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Things to do in Saint Anton am Arlberg

• Hike to the Verwallsee Lake

  
  

  The hike to Verwallsee is among the most rewarding summer excursions from St. Anton. This scenic mountain lake is located in a peaceful valley framed by high alpine peaks. The trail begins in town, tracing the Rosanna River before gradually ascending through pine forests and meadows scattered with wildflowers.

  Covering roughly 7 kilometers each way, the route suits hikers with moderate fitness levels. Along the way, the trail offers a mix of landscapes, including wooden bridges and small waterfalls, leading to the clear blue-green waters of Verwallsee. Visitors can circle the lake in about an hour or simply rest at a quiet spot for a picnic. For those comfortable with the cold, the lake is clean enough for swimming. Near the water, the Verwall restaurant offers traditional Austrian meals and refreshments, with their Kaiserschmarrn serving as a popular treat before the return walk.

  
  

• Ski the Arlberg Area

  
  
  
  
  

  The Arlberg ski area is simply epic. With over 300 km of marked slopes and 200 km of off-piste runs, it's a skier's paradise. The area connects several villages including St. Anton, Lech, and Zürs, giving you incredible variety. The terrain suits everyone from beginners to experts looking for serious challenges.

  What makes skiing here special is the perfect mix of high-tech lifts and authentic Alpine charm. One minute you're cruising down wide, groomed runs with stunning mountain views, and the next you might find yourself stopping at a traditional wooden hut for some hot chocolate or a schnapps. The famous Valluga peak sits at 2,811 meters and offers some of the most challenging skiing in Austria - definitely not for the faint-hearted but the views from up there are worth the trip even if you take the gondola down instead of skiing.

  
  

• Climb the Arlberg Via Ferrata

  
  

  For those looking for an adrenaline rush in summer, the Arlberg Via Ferrata offers an amazing climbing experience without needing years of rock climbing expertise. Via Ferrata (iron path) routes use steel cables, ladders, and bridges fixed to the rock face to help climbers navigate otherwise difficult terrain. The main route in St. Anton starts near the Rendl lift station and takes you up impressive rock faces with panoramic views of the valley below.

  What's great about this activity is that it's accessible to beginners but still exciting for more experienced climbers. You're always securely attached to the safety cable with a special harness and lanyards, but you still get the thrill of real climbing and exposure. The route takes about 2-3 hours to complete and includes vertical sections, traverses, and even a spectacular hanging bridge that will test your nerve. Local guides offer equipment rental and instruction for first-timers, which is highly recommended if you've never done a via ferrata before. The feeling of accomplishment when you reach the top is incredible, and the descent path offers different but equally stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Just make sure to check the weather forecast, as the route becomes dangerous in rain or storms.

  
  

• Mountain Biking the Arlberg Trails

  
  

  When the snow melts, St. Anton transforms into a mountain biking paradise with trails for every skill level. The area boasts over 200 km of marked mountain bike routes that take you through stunning Alpine meadows, dense forests, and high mountain passes. The lift system that carries skiers in winter serves bikers in summer, so you can save your energy for the downhill thrills.

  One of the best routes is the Rendlbahn trail, which offers a perfect mix of technical sections and flowing parts with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. For those seeking more of a challenge, the trails coming down from Kapall will test your skills with rocky sections and tight turns. Many routes also pass by mountain huts where you can stop for a hearty Austrian meal and recharge before continuing your ride. The bike rental shops in town offer quality equipment, and there are guides available if you want local knowledge on the best secret spots.

  
  

• Experience Après-Ski at the Mooserwirt

  
  

  If you're looking for the ultimate après-ski experience, Mooserwirt is legendary. This place takes the concept of after-skiing parties to another level entirely. Located right on the slopes, skiers start filing in around 3:30 pm, still in their ski boots, ready to dance on tables and sing along to Euro hits and classic rock anthems.

  The energy at Mooserwirt is infectious - it starts relatively calm with people enjoying drinks on the sun terrace, but by 5 pm, the DJ cranks up the volume and the whole place transforms into what feels like a mountain festival. The beer flows freely, the schnapps makes rounds, and everyone from 20-somethings to silver-haired ski veterans joins in the fun. What makes it special is the setting - you're partying with stunning Alpine views all around, still in your ski gear. Be warned though - after a few hours at Mooserwirt, the ski down to the village can be challenging! If you're not skiing, you can still reach it by foot or taxi from town. For the full experience, get there early to grab a good spot, and prepare to stay until they dim the lights for the final ski down around 8 pm.

  
  

• Visit the St. Anton Museum

  
  

  Tucked away in an old villa in the heart of St. Anton, the local museum offers a fascinating look at how skiing shaped this Alpine community. The museum is housed in the former Villa Trier, a beautiful building that's worth seeing just for its architecture. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of vintage ski equipment, old photographs, and interactive exhibits that trace the evolution of skiing from practical transportation to beloved sport.

  What's particularly interesting is learning about Hannes Schneider, a local ski instructor who developed the Arlberg technique and essentially created modern alpine skiing as we know it. The museum does a great job showing how St. Anton went from a remote mountain village to a world-famous resort. Beyond skiing, there are exhibits on local customs, traditional clothing, and mountain farming life. It's not huge, but you can easily spend an hour or two here, especially if you catch one of their special demonstrations or talks. Perfect for a rainy day or when your legs need a break from the slopes or hiking trails.

  
  

• Take a Wellness Day at Arlberg-well

  
  

  After days of intense skiing or hiking, your muscles will thank you for a visit to Arlberg-well, the town's premium wellness center. This modern complex offers everything you need to recover and rejuvenate. The centerpiece is the large indoor/outdoor pool where you can swim with mountain views regardless of the weather - there's something magical about floating in warm water while surrounded by snowy peaks in winter.

  Beyond the pool, there's an extensive sauna landscape with various temperature options, steam baths, and relaxation rooms. The panoramic sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the mountains is particularly special. If you're feeling indulgent, book one of their massage treatments - the sports massage is perfect for working out those knots that develop after days on the slopes. Even if you're not a spa person, the pool area alone makes it worth a visit, especially on a rest day between activities. You can easily spend half a day here, moving between different wellness areas and maybe grabbing a light lunch at their café. Just remember that in the sauna area, Austrian tradition means no swimwear (though there are usually specific times for those who prefer to keep their suits on).

  
  

Where to stay in Saint Anton am Arlberg

Best hotels in Saint Anton am Arlberg:

• Kösslerhof (luxury hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Kösslerhof in Saint Anton am Arlberg is a cozy haven for those who love outdoor activities. Situated right next to the slopes and hiking trails, it offers easy access to winter sports and summer adventures alike.

  The hotel features a calming spa area with saunas and a juice bar, making it the perfect place to relax after a day on the mountain. The rooms are comfortable, with many offering balconies that provide breathtaking views of the Alps.

  The food is another highlight, with a breakfast buffet that guests really enjoy, and a 5-course dinner menu in winter that showcases local specialties. With its warm atmosphere and ideal location, Kösslerhof serves as a great base for exploring the beauty of the region.

  
  

• Hotel Nassereinerhof (medium range hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Hotel Nassereinerhof in Saint Anton am Arlberg is a cozy option just a short 10-minute walk from the town center and train station, offering easy access to all the action while staying in a quieter spot.

  The rooms have a welcoming, woodsy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor activities. Guests can unwind in the indoor pool with beautiful mountain views, or take advantage of the saunas and steam rooms to ease sore muscles. The restaurant serves both Austrian and international cuisine, and there's a cellar bar where you can enjoy après-ski drinks.

  If you’re looking for more activities, the area offers cross-country skiing, an indoor sports center, and even golf when the weather warms up. With free parking and ski passes available at the front desk, Hotel Nassereinerhof is a great choice for exploring the Arlberg region.