Montafon Culture & Traditions
Customs, Craftsmanship & Culinary Heritage in Montafon
Montafon culture lives on through its language, agriculture, craftsmanship, regional specialities and enduring customs. The Montafon dialect, handcrafted traditional costume, Sura Kees, historic Maisäß landscapes and the Montafon table tell the story of a valley where knowledge and traditions continue to be passed down from one generation to the next.
Around St. Gallenkirch, you can experience Montafon customs not only in museum, but also on alpine pastures, at markets, festivals and concerts, and through the region's cuisine. Discover the cultural traditions that continue to shape Montafon and its people today.
Montafon Sura Kees – the Valley’s Culinary Tradition
Montafon Sura Kees is a sour milk cheese with a fat content ranging from 1% in valley-produced sour cheese to 10% in alpine pasture cheese. It is also characterised by its low cholesterol content and was first mentioned in written records in 1240. Its appearance ranges from milky white to slightly yellow, while the surface may be gelatinous or slightly glossy. Sometimes, a white, curd-like centre can be found inside. The cheese has no rind. Depending on its maturity, Montafon Sura Kees ranges in flavour from fresh and aromatic to strong and intense, accompanied by a gentle acidity and a slightly salty note. It was almost forgotten following the decline of traditional dairies during the 1960s, but has grown increasingly popular again since the 1990s through a renewed appreciation and revival of historic traditions.
Montafon currently has 13 alpine dairies, where around 800 cows graze. They produce approximately 2.5 million kilograms of milk, from which around 248,000 kilograms of Sura Kees are made. The cheese is available from working alpine pastures throughout Montafon and at summer markets in the valley. A cheese competition also takes place during the Buratag festival at the church square in Schruns at the beginning of October.
Maisäß Landscapes & Three-Tier Farming in Montafon
The Maisäß forms the intermediate level between the home farm in the valley and the alpine pasture above the tree line. Located at altitudes of approximately 1,200 to 1,600 metres, it is traditionally farmed during spring and autumn. This distinctive form of agriculture continues to shape the Montafon landscape and is well worth discovering during your holiday. With a little luck, you may also spot the rare Montafon stone sheep, which have once again been bred for several years as part of the valley’s natural and cultural heritage.
Making & Wearing Montafon Traditional Costume
Passed Down & Worn for Generations
The Montafon traditional costume, recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, has shaped life in Montafon for centuries. Its fine craftsmanship and remarkable variety distinguish it clearly from other traditional costumes throughout the Alps. Elaborate decorations and high-quality fabrics give the costume, whose origins date back to the 18th century, its distinctive charm. Numerous variations of Montafon traditional dress are worn for different occasions and stages of life.
The Montafon Festive Costume
The festive costume for women is probably the best-known and most magnificent historic costume in Montafon. It is made primarily from fine black woollen fabric for the Juppa, the dress, and silk for the Schoß, the apron. Its many intricate details make this garment particularly valuable.
The exceptional embroidery deserves special attention. Several elements of the Montafon festive costume are embroidered entirely by hand using silk thread on velvet. The motifs feature regional blossoms and flowers, complemented by loops wrapped in gold thread. These elaborate embroideries decorate the apron ribbons, collar, sleeves of the Glöggletschopa jacket, hair ribbons and chest cloth, all perfectly coordinated. An embroiderer spends approximately 500 hours creating the embroidery for the apron ribbons, chest cloth and collar.
Schäppel, Mäßli, Sanderhut & Pelzkappa
Traditional Headwear
The different forms of headwear play a particularly important role in the Montafon women’s costume. The best-known examples include the Schäppel, Mäßli, Sanderhut and Pelzkappa.
The Schäppel is made from gold or silver wire and decorated with coloured glass stones, pearls and silk flowers. This crown-like headdress is worn by unmarried girls and for the final time on their wedding day. Less glittering but equally striking is the Mäßli, which is felted from the wool of the Montafon stone sheep. It is the oldest form of headwear belonging to the Montafon costume and is worn exclusively with the Glöggletschopa. Its shape and name are derived from an old grain measure. The Sanderhut has formed part of the Montafon costume for around 100 years. Originally made by the Sander hatmakers in Schruns, it is produced from either black felt or black straw. The underside of the brim is decorated with golden braid. The Pelzkappa is a traditional oval fur hat originally made from otter fur. When worn correctly, it conceals the hair while leaving the ears partly visible. This hat is worn exclusively with the Glöggletschopa.
Montafon Dialect – Muntafunerisch
Language as Living Cultural Heritage
The Montafon dialect was recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2017. It is characterised by several historical layers of language, preserving words such as “Mara” for morning, “Strucha” for a cold, “Heem” for at home and “etschas” for something. The dialect features clear, pure vowel sounds and largely avoids double or triple vowel combinations. Words of Romansh origin are often stressed on the second or final syllable. During the late Middle Ages, Romansh was largely displaced by Alemannic German, particularly following the settlement of the Walser people. Nevertheless, at least 200 historic words and expressions have survived to the present day. Engaging with the dialect is important both for the local population and for visitors from near and far who wish to experience Montafon not only through its landscape, but also through its unique culture.
Read more at: www.muntafunerisch.at
The Montafon Table – Traditional Craftsmanship
A Handcrafted One-Off Piece Made from Local Wood
Traditionally, the Montafon table is square with chamfered corners and a slate panel in the centre. This allowed hot pans to be placed directly on the table or messages to be written on it in chalk. Elaborate inlays in a wide variety of colours and woods are a distinctive feature. Only local timber is used, including pear, cherry, oak, beech, walnut, elm and maple. Every table is unique and made entirely by hand, without the use of a CNC milling machine.
Markus Juen, a true master of his craft, combines modern ideas with traditional techniques: “I can draw on the decades of experience passed down by my ancestors. To put it bluntly, anyone can make a simple cupboard. That is why preserving this traditional craft is so important to me.”
Kunsttischlerei Juen
Montafonerstraße 28b, St. Gallenkirch
Telephone: +43 5557 6676 or +43 650 3906675
Email: juen@handwerk-design.at
www.montafonertische.at
handwerk-design.at
Funkensonntag & Fire-Disc Throwing in Montafon
Living Traditions at the End of Carnival
The burning of the Funken is one of the valley’s oldest traditions. On Funkensonntag, the first Sunday after Carnival, an intricately constructed wooden tower reaching up to 30 metres in height is set alight. Burning the bonfire and swinging flaming torches are intended to drive away the “demons of winter” and welcome the increasing light of spring. The custom is considered one of the last surviving remnants of ancient sun rituals. In recent years, the burning of the traditional Funkenhexe has sparked lively debate – it will be interesting to see how the custom develops.
Building the Funken
Constructing the Funken requires considerable effort, with an average of 700 to 800 working hours invested. The local bonfire guilds erect the central fir tree and carefully stack the wood around it. The woodpile is then filled with brushwood, straw and old Christmas trees in preparation for the fire.
The Traditional Funken Watch
On the night before Sunday, a watch is kept to prevent young men from neighbouring villages setting the structure alight prematurely. This traditional prank is now considered far more than harmless fun and may even result in criminal prosecution.
Funkensonntag – Lighting the Bonfire
At nightfall, the Funken is finally set alight under the watchful eyes of the villagers.
The tradition of fire-disc throwing in Gortipohl is unique within Montafon and has been recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The custom has been passed down and carefully preserved from one generation to the next.
Experience Montafon Culture during Your Holiday
Montafon culture is not found only in historic texts. It comes to life during cattle drives from the alpine pastures, markets, Funken bonfires, concerts, traditional costume festivals and in the valley’s museums.
Visit a working alpine pasture, taste Montafon Sura Kees, discover the traditional Maisäß landscapes or learn more about mining, mountaineering, craftsmanship and everyday life in earlier times at the Montafon museums. Current events and guided tours take place seasonally in different villages throughout Montafon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Montafon Culture
Where can you buy or taste Montafon Sura Kees?
During summer, Sura Kees is available directly from various alpine dairies. Throughout the year, it can also be found at selected farm dairies, farm shops, markets, local shops and restaurants. Current availability and opening hours should be checked before visiting.
What is the difference between a Maisäß and an alpine pasture?
A Maisäß traditionally lies between the home farm in the valley and the higher alpine pasture. In spring, the livestock are moved from the valley to the Maisäß and continue to the alpine pasture in summer. In autumn, the journey takes place in the opposite direction. This system is known as three-tier farming and continues to shape the cultural landscape of Montafon today.
What does “Muntafunerisch” mean?
“Muntafunerisch” is the regional name for the Montafon dialect. It combines Alemannic influences with surviving Romansh words and preserves around 200 historic words, expressions and grammatical features. In 2017, the dialect was added to Austria’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
When does Funkensonntag take place in Montafon?
Funkensonntag takes place on the first Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Large Funken bonfires are constructed in villages throughout Montafon and lit at nightfall. The tradition marks the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent.
What is Scheibenschießen in Gortipohl?
During Scheibenschießen, glowing wooden discs are struck with a stick and sent flying into the night sky from a wooden ramp. In other regions, the custom is known as Scheibenschlagen. Gortipohl is one of the few villages where this tradition is still practised.
What is typical of Montafon culture?
Montafon culture includes the regional dialect, traditional alpine farming, Maisäß landscapes, Montafon Sura Kees, Montafon traditional costumes, artistic wood craftsmanship and customs such as Funkensonntag and fire-disc throwing. Many of these traditions continue to be passed down through families, associations, farms and craft businesses.
Which Montafon traditions are recognised as intangible cultural heritage?
Several cultural traditions associated with Montafon are included in Austria’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. These include the Montafon dialect, the making and wearing of Montafon traditional costumes, Funkensonntag and fire-disc throwing.
What is Montafon Sura Kees?
Montafon Sura Kees is a traditional sour milk cheese made primarily from skimmed milk. Its recipe is considered one of the oldest cheese-making traditions in the German-speaking Alps. Depending on its maturity, its flavour ranges from mild and slightly tangy to strong and aromatic.
What is special about the Montafon traditional costume?
Montafon traditional costumes consist of numerous handcrafted garments, elaborate embroideries and distinctive regional headwear. These include the Schäppel, Mäßli, Sanderhut and Pelzkappa. The knowledge surrounding the making, wearing and passing down of the costumes was added to Austria’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.
What is a Montafon table?
A Montafon table is a traditionally handcrafted wooden table with a distinctive shape, elaborate inlays and often a slate panel in the centre. Each table is individually made and is regarded as a special example of regional cabinetmaking.
Where can you experience Montafon culture during your holiday?
Guests can experience Montafon culture in the valley’s museums, on working alpine pastures, during cattle drives, at farmers’ markets, concerts, traditional costume events and local festivals. Regional craft businesses, guided church tours and Montafon cuisine also provide fascinating insights into the valley’s history and way of life.
Which cultural excursions are suitable for rainy days?
On rainy days, recommended attractions include the Montafon Local Heritage Museum in Schruns, the Alpine and Tourism Museum in Gaschurn, the Silbertal Mining Museum Museum, the Frühmesshaus Museum in Bartholomäberg, as well as exhibitions and cultural events throughout the valley.