Hiking in the Montafon
Flowering meadows, shady forests, gentle mountain slopes with lush alpine pastures, clear mountain lakes, majestic peaks and rugged mountain massifs - the Montafon offers a varied nature experience for leisure hikers, families, mountaineers and climbers on over 1,160 km of hiking trails. From the limestone cliffs of the Rätikon to the Silvretta in the south and the Verwall European nature reserve in the north-east - the hiking opportunities in the Montafon are almost endless.
Alps MosaicMountain huts&AlpsBrunellawirtbergeplus Gargellner Fenster
Our hiking hotel in the Montafon
Flying high
Take a deep breath and savour the fresh mountain air. The Genusshotel Vermala in St. Gallenkirch is the ideal holiday home for anyone who wants to combine relaxation, enjoyment and a mountain experience on a hiking holiday in Vorarlberg. Thanks to its location directly on one of the most beautiful hiking trails and access to the Silvretta Montafon (Garfrescha cable car valley station just 350 m from the hotel), surrounded by a breathtaking mountain backdrop and hiking area, your hiking holiday in Austria will be a summer fairytale.
Free guided hikes every day
Supervised children's programme from 6 years
Hiking tips & hiking map
Hiking from Hotel vermala
Bergeplus adventure programme
Guided hikes
Every week you can look forward to a number of different free guided hikes with highly motivated and trained guides as part of the BergePLUS offer. Choose from up to 3 guided hiking tours per day with different skill levels and get to know the Montafon from the stories of the locals.
Supervised children's programme: free all-day programme for children aged 6 to 12. From hiking to slide adventures or forest rope park, everything is included.
Outdoor room
Your hiking boots and sports equipment are perfectly stored with us - you'll find plenty of space in our outdoor room in the basement of the main building. And if your shoes have to go through a thunderstorm, our shoe dryer is already waiting to be used.
Silvretta Montafon mountain railways
Get up high with the Montafon mountain lifts. All of the Silvretta Montafon feeder lifts are open in summer and take you closer to your summit destination every day until mid-October. The Garfreschabahn cable car opposite the Vermala pleasure hotel (350 metres) is the ideal starting point for your hiking day in the Montafon. You will also find exciting excursion destinations for families at Garfrescha, Nova Stoba and Hochjoch.
Leisure WildPass
With the Montafon Brandnertal Freizeit-WildPass you cover all 21 cable cars operating in summer in the Montafon, Brandnertal, Klostertal, Walgau, Großes Walsertal & Paznaun-Sammnaun regions with 1 mountain railway ticket. In addition, numerous admissions and attractions for the Montafon-Brandnertal region are included - including public transport, 8 museums, 9 outdoor pools, the Silvretta High Alpine Road (toll exemption) and much more! The Freizeit-WildPass is available from 3 days.
Family-friendly promotion: In summer, children under 7 travel for free, but a ticket must be purchased for children aged 3 and over. Children under the age of 20 benefit from a discount of up to 40%.
Brunellawirt am Garfrescha
Vermala's hut tip
Listen to the cowbells on the Maisäß landscape Garfrescha - switch off - and enjoy the view of St. Gallenkirch. At the Brunellawirt on Garfrescha at 1,485 metres, you will be spoilt with culinary delights: homemade Austrian delicacies such as Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarren or Tyrolean dumpling soup. It tastes best here - especially the well-deserved cold refreshing drink after a long hot day of hiking. Also a great excursion destination for families, with children's playground & Monti Lux treasure trail.
Mountain breakfast & barbecue evenings in summer:
Daily mountain breakfast from 9:00 am to 10:30 am and weekly barbecue evening with live music.
Opening hours:
- Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00
- Open until 21:30 on barbecue evenings
Alps Mosaic
Alpine mosaic Montafon - The hiking trail concept for nature enthusiasts
Multi-day tours, day tours and short tours at different altitudes in different seasons. The four unique landscapes of the region - the Verwall, the Silvretta, the Rätikon and the valley- are the central protagonists of the Alpine Mosaic Montafon. Each of these landscapes has its own history and special characteristics that make them individual natural jewels.
Millions of years ago, a geologically fascinating area was formed here in the Montafon in the smallest of spaces - the greatest geological diversity in the Alps, characterised by a colourful mixture of rocks. Multi-day tours are available for each of the four adventure areas, allowing visitors to experience the special features of each region. The various hiking trails, their stories and landscapes are the individual mosaic stones that together form the overall picture of the Montafon and reflect the diversity of the region.
The Montafon Alpine Mosaic takes you on themed trails as well as valley and mountain tours through the many facets of the region with its four adventure areas: the lively valley, the quiet Verwall, the adventurous Silvretta and the rich Rätikon.
The Verwall
With its mystical moorland landscapes, the remote and unspoilt Verwall region is reminiscent of the tundras of Scandinavia. An outstanding example of this is the picturesque Langsee lake, which is located in the rear Silbertal valley at an altitude of 1,950 metres in the Verwall Natura 2000 area. Equally impressive is the oldest natural reservoir in the Montafon, the Wiegensee, which is located in the European nature reserve.
Rellseck
Hiking tip #1 | Verwall
Smaller day tour
Start at the church in Bartholomäberg. Follow the Rellseck signpost via the Linde district. After approx. 1.5 h & 410 metres in altitude through rural countryside & forest paths, you reach the Rellseck with an impressive view of Bludenz, Walgau & the Schweizerberge (Rellseck inn).
There are now 2 routes to the well-known photo motif: the Fritzensee. Either briefly via the Torraseeweg (access road), or via the Jagdhütte (+ 200 metres uphill, very beautiful hiking trail). From the Fritzensee via the show mine back to the starting point.
Duration 3:30 - 4:00 h | length 7.9 KM | ascent & descent 613 metres (variant Jagdhütte)
Into the valley of the Litz - Silbertal
Hiking tip #2 | Verwall
Hike suitable for families
You start at 1450m at the Kristbergbahn mountain station & follow the signposts towards Wildried. Pass the Sieben Brünnele Kneipp centre to Wild Ried, the highest upland moor in Europe, & continue into the Wasserstuben valley. A detour to the lower Wasserstubenalpe is well worthwhile. Insider tip: Gretschbach waterfall natural monument (1450m).
Follow the Wasserstubenbach stream into the Silbertal valley to the Kristbergbahn valley station. Refreshment stops include the Hasahüsli & Gasthof Fellimännli (playground).
Duration 5:00 h | length 12.5 KM | ascent 180 metres | descent 750 metres
The Silvretta
The demanding and wild Silvretta, characterised by its imposing glaciers, offers a special challenge for mountain lovers with its majestic and striking three-thousand metre peaks. The highest peak in the Silvretta, the Piz Buin, plays a prominent role here with its impressive height of 3,312 metres.
Breitspitz 2203 M
Hiking tip #3 | Silvretta
Day tour
Take the postbus to Patenen to the toll station. The route climbs steeply through the forest to the Vallüla Alpe and on to the summit of the Breitspitz. Sensational panoramic views of the Silvretta and Verwall peaks, the Silvretta High Alpine Road with the Vermunt and Kops reservoirs and the beautiful head of the Montafon valley. Continue to the Zeinisjoch and return by post bus over the Silvretta.
Duration 5:30 h | length 10.2 KM | ascent 1080 m | descent 400 m
Gantekopf 1985 M
Hiking tip #4 | Silvretta
Half-day hike
Very beautiful ridge hike. Take the Versettlabahn cable car in Gaschurn to the Versettla (mountain station) and start at the Nova Stoba at 2000m.
Now you walk over a very beautiful ridge through mountain pines to the viewpoint of the Gantekopf and further over the white plateau to the Garfrescha - Maisäßsiedlung at 1500m. Now take the Garfrescha cable car down into the valley (or on foot /+ 600 metres downhill). Also very rewarding in the opposite direction. Refreshment stops at Novastoba and Brunellawirt on Garfrescha.
Duration 1:30 - 2:00 h | length 4 KM | ascent & descent 530 HM
Vallülasee & Joch
Hiking tip #5 | Silvretta
Demanding day tour
Ascent to the Silvretta reservoir - continue by post bus to the Kops reservoir car park. A highlight right at the start - the Kops dam wall (arch dam wall 90 metres high). We follow the signpost to Breitspitz (sensational view, can be climbed/ignored). Now head towards Vallülasee (2150 m) & continue in solitude to Ober Vallülasee (2300 m), then to the highest point of the tour, the Vallülajoch at 2520 m between the small and large Vallüla. Continue downhill to the Bielerhöhe and the Silvretta reservoir.
Duration 6:00 - 7:00 h | length 13.5 KM | ascent 975 m | descent 765 m
Vermala's equipment hire
Hiking poles
Would you like to go off-road but have unfortunately forgotten your hiking poles? No problem! At Vermala we have hiking poles for hire (subject to availability).
Around the Hohe Rad
Hiking tip #6 | Silvretta
Day tour
Take the Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse toll road to the Bielerhöhe and start at the Silvretta reservoir. To the left of the lake, over the Bieltal dam wall, you head through the Bieltal valley towards Radsattel (highest point of the tour). An impressive panoramic view of the Silvretta & the three thousand metre peaks: Piz Buin, Silvrattahorn, Dreiländerspitz.
After a short descent, you reach the Wiesbadner Hütte - perfect for a refreshment stop. Continue along the summer trail (turn off behind the hut at the Marienkapelle chapel) through the Ochsental valley back to the Bieler Höhe.
Duration 6:45 h | length 15.8 KM | ascent & descent 750 metres in altitude
Valzifenz Valley
Hiking tip #7 | Silvretta
Day tour
Solitary 2 valley tour in Gargellen. Hikers' car park after the cable cars. You start in the Valzivenz valley along the stream, past the Madrisa hut (not open to the public) to the Valzivenzer Alpe. Continuing towards the Valzivenzer Joch, you pass an old stone customs guardhouse, the scene of tragedies during World War II. The Valzivenzer Joch at the foot of the Rotbühelspitze at 2460 m is the highest point of the tour. Now you change direction Rotbühel into Vergaldental & past the Vergalden Alpe (buttermilk!) back to Gargellen.
Duration 7:30 h | length 17 KM | ascent & descent 1030 metres in altitude
The Rätikon
The picturesque Rätikon, known for the Three Towers and the Zimba - the landmarks of the Montafon - will whisk you away into the fascinating world of the Southern Alps. This region impresses with its striking limestone formations and characteristic white limestone walls.
Lindau hut
Hiking tip #8 | Rätikon
Smaller day hike
The hike starts at the Grüneck mountain station of the Golmerbahn cable car (park at the Latschau middle station). Passing the Oberlatschätz Alpine pasture, the route leads along a beautiful cultural hiking trail into the wild and romantic Gauertal valley. At the foot of the Three Towers lies the Lindauer Hütte, a stunning sight.
Just below the hut, at the 1st bend, the hiking trail branches off to the Untere Sporaalpe. Continue to the Gauertalhaus and back to Latschau.
Duration 4:00 h | length 12.2 km | ascent 130 metres | descent 1000 metres
Gargellner windows
Hiking tip #9 | Rätikon
Themed hike
Views into the past, present & future of a small mountain village on the border with Switzerland. The Gargellner Fenster are derived from the geological rock window in Gargellen. The best place to start the circular trail is at the Vergaldener Bach bridge (above the Gargellen cable car car park).
Worth seeing: the lime kiln, the Gitzistee lake, Maisäß buildings, Maisäß meadows & more! The Ronggalpe & businesses in Gargellen offer refreshments during the alpine season. Very worthwhile hiking!
Duration 3:00 - 5:00 h | length 6.7 KM | ascent & descent 380 metres altitude difference
The valley
The valley habitat, with the Ill lifeline at its heart, combines the geological features of the surrounding mountains that flow together here. Visitors can discover unique stories about the historically and culturally diverse villages of the Montafon.
Fenga Tobel
Hiking tip #10 | Valley
Leisurely half-day tour
You start in Gaschurn (car park at the fire station) & follow the signs for Ganeu-Ganeratal. At the 1st bend in the mountain road, the hiking trail branches off into the Fengga Tobel. The mystical ravine is named after the Fengga (non-benevolent female mountain spirits). Recommended: Detour to the waterfall.
At the end of the Fennga ravine, you come to the Maisäß Ganeu. Continue in the direction of the Lifinar junction Schwizer Hüsli (not serviced) and via the Lammhütta and the Gundalatscher Berg back to Gaschurn. Not recommended in wet conditions!
Duration 3:00 h | length 10.0 KM | ascent & descent 670 metres in altitude
Kneipp facility Brönna
Hiking tip #11 | Valley - at the hotel
Digestive walk
From the hotel to the Garfreschabahn railway, walk into the valley on the right-hand side of the Ill river. This will take you to the Kneipp facility "Bi da Brönna" (at the fountains), where several springs come together from great depths in the mountain. Water temperature max. 10°C. The perfect way to cool off and relax. Return to Gortipohl church and via the meadow path back to the hotel.
Duration 1:15 h | length 4.5 KM | ascent & descent 33 HM
Balbier waterfall
Hiking tip #12 | Valley - at the hotel
Digestive walk
Start walking inwards directly from the Hotel Tal & after the Hüttner Chapel turn off onto the hiking trail into the Hüttner Tobel. After 300 metres you come to the meadow path. Follow the signs to the Balbier waterfall. Return the same way. Alpine waterfalls are healthy, they produce a finely atomised, highly concentrated, respirable aerosol in the immediate vicinity.
Duration 1:00 h | length 2.4 KM | ascent & descent 90 metres
Wiesenweg Illrunde
Hiking tip #13 | Valley - at the hotel
Digestive walk
Start walking inwards directly from the Hotel Tal & after the Hüttner Chapel turn off onto the hiking trail into the Hüttner Tobel. After 300 metres you come to the meadow path. Now follow the signs to the centre of St. Gallenkirch. Once in the village centre, continue past the cemetery under the church onto the cycle path along the River Ill. Cross the bridge over the Ill and walk into the valley on the right-hand side of the river along an enchanted forest path. 30 metres after the Garfreschabahn, cross back over to the other side of the river on the 100-year-old covered bridge into the Hüttner Tobel. Now it is only 50 metres uphill and you are back at the Hüttner chapel by the hotel.
Duration 1:30 h | length 5.2 KM | ascent & descent 170 metres in altitude
Sommer Specials
Pauschalen & Angebote im Genusshotel Vermala
Vermala's Summer Special
- 29.06.25 - 02.11.25
Vermala's Summer MIDWEEK Special
- 29.06.25 - 02.11.25
Vermala's Summer WEEKEND Special
- 29.06.25 - 02.11.25
All Saints' Day package
- 26.10.25 - 02.11.25
Hiking holiday at the pleasure hotel Vermala Montafon
There's nothing better than coming home to the Vermala hotel after a beautiful hike in the Montafon mountains. Re-energise your body in the soothing spa or enjoy the sunset in our hotel bar Herzstück. In the cosy atmosphere of the Vermala you will find exactly the warmth and relaxation you need to make your summer holiday perfect.
Rooms & Suites
Montafon Nature SPA
Restaurants in the Montafon
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
for a hiking holiday at the Hotel Vermala in St. Gallenkirch in the Montafon
Where is the most beautiful place in the Montafon?
For us at the Wanderhotel Vermala, St. Gallenkirch is of course the best place to be. The Montafon is ideal for hiking and discovering from here, and our hotel is centrally located for exploring numerous tours and mountains.
What are the most beautiful hikes in the Montafon?
The hike through the centre of the Verwall nature reserve to the most beautiful place in Austria in 2021, the Wiegensee, is probably one of the most impressive tours in the Montafon. The panoramic trail on the Gantakopf, directly in front of our Genusshotel Vermala, is a popular half-day hike including the summit cross. Bike & Hike is also a good alternative to tackle part of the trail by e-mountain bike (from Hotel Vermal) to shorten the walk to the summit cross. The Madrisella-Versettla circuit, the Zamangspitze summit trail or the Vier Barga trail are just a few of the numerous tours, ranging from easy to difficult, which allow you to immerse yourself in the wonderful mountain panorama directly from St. Gallenkirch.
How high are the mountains in the Montafon?
The Montafon is located in Vorarlberg in Austria and has over 1,160 kilometres of hiking trails, providing an excellent offer for mountain hikers, climbers and mountaineers. With peaks such as the Versettlaspitze (2372m), Madrisella (2466m) and Heimspitze (2685m), high-alpine tours and a unique panorama are guaranteed. The Valsieraberg station at 2100m also offers a unique mountain panorama for leisurely tourers.
Is the Montafon in Austria suitable for hiking holidays?
The Montafon is located in Vorarlberg in Austria and has over 1,160 kilometres of hiking trails, providing an excellent offer for mountain hikers, climbers and mountaineers. Numerous mountain peaks up to 2685 metres (Heimspitz) also offer plenty of opportunities for experienced mountaineers. Cosy themed hiking trails in the valley offer a cultural insight into the life of the Montafon people and their houses/ Maisäß.