How the Walser came from the Valais Alps to the Kleinwalsertal

The Walser from the Valais Alps

The similarity of names comes not by chance: the Walser, as the inhabitants of the Kleinwalsertal in Vorarlberg name, come from the Valais Alps in Switzerland. From there in the late 12th century the first groups of Upper Valais made their way over the passes. What exactly the causes for the start of their arduous hike across the Alpine passes to the neighboring valleys in Austria you don't know. Was it the growing population, was it natural disaster, climate change or even the plague? There are no records of it, so one can only guess. In any case, Valais families moved west, south and east, where they settled in inhospitable areas.

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Walser regions — Here live the Walser today

Tough - the Walser

To my question to Stefan Heim, the archivist in Riezlern im KleinwalsertalHe explains to me why they chose the route over the mountain passes for their hikes: “Back then, those were the easier routes. The trade routes from the south led over the passes, and the traders crossed them with their mule horses, on whose backs salt, flour and spices were transported to the north. Just think about your journey from Oberstdorf: this way is easy today. But you crossed thirteen waterways in the process. Roads as we know them today did not exist back then. The routes over the passes were the easier choice. ”They were tough, the Valais, who became Walsers through their hikes.

The Walser Museum in Riezlern

We are in the Walser Museum in Riezlern, which is located on the two floors above the Kleinwalsertal tourist information center. There you can find Walser utensils Mountain farmers compiled, which show that life on the steep mountain slopes once determined their daily routine: they bred cattle and goats on the mountain pastures, mowed the grass that they let dry in hay almonds and used mule horses to transport their trade goods, which historically they were only allowed to transport over the mountain passes to Austria.

The Kleinwalsertal - a dead end

The Kleinwalsertal has a special feature: it only offers one access to the valley, and it is only accessible from the north via Germany. Anyone who thinks that one can cross the valley and continue into Austria will soon be proven wrong. After 17 kilometers the roads in Baad end at a roundabout. Beyond there are only hiking trails and paths that lead to mountain huts on the mountain tops. The Walser once came into the valley via this.

Walserhaus — This is what a Walser house looks like

The Walser mountain farmers

The barons of Rettenberg allowed some Walser families to use the slopes of the valley as alpine pastures. They cleared the mountain slopes and settled in the hunting area of the nobles in the Breitach Valley. They had to do mercenary services in case of war and pay a rent. The land was assured to them and they could pass it on to the family.

Table decoration — Walser table decorations

The migration of the Walser

There are no written records of the migration of the Walsers. But there are similarities in the dialect, in the architectural style of the houses, in the church patrons. St. Theodul is still celebrated today on August 16 in the churches in Kleinwalsertal.

Today there are three main towns in Kleinwalsertal: Riezlern, Hirschegg and Mittelberg. Of the valley's almost 6000 year-round residents, just over half are Austrians and 45 percent are foreigners. Germans make up the largest part at 30 percent. One of the reasons for this is that the Kleinwalsertal has been part of the German economic area since 1891 through the customs connection agreement, although it is Austrian territory and belongs to the federal state of Vorarlberg. However, the Walser heritage can still be seen in many places.

commode — Beautiful, right? The dresser in the Good Room of the Walser

Open to the Allgäu

To date, the valley can only be reached from the German side. “We wouldn’t have it any other way,” one of the innkeepers we met on our short trip to Kleinwalsertal tells me. “That would be fatal for the valley. This is how holiday guests come and stay in the valley. If there is an opportunity to travel further south from here, tourism will decrease. No, it's fine the way it is.” So the Walsers still have to either hike over the mountains. Or they travel via Germany to Kleinwalsertal.

Tourism today – The Walser people still exist

In fact, tourism today is the most important source of income in the Kleinwalsertal. Played earlier Agriculture, livestock and the production of cheese play an important role, these meanwhile only play a minor role. Craftsmen are also a mainstay of the economy in the valley. Industry could never settle here. And so today tourism is important for the economy in this valley.

We recommend the night in:

Travel Charme Hotel Ifen
Top street 6
6992 Hirschegg
Austria
Information, availability query and online booking*
Hotels in the Kleinwalsertal*

This is what you need for a trip to Kleinwalsertal, Vorarlberg

We definitely recommend comfortable walking shoes for a hike in Kleinwalsertal, Vorarlberg. This allows you to follow in the footsteps of the Walser people in the mountains.
It is also practical for on the go backpackin which you drink, snack in a lunch box, a jacket and store odds and ends.
What you need for a picnic – For example, you can have a picnic on one of the mountain meadows with a view of the mountains of the Kleinwalsertal in Vorarlberg.
Binoculars – On this hike you can, for example, observe birds and look out for other animals.
You will also be well equipped for hiking in Kleinwalsertal, Vorarlberg, Austria with hiking maps and hiking guides.
Do you have everything? With our hiking checklist You can definitely check this easily.
Do you like to travel with the motorhome? There are several campsites in the valley. Our packing list for campers It also helps ensure that you don't forget anything.
In winter the Kleinwalsertal offers ski areas for winter sports enthusiasts. Our Packing list winter vacation helps with packing your suitcase for your winter vacation.
Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?

Travel Arrangements

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival by plane, car, bus and train

Compare and book flights here*. The nearest airport is Munich. Arrival by train is also possible. The train goes to Oberstdorf. From there, bus #1 will take you to Kleinwalsertal: Timetable and booking*

Car Rentals:

Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!

Rent Motorhomes:

Book Motorhomes in Europe here! * Or do you like traveling with it instead? roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay is in camping tents possible. For example, you can find a campsite at Alpencamping Haller, Köpfleweg 10a, 6991 Riezlern, Austria. With our motorhome packing list you will never forget anything again.

Accommodations in the region:

Accommodation for online booking is also available in Kleinwalsertal* via Booking.com.

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Do you know this?

Source Die Walser: research on site. We would definitely like to thank Tourismus Kleinwalsertal for inviting us to this trip. However, our opinions remain our own.