Nature Reserve Guide
The district of Bludenz in Vorarlberg, Austria, contains 6 designated nature reserves and other significant protected areas. These reserves encompass a range of alpine and valley landscapes, from the steep, forested slopes and lush meadows of the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve to the rugged limestone peaks and dolomite scree slopes characteristic of the Verwall and Rätikon Alps. The varied terrain across these protected zones provides extensive opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and mountaineering. This collection represents…
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Last updated: April 23, 2026

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Geschützter Landschaftsteil Rellstal Und Lünerseegebiet is a high-alpine nature reserve in Austria, offering diverse routes for hiking, biking, and running through its varied terrain.
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Europaschutzgebiet Verwall is a nature reserve in Vorarlberg, Austria, offering diverse alpine landscapes and over 100 routes for cycling, gravel biking, jogging, and mountain biking.
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Ruhezone Vergaldatal is a high alpine nature reserve offering diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling in a tranquil setting.
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Pflanzenschutzgebiet Nenzinger Himmel is a mountainous nature reserve with diverse terrain for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and road cycling routes.
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Europaschutzgebiet Bergwälder Klostertal is a Natura 2000 protected area with rugged peaks, torrents, and waterfalls, offering diverse routes for hiking and cycling.
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Europaschutzgebiet Gadental is a nature reserve in Austria's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal, offering diverse alpine terrain for hiking and cycling routes.
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The nature reserves in Bezirk Bludenz are protected areas in Vorarlberg, Austria, that conserve significant alpine and valley landscapes. This page aggregates 6 such designated areas, including European reserves and parts of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These reserves feature varied terrain from forested slopes to high-alpine peaks, managed to protect biodiversity while allowing for recreation on marked trails.
The primary activities are human-powered outdoor sports. Across the 6 aggregated nature reserves, there are over 900 routes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. Specific areas offer opportunities for mountaineering and trail running, with trails catering to various fitness and skill levels.
Significant protected areas include the Europaschutzgebiet Verwall, a vast alpine landscape, and the Geschützter Landschaftsteil Rellstal Und Lünerseegebiet, which includes the high-alpine Lünersee. The Europaschutzgebiet Gadental is also notable as a core zone within the Großes Walsertal UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
There are hundreds of hiking trails available across the nature reserves in Bezirk Bludenz. For example, Europaschutzgebiet Verwall contains over 75 hiking routes, and Geschützter Landschaftsteil Rellstal Und Lünerseegebiet offers nearly 70. The trails range from moderate valley walks to challenging high-alpine ascents.
Europaschutzgebiet Verwall is a large protected area with over 170 routes for outdoor sports. It is a popular destination for hiking, with more than 75 marked trails, as well as mountain biking and cycling. The diverse alpine landscape provides a variety of route options for different abilities.
The Europaschutzgebiet Bergwälder Klostertal features nearly 190 routes, with a strong emphasis on cycling and hiking. There are over 55 hiking trails and more than 30 road cycling routes that explore the protected mountain forests. The area is characterized by steep slopes, rugged peaks, and waterfalls.
Yes, the Großes Walsertal Biosphere Reserve contains routes suitable for families. The Europaschutzgebiet Gadental, located within the reserve, offers a network of trails through its forests and alpine pastures. Many routes are well-marked and of moderate difficulty, providing options for outings with children.
Pflanzenschutzgebiet Nenzinger Himmel is a plant protection area established to conserve rare alpine flora, such as the Alpine Sea Holly. It is a popular hiking area with over 40 designated hiking trails and 20 mountain bike routes. Access to the valley is regulated, often involving shuttle services, to minimize environmental impact.
Rules regarding dogs vary by the specific protected area. In sensitive zones like the Klostertaler Bergwälder, dogs must be kept on a leash to protect wildlife. Visitors should always check local regulations for the specific reserve they plan to visit and ensure dogs are under control to avoid disturbing fauna and other visitors.
Ruhezone Vergaldatal is a designated quiet zone with high-alpine terrain. It offers over 150 routes, including more than 65 for hiking and nearly 20 for mountaineering. The landscape is tranquil and mountainous, making it suitable for those seeking challenging routes in a less crowded environment.
Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity on designated routes within several of the nature reserves. Pflanzenschutzgebiet Nenzinger Himmel has 20 mountain bike routes, and Ruhezone Vergaldatal offers nearly 20 as well. Riders should always stay on marked trails to protect the sensitive ecosystems.
Many of the trailheads and access points for the nature reserves are reachable via public transportation networks in the valleys, such as Klostertal and Montafon. For areas like Nenzinger Himmel, specific shuttle bus services operate during the summer season. Planning travel via public transport is encouraged to reduce environmental impact.

