24 °C from May to September. During the cold season, other landscape experiences take center stage: The ski area on the Roßstelle has a 2.5 km-long winter hiking trail. The offerings also include 22.5 km of cross-country ski trails for classic and skating styles, as well as 10 km of prepared winter hiking trails in the village. Mellau’s tourism history dates back to the 19th century, when summer retreats and mountaineering became popular. The Rossstelle ski area was developed in 1973 with a cable car and four drag lifts.

The right accommodation for your trip planning

When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Mellau, you can first decide which experiences should be the focus of your trip. Hiking enthusiasts can choose from the trails along the Mellenbach and Bregenzerach, the tour to Kanisfluh and the landscape along the route to Schnepfau. Those who prefer cycling can include the transport of a mountain bike or e-bike on the Mellaubahn, as well as the routes via Suttis Alpe and through the Mellental. For a trip with seasonal flexibility, the outdoor pool in summer and the winter hiking and cross-country skiing options are also available.

Discover more destinations

For your further travel planning, you can also find pages about Au, Hohenweiler, Buch, Hirschegg, Rehmen, Andelsbuch, Schwarzenberg and Schnepfau.

To the overarching travel overview: Bregenz.