Sightseeing in Feldkirch - what to see. Complete travel guide

In the western part of Austria, on the picturesque bank of the Ill River, lies the city of Feldkirch. The distance to the border with Lichtenstein is only three kilometers. All tourists, who have visited this Austrian city at least once, always mention beautiful landscapes and surrounding mountain ranges, as well as a rich historical heritage of Feldkirch. During a walk here, it is so easy to feel like a time machine has brought you to the Middle Ages.

Ancient annals still keep records of the first mentions of Feldkirch. These documents tell about a settlement called Veldkiricha in the middle of the 10th century. In the 12th century, the city became a property of the von Montfort Counts. Only at the end of the second decade of the 13th century, this settlement officially became a town. Feldkirch became a part of the Hapsburg dynasty in the 14th century. Once, a devastating blaze started in the city. It caused colossal damages to Feldkirch. Thousands of local people were left homeless. Only the houses, which remained after that fire, have survived until our days.

Do you want to feel a true medieval spirit? Schattenburg Castle is the first landmark that tourists should visit when they are ready to explore Feldkirch. This is a truly beautiful and gorgeous stone “giant” with 18 different halls. Nowadays, there is a museum open in the castle. Its exhibition is dedicated to the life of previous centuries, their beliefs, rules, and traditions. The exquisite collection has items that date back to the 15th century. Besides that, visitors can see many precious and old artifacts in the museum. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Besides antique items, there is old clothing, weapons, suits of knight armor, religious artifacts, and even weaver’s looms. The museum’s staff keeps expanding the museum’s collection, adding masterpieces by local sculptors and artists. Not many years ago, an important event happened in Feldkirch – the top of the highest tower in the castle finally became open for the general public. Now, everyone can get to the top and look at the area from above. The view is, frankly speaking, mesmerizing.

Katzenturm is one more landmark that tourists in Feldkirch enjoy visiting. This tower has another name, “Cats’ Tower”. Built at the end of the 15th century, this tower was initially a part of the fortress wall, and so its main purpose was to protect the region. At that time, Emperor Maximilian I was the ruler in this region. The fortress was built by his order.

The tower got such an interesting and unusual name not because there were many felines in it. Actually, it was the storage of special cannons called “cats”. These cannons were decorated with lion heads that made these weapons look even more impressive and scary. The tower was expanded in the 17th century by adding a bell tower to the top. A giant iron cast bell was placed in the bell tower. Katzenturm was restored a number of times, but it has retained its original look.

In order to see the medieval architecture in its splendor, simply take a stroll in the central street of Feldkirch, Marktgasse. It starts from Kreuzgasse and ends in the southern part of the city, near Johannitergasse. This is a wide pedestrian street that is paved with cobblestones. There are numerous cafes, different restaurants, and shops on both sides of Marktgasse, so, needless to say, this is a popular tourist destination.

When taking a stroll in this central street, you will be also able to see the traditional architecture in Austria of the past. Houses of local people always attract the attention of tourists with their unique elegance and unusually old age. Numerous fountains make this street even more attractive, giving the much-needed freshness on hot days. When you feel tired of walking, visit a local café where you can drink a cup of coffee under a charming umbrella or try local delicacies.

Feldkirch hosts many different festivals every year. For example, summer is the time for the Feldkirch Festival, a popular music event established by Thomas Hengelbrock. Numerous musicians from all over the world visit this festival in order to show their skills and talent. The city looks particularly alive on the days of the festival. Music plays everywhere, and various performances and contests take place on the main streets of Feldkirch.

Tourists can get to Feldkirch from Bregenz by train. A ride will last only half an hour. A journey from Dornbirn will be even shorter – you will get to your destination in just twenty minutes. It is also possible to reach Feldkirch from Bludenz – it will take only fifteen minutes to move between these settlements. Having arrived at the railway station, you will need to use public transport – a bus – to get to the city center.