Berwang
Pristine nature in higher altitudes: That’s what entices holiday guests to come to Berwang. What’s more, the highest town in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena also boasts countless attractive leisure-time offers and diverse accommodation options.
Facts & figures
- Location: highest town of the region, scenic views of the Zugspitze
- Elevation: 1,336 m
- Districts: Brand, Bichlbächle, Gröben, Kleinstockach, Mitteregg, Rinnen and Tal
- Neighbouring towns: Bichlbach and Namlos
- Highlights:
- Lechtal Alps
- Berwang Skiarena
- countless hiking and biking routes
Where is Berwang?
High, higher, Berwang: With its location at 1,300 metres above sea level, the so-called “Haufendorf” (scattered village) is the highest located village in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. Berwang is also a municipality that unites the valley of Berwang with Rotlechtal Valley. The districts of Kleinstockach and Bichlbächle are located in Berwang Valley – while Brand, Mitteregg and Rinnen are part of Rotlechtal Valley.
If you’re wondering how Berwang got its name: It consists of two part – “ber” and “wang” which can be translated to “bear meadow”.
The history of Berwang
It’s likely that settlers came to Berwang from Gurgltal Valley. What speaks for this theory is the fact that the town had its legal and fiscal administration in Imst for a long time. From 1430 on, Berwang officially became a part of the Tyrolean Außerfern region. Since 1949, the Kelmen hamlet (formerly a part of Berwang) and Namlos became the Namlos municipality founded in the same year. In addition, the first local ski lift was put into operation in 1949. Growing tourism brought life to the region previously shaped by farming.
Winter in Berwang
There are several reasons why skiers and snowboarders appreciate winter holidays in Berwang: The slopes of Berwang Skiarena lead right into the town. The local ski resort association lets you explore the slopes of Bichlbach on the other side of the valley. And perfectly groomed cross-country trails in various altitudes – as well as beautiful winter and snowshoe hiking routes – are great alternatives to skiing and snowboarding. And the best part: You’ll be accompanied by plenty of sunshine no matter where your tours of exploration take you …
Event tip for the evening: You’d like to prolong your days in Berwang by having fun way into the night? A visit to the ski shows, nighttime skiing or floodlit sledging are great options for that.
Summer in Berwang
Thanks to Berwang’s location in higher altitudes, hikers enjoy pleasant temperatures even on hot summer days. Rinnen, Brand, Mitteregg, Namlos, Anrauth, Kleinstockach, Bichlbächle, and Kelmen: The many nearby hamlets and villages are easy to reach on foot. Hence, the town is a perfect starting point for diverse excursions in the mountains. Alternatively, you can also explore the surrounding summits by bike.
Tip: Work hard, play (or relax) hard – that’s the motto at Bärenbad Berwang open-air pool!
Berwang for families
Family summer in Berwang is all about having fun! Alongside a forest pool, Bärenarena also features a tennis court and a minigolf course. Romping around on the forest playground, riding mountain scooters or learning about the local flora and fauna on Mitterweg adventure trail: Families can enjoy diverse and bear-tastic holidays in Berwang.
In Winter, Skiarena Berwang is popular with skiers and snowboarders of all ages. The professional ski school and laser biathlon are only two of the many family-friendly offers on site. What’s more, the Bärenrutsch sledging hill next to the church is bound to have your little ones squealing with joy as they slide down.
Culture & attractions
While on holiday in Berwang, fans of culture and the arts can discover a multitude of historic landmarks – among them, the catholic parish church of St. Jacob which dates back to 1430. The village fountain was erected between 1988 and 1989. In addition, there are six chapels, a wayside shrine and several succursal churches in Bichlbächle and Kleinstockach. The Berwang museum of local history is well worth a visit, too.
Listen up, beer connoisseurs! A cultural asset of the slightly more unusual kind can be found at Stadl-Bräu. It’s Austria’s highest Alpine home brewery.
Images of Berwang
