Laterns can be explored through a range of themes: the geological rock faces of the Üble Gorge, the ravine hike from Kühboden to Laterns, historical connections at the parish church, and experiences at the Sound Mountain and in the Laternsertal valley. When planning your stay, you can give each of these themes its own emphasis: the landscape, local history and interactive activities offer different ways to discover the area.
Rocky Landscapes and Hikes
In the Üble Gorge, the hardest rock layers in Vorarlberg, made of silica limestone, are exposed along vertical and overhanging rock faces. The gorge is distinctive both for the shape of its rock faces and for its unique geological composition.
The ravine hike leads from Kühboden to Laterns through the cultural landscape of the Laternsertal valley. Along the way are flower meadows and wet meadows, as well as the typical ravines of the Vorarlberg Flysch. The river crossing on the Min Weag 27 section between Laterns and Viktorsberg is marked in red and white and secured with ropes, railings and metal steps.
For route planning, it is important to distinguish between the named sections: the ravine hike runs from Kühboden to Laterns; the river crossing described here is on Min Weag 27 between Laterns and Viktorsberg. The landscape features along the ravine hike and the specific crossing on Min Weag 27 offer different reference points for planning.
Local History at the Parish Church
A chapel was consecrated in 1411 at the site of today’s Laterns parish church. A statue of Saint Theodul dating from the 15th century, located at the church’s high altar, commemorates the Walser people’s origins. Thus, the same church site brings together a specific date for the chapel’s consecration and a historical connection to the Walser people’s origins. Those interested in local history will find two distinct points of reference here: the early consecration at the site and the statue at the high altar.
Summer Toboggan Run and Sound Mountain
The Laternsertal valley is home to a classic summer toboggan run that is 800 m long. It runs through a forest and includes overpasses and underpasses, as well as several jumps. A funicular takes riders to the start; there is also a speed-measuring section. The classic summer toboggan run in the Laternsertal valley is the only one of its kind in Vorarlberg.
At the Sound Mountain in Laterns, the 3.5 km-long Sound Marble Run Trail features eight interactive stations. Another activity there is the interactive audio drama tour “The Search for the Magical Melody,” which can be enjoyed using the free Locandy app. As app availability may change, it is best to check before your visit.
The activities differ in format: the summer toboggan run is a ride, the Sound Marble Run Trail is a route with interactive stations, and the audio drama tour is an app-based experience. When choosing between them, consider whether you would prefer to plan a toboggan run, a trail with stations, or an interactive audio drama.
Discover more destinations: Innerlaterns, Zwischenwasser, Röthis, Göfis, Schnifis, Klaus, Koblach, Furx.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Feldkirch.
