The Powder Tower connects Feldkirch’s defensive history with contemporary art: it was part of the southern city wall near the Mühletor gate and was built in 1460. Today, the City of Feldkirch uses the tower in the historic centre as an art space. Here, a medieval structure and contemporary cultural use meet in one place.

A walk through the city’s history

In the medieval centre, cobbled streets, narrow lanes and romantic arcades lead through the city. As you stroll, you will encounter not only a variety of streetscapes but also traces of Feldkirch’s history. On 17 December 1376, Count Rudolf V of Montfort issued the charter of liberties. In nine paragraphs, he granted citizens extensive rights, a say in local affairs and existing privileges. The document shows that Feldkirch’s history is shaped not only by buildings but also by civic rights.

St Nicholas Cathedral is a late Gothic church; its reconstruction was completed in 1478. Inside, you will find an iron pulpit dating from 1520 and the St Anne’s altar by Wolf Huber. These dates offer visitors a tangible glimpse into the city’s architectural and artistic history. The Johanniterkirche is also a place for art: since 1995, it has served as an exhibition space for contemporary art and installations from Austria and abroad. Visitors can also explore the cloister at the Capuchin monastery.

Another striking historic building is the high medieval Schattenburg, one of the best-preserved castle complexes in Central Europe. From the keep, you can look out over Feldkirch and the surrounding mountains. Tostner Burg belongs to a different period in the city’s history: it was built around 1260 by the Counts of Montfort, the founders of Feldkirch. From there, a path leads down to the little church of St Corneli, the former parish church of Tosters.

Routes with different views

On the Ardetzenberg, the forest nature trail has a long and a short loop. Feldkirch Wildlife Park is home to more than 160 animals from 26 species; guided tours with certified forest or hunting educators are also available. On the circular route through the wildlife park, you can see houses built on the rocks of the Ill Gorge in Feldkirch’s historic “Im Kehr” district. Nature and urban history come together in the same landscape.

For views over Feldkirch, a walking path leads to the viewpoint at Stadtschrofen. Another route takes you to the Hohes and Niederes Känzele viewpoints and back through the Felsenauschlucht gorge. You can choose between a walk to one named viewpoint and a route that links two viewpoints with a return through the gorge.

In Bangs-Matschels, millions of Siberian irises turn many wet meadows into a sea of blue flowers in early summer. The timing of this seasonal natural spectacle varies depending on conditions. The EuroVelo 15 offers a different perspective on the landscape: it passes the Old Town and follows the Ill through alluvial forests to the Illspitz. The Vorarlberg section runs from Feldkirch to Höchst.

Market life, wine and cultural events

Feldkirch’s weekly market takes place year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering regional and seasonal products. The “Flavours of the Weekly Market” tours combine stories from the market’s history, encounters with market vendors and tastings of seasonal specialities. This adds another dimension to a visit: alongside the products, you also get to know the stories and people behind the market.

Small vineyards lie below the Schattenburg and on the Ardetzenberg and Amberg. Feldkirch wines include Ardetzenberger Rivaner, also known as Müller-Thurgau. The traditional wine festival lasts three days and celebrates wine; its dates vary from year to year. The poolbar Festival is also held in Feldkirch every year. If an event is important to your travel dates, check the latest schedule.

GUK cinema stays true to its arthouse tradition and offers a wide-ranging international film programme. In cooperation with Tas-Kino, run by the Saumarkt cultural association, it screens many films in their original language. The public city tour on Wednesdays takes you through the historic centre for 1.5 hours. Public ice skating is available at Vorarlberghalle from October; skates can be hired on site. It is worth checking the dates before your visit for both the city tour and seasonal ice skating.

Discover more destinations

Frastanz, Schnifis, Furx, Götzis, Röthis, Rankweil, Feldkirch, Laterns, Viktorsberg, Dafins, Dünserberg, Schlins, Göfis, Klaus, Übersaxen, Satteins, Röns, Batschuns, Fraxern, Koblach, Meiningen, Weiler, Altach and Zwischenwasser.

For the overarching travel guide: Vorarlberg.