Vorarlberg (Austrian Bundesland)

Vorarlberg is the westernmost Austrian state, bordering Switzerland, Germany and Liechtenstein. Between the shores of Lake Constance and the mountains of the eastern Alps, it is a region that stands out from the rest of Austria.

Its main cities are Bregenz, on Lake Constance, which is the political and tourist capital, Dornbirn, at the foot of the first slopes of the Alps, which is considered the economic and industrial capital, and Feldkirch, on the border with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which is the westernmost city in Austria.

Vorarlberg is separated from the rest of Austria by mountains, which are crossed at the Arlberg Pass at 1793m. This separation also manifests itself culturally and linguistically, as Vorarlberg is the only Austrian state which speaks an Alemannic dialect and not Austro-Bavarian as in the rest of the country.

As in Switzerland and other Alpine regions, livestock farmers practice the traditional three-stage transhumance, with "inalpe" and "desalpe". From autumn to spring, the cattle are at the main farm in the valley.

In spring, when the fodder reserves are exhausted, the cattle are taken to the Maisässe (small farms) pastures at an altitude of 1500 m. Then, in summer, the cattle are taken to the high alpine pastures at 1600-2000m, before making the reverse journey to spend the winter on the farm.

Vorarlberg is thus a "close cousin" of the Swiss Alpine cantons. After the break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vorarlberg even wanted to join the Swiss Confederation!

In a referendum held in 1919, 81% of the inhabitants voted in favour of joining Switzerland, which was very reluctant to accept, fearing that the political and religious balance of the country would be compromised. The popular will was simply ignored...