Discover Riezlern | Kleinwalsertal

The largest village in Kleinwalsertal Riezlern – where the valley begins

There is no way around Riezlern – in the truest sense of the word. As the lively entrance to the Kleinwalsertal valley, it casts a spell over everyone. Between the green grassy mountains of the Allgäu Alps, the Walser way of life is celebrated here. Whether you stay for a short time or longer: Riezlern will delight you with its unique mix of nature experiences, cozy cafés and charming shops. The striking church tower and the Casino Kleinwalsertal give the village its unmistakable flair. As the largest village in Kleinwalsertal, Riezlern offers numerous leisure activities, while the idyllic districts of Wald, Schwende, Unterwestegg and Egg promise tranquillity and pure nature.

Summer in Riezlern Refreshing summer experiences

Riezlern comes back to life in summer. The Kanzelwand cable car takes you to lofty heights, where the Gehrenspitze or the Walser via ferrata reward you with breathtaking views and thrills. The Breitachklamm gorge also impresses in summer with its rock formations. And the hiking trails along Breitach and Schwarzwasserbach as well as the Kneipp pools invite you to enjoy refreshing moments in nature. After your tour, you can relax on one of the cozy sun terraces, refresh yourself in the outdoor pool or unwind in the spa gardens. In the evenings, summer concerts or the chilled Summer Lounge provide a relaxed atmosphere.

Autumn in Riezlern Tradition and fall enjoyment

In the fall, the Kanzelwandbahn cable car continues to run and often takes you up through the fog in the morning into the clear, sunny mountain air. The peaks may already be slightly sugared and give the landscape a special glow. The water in the Breitach and the gorge rushes more powerfully and wildly again, while the trees all around glow in the most beautiful autumn colors. The Cattle drive celebrates traditional life in the valley when the cows return from the Alps. At the same time, the season for autumn specialties begins in the restaurants, where seasonal dishes and a cosy atmosphere make autumn a delight for all the senses.

Winter in Riezlern Slopes, parks and winter fun

In winter, Riezlern is transformed into a true winter wonderland. The Kanzelwandbahn, Parsenn-Kombibahn and smaller valley lifts take winter sports enthusiasts directly from the village to the slopes, while freeskiers and snowboarders perfect their tricks in the Crystal Ground Snowpark. Those seeking peace and quiet can enjoy the snow-covered landscape on winter hikes or go for a spin on the Schwendeloipe or Eggloipe trails. There is also an ice skating rink for fun for young and old. A highlight in winter too: The impressive ice formations of the Breitachklamm gorge. In the evening, après-ski and night skiing at the Kesslerlift are tempting, or you can end the day in one of the restaurants.

Spring in Riezlern Spring moments between mountain and valley

When spring arrives, Riezlern shows its contrasting side. While greening meadows and the first flowers adorn the landscape in the valley, the surrounding mountains still offer a winter finale for skiing enthusiasts. You can make your last turns on the slopes of Kanzelwand and Parsenn. At the same time, the Breitachklamm gorge beckons with a spectacular spring hike - the thundering meltwater makes it an unforgettable experience from the end of April. Nature awakens here – and with it the desire to hike. Whether on relaxed trails for the whole family or panoramic hikes in the sunny districts of Riezlern.

Get inspired! Highlights in Riezlern

Shopping in Kleinwalsertal

Ski resort Kanzelwand

Infrastructure A-Z

To the tour search

Discover all open restaurants!

riezlern compact – an overview

Where mountain experiences and village life meet: Riezlern lies at an altitude of 1,086 metres at the entrance to Kleinwalsertal and is the largest village in the valley with around 2,000 inhabitants. The main street, lined with restaurants and stores, exudes a lively charm, while the village has retained its family atmosphere.

After skiing, sip a cappuccino with like-minded people in a hip café. Take a few laps in the cool waters of the outdoor pool after your hike – no problem, as the Kanzelwandbahn cable car takes you directly to the village center.

Speaking of the town center. Here, sports and fashion shops as well as regional shops invite you to take a stroll. If you are looking for peace and quiet and a comfortable bench, you will find them in the idyllic spa gardens.

The Maria Opferung parish church is a real gem, and while the Walser Museum is being redesigned, you can gain exciting insights into regional history in the Sternpassage.

A natural highlight is the nearby Breitachklamm gorge, the deepest rocky gorge in Europe.

Very practical: Riezlern can be easily reached via Germany (Oberstdorf). The Walserbus takes you to Baad and all side valleys.

WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR RIEZLERN – A LOOK BACK

Historically, Riezlern lies at the end of the Kleinwalsertal valley. This is because the first settlers came over the Hochalp Pass to Baad and Bödmen. Mittelberg was the first village to be settled and therefore shaped the name of the municipality. Today, however, Riezlern is the main town. The Walser, an ethnic group from Switzerland, settled in the valley around 1300. Construction of the first church in Riezlern began in 1471 and was rebuilt in 1889 in the neo-Romanesque style: Today's Maria Opferung parish church. 1940 saw the opening of the Parsenn T-bar lift, the first lift in Kleinwalsertal. This was followed in 1955 by the Kanzelwandbahn, which opened up the valley to winter tourism on a grand scale. Take a look at the historical development of Riezlern in pictures – these photos from the Karl Max Kessler archive are also available to purchase.