Located in the Montafon Valley, Gaschurn is a sprawling municipality in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. It comprises the villages of Gaschurn Dorf and Partenen, both of which have existed since the 15th century and were ruled by the House of Habsburg and the Kingdom of Bavaria in the past. In the mid-19th century, Gaschurn became a popular tourism destination for its spectacular mountain scenery.
Things to do in Gaschurn
Occupying a historic Primissarian house is the Tourism Museum Gaschurn, which was the first museum of its kind in Austria when it opened in 1992. It was inspired by the late pastor and alpine pioneer Franz Josef Battlogg and showcases the history of exploration in the Alps. Changing exhibitions are held in its rustic interior, with a focus on the incredible scenery of the region.
One of the most important religious buildings in the municipality is the Maria Schnee Chapel, a whitewashed church that dates back to 1637. Donated to the town by Lukas Tschofen II, it was once an important pilgrimage site, with several Baroque artworks decorating the interior. Of particular note are the altar and ceiling frescoes by the Schrunser brothers, which were painted in a late Nazarene style.
Gaschurn is home to an extensive network of hiking trails and lies along a 12-kilometre-long cycling trail that connects Partenen and St. Gallenkirch. Soak up the spectacular views en route to Alpe Gues or enjoy the experience of forested bathing in Gargellen. When the snow falls, many of the trails are accessible by snowshoes or on guided winter hikes.
Getting around Gaschurn
Gaschurn is just over an hour’s drive from St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Gaschurn and exploring the municipality.