Brandnertal

The Brandnertal is a valley in Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost province. It lies south of Bludenz and stretches up past Bürserberg to Brand, over 1,000 metres above sea level. The valley ends at the Schesaplana peak and the Lünersee lake below it. The Alvier river flows through the valley and carves the Bürserschlucht gorge near Bürs. A footpath follows the gorge, giving walkers close views of the water and rock walls. Tourism is important here, with winter bringing more visitors than summer. In the 2011–12 winter season there were 236,090 overnight stays, while summer 2012 saw 181,654. The area caters for families and offers skiing, snowboarding, sledging, hiking and cross-country skiing. The Brandnertal mountain railways share snow reliability with the Montafon, so skiers can use runs across both regions. Mountain huts provide rest and refreshment, and the ‘Tierwelten Brandnertal’ trail teaches visitors about local wildlife. Paths lead from Brand up to high alpine meadows and the Lünersee lake. In winter the valley becomes a snowy playground with prepared slopes and sledging runs. In summer the same lifts carry hikers to quieter heights. The Bürserschlucht gorge remains a scenic contrast to the open valley, its steep walls and rushing water offering a cool walk on warm days.