Through Doppelmayr Zoo to Bildstein

Maria Bildstein – which is a place of pilgrimage – presents a panoramic view from Lake Constance across the Rhine Valley to the Swiss Alps. This route starts in Wolfurt at the Rickenbach bus stop and continues with a visit to the Doppelmayr Zoo and can also be combined with a hike to Bildstein. The route takes hikers through Doppelmayr Zoo uphill into the forest. The shady path is a blessing – particularly on hot and sunny days. The Basilica of Maria Bildstein, one of the most famous pilgrimage churches in the Lake Constance region, presents itself on arrival at the top. The route leads from the basilica to the Panoramaplatz and opens up a breathtaking view across the Bodensee-Vorarlberg region.

The route starts at the Rickenbach bus stop near the chapel in Wolfurt. It then turns into Brunnengasse and takes walkers and hikers through the old premises of Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH near the Rickenbach stream. It continues at the back along ‘Kellaweg’ through the company car park on to a hidden gravel path to Doppelmayr Zoo. The path through the zoo leads uphill and across the L15 to continue its climb through the forest. The ‘Wurzelweg’ in the shade is particularly suitable on hot summer days. The L15 is reached after a walk of around 40 minutes along the forest path with roots and steps. The route follows this road for a few metres and then takes a left on to a gravel path. It’s just another few metres along the hiking trail past the Marienbrunnen (Mary’s Well) before the magnificent pilgrimage church of Maria Bildstein presents itself. The locals also call this path the ‘Stadtgraben’ (‘City Moat’). The basilica, the landmark of the small community of Bildstein, stands at the top on a beautiful viewing platform that presents views across the Rhine Valley to the Swiss Alps. Refreshing drinks and regional dishes are available at the Kreuz and Ochsen inns. Hikers and walkers may return by the same route back or take the No. 45 bus to Doppelmayr Zoo and walk the last few metres back to the Rickenbach district of Wolfurt.

Leave the A14 Rhine Valley motorway at the Dornbirn Nord exit. Then follow the L200 towards Bregenzerwald until you reach the Schwarzach turn-off before the Achrain Tunnel. From there follow the brown sign to the ‘Barockkirche Bildstein’ (baroque church).