In Hörbranz, travel interests range from paths along the Leiblach and the Pfänderstock to sacred art, architecture and an annual Corpus Christi tradition. Local highlights offer different starting points for planning your trip: a bike tour with clearly named stops, artworks in a chapel or a group experience at the Prinz Fein distillery.

Paths along the Leiblach and Pfänderstock

A cycling and hiking trail runs along the Leiblach to the shore of Lake Hörbranz. The trail and the river provide two specific points of interest for a tour; the Leiblach is also designated as a European protected area in both Austria and Germany. The Pfänderstock is another option for hikes, which are possible there all year round, and viewpoints offer views of the Leiblachtal and Lake Constance. The routes described differ mainly in their destinations and views: the Leiblach trail leads to the shore of Lake Hörbranz, while the Pfänderstock offers views of the valley and Lake Constance.

Cycling routes with different itineraries

The Leiblachtal Route is an easy bike tour from Bregenz via Lochau and Hörbranz to Hohenweiler. Another bike tour starts at the Pfänder and runs via Möggers and the Leiblachtal to Bregenz. Its described route passes through Hohenweiler, Hörbranz and Lochau; the return to Bregenz follows the Lake Constance Cycle Path. The stated routes are more useful for comparison than an unspecified journey time: Bregenz and Hohenweiler are the endpoints of the Leiblachtal Route, while the Pfänder tour includes a return to Bregenz via the Lake Constance Cycle Path.

Rochus Chapel and its history

Rochus Chapel stands above Alte Landstraße at the edge of the forest and is surrounded by a small cemetery. Inside the chapel is an early Baroque Descent from the Cross, acquired from Sulzberg in 1832. There is also a Stations of the Cross by Bregenzerwald painter Alois Waldner. The artworks offer different insights: the Descent from the Cross is identified by its style and year of acquisition, while the Stations of the Cross is associated with the painter's name. Another point of reference for art history is Salvatorkolleg, on the border between Hörbranz and Lochau, a striking building in the Historicist style. It should be distinguished from the parish church in Hörbranz, which dates back to 1488.

Corpus Christi in Oberdorf and Unterdorf

The Corpus Christi marksmen turn out in Hörbranz every year and accompany the Corpus Christi procession. On Corpus Christi Day, the procession goes to Oberdorf; the following Sunday, it goes to Unterdorf. Three passages from the Gospels are read along the route at three decorated altars. The dates vary from year to year, so if you want to plan your trip around the procession, check the date for the relevant year. The event spans two days and districts, rather than marking just one date on the calendar.

Distillery and Kneipp facility

For four generations, the Prinz family has been producing fine fruit brandies in Hörbranz. The Prinz Fein distillery offers guided tours followed by tastings for groups of 15 or more by prior arrangement. The offer is therefore subject to a specific group size and advance booking, which you can take into account when planning your visit. Another local option is the Kneipp facility in Hörbranz, which can be used free of charge by non-members and hikers.

Discover more destinations: Hohenweiler, Hittisau, Lingenau, Möggers, Sibratsgfäll, Bildstein, Schwarzenberg, Lochau.

To the overview of the wider region: Bregenz.