Au can be explored through a range of travel themes: Baroque history, hikes with different focuses, and the summit tour to the Kanisfluh. The Barockbaumeister Museum, the two “Alpgang” walks and the “Umgang Au” offer specific starting points. Also nearby are the Holdamoos nature experience on a connecting trail between Au and Schoppernau, and the outdoor swimming pool right on the Bregenzerwald cycle path.
Baroque History and Listed Buildings
The Barockbaumeister Museum in Au showcases the work of the Baroque master builders and the founding history of the “Auer Zunft” guild. It is housed in the carefully renovated “Kurathus”. This offers two clear themes for a culture-focused visit: you can explore the master builders’ work, learn about the history of the guild, or consider both together.
The Catholic parish church of St. Leonhard in Au is a listed building. The cultural perspective therefore extends from the subjects covered in the museum to a specific protected church building.
Hiking Trails with Different Focuses
The “Umgang Au” passes the Barockbaumeister Museum. If you would like to combine hiking with architectural history, this trail is a specific starting point.
The short “Alpgang” loop starts at the Au Church in Rehmen; the long “Alpgang” loop leads, among other places, to the Sattelegg alpine pasture. It explores the optimal use of grazing land through “nomadic” farming and its contribution to preserving the cultural landscape. When choosing between them, compare two criteria: the starting point of the short loop, and the grazing and cultural landscape theme of the long one. The “Umgang Au” passes the Barockbaumeister Museum, linking it to the Baroque history covered there; by contrast, the long “Alpgang” loop focuses on the optimal use of grazing land and its contribution to preserving the cultural landscape—two different hiking themes.
Kanisfluh: Summit and Panoramic Views
The hike up the Kanisfluh leads to the summit at an elevation of 2,047 m. The summit route offers panoramic views across the Bregenzerwald. This makes the tour different from the long “Alpgang” loop: the Kanisfluh hike focuses on summit elevation and views, while the Alpgang route focuses on grazing land and the cultural landscape.
The drive to the Kanisfluh hike leads through Au to the Ă–berle alpine pasture, where there is a free car park. As road conditions can change, check them before setting off.
Other Points of Interest
The Holdamoos nature experience is located on a connecting trail between the municipalities of Au and Schoppernau. This connection adds a link between two municipalities to the other routes.
The Au outdoor swimming pool is right on the Bregenzerwald cycle path. Its location adds a specific cycling connection to the hiking and cultural themes.
Discover more destinations: Hittisau, Kennelbach, Andelsbuch, Riefensberg, Mittelberg, Schröcken, Hirschegg, Hohenweiler
Back to the main travel overview: Bregenz.
