Lank

The Lank is a modest mountain rising to 1 370 metres in the Bregenzerwald range, standing where the Rhine valley meets the Bregenzerwald plateau. Its summit sits on the boundary between the Vorarlberg towns of Dornbirn and Schwarzenberg, marking the watershed between the Badbach and the Schwarzach. The mountain’s gentle slopes and clear boundary lines make it a quiet landmark rather than a dramatic peak.

The Lank is worth the short walk because it offers a straightforward alpine outing without special equipment. The Hochälpelehütte at 1 460 metres provides food and rest just 900 metres south-east of the summit cross. Two ski lifts, the Lanklift and the Seeblicklift, bring walkers close to the top in summer and skiers in winter. The first motorised lift here began operation in 1908, showing how early the area served winter visitors.

On the summit a modest cross stands above open grassland grazed by cattle in summer. From the cross a broad ridge leads north-west to the Losenpass at 1 139 metres, while the E4 long-distance trail passes over the top on its way from Bregenz to Damüls. Below the summit the Hochälpelehütte serves hearty meals, and the surrounding pastures and forest paths invite short strolls or longer loops.