Schubertiade Hohenems
The world's most significant Schubert festival, held since 1976 with concerts in the Markus-Sittikus Hall on the castle square, around 80 events and 40,000 visitors a year.
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Hohenems
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ℹ️Practical info — Hohenems
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Jewish Quarter to explore the exceptionally well-preserved historic architecture and the renowned Jewish Museum.
- The hike up to the Alt-Ems castle ruins on the Schlossberg takes about an hour but rewards you with a spectacular view over the Rhine Valley.
- The famous Nibelungenlied was discovered in the Hohenems Palace; however, keep in mind that the interiors are only open during special guided tours or events.
- It's best to park on the edge of the historic center; distances within the town are very short and everything is easily accessible on foot.
🍽 Food
🍽
Vorarlberger Käsknöpfle
Try this hearty regional variation of cheese spaetzle in the cozy, traditional inns around the Schlossberg.
🍽
Riebel
Taste this traditional cornmeal dish, often served sweet with applesauce, in local rustic restaurants.
🍽
Coffee and cake
Enjoy excellent coffee and fine pastries at the stylish cafes located in the Jewish Quarter.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Chocolate Manufactory
Visit the well-known chocolate manufactory on the Schlossplatz for handmade pralines and special cocoa creations.
🛍
Vorarlberg Mountain Cheese
Buy aged mountain cheese from the Bregenzerwald in the small delicatessen shops in the town center.
🛍
Boutiques in the Jewish Quarter
Browse the characterful, independently owned shops on Marktstraße offering local crafts and fashion.
🧘
Old Rhine (Alter Rhein)
Rent a bike or take a walk at the Alter Rhein recreation area, a peaceful stretch of water right on the Swiss border.
🧘
Jewish Cemetery
Visit the historic Jewish cemetery on the southern edge of the town, a place of deep silence and rich history.
🧘
Salomon Sulzer Square
Linger in this quiet, historically significant square in the center, named after the famous Jewish cantor.
Water temperature…
Hohenems is a city steeped in history in the Vorarlberg Rhine Valley, situated at the foot of the Schlossberg. The city's history is inextricably linked with the noble family of Waldburg-Zeil-Hohenems, whose magnificent Renaissance palace, Hohenems Palace, dominates the city center. A significant chapter of the city's history is its Christian-Jewish past, which made Hohenems a cultural center for Jewish history in the Alpine region. The Jewish Museum Hohenems today impressively documents the life of the once-flourishing Jewish community. Culturally, the city enjoys international recognition through the Schubertiade Hohenems, one of the most prestigious Schubert festivals worldwide. Geographically, its location between the Rhine and the sheer rock faces of the Schlossberg provides diverse opportunities for hikes to the Alt-Ems castle ruins. Today, Hohenems is a modern economic hub with strong roots in craftsmanship and industry. The revitalized old town, with its cafes and boutiques, invites visitors to stay and reflects a high value placed on quality of life and heritage conservation. The city also serves as an important transport hub in the Rhine Valley and benefits from its proximity to Switzerland.
- Location: Vorarlberg, Austria
- Top sights: Stoffels Säge-Mühle · Burg Neu-Ems · Jüdisches Museum
- Nearby: Götzis (5 km)
- Population: ~16.317
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 99 | 77 | 95 | 92 | 147 | 156 | 158 | 166 | 116 | 101 | 89 | 104 |
Live webcam – Hohenems
See what it looks like near Hohenems right now.
Stadt Hohenems › South-east · 2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Hohenems was officially granted city status in 1983.
- Hohenems Palace was built starting in 1562 in the Renaissance style.
- Two manuscripts of the Nibelungenlied were discovered in the palace library.
- The city has a population of approximately 17,000 residents.
- The Alt-Ems castle ruins were once one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe.
- The city covers a land area of 29.17 square kilometers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→15:031.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Your day in Hohenems begins in the historic Jewish Quarter, where you'll visit the award-winning Jewish Museum. At noon, you explore the magnificent Hohenems Palace, the heart of the city. The afternoon takes you to the Baroque parish church of St. Charles Borromeo and finally to the historic Stoffel's Saw-Mill. A walk through Hohenems is a journey through centuries of rich history in a small space.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Jewish Quarter
Look out for the 'Stolpersteine' (stumbling stones) that commemorate victims of the Holocaust.
🚶 4'0.05 km
📍
10:01 · 47'
Jewish Museum Hohenems
Join a guided tour to get deeper insights into the Jewish history of the region.
🚶 5'0.11 km
📍
10:53 · 47'
Salomon Sulzer Hall
Check the schedule for classical concerts in this acoustically outstanding hall.
🚶 6'0.15 km
📍
11:46 · 47'
Hohenems Palace
The Renaissance palace is privately owned, but its inner courtyard is often accessible.
🚶 7'0.18 km
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12:40 · 47'
Parish Church of St. Charles Borromeo
Admire the impressive ceiling frescoes and the Baroque high altar.
🚶 19'0.82 km
📍
13:46 · 47'
Stoffel's Saw-Mill
A fascinating technical monument. Check the opening hours as they can be limited.
09:00→15:031.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
A rainy morning in the Jewish Quarter begins cozily under the eaves of historic houses. At noon, the Jewish Museum provides an ideal dry retreat with profound history. In the afternoon, a short walk through the rain leads to the Palace and the magnificent parish church. The day ends at Stoffel's Saw-Mill Museum, where covered areas offer protection while you listen to the power of the water.
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🚶 4'0.05 km
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10:01 · 47'
Jewish Museum Hohenems
An excellent place to spend the heaviest rain showers in the dry.
🚶 5'0.11 km
🚶 6'0.15 km
🚶 7'0.18 km
📍
12:40 · 47'
Parish Church of St. Charles Borromeo
Enjoy the silence and dryness in the magnificent interior.
🚶 19'0.82 km
📍
13:46 · 47'
Stoffel's Saw-Mill
Sturdy footwear for the partly unpaved paths between the halls.
09:00→15:031.3 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
The winter morning immerses the Jewish Quarter in a quiet, frosty atmosphere. At noon, warm up during an extensive tour of the Jewish Museum. In the afternoon, snow glistens on the Palace square before you enter the pleasantly warm parish church. Since it gets dark by 4:30 PM, the visit to Stoffel's Saw-Mill provides an atmospheric conclusion to the day in wintry Vorarlberg.
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🚶 4'0.05 km
🚶 5'0.11 km
📍
10:53 · 47'
Salomon Sulzer Hall
The facade looks particularly elegant in the soft winter light.
🚶 6'0.15 km
🚶 7'0.18 km
📍
12:40 · 47'
Parish Church of St. Charles Borromeo
A place of peace, often with a beautiful nativity scene in December.
🚶 19'0.82 km
📍
13:46 · 47'
Stoffel's Saw-Mill
Warm clothing is important as some exhibition areas are unheated.
09:00→15:156.4 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Explore Hohenems and its surroundings by bike. The morning is dedicated to the historic center with the palace and the Jewish quarter. After lunch, you cycle to the fascinating Stoffel's Saw-Mill. In the afternoon, you climb the hill to Glopper Castle for a magnificent view, before ending the day relaxing on the banks of the Rhine. A perfect mix of culture and nature.
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09:10 · 47'
Hohenems Palace
Start your day at the city's central point before the crowds arrive.
🚲 4'0.16 km
📍
10:01 · 47'
Jewish Quarter & Museum
Combine the museum visit with a stroll through the historic quarter.
🚲 4'0.24 km
📍
10:52 · 47'
Parish Church of St. Charles Borromeo
A short stop to admire the impressive baroque architecture.
🚲 8'0.82 km
📍
11:47 · 47'
Stoffel's Saw-Mill
A pleasant bike ride along the Emsbach stream leads you to this technical gem.
🚲 13'1.62 km
📍
12:47 · 47'
Glopper Castle
The short but steep climb is rewarded with a great view. Can only be viewed from the outside.
🚲 24'3.52 km
📍
13:58 · 47'
Rhine Riverbank
Relax at the end of the day on the banks of the Old Rhine, the border with Switzerland.
09:00→15:156.4 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Despite the rain, the bike tour through Hohenems has its charm. In the morning, we cycle protected to the Palace, followed by a long, dry stop in the Jewish Quarter. At noon, the church provides shelter. The ride to Stoffel's Saw-Mill and on to Glopper Castle requires good rain gear. The conclusion on the Rhine riverbank shows nature in a raw, water-rich mood before we head back.
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🚲 4'0.16 km
📍
10:01 · 47'
Jewish Quarter & Museum
Use the museum visit as an opportunity to dry your clothes.
🚲 4'0.24 km
🚲 8'0.82 km
📍
11:47 · 47'
Stoffel's Saw-Mill
Be careful on the bike path; leaves and wetness make it slippery.
🚲 13'1.62 km
🚲 24'3.52 km
09:00→15:156.4 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Winter cycling in Hohenems requires warm layers. The morning starts at the Palace before heading to the museum to warm up. The cool air is invigorating on the way to the parish church and on to the saw-mill. The climb to Glopper Castle offers a fantastic view of the snowy Rhine Valley. Finally, we reach the Rhine riverbank, where the frosty wind blows, before finishing the tour just before dark.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 4'0.16 km
🚲 4'0.24 km
📍
10:52 · 47'
Parish Church of St. Charles Borromeo
A short moment of silence in the warm church.
🚲 8'0.82 km
🚲 13'1.62 km
🚲 24'3.52 km
09:00→15:434.6 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 23–31 €Entries 26€ · Transport 1€
By car, you can easily reach the highlights around Hohenems. Start the day with a panoramic view from the Alt-Ems castle ruins. Then drive to Glopper Castle before parking your car in the center. Spend the afternoon on foot, exploring the palace, the Jewish quarter and museum, and the parish church. This tour combines scenic drives with an intense cultural walk.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Alt-Ems Castle Ruins
Park below the ruins and enjoy the short climb and panoramic view.
🚗 12'2.58 km
📍
10:09 · 47'
Glopper Castle
A quick photo stop at this distinctive landmark. It is privately owned.
🚗 7'1.34 km
📍
11:03 · 47'
Parking Downtown
Park your car here for the rest of the afternoon and explore the center on foot.
🚗 4'0.23 km
📍
11:54 · 47'
Hohenems Palace
Admire the Renaissance facade before having lunch at a nearby inn.
🚗 4'0.16 km
📍
12:45 · 47'
Jewish Quarter
After lunch, take a stroll through the alleys of this historic quarter.
🚗 3'0.05 km
🚗 4'0.24 km
📍
14:26 · 47'
Parish Church of St. Charles Borromeo
Conclude your walking tour with a visit to this magnificent baroque church.
09:00→15:434.6 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 23–31 €Entries 26€ · Transport 1€
By car, we explore Hohenems comfortably and dry today. We start at the ruins of Alt-Ems, where the rain creates a mystical atmosphere. Then it's off to Glopper Castle and the town center. Parking downtown allows for a short walk to the Palace and the Jewish Quarter. The afternoon is dedicated to the Jewish Museum, the perfect spot for rainy days, before we end the day at the parish church.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Alt-Ems Castle Ruins
Parking is available; the short walk to the ruins can be slippery.
🚗 12'2.58 km
🚗 7'1.34 km
🚗 4'0.23 km
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 3'0.05 km
🚗 4'0.24 km
📍
14:26 · 47'
Parish Church of St. Charles Borromeo
Direct access by car almost to the entrance is possible.
09:00→15:434.6 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 23–31 €Entries 26€ · Transport 1€
The wintry drive through Hohenems first leads us up to the Alt-Ems ruins, often shrouded in mystical mist or snow. After a short stop at Glopper Castle, we park in the warm town center. A visit to the Jewish Quarter and the heated museum offers protection from the cold. The day ends contemplatively at the parish church before we enjoy the short drive back through the illuminated streets.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Alt-Ems Castle Ruins
Winter tires and caution are necessary on the snowy mountain road.
🚗 12'2.58 km
🚗 7'1.34 km
🚗 4'0.23 km
🚗 4'0.16 km
🚗 3'0.05 km
🚗 4'0.24 km
Sights in the town Hohenems (15)
Stoffels Säge-Mühle🏛 museum
An open-air museum in Hohenems showcasing historic sawing and milling technology.
🌐 museum-stoffels-saege-muehle.at🕒 Apr 25-Oct 31: 09:00-18:00
Jüdisches Museum🏛 museum
The Jüdisches Museum in Hohenems documents the extensive history of the local Jewish community in Austria. Through diverse exhibitions, the museum provides deep insights into the community's historical heritage and culture. Visitors can discover an important piece of regional contemporary history here.
Frequently asked questions
What historical significance does Hohenems have?
The city was the seat of the Counts of Hohenems and has a significant Jewish quarter.
Is there a palace to visit?
Hohenems Palace is a magnificent Renaissance building in the city center.
What is the Jewish Museum Hohenems?
It documents the life of the Jewish community and the history of the diaspora.
Can you go hiking in Hohenems?
Yes, a popular destination is the Alt-Ems ruin with a broad view over the Rhine Valley.
What is a culinary recommendation?
A visit to the Fenkart chocolate house provides handmade pralines and sweet specialties.
Hohenems: where is it located?
Hohenems is located in Vorarlberg, Austria.
Hohenems: what is there to see?
Highlights include Stoffels Säge-Mühle, Burg Neu-Ems, Jüdisches Museum.
Hohenems: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hohenems: why is it worth visiting?
Hohenems is a city steeped in history in the Vorarlberg Rhine Valley, situated at the foot of the Schlossberg.
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