Brand is a Walser settlement; the Maria Himmelfahrt parish church and Kesselfall offer distinctive historical and scenic highlights. Activities range from interactive nature stations and wildlife watching to climbing and swimming options in the Brandnertal. When looking for a hotel in Brand, a practical first question is which of these interests will shape your trip: architectural history, nature trails or specific activities. This lets you plan your trip around experiences that appeal to you.
Walser history and the parish church
Brand’s cultural character is shaped by its history as a Walser settlement. The Maria Himmelfahrt parish church offers a precisely dated detail from the village’s history: it was consecrated in 1507 by Chur Auxiliary Bishop Stephan Tschuggli, after 27 years of construction. The year marks the church’s consecration following a long building phase. If you would like to combine historical themes with nature experiences, you can compare this connection to the church with the natural setting of Kesselfall.
Kesselfall and winter hiking
Kesselfall is a natural monument in Brand. At Kesselfall, the Alvierbach plunges through a gorge about 40 m deep, putting the landscape centre stage. The Kesselfall circuit complements this nature experience with a short winter hike: the circular trail runs from Brand to Kesselfall and back to the PalĂĽdbahn. Snow and ice can change trail conditions, so check them when planning your winter hike.
Nature trails with different focuses
The NatursprĂĽnge Trail in the Brandnertal begins at the Dorfbahn Brand. At eleven interactive stations, it playfully shares information about alpine forests, water and the creatures that live in it. The Tiererlebnispfad in Brand, by contrast, focuses on observing local animals: along an approximately 1 km circular trail by the Alvierbach, you can see goats, pigs, chickens and other animals up close. The two experiences are therefore quite different: one trail explores nature topics at its stations, while the other focuses on wildlife watching along the route.
The barefoot trail near the Parpfienzalpe in Brand offers a different way to explore movement and the senses. Along its 2.55 km route, you can experience forest floor, moorland, meadows, stones and spring water barefoot. The Dorfbahn takes visitors to the starting point in just a few minutes. Compared with the approximately 1 km Tiererlebnispfad, this route is longer; the trails also have different focuses: varied surfaces here, animals by the Alvierbach there.
Climbing and a culinary tour
To reach the Kellenegg via ferrata, start in Brand town centre and pass the Brandnertal climbing park, then follow the Kellenegg hiking trail to the start of the route. The Brandnertal climbing park also offers a course for children aged three and up. These are two distinct climbing experiences: the approach to the via ferrata and a course with a specific age requirement.
The Brand Culinary Tour starts at the valley station of the Dorfbahn. As seasonal programme details may change, it is advisable to check them for your planned travel dates.
Swimming and golf in the Brandnertal
Alvierbad is a natural swimming lake in the Brandnertal, fed by mountain spring water. It has two child-friendly pools connected by small streams. The Brandnertal also has an 18-hole golf course in an alpine setting. Alongside the trails, swimming and golf are therefore other options to consider when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: LorĂĽns, Buchboden, Innerbraz, Braz, Lech, Blons, Bludesch, Tschagguns.
Back to the broader travel overview: Bludenz.
