10 best things to do in Mellau
Last updated on July 19th, 2026.
The first thing you notice about Mellau is how green it is. And, I’m not talking about a dull shade of green.
I’m talking about a rich forest, specks of dazzling shamrock, kind of green.
Yet, there’s more to Mellau than just its mesmerizing colors. The small village in the Bregenzerwald in western Austria entices you in long before you arrive.
With a few days in town, I was about to discover some of the best things to do in Mellau.
Dewy grasslands with grazing cows stare curiously as you drive past, their neck bells drawing your immediate attention.
As we approached the town, a visible mass of cloud held its grip over Mellau — and the surrounding areas. But, rather than masquerading the village’s beauty, it did the opposite, instead magnifying the majestic Kanisfluh massif in the background.
Soon, the clouds would clear, leading the way for plenty of sunshine and electric blue skies.
Where is Mellau?
Mellau is a small village located in the Bregenzerwald in western Austria. It’s one of 23 villages within the region and forms a part of the state of Vorarlberg.
This mountainous state that borders Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland is known for its ski resorts and much more. My detailed guide on the best things to do in Vorarlberg will help you to plan your own itinerary.
How to reach Mellau
I arrived at Mellau having flown in from Zurich airport. It’s the closest international airport to get to the town, and it took just 45 minutes from Venice.
From here, it was another 2-hour (approximate) coach ride before we reached Mellau. If you’re ready to see what this Austrian town has to offer, here are 10 top things to do in Mellau.
10 best things to do in Mellau
1. Stay at a mountain Alpine hotel
Our base in Mellau was the casual, yet chic, Hotel Bären.
This relaxed boutique hotel nestled between the Vorarlberg mountains is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Mellau.
Rooms are modern, spacious and many come with an unbeatable view of the surrounding landscape.
More than a hotel
Where many hotels usually only host guests for dining, Hotel Bären proves just as popular with the locals too.
Its breakfast spread at its Café Deli is sensational. There’s so much choice that it takes longer deciding what to try than to actually eat it.
The selection’s a far cry from standard breakfast foods you find in hotels.
Expect to find regional dishes, such as riebel, along with freshly baked breads and pastries. If you’ve never tried riebel, it’s the Vorarlberg version of oatmeal (porridge). Made from cornmeal, milk, butter and salt, the riebel’s cooked until it resembles large rolled breadcrumbs.
But, rather than serve it with hot milk, they serve riebel with apple sauce. To say it’s a filling way to start your day is an understatement: I didn’t feel hungry until after 2pm.
Wellness activities at Hotel Bären
Along with satisfying your nutritional needs, the facilities and activities at Hotel Bären also caters to your physical wellbeing.
On the top floor is where you’ll find the hotel’s sauna and relaxation room. With views overlooking the Kanisfluh massif, it’s the ideal place to unwind after a long day of outdoor activity.
On the lower ground floor is where you’ll find Hotel Bären’s Studio B. It runs weekly yoga classes as well as retreats and is suitable for all levels. Check the website for further information.
Hotel Bären, Platz 66, 6881 Mellau
2. Head to the slopes
One of the biggest reasons that people visit Mellau during the winter is for its ski resorts.
The town has several within its vicinity, which include Damüls-Mellau and Faschina. The cable car (Mellaubahn) was built a few years ago and connects Damüls and Mellau.
Damüls-Mellau is located in the heart of the Bregenz Forest. Come winter, snow (109km of snow-sure slopes) blankets the area making it a popular choice among skiers.
The resort has 28 lifts and cable cars to get you to your desired track. Damüls-Mellau has an easy terrain for beginners, more demanding slopes for experienced skiers and a snow park for snowboarding.
Fontanella-Faschina, Damüls
At 1,145m above sea level, the village of Fontanella-Faschina, Damüls is another good option for winter sports seekers.
The mountain ski resort is located at the entrance to the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Reserve. A UNESCO recognized biosphere park, you can hike here as well as try some locally-made produce.
Whether you visit the Bregenzwald in summer or winter, you’ll find plenty to do in Fontanella-Faschina and Damüls-Mellau.
3. Take an architecture tour
It’s true that Mellau is typically known for being an outdoorsy destination. But, there are plenty of other activities to do that don’t include a set of skis or hiking poles.
Architectural structures in Mellau include everything from traditional to more modern builds. A short walk from Hotel Bären is good example of this, in the form of the town’s community center.
The largest of the buildings has a sleek wooden exterior, with windows that let in plenty of natural light. Inside is sufficient space to hold events as well as concerts and town meetings.
To its side are smaller buildings — that mirror the same design — and are the village’s kindergarten and elementary school.
Mellau’s first church
I can’t write about the architecture in Mellau without mentioning the village’s church.
The site of Mellau parish church (Pfarrkirche Mellau) dates all the way back to the 13th century. However, after centuries of demolishment, renovations and a devastating fire, the church has undergone several major reconstructions.
The structure that stands today was built in 1982. Being too small to service Mellau’s growing community, they rebuilt the new church while retaining some of the older features. These included the Stations of the Cross and the stained glass windows.
Pfarrkirche Mellau, 180
Houses in Mellau
A mixture of modern vs traditional extends to the architectural style that you find around Mellau. Like the community center, houses use wood, glass or both.
You don’t need to have an architectural degree here; simply go and explore what the village has to offer.
4. Discover the Umgang Bregenzerwald
One of the most interesting features I came across in Mellau are the Umgang Bregenzerwald. These are tall, steel columns placed around specific locations in Mellau, and across the Bregenzerwald.
Their purpose is to inform visitors about certain aspects. This could relate to the landscape, ecological details or culinary information. Unimposing and very much, a ‘blink and you might miss it’ feature, the Umgang Bregenzerwald are a charming characteristic.
How do the Umgang work?
Each Umgang has a button on the side. Place your eye to the top of the Umgang to read more about the specific landmark.
The information is available in German and English.
5. Have an aperitif at Tempel 74
Living in Italy, it’s a normal to have an aperitivo (aperitif), or two, before dinner.
And, I was delighted to be continuing the tradition in Mellau at Tempel 74. We enjoyed a glass of prosecco with elderberries in its cozy, yet chic, lobby.
But, its elegant design goes beyond the lobby. With 10 apartments, they each showcase the traditional building culture of the Bregenzerwald.
The attention to detail is impeccable and reflects the owners’ passion for the region and its custom. Raw materials and warm natural fabrics go hand in hand to create an inviting environment.
At Tempel 74, guests can also enjoy facilities such as the Finnish sauna and the sun terrace.
Tempel 74, Mellau
Map: what to see and do in Mellau, Austria
6. Try a traditional kässpätzle
On to my favorite topic: the food. Being in a mountainous region of Austria, I was expecting the cuisine to be rich and wholesome, and I was right.
Kässpätzle is a dish that’s popular in Austria and Germany. The version I tried (several) times is unique to the Vorarlberg region. They also serve spätzle in the Dolomites and it’s a perfect Italian comfort food when winter arrives.
Here, they use local mountain, as well as Alpine, cheeses to give the kässpätzle its unique taste and aroma. Roasted brown onions add the finishing touch and a contrasting crunchy texture to the dish.
If you want to make a traditional Vorarlberg kässpätzle at home, this recipe is a good one to try. It’s easy to follow and is a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Where to eat kässpätzle in Mellau
We hit the kässpätzle jackpot in Mellau when choosing to dine at Nazes Hus.
A delightful aroma permeated the air upon entering, with friendly staff welcoming us in with a warm smile.
Along with its excellent food, Nazes Hus is exactly what you’d expect from a traditional Austrian restaurant. Cozy wooden interiors from floor to ceiling, embroidered curtains and warm lighting, I felt instantly at home.
When the kässpätzle arrived, the conversation at our table immediately stopped. Served in a traditional wooden dish, we watched as the gooey cheese stretched from spoon to pasta to plate.
An evening of fine food, wine and an atmosphere to match, I couldn’t have chosen better than Nazes Hus.
Nazes Hus, Tempel 73
7. Go for a walk/hike
In a town blessed with incredible nature, hiking one of the many trails around Mellau is a given.
Being outdoors does wonders for our bodies, and it’s also a great stress reliever for our minds. And, for rookie hikers like myself, I was eager to get out and about in the nature of Mellau.
There are over 1,500km of signposted hiking paths divided into 3 levels of difficulty:
- Yellow-white: easy
- White-red-white: intermediate
- White-blue-white: expert
For the last 2 levels, make sure to bring suitable mountain shoes that have a good grip.
Depending on the route you choose, these paths can take you through the valley area or up its mountains.
Hike up the Kanisfluh
One of the most popular hiking trails is to reach the top of the Kanisfluh. This striking massif provides unbeatable views of the region and beyond. On a clear day, you’ll get to see Lake Constance, the Swiss Alps and maybe even the German mountains.
You can split the hike into two parts depending on your level of experience and fitness.
Take the cable car to the Roßstelle station and commence the hike from here. The first part consists of less demanding paths and trails, until you pass the Kanis Alp valley basin.
From here, the hike becomes more challenging. A narrow path will lead you all the way to top of the Kanisfluh. It will take strength, energy and persistence, but the reward is bigger than the climb.
8. Ride the different cable cars
Even if you don’t plan on partaking in any outdoors activities, you can’t miss riding the cable cars in Mellau.
The Mellaubahn ground level station is located at 380 Hinterbündt. In just 6 minutes, it’ll transport you to the Roßstelle station.
How to ride the cable car with a fear of heights
I’ll let you in on a secret: I’m afraid of heights. It’s not a crippling fear but my nerves did get to me at a significant height.
Still, I can tell you with great confidence, that I rode the Mellaubahn a few times, and enjoyed the view.
If your fear of heights is more severe than mine, but you want to go up the mountain, these are my tips:
- Don’t go solo
- Sit facing the direction of where you’re going
- Close your eyes if necessary (or wear sunglasses)
- Listen to music, or talk to others to distract your thoughts
- Take long, deep breaths and count until you reach the top
The opening times of the Mellau cable car are*:
- Monday to Friday: 9am till 12pm; 1 till 5pm
- Weekends and public holidays: 9am to 5pm
The last ride to the mountain station is at 4.30pm.
Another cable car option in Mellau is the Seilbahnen Faschina. I didn’t ride this one, for the simple reason that this ‘cable car’ is a chair lift.
Unlike the feeling of being secure inside the Mellaubahn, my fear of heights wouldn’t permit this one. However, if you’d like to try it, the 2-seater chair lift is located within the Grosses Walsertal Biosphere Reserve.
9. Unwind at a Mellau spa
With the amount of outdoor activities available in Mellau, there’s no better way to unwind than at a spa hotel.
Just across the road from Hotel Bären is the Sonne Lifestyle Resort, Bregenzerwald.
An adults-only wellness hotel, it has all the facilities you need to restore you to your former self. A wellness area with massage beds, saunas, steam baths and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool await.
Sonne Lifestyle Resort, Bregenzerwald, Übermellen 65
In the heart of the Bregenz Forest is the superb Hotel Die Wälderin. Treat your body and mind to some down time in its wellness center with a view of the Kanisfluh.
Facilities include a heated garden pool, sauna, steam bath, and a NaturSpa wellness centre.
Hotel Kreuz, Übermellen 17
10. Buy some cheese from a vending machine
What do you do when hunger pangs strike at the midnight hour? When in Mellau, you make a trip to the vending machine.
Located inside a small wooden hut, you’ll also find a coffee machine, and a freezer stacked with ice cream.
If you’re looking for a standard soda or candy bar here you’ll be disappointed. Instead, you can choose from your pick of regional cold cuts, local cheeses or even ready meals.
The hut where the vending machine is located is opposite the Spar supermarket. It doesn’t have an exact address, but it's located next to Hotel Sonne.
Final thoughts
My stay in Mellau couldn’t have gone any better.
From the friendly hospitality of the local people to the range of activities, it’s a town definitely worth visiting.
Rustic, rural and remarkable, Mellau gives you a taste of an authentic Austrian village. And, with ample things to do in Mellau, it’s one town where boredom has no place.
What are your thoughts on visiting Mellau? Does it sound like a town you’d like to see? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Useful resources
Visit Vorarlberg tourism board
Visit Austria tourism board
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
*prices correct at time of publishing
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So green and beautiful. The snow is pretty as well.
Great post!
Thank you 🙂
This isn’t an Austrian village I’m familiar with but has all the things I’d look for in an alpine holiday. Cute chalets, good hikes, tasty foods - I’m especially intrigued by the food. I’m marking this one for the future.
Thanks John, I'm glad you like the look of Mellau, it's so charming!
Lisa, can there be a more beautiful place? We were very close to Mellau when going through Austria, Leichtenstein, and Switzerland. Looks like we need to go back! We remember well the breakfast pastries but cheese from a vending machine is something we need to see.
Honestly Tom, I'm not sure! I had a wonderful time here and would highly recommend. The cheese vending machine is totally worth seeing too 🙂
What a lovely place to unwind and escape Mellau is not somewhere I have heard of before. Would love to get on that cable car. Great find
Thank you! It's a charming village with an impressive number of things to do!
Buying cheese from a vendor machine would be a first for me! I’ve never seen that but why not?! Mellau looks quite beautiful with the views from the cable car and seeing traditional houses on the architectural tour. Always fun to learn about the different building styles. I love kässpätzle, so I know what I’d be ordering for dinner!
It's such a unique feature and one I wasn't expecting to find in a small Austrian village! Kässpätzle is so good and easy to make at home!
You are right, this place is so eye-poppingly green. Especially loved that church flanked by the mountains - so picturesque.
Mellau is a wonderful village!
I just love the cows! Mellau looks like something out of a fairy tale book -- incredible views, gorgeous mountains, and the cutest cottages! Austria is on my bucket list and now Mellau is, for sure!
Happy to read that Tami! You'll really love Mellau, it's a perfect Austrian village 😀
To be honest, I’ve never heard did Mellau and it took me a while to place exactly where it is in Austria. I have been to Austria yet never heard of it. I would love to take the cable car up to Damüls-Mellau, especially in winter when the mountain is covered with a white blanket of snow. I don’t ski but I love exploring places with so much snow in the winter. The town looks great overall, with the architecture of the houses and the church too. Such a lovely place to spend the weekend at.
It's really a beautiful part of Austria, but not as well known. I hope you consider visiting one day!
Since I'm always staying in Vienna when going to Austria, I'm missing out on all this romantic beauty. However, this wonderful food you are introducing is found everywhere in Austria, thank God. Maybe next time I take the train to Austria. This way, I can include some stops at more remote places and get to know these wonderful sceneries, too.
I really hope you do Renata, Mellau and the Vorarlberg region of Austria is truly spectacular. And the food is amazing too!
This is a hidden gem! And, you had me at Austrian mountains. I’ve done the Alpine Road through Germany along the border of Austria and loved it. The scenery, the bakeries, the kässpätzle - such fond memories. I now need to add Mellau to my list.
Thank you Renee, I'm so glad you'll consider visiting Mellau, it's really a beautiful village!
I haven't heard of Mellau before. And it seems to be a lovely and picturesque place. Perfect for hiking and wandering. I like the greenery and the rural landscape. I will keep this place in mind during my trip to Austria.
Happy to read that Agnes! It's really a great village and with plenty of activities to do!
I have never given the Bregenzer Wald regioin much thought as a travel destination, but your pictures changed that. I have read about the Kanisfluh hike in a magazine recently - it looks nice. And then, food is always amazing in these little villages. The Käsespätzle look mean!
It's soooo good and a perfect comfort food in autumn! I hope you consider visiting one day 😀
I would love to walk around this region. I noticed the windows are such a bright colour in the buildings and they look so beautiful against the clear skies. The Umgang sounds interesting. I am scared of heights, but I will follow your tips and keep looking straight instead of down.
Trust me, if I can do it, you can too! The Umgang are a great way of learning about Mellau and other villages in the Bregenzerwald 🙂
Must admit that I hadn't heard of Mellau but what a stunning place. I miss the snow so would love to visit in winter. The pastries and waffles at Cafe Deli look delicious.
It's a beautiful village and region in general Wendy, more so when it snows! And I enjoyed breakfast every single day!
The view of Mellau from the cable car is so beautiful. It reminded me of Telluride in Colorado. I found it interesting to use Umgang as a way to inform visitors of certain places around town. When I go there, I will definitely do some hikes. Mellau outdoor is just fantastic.
It's really an amazing place for hikers. I also enjoyed seeing the Umgang; they're so innovative but not intrusive to the lifestyle.
Looks like a lovely place. I'm definitely partial to kaesspaetzle.
You and me both Stefan!
I surely have Austria on my list and hopefully I can plan it out soon. But I have never heard of Mellau before. I will surely add it on my list as it is so beautiful and stunning. Hiking in this beautiful village sounds amazing so surely Kanisfluh will be on my itinerary.
I'm happy to read that! Mellau has so much to offer and is a pretty village 🙂
I'd love to go skiing someday and this looks a beautiful place for it. A visit to the spar is a must too. The thing that stuck out the most to me is the vending machine cheeses! Yum
So many people have said the same thing! Mellau is really a beautiful destination to visit
I travelled to Austria back in 2019 and I found the hole country absolutely stunning, but have never heard of Mellau before but clearly it’s all as beautiful. One thing I didn’t see was a cheese vending machine… Mind blown.
Yes! And it's not just any kind of cheese, it's regional and a little bit posh too! 😀
I have never heard about this place, but I love how much you can do there!! Between the cable car ride and the cheese vending machine, I am not sure what I would want to do first. The views from the cable car look amazing! Also all the food...yummy!!!
It's such a great destination and one where you'll never get bored, I promise!
Very informative post about a stunning location. Looks like a great place to visit
Thank you Ross, I loved visiting Mellau!
Wow, it looks stunning. I love exploring small towns like these, I bet the hiking trails around here are fab
They are, and with amazing views to match!
I just love this place that I never heard about. It's just fantastic, perfect balance between hedonism and nature. With your great guide about Mellau the only thing to do is to run and book the tickets!
The landscape looks fantastic and has to be great for a good hiking adventure.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you guys! I had a good time and would return tomorrow 😀
I love this section of Europe and would move in a heartbeat! I haven’t heard of Mellau before today but you had me at grasslands and cow bells. Would love the ride the cable car, go for a hike and reward myself with kässpätzle after. And, of course, buy cheese from a vending machine, so unique! I wish more cities had Umgang in place, such a great way to learn more about the area.
Thank you Sherianne for your comment! I had a wonderful time and highly recommend others to visit. The umgang are fascinating and add a unique touch!
Everything looks so wonderful. Pastries are so delicious. I haven't had a really good one in awhile.Oh, and can we talk about the noodle dishes. Wowza!
I did eat very well!
Wow there is so much to do in Mellau! Those places to eat looked really, really nice.
Nazes Hus is wonderful and a real authentic experience!
We spent time in Austria and loved it! Your photos are breathtaking. They give me the true sense of being there!
Thank you so much! And I'm glad you've visited, the country really is beautiful
These small towns are just so absolutely captivating and beautiful!
Yes!
I would absolutely love to visit Mellau! The breakfast food looks delicious and the views there are breathtaking. It looks so gorgeous there!
It really is a beautiful village Jasmine, and the region is spectacular too!
Wow! What a great place to visit. I'm looking for some fun new trip ideas so I'll add this to the list.
Perfect Thena, I'm happy to read that!
Ah, who doesn't love green mountain Austrian villages?! Mellau looks amazing and the fact that it has a cable car, so one can enjoy panoramic views, is an additional reason to visit!
I was so enamored with the scenery, it's really something straight out of a fairytale!
We stayed mostly in the larger cities on our first visit to Austria. I can see that on a return trip we need to plan to visit the smaller towns like Mellau. I can certainly see that we will eat well on our visit and won’t miss finding a great kasspatzle! Good to be well fuelled before we head up the slopes. Those views when you go up on the the cable car looked amazing. All great reasons to plan a stop for a few day in Mellau.
It's really worth visiting Linda, and honestly a great region of Austria to explore. There are visitors but not like the ones you find in larger cities 🙂
I too share your fear of heights, but strangely I've always done better on chair lifts than on cable cars. I think it's a weight thing. Fewer riders, less chance of breakage?? And I really want to try Riebel now
Really?! You're a braver man than me Steven! The riebel is good, and a tasty way to start your day in Vorarlberg 🙂
I skipped breakfast and only had salad for lunch. The food in your post is making my mouth water. My mom used to make homemade spaetzle when I was a kid. It is one of my favorites.
Sorry about that Donna! It's a delicious dish and one version regional to Vorarlberg
I would like to take an architecture tour but I would not go near that cable ride. 🙂
My nerves were also there but it was worth it, I promise!
That countryside looks fantastic for some hiking with the dog. I've not visited that end of Austria yet.
It's definitely the kind of place to take your dog, and to go for a hike!
I love the architecture of Austria. It's like stepping through a time warp...what a wonderful and beautiful place to check out. Someday I would love to visit.
You really must one day, it's more charming in person 🙂
Mellau was never on my radar but the cablecars, the hikes and the spa intrigue me.
It has a lot to offer for a small village!
Mellau looks fantastic and so much of history and culture to it. Loving all your photos especially of the scenery and food. I hope to visit the location when I go Austria
Thank you! I hope I've made you consider visiting one day 🙂
Mellau is somewhere I've not been or even heard of. I would love to visit Austria it is such a pretty place and I do love to travel when I can.
You definitely should Melanie, I had a wonderful time here 🙂
I've only ever been to Vienna. It looks like l'm missing out as Mellau looks stunning. Must put it on my never-ending list :-).
You must visit other parts of Austria like Mellau, it's so charming!
Those Austrian landscapes are too stunning! Not familiar with Mellau but it looks like a great place to experience the country! Thanks for sharing.
It's beautiful! I hope you consider visiting the Vorarlberg region; it's really one worth seeing 😀
The rural parts of Austria has been on my Europe list for some time now- but postponed until I get to Bavaria. I’ll put the Sonne Lifestyle Resort on my itinerary as who wouldn’t welcome a wellness spa? Riebel reminds me of Apple crumble - proper comfort food! Thanks for sharing this wonderful part of Europe.
It's my pleasure Verona! I really had a wonderful time exploring Mellau and the Vorarlberg region. Riebel is so interesting and it fills you up!
What a cool place! I especially like the cheese vending machine haha
Yes! It's definitely a unique feature in Mellau
I've never heard of Mellau before, but it looks amazing! I would definitely love to go there someday. 🙂
Honestly, neither had I before visiting Tami! It's really a village worth visiting 🙂
I'd never heard of Mellau before, but Austria has long been on my bucket list! I would love to ride the cable car and do an architecture tour!
Many people haven't, but I promise it's such a beautiful village! And the views from the cable car are incredible 🙂
What a fun place and it is so scenic! Thanks for the great pictures! It is like I traveled with you! Austria is on my list of places to visit once we can really resume traveling after Covid. Thanks for sharing this great destination!
Thank you Kay, that was what I intended to do! Austria is beautiful, and Mellau is just one small village with big potential.
Mellau Austria seems like a adventurous place to vacation. The Food Explora in me will love the Vorarlburge porridge. Sounds similar to the Jamican 🇯🇲 corn meal porridge i grew up eating. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Your pictures are awesome 👌
Thank you for sharing your food knowledge Kevin! I've never tried a Jamaican cornmeal porridge, but it sounds delicious 😀