Hikes in Bildstein

Simple but long hike with great views to one of the most popular huts in the Bödele area.

The big finale to Lake Constance – you really can't say much more than that.

Off the beaten path from Lake Constance to Lake Reschen in 11 days (from 18th to 28th August 2016).

Relaxed route, partly on lightly trafficked asphalt roads.

Over the Gebhardsberg to the green hills of the Bregenz ForestToday we leave Lake Constance and hike up the wooded Gebhardsberg, through which the Pfändertunnel makes its way. From Hohenbregenz Castle, we see what lies ahead in the coming days: the extensive Bregenz Forest in its green, albeit sparsely wooded, attire. Behind Kennelbach, we walk through shady mixed forest on the first modest ridge in the Bregenz Forest. On the flattened mountain ridge, which was shaped by glacier masses during the last Ice Age, large alpine and pasture areas dominate the landscape. The combinations of various shades of green and beautiful flower meadows are balm for the eyes and a break for the soul. From the Bereuter Three-Countries Viewpoint, the view wanders back over the Swabian Sea. The stage ends at the impressive lime tree in the village square of Alberschwende. An ice cream and cool feet in the village fountain – that is what we have earned after the accomplished stage!

Round tour with Lake Constance view

The starting point of this hike is located at the entrance to the Vorderen Bregenzerwald, south of the Bregenzerach River and just before it flows into Lake Constance. Bildstein is known far beyond the region for its early Baroque pilgrimage church, which, with its two twin towers, is visible from far across the entire Rhine Valley.> Our loop begins at the village square in Bildstein01, heading east past the Gasthof Ochsen, where the attached shop still offers tasty treats to pack in your backpack. After the first ten minutes of walking, we arrive at a hiking parking lot (which also serves as a bus stop). About 50 meters further on, we turn right onto a forest trail, which is marked white-red-white and leads uphill. At a rest bench, the nature of the trail changes. The narrow forest path first leads through a deep stream gorge, then uphill to the Hochstichweg02, which we follow to the left toward Schneiderkopf.Upon exiting the forest, you’ll pass three farms and can let your gaze wander gently downhill across open terrain to the sweeping view all the way to Lake Constance. This changes at the Kreuzmoo03 marker. Here, turn right toward the east and head uphill again to the houses at Schneider04. Here, turn right once more, following the trail sign to “Schneiderkopf.” At the next set of signs, we continue to follow this destination and eventually reach the highest point of the Bildstein Ridge. Just a few meters to the right stands the Schneiderkopf mountain cross05, a wonderful resting spot with a bench and sweeping views of the Bregenzerwald and Swiss mountains.From the Schneiderkopf, we follow the white-red-white trail markers for “Bereuter Dreiländerblick” and continue steadily downhill in a westerly direction toward the few houses of Gitzen06; from there, we turn right and reach the Bereuter Dreiländerblick07 in about a quarter of an hour. Here, you can enjoy the view of Austria, Switzerland, and Germany while having a snack. Just below the inn, we turn left toward “Bildstein über Dellen” and, about 150 m later, leave the small road to turn onto the marked “Waldlehrpfad” (forest nature trail). Here, we first cross a meadow and a swing gate parallel to the road before the educational forest trail begins. The informative display panels accompany us all the way to Bildstein. Along the way, we’ll need to cross two small ravines, which add some elevation gain (too short a distance to be shown on the map). As we emerge from the forest, we’ll catch a view of Lake Constance, and after passing the Apparition Chapel, we’ll reach starting point01.

Pilgrimage Church Maria Bildstein > Rhine Valley High Trail > Ferienheim Oberbildstein > Buggenegg > Schneiderkopf > Schneiderhof > Baumgarten > Rhine Valley High Trail > Chapel of the Apparition > Pilgrimage Church Maria Bildstein

The slightly hilly stage from Bregenz to Alberschwende is ideal for starting the E5.