Feldkirch, Austria, is an enchanting medieval town packed with charm and history. Most tourists miss it entirely.

2 hours ago 3

Feldkirch, Austria, offers a quiet cultural escape with medieval charm and scenery.
Visitors can explore historic sites, local markets, and enjoy diverse culinary options.
This article is part of "Undiscovered Europe," a series exploring overlooked travel gems.

Set along Austria's westernmost edge, Feldkirch is a small medieval town that invites curious wanderers who crave quiet culture and enchanting scenery over a checklist of sights to see.

Here, winding cobbled streets and vaulted arcades weave alongside a storybook castle that's stood watch for over 800 years. Yet many visitors bypass Feldkirch en route to larger, more well-known cities.

"Most tourists head for Innsbruck, Salzburg, or Vienna — Feldkirch doesn't yet make it onto many international itineraries, which is exactly what makes it so appealing," said Jacqué Gabellone, the director of product and operations for Tenon Tours, a boutique tour company specializing in tailor-made European travel.

"Compared to Innsbruck, it's more intimate and less commercialized, while still offering alpine architecture and access to mountain scenery," she said.

Gabellone has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years, often sourcing on-the-ground destinations, such as Feldkirch, for her clients. Its authentic charm immediately won her over, especially compared to other tourist-heavy Austrian towns.

"It's the kind of place where you feel immersed in everyday Austrian life while still surrounded by centuries of history," Gabellone said.

Chris Karl, an Austrian-born tour director for EF Go Ahead Tours who passes through often, also agrees.

"I don't think that many tourists have Feldkirch on their agenda," he told Business Insider. "Feldkirch welcomes you with thick medieval fortification walls and an old tower. In the city center, you will find a vibrant town with shops and restaurants under ancient arcades."

In Feldkirch, find history, culture, and gastronomic delights

Located in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, Feldkirch borders the countries of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The scenery is bucolic, situated in a valley surrounded by lush rolling hills and mountains. And while the capital of Vorarlberg is Bregenz, Feldkirch's attractions are known to rival it.

"Feldkirch is sometimes called the secret capital of Vorarlberg," Karl said. "There are conferences held there, cultural events, architectural congresses — people come for these events and then find themselves in an unknown oasis of medieval charm and modern functionality."

Gabellone added, "Feldkirch offers culture without the crowds."

6 Things to Do in Feldkirch

Marvel at a medieval castle. Built in the 13th century by the Counts of Montfort, Feldkirch's Schattenburg Castle is now a landmark and museum showcasing medieval weaponry, Gothic art, and period clothing. An on-site restaurant, Gasthof Schattenburg, serves hearty Austrian dishes. "From the castle, you get sweeping views of red-tiled rooftops and the Alps in the background," Gabellone said.
Stop to see an ancient watchtower. Also known as the 'Cat Tower,' the Katzenturm is a prominent part of Feldkirch's skyline. Originally built in 1507 as part of the town's fortifications, the tower stands 40 meters high with Vorarlberg's biggest bell inside, which weighs 7,500 kilos and still chimes today.
Peruse a street market. Feldkirch hosts twice-weekly farmers markets year-round. "Many visitors overlook the weekly markets where you can sample cheeses, cured meats, and breads from the surrounding farms," Gabellone said.
Learn about the culture. The town's cultural center, Montforthaus Feldkirch, opened in 2015 and hosts many noteworthy exhibitions, concerts, and programs, from poetry slams to wine fairs. Some events take place in a former swimming pool-turned-performance space and venue. There's also the annual Poolbar music festival, which occurs over several weeks each summer and features programming centered on music, art, and creativity.
Enjoy a leisurely walk. Admire Austria's natural beauty with a walk on a pedestrian trail in the scenic Walgau Valley, or along the Ill River, which runs through town. "In summer, walking along its banks is a lovely way to see the town from a different angle," Gabellone said.
Take a day trip. There's also much to discover in neighboring areas such as Lake Constance, with its boat rides and lakeside promenades, or Bregenz, known for its summer opera festival on the lake. Additionally, nearby ski resorts like Lech can be reached by bus or car. "These side trips complement Feldkirch well without feeling rushed," Gabellone said.

After exploring, travelers will find that Feldkirch is well-suited to satiate hungry appetites.

Karl, who brings many of his tour groups into Feldkirch for lunch, suggests a meal at the restaurant, Illside, named for its location along the river. "The food is a nice mix between traditional and modern."

Pizza is also a must, ideally from Karl's pick, Ristorante Pizzeria Caruso. "Italy is very close to Austria, so we Austrians are very critical about pizza and Italian food. This one really has the original stuff," he said.

Karl also recommends the brewery Rösslepark "to dive into local food and top it off with locally brewed beer," and an upscale restaurant called E3 for its unbeatable address. "Location, location, location," Karl said. "It's on top of one of the most modern buildings in town."

Gastronomy aside, Feldkirch remains an authentic choice for discerning travelers looking to forge their own path, away from the common tourist trail. And with a hilltop castle and a compact old town that welcomes slow wandering, it's easy to do exactly that — you just need to know to look for it.

"For travelers who want to feel like they've 'discovered' somewhere, Feldkirch is ideal," Gabellone said.

Read Entire Article