Ill

The Ill is a river in western Austria’s Vorarlberg state. It rises on the northern slopes of the Silvretta range and flows north-west for 72 kilometres. The river carves through the Montafon and Walgau valleys before reaching the town of Feldkirch. Near Feldkirch it meets the Rhine at a place called Illspitz, close to the Swiss border. Several hydroelectric dams line its course, harnessing the water’s power. The valley floors beside the Ill are green and fertile, while the peaks above stay snow-capped for much of the year. The Ill is worth the journey for its dramatic Alpine scenery and quiet charm. The Montafon valley offers walking paths that climb beside rushing side streams. In the Walgau, the river widens into gentle loops lined with orchards and meadows. Feldkirch itself has a medieval old town with arcaded streets and a hilltop castle. The Illspitz where the river joins the Rhine is marked by a small nature reserve. Cyclists follow the Ill along well-marked trails that stay close to the water. Visitors find well-kept riverside promenades in Feldkirch and quiet spots where the Ill widens into pools. The dams along the upper valley have small powerhouses and spillways that add to the landscape. In summer the riverbanks are lined with wildflowers and shaded by alders. Above the valley, cable cars rise to viewpoints over the Silvretta peaks. The route from Montafon to Illspitz shows how the river shapes both industry and countryside.