I’m a sucker for a medieval town and if that town is under the tourist radar, so much the better. Feldkirch in the Vorarlberg region of Austria ticks both of those boxes.
Although I chose to visit Feldkirch as a jumping-off point for Liechtenstein, I rapidly discovered that this historic old town was a destination in its own right. Make the most of your time there with my guide to the best things to do in Feldkirch.
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Exploring Feldkirch: Your Self-Guided Walking Route
I explored Feldkirch in one day and spent the second day in Liechtenstein, staying for two nights at the NIGHT INN Hotel Bahnhofcity. The must-see sights are concentrated in and around the Old Town, making Feldkirch very walkable.
If you find it helpful, you can peel away the layers of the town’s history on my Feldkirch self-guided walking tour. Here’s a map to get you on your way. Click here for walking directions or to send the map to your phone.
Best Things to Do in Feldkirch Old Town & Beyond
1. Check out the Old Town’s towers
Although only fragments of Feldkirch’s medieval town walls remain, you can follow their path along the well-restored towers.
Katzenturm (Cats’ Tower) is the grandest of these. It is home to Pummerin, a thunderous bell that rings every Friday at 3 pm.
Wasserturm, or Water Tower, is located by the river.
Pulverturm (Powder Tower) once guarded the southern corner of the Old Town walls.
2. Stroll along the River Ill
The River Ill is a tributary of the mighty Rhine. It separates Feldkirch Old Town from the Art Nouveau Landesgericht Vorarlberg District Court and the former Jesuit Stella Matutina College, now the Stella Vorarlberg Conservatory.
3. Take in the view from Schattenburg Castle
A symbol of the town, Schattenburg Castle keeps watch over Feldkirch from its lofty outcrop. It’s a steep 10-minute uphill walk from the town centre to get there.
Work started on the castle in 1265, and it was the ancestral seat of the Counts of Montfort during the Middle Ages. Count Friedrich VII of Toggenburg added three wings at the start of the 15th century, giving us the castle we see today.
Schattenburg Castle houses a museum chronicling the history of the castle. The views over Feldkirch’s rooftops and the surrounding mountains are free to enjoy from the castle grounds.
4. Stop by Monforthaus
If your architectural tastes lean towards the modern, don’t miss Montforthaus, Feldkirch’s cultural centre. This curvaceous beauty opened in 2015 and has won multiple awards.
If the weather is kind, try out its terrace restaurant, E3 Restaurant & Bar, which offers fabulous views of Schattengerg Castle.
5. Linger over a coffee in Marktplatz
Marktplatz has been Feldkirch’s beating heart since the Middle Ages. This long, rectangular square is lined with arcades, and many of its buildings have large bay windows and frescoed façades.
If you’re here on a Tuesday or Saturday morning (8 am-12 pm), you’ll catch the weekly market selling fresh produce, flowers and local goods. The square also hosts one of Austria’s most beautiful Christmas markets from 1-24 December.
Film buffs might be interested to know that James Bond pursued a villain through Marktplatz in Quantum of Solace (2008).
My passion for Austrian coffee and cake was cemented by spending Christmas in Vienna. Do as I did and settle down with a cuppa on the terrace of one of the cafes, gazing at the timeless panorama captured in stone.
6. Take in a free exhibition at St. John’s Church
As you sip your coffee, you’ll spot a small white church at the end of Marktplatz. This is Johanniterchurch (St. John’s Church), which Hugo I presented to the Order of St. John in 1218.
Now deconsecrated, it is used to house temporary exhibitions.
7. Admire the frescoes of the Rathaus
Feldkirch Rathaus (Town Hall) first opened its doors in 1493, selling grain on the ground floor, and fabrics upstairs. In 1697, it was a victim of the biggest fire in the town’s history and was rebuilt, becoming the seat of the local administration.
The frescoes decorating the building’s façade were painted by Florus Scheel in 1936 and depict the history of Feldkirch
8. Visit St. Nicholas Cathedral
St. Nicholas Cathedral (Domkirche Sant Nikolaus or Dom St. Nikolaus) was originally built in the Romanesque style in the 13th century but was badly damaged by fires in 1348, 1396 and 1460. The master builder Hans Stern was tasked with rebuilding in 1478, resulting in the Gothic style we see today.
It’s the largest Gothic church in Vorarlberg and worth popping inside to see the stained glass windows.
9. Get stamped in Liechtenstein
Taking a day trip to Liechtenstein was my primary reason for visiting Feldkirch. Everything else was a lovely bonus.
Frequent buses to Vaduz leave from outside the train station. The journey time is around 30 minutes.
10. See alpine wildlife at Wildpark Feldkirch
Located on Ardetzenberg mountain, just outside the old town, Wildpark Feldkirch is home to over 20 native species, including deer, wolves, lynx and alpine ibex. The wildlife park is open daily year-round and entrance is free, though donations are appreciated.
It’s particularly good for families, and the nature trails take between one and two hours to walk.
Plan Your Visit: Practical Information
Getting there
I travelled to Feldkirch by train from Zurich, a 90-minute journey. From Innsbruck, it’s less than two hours by train. If you travel from Munich, the fastest route will get you to Feldkirch in under three hours.
The closest major international airports are Zurich and Innsbruck.
Where to stay
NIGHT INN Hotel Bahnhofcity Feldkirch
I stayed at this modern 3-star hotel, conveniently located next to the train station. It was very comfortable and served an excellent breakfast.
Hotel Bären
This family-run hotel is also close to the train station and has a recommended restaurant on site.
Gutwinski Hotel
For a bit of a splurge, look at this gorgeous family-run hotel, close to the Old Town. This former 16th-century townhouse has all mod cons and is within easy walking distance of the train station.
And that’s a wrap!
Feldkirch is 100% worth visiting, and not just because it is a convenient base for day trips to Liechtenstein. It is packed with history and its beautiful Old Town, featuring cobblestoned streets and a square lined with medieval gabled buildings, is a delight to stroll around.
Enjoy your time there!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.