Grosses Walsertal

The Großes Walsertal is a protected nature reserve in Vorarlberg, Austria, covering 19,231 hectares. It became a UNESCO biosphere reserve in November 2000 and is home to 3,420 people and around 180 farms, 42% of which operate organically. The valley stretches across six municipalities and is divided into distinct zones for conservation and sustainable use. The northern part features flysch mountains while the southern section has rugged peaks and scree slopes. The reserve balances nature conservation with sustainable tourism and education. Nearly 20% of the area is a core zone where ecosystems develop with minimal human interference, including protected sites like the Gadental and Rote Wand. The maintenance zone covers about 65% of the valley, supporting traditional farming, forestry and eco-friendly tourism. A regeneration zone along the diverted Lutz river aims to restore natural water flow. Visitors find the biosphärenpark.haus, a centre with films, interactive displays and a herbarium. The Walderlebnispfad Marul offers two hiking routes through forests and meadows, with information on local flora, fauna and culture. The Walserherbst festival brings music, literature and food to the valley every other August. At St. Gerold, a historic Benedictine site, a footpath winds through lakes and woodland, linking cultural heritage with the landscape.