VORARLBERG
- Jan 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 31
The red ecclesiastical banner, known as the "gonfalon," is the coat of arms of the Counts of Montfort. Vorarlberg is the westernmost federal state at the crossroads of important trade routes.
VORARLBERG: ICONIC LANDMARKS
Vorarlberg, the westernmost federal state, historically and culturally Tyrol. Situated at the crossroads of important trade routes between Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, it has developed a self-identified identity, though many residents still wouldn't mind becoming Swiss.
Lake Constance is one of Austria's most popular destinations for active recreation, including sailing, swimming, and boating. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, it's the perfect spot for a relaxing break in nature.
The historic town of Feldkirch , with its narrow streets and picturesque buildings, looks like something out of a fairy tale. It boasts many historical monuments, including ancient castles and churches. Mount Pfänder is one of the most beautiful mountain resorts in the region, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
VORARLBERG: COAT OF ARMS' HISTORY
Vorarlberg as a historical region emerged in the early Middle Ages, amidst a fusion of Roman and Alemannic cultural influences. The first Christian centers and fortified settlements emerged here as early as the 7th and 8th centuries. In the following centuries, the territory was fragmented among local counts, who by the 13th century had laid the foundations of a regional structure, while trade routes across the Alps made local towns important hubs. In the 14th century, the lands gradually came under the control of the Habsburgs, and it was then that Vorarlberg finally emerged as a coherent historical region.
The Vorarlberg coat of arms depicts the church standard, the gonfalon, a bright red cloth with three split ribbons at the bottom. This symbol was inherited by the region from the Counts of Montfort , who owned the lands here from the 11th century until 1787, when their line died out.
They descended from the Counts of Tübingen , people close to the imperial court, who knew how to negotiate and participate in feudal conflicts with equal grace, which, incidentally, in those days was almost the same thing.
An interesting detail: the color of the standard changed depending on the situation. In times of peace, it was black, symbolizing prudence and stability. This version currently adorns the coat of arms of Feldkirch, Austria's westernmost city, located just three kilometers from the border with Liechtenstein.
But as soon as the scent of gunpowder began to rise, the noble gonfalon would instantly turn red — a sure sign that His Excellency Count von Montfort had once again set off to participate in yet another military adventure with an unpredictable ending.
By the end of the 19th century, Vorarlberg, the smallest state in Austria-Hungary, retained a unique local charm. Locals affectionately called it Ländle meaning "little country."
The coat of arms at that time included nine small shields, symbolizing the counties, cities and communities of the region.
After 1918, it was simplified to its current, laconic form — just a red gonfalon on a silver field. But behind this simplicity, one can sense the flavor of history and the quiet pride of a province that never considered itself provincial.
VORARLBERG: THE FUN FACTS
Of the atmosphere of holidays and celebrations.
A gonfalon is a special type of flag, rectangular or nearly square, with several stripes cut along the bottom edge. It was originally used in military and religious ceremonies, and later became an essential attribute of celebrations and processions.
It was believed that such a standard not only denoted the presence of power, but also gave the event weight, dignity, and the right dose of medieval pathos.
So, wherever the gonfalon flutters, be it over the castle, the town hall or the grand staircase, it invariably conveys one message: “Here they know how to beautifully preserve traditions.”
VORARLBERG: ALPINE SKIING
Combining the resorts of St. Anton, Lech, Zürs, and others, Ski Arlberg is the heart of Austrian skiing. Here you'll find everything from wide carving runs to extreme freeriding. The atmosphere is a blend of bourgeois chic and wild snow madness. Convenient connections and excellent lifts make it a must-see for skiers of all levels.
An honest and open question was posed to an old Austrian ski wolf: "Where is the best skiing in Austria?" And yes, here. Although, with all due respect, I still have my own opinion.
The Damüls-Mellau-Faschina snow resort offers guaranteed skiing pleasure on perfectly groomed slopes of all difficulty levels. Modern cable cars and lifts ensure first-class travel comfort.
The combination of sunny pistes and north-facing slopes guarantees perfect snow conditions right up until the end of the season. And while the slogan "Snow Reich" may seem a bit provocative to some... it's just a magic "The Snow Kingdom".
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