Fontanella is the highest mountain village in the valley and, thanks to its location, is known as the “sunny balcony of the Großes Walsertal.” The village is also called the “Musicians’ Village.” Possible highlights of a stay include its settlement history, Seewaldsee and the hike over Fatnella Alpe. Which of these matters most to you depends above all on the time of year and your interests.
Settlement history and agriculture
Fontanella was settled by migrants from Valais in the 14th century. Livestock farming and dairy farming were part of its historic economy. A later change came after the valley road was built in 1885: the production of full-fat cheese was intensified, while grain cultivation was gradually abandoned. Settlement, agriculture and this change offer different perspectives on local history. Fontanella can thus be viewed not only through its landscape, but also through the work that shaped its earlier economy.
Summer at Seewaldsee
The small Seewaldsee lake lies at an altitude of 1,200 m, surrounded by meadows. Its low water inflow means that it reaches exceptionally pleasant swimming temperatures in summer. The lake can be reached from Fontanella/Säge in about 35 minutes. In addition, the Seewaldsee tourist train takes visitors from Fontanella-Säge to the lake; it operates seasonally. Before your trip, check whether the service runs on your planned date. This lets you plan Seewaldsee as a summer destination and check the travel option that suits your visit.
Hiking between Faschina and Fontanella
The hiking route over Fatnella Alpe leads from Faschina to Fontanella. You can include the L570 regional bus in your plans: it runs back to Faschina from the center of Fontanella. This makes it possible to combine the hike with a return bus ride. Check the current timetable before planning the connection for your day. The route therefore has a clear sequence of places—starting in Faschina and ending in Fontanella—and a named return connection that can be factored into your day’s plans.
Winter sports and plant life
For a different seasonal focus, the Faschina-Fontanella ski area is located in the GroĂźes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve. Night skiing takes place weekly in Faschina, right at the GuggernĂĽllilift. Check the current schedule before you travel. Compared with Seewaldsee in summer, this offers a winter activity; the highlights therefore differ clearly by season.
Plant enthusiasts can also explore Fontanella from another perspective. The area around Hahnenkopf on the northern edge of the biosphere reserve is home to more than 150 plant species. The fully protected Turk’s cap lily is particularly spectacular on Hahnenkopf. The diversity of plant life and the Turk’s cap lily add a botanical perspective to the range of things to explore in the area.
Choose accommodation based on your travel priorities
If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Fontanella, you can start by weighing up the time of year and the activities you have planned. In summer, Seewaldsee is an option for swimming; hikers can combine the route between Faschina and Fontanella with a return bus ride. For winter sports, the ski area and weekly night skiing are relevant options. This comparison offers practical guidance on which experiences you want to make the focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Faschina, Braz, Bürserberg, Bürs, Bartholomäberg, Lech, Klösterle, Bludesch
For the broader travel overview: Bludenz.
