In Götzis, natural attractions, hiking options and architectural history are close together. The Örfla Gorge, the moorlands and the Hohe Kugel appeal to different interests than the church, the castle ruins or the Water House. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between types of routes: a nature trail with two route lengths is different from a via ferrata, which requires specific experience and equipment.
Nature Between Gorge and Moorland
The Örfla Gorge is a natural attraction and excursion destination in Götzis. The Emmebach carved it into the rock; the gorge is part of the Hohe Kugel-Hoher Freschen-Mellental nature reserve. The landscapes around the higher elevations are also diverse: Götzner Moos, also called Orsanken Moos, covers 26.2 hectares between Hohe Kugel and Hoher Lug. Near Meschach, the hillside and raised bog areas are listed as biotope 40808 in the Vorarlberg biotope inventory and are part of the same nature reserve.
The two ponds at Gasserweiher have a different origin: they were formed by clay extraction at the Gasser brickworks. Fishing is permitted at the northern pond after purchasing a fishing permit. This lets you consider the history of the landscape and a specific activity together, without implying that fishing is permitted at both ponds.
Distinguishing Trails and Hiking Destinations
The Arbogast organic farming nature trail has a short and a longer option: the route is about 1.9 kilometres long; there is also a 2.9-kilometre loop for those who want a longer walk. Nine stations explain the positive functions of organic farming in a playful way. Much of the nature trail is accessible with a stroller. The two route lengths and the stations offer different considerations for planning your visit, without specifying a walking time.
Rising above the Rhine Valley, the Hohe Kugel reaches an elevation of 1,645 metres. It is considered one of the region’s most beautiful hiking destinations. The via ferratas are a separate matter: the Via Örfla is a gorge via ferrata that starts right in the valley. The Via Kapf via ferrata is rated difficulty C/D; mountaineering experience as well as via ferrata equipment, a helmet and via ferrata gloves are required. These requirements should be considered when planning for the Via Kapf.
Church, Castle and Distinctive Architecture
The Old Parish Church of St. Ulrich dates back to around the year 1000. Neu-Montfort was built by the Counts of Montfort at the beginning of the 14th century. The keep survives as a ruin, while the palace has completely disappeared. Jonas-Schlössle was built around 1584 by the Jonas family and is considered one of the finest examples of a noble Renaissance country estate in Vorarlberg. These three building histories span an early church, a medieval castle and a Renaissance country estate.
The Water House embodies a distinctive architectural idea. It is conceived as a place for reflection and appreciation of water, an essential element of life. The five-by-five-metre concrete building encloses a rectangular pool and a drinking-water fountain. Its design includes 820 precisely drilled openings and a pyramid tilted inward. The AMBACH cultural venue offers a different focus: it hosts spoken theatre and cabaret, and is an established part of Vorarlberg’s theatre and cabaret scene.
Getting Your Bearings Before Setting Out
From Götzis railway station, Gasserweiher is about a five-minute walk away; it can also be reached by bicycle or local bus. Landbus route 445 runs regularly between Götzis railway station and St. Arbogast, and continues towards Feldkirch. For a specific journey, check the timetable for your travel date.
One time-specific notice concerns the Kapfweg: on May 11, 2026, it was closed until further notice after rock movement caused by a rock slab destroyed the trail. Check the trail’s current status before setting out. This distinguishes the closure notice at that time from the question of whether the trail is passable today.
Discover more destinations: Schlins, Satteins, Klaus, Altach, Feldkirch, Übersaxen, Zwischenwasser, Batschuns.
Go to the main travel overview: Feldkirch.
