Bregenzerwald's Alpine Villages & Cheese Route Road Trip

Overview

The Bregenzerwald is a scenic valley in western Austria celebrated for its lush pastures, shingled wooden chalets, and the KäseStrasse—a cooperative network of over 160 traditional dairy farms, alpine creameries, and village inns. Traveling by car gives families total freedom to weave through idyllic valleys, stop at remote alpine cheese huts, and discover hands-on farm experiences that keep both children and adults thoroughly engaged.

Getting There (from the Netherlands)

• Route: From central Netherlands (e.g., Utrecht/Arnhem), take the A12/A3 past Cologne and Frankfurt, continue south on the A67/A5 or A61 toward Stuttgart/Ulm, and join the A7/A96 toward Lindau (Lake Constance). Cross the Austrian border at Bregenz and ascend via the B200 directly into the Bregenzerwald.
• Distance & Journey Time: Approximately 750–820 km depending on your departure city in the Netherlands; roughly 8 to 9.5 hours of driving time plus rest stops.
• Family Drive Tip: Consider a 45-minute lunch break near Ulm or the Swabian countryside along the German Autobahn to keep children refreshed.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Drive from the Netherlands & Arrival in the Foothills

• Depart early from the Netherlands via Germany’s A3 and A96 motorways.
• Cross into Austria near Lake Constance and wind up the B200 into the Bregenzerwald.
• Check into your family-friendly guesthouse or holiday apartment in the central valley (such as Bezau, Mellau, or Egg).
• Unwind with a casual dinner featuring authentic Vorarlberger Käsespätzle (fresh egg noodles baked with grated mountain cheese and crispy onions).

Day 2: Dairies, Interactive Farms & Cheese Maturation

• Morning: Visit the open-concept Metzler Dairy Farm in Egg, an interactive showcase where children can see goats and cows up close, watch modern milking systems, and learn how whey is transformed into sweets and skincare products.
• Midday: Head to the Käsekeller in Lingenau, a state-of-the-art maturation cellar storing tens of thousands of cheese wheels behind glass; sample wheels aged from 3 to 18 months.
• Afternoon: Stop by the Käsehaus in Andelsbuch to browse regional specialties and enjoy a picnic or light lunch.
• Late Afternoon: Stroll the architectural trail in Krumbach to discover unique bus shelters created by international architects.

Day 3: Mountain Heights & The Panoramic Alpine Pasture

• Morning: Ride the Diedamskopf cable car in Schoppernau or the Bezau cable car up to the high ridge. Both provide easy, stroller-accessible summit walkways with views reaching Lake Constance and the Swiss Alps.
• Midday: Walk an easy family panoramic trail along high alpine pastures to an active cheese hut (Sennalpe), where cows graze on alpine herbs and dairy farmers make fresh summer cheese.
• Afternoon: Ride the historic Wälderbähnle steam or vintage diesel train between Bezau and Schwarzenberg—a firm family favorite.
• Evening: Explore the heritage-protected village square and wooden architecture of Schwarzenberg.

Day 4: Hidden Valleys, Alpine Playgrounds & Journey Home

• Morning: Take a morning drive to the car-free enclave of Schönenbach, a traditional alpine settlement of wooden huts nestled beneath towering peaks. Take a flat, easy family walk along the mountain stream.
• Midday: Enjoy a farewell lunch at an alpine inn, tasting local cheeses, butter, and regional breads.
• Afternoon: Pack the cooler with your favorite wheels of Bergkäse and Alpkäse, and begin the drive back to the Netherlands, or make a short stop along Lake Constance (Lindau) before cruising north on the A96.

Where to Stay

• Central Valley Hubs (Bezau, Mellau, Andelsbuch): Perfect for families wanting central access to shops, cable cars, and restaurants without long drives.
• Historic Villages (Schwarzenberg, Hittisau): Ideal for quiet, picturesque surroundings characterized by historic wooden architecture.
• Accommodation Types:
• Urlaub am Bauernhof (Farm Stays): Highly recommended for families; kids can help feed farm animals and sample fresh morning milk.
• Ferienwohnungen (Holiday Apartments): Offer spacious layouts, self-catering kitchens, and garden spaces.
• Family-Friendly Alpine Inns (Gasthöfe): Provide half-board dining, regional dishes, and play areas.

Budget

• Fuel & Road Tolls: €170–€230 for round-trip fuel; ~€12.50 for a 10-day Austrian motorway toll vignette (free in Germany and the Netherlands).
• Accommodation: €120–€220 per night for a well-equipped family apartment or traditional farmhouse guesthouse.
• Food & Dining: €80–€140 per day for a family (mix of self-catered breakfasts, alpine trail lunches, and cozy Gasthof dinners).
• Activities & Transport: Many accommodations issue the regional guest card for stays of 3+ nights during summer/autumn, offering free or discounted local cable cars and public transport; budget an extra €50–€80 for cheese workshops and steam train tickets.
• Total Estimated Budget: €950–€1,500 for a 4-day family road trip.

Know Before You Go

• Toll Vignette: Driving on Austrian motorways (like the A14 near Bregenz) requires an official toll vignette (Vignette), available online as a digital vignette or at service stations along the German autobahn before the border.
• Winter Equipment Regulations: If visiting in late autumn, winter tires (M+S or 3PMSF) are legally mandatory in Austria starting November 1 in winter conditions, and carrying snow chains is strongly advised for higher alpine spurs.
• Seasonality: High alpine cheese huts operate mainly from June to late September. The lower valley dairies, Käsekeller, and farm centers remain open through autumn and winter.
• Opening Days: Many rural farm shops and specialized alpine dairies keep shorter hours on Sundays; stock up on snacks and provisions on Friday or Saturday.