Along the Old Rhine near Lustenau, riparian forests, walking paths and natural swimming spots are part of the local recreation area. There are also marked hiking trails, historic cycling routes and cultural offerings related to embroidery and the history of the Rhine. These offerings have different focuses—from a signposted hike to audio stations along a cycle route.

Walking Along the Old Rhine

There are more than 60 kilometres of marked hiking trails in and around Lustenau. The trails on the flat valley floor of the Rhine Valley are marked in yellow and white and rated “easy to walk.” More than 226 signposts at 93 locations help visitors navigate the hiking trail network. If you’re looking for a specific loop rather than individual trails, the accessible Lustenau–Schmitter circular hike is a clearly defined option.

The circular hike is 4.5 kilometres long and starts and ends near the Austrian-Swiss national border. It follows the Diepoldsau bank of the Old Rhine to the Schmitter Bridge; the return leg follows the Lustenau riverside path. A section of the path there invites visitors to pause and watch waterbirds. The route also has rest areas and information boards with details about the natural environment. If the route changes, check the distance again when planning your trip.

The Old Rhine recreation area, with its riparian forests, walking paths and natural swimming spots, offers another way to spend time outdoors. The hiking trail network and the circular route differ in scope: the network offers a choice of marked trails in and around Lustenau, while the Schmitter loop has a specific length and described route.

Cycle Routes, History and Audio Stations

The Lustenau Historic Cycle Loop explores various aspects of Lustenau’s history at 13 stops. There is also a virtual version that can be experienced interactively and listened to. This means that local history is available both at stops along the cycle route and in a digital, audio format.

Another route is the “Across the Border” audio cycle route. It follows the Rhine Valley Cycle Route via Bregenz and Hard, then continues along the Rhine embankment to Lustenau. The Jewish Museum Hohenems has set up 52 audio stations on the so-called audio cycle route, recalling stories of people fleeing between 1938 and 1945. The historic cycling routes therefore have different focuses: the loop explores Lustenau’s history, while the audio stations recall stories of people fleeing between 1938 and 1945.

Embroidery, the Rhine and Technology

The Embroidery Museum, Archive and Communication Centre (S-MAK) presents various aspects of embroidery. It is open Thursday to Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm; check opening hours before your visit.

The Rhine-Schauen Museum presents the history of the Rhine, including its floods and inundations, as well as culture, technology and nature along the Rhine and in the Alpine Rhine Valley. The former railway used in the International Rhine Regulation project offers a different perspective on the landscape, with exceptional excursions in the Lake Constance region. Together, these attractions take visitors from embroidery to the history of the river and the technology of Rhine regulation, while covering distinct topics and areas of interest.

Market and Nature Play Park

From March to December, the church square in Lustenau becomes the Luschnouar market every Thursday and Saturday morning. Numerous vendors sell food and other products and offer advice on preparing their food products. As this is a seasonal schedule, it’s worth checking the current market days before visiting.

The Am Moosbach Nature Play Park covers almost 2,000 square metres and is the largest playground in the northern part of Lustenau. It is located on a walking and cycling path. One of its special features is a stream fed by drinking water, modelled on the nearby Moosbach. The Moosbach is considered Lustenau’s last naturally meandering ditch. The play park therefore combines a designed water feature with a connection to the neighbouring watercourse.

Discover more destinations: Dornbirn, Hohenems.

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