Rappenloch Gorge & Staufensee
Gorge Hike · Moderate
4 km | 1:30 hr | 189 m elevation gain
The loop leads through the Rappenloch Gorge up to Staufensee and around the lake—featuring rock faces, forest trails, and water right on the city’s doorstep.
Hiking Vacation in Dornbirn
Your hiking hotel in the heart of the Vorarlberg mountains
Between the Rhine Valley and the Bregenzerwald exploring on foot
Dornbirn brings the city and nature together with exceptionally short distances between them. From harry’s home Dornbirn, you can take leisurely walks along the Dornbirner Ach River, as well as explore the Rappenloch Gorge, the Karren, and the hiking areas around Bödele and Ebnit. From leisurely strolls to long mountain hikes, Vorarlberg shows off its diverse side here.
Your Advantage as a Hiker
Central location - just a short walk to Karren, Bödele, and Gütle
Traveling without a car - the bus stop and train station are just a few minutes' walk away
Regional breakfast at the hotel - start your day of hiking feeling refreshed
Service Point with a Washing Machine and Dryer - Handy After Long Trips
Hiking Vacations with Your Dog - Exploring Together on Four Paws
From a stroll to a mountain hike - the right route for every skill level
Tips for Your Hiking Vacation in Dornbirn
Hiking Trails in Dornbirn & Vorarlberg
Hiking Adventures from Dornbirn, from Gorges to Mountain Peaks
Dornbirn combines a wide variety of hiking experiences: impressive trails through the Rappenloch and Alploch Gorges, leisurely hikes along Lake Staufen and scenic high-altitude trails around Karren and Staufen. From a brief nature walk to a more challenging summit hike, there are many different ways to explore the area on foot.
cart
Panoramic Hike · Moderate
3.4 km | 1:20 hr | 512 m elevation gain
From the valley station, the route leads up to Dornbirn's local mountain. From the top, you can enjoy a view over the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance all the way to the Swiss Alps—and if you'd like, you can take the cable car back down in comfort.
Bödele – Alpe Weißenfluh
Alpine Hike · Moderate
6.5 km | 2:10 hrs | 320 m elevation gain
From Bödele, the trail leads past Hochälpele, several huts, and alpine pastures to Alpe Weißenfluh at 1,360 m. A varied hike with beautiful views and places to stop for refreshments along the way.
Hoher Freschen
Mountain Hike · Difficult
15.9 km | 7 hours | 1,140 meters of elevation gain
The Hohe Freschen, at 2,004 meters, is the most challenging climb on the route. This challenging mountain hike takes you into the alpine mountains of Vorarlberg and rewards you with a sweeping panoramic view.Alle Aktivitäten ansehen
Hiking with Your Dog in Dornbirn
Your four-legged friend is welcome to join you on your hiking adventure: The area around Dornbirn offers shady forest trails, watering holes and a variety of excursions for days spent together in nature. Dogs on a leash are welcome in the Rappenloch Gorge – the shaded gorge in particular is a great option on warmer days. You can then extend your trip to explore the area around Staufensee.
If you want to go even higher, you can explore the cart together. Dogs are allowed on the cart cable car, but must wear a muzzle during the ride. The Bödele also offers plenty of nature for hikes together. In alpine pasture and grazing areas, special caution is required: Keep your dog under control and maintain a safe distance from grazing animals.
Dog Tip: You can find dog-friendly trails on the Outdooractive map.
How you live at harry's home
Your Hiking Hotel in Dornbirn
Right from the city center straight into the Vorarlberg mountains: At harry’s home Dornbirn, you’ll stay in a central location and still be able to reach many hiking destinations without a car. The Karrenseilbahn is just a few minutes away by bus and the train station is within walking distance.
You can hike through the Rappenloch Gorge in the morning or hop on the Karren and end up right back in the heart of Dornbirn later on. Excursions to Lake Constance and other regions of Vorarlberg are also easy to arrange from this central location.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Vacations in Dornbirn
Some of the most iconic hikes include the Rappenloch Gorge with Staufensee, the ascent to the Karren, and high-altitude hikes around the Karren and Staufen.
Yes. The lower station of the Karren cable car is located near the city and is accessible by public transportation. From there, you can hike directly to the Karren or take the cable car up.
Yes. From the train station, buses run to the Karren cable car and the Gütle, for example. The Rappenloch Gorge is about a ten-minute walk from the Gütle bus stop.
The hike leads to the mountain station at an elevation of about 976 m. From there, the panoramic view stretches across the Rhine Valley, Lake Constance and all the way to the Swiss Alps.
Many hikes are best enjoyed from spring through fall. The Rappenloch and Alploch Gorges are closed during the winter months for safety reasons.
Yes. That’s exactly one of the advantages of this location: From Karren, you can already see Lake Constance and from harry’s home, you can reach it by train or car in about 15 minutes.