Sankt Gallenkirch in the Montafon valley
A small, peaceful village in Vorarlberg where the gondola leaves from the village and takes you high into the Silvretta Montafon ski and hiking area.
Summer in the mountains
Horses roam the high pastures above the village through the warmer months.
Why Sankt Gallenkirch?
Sankt Gallenkirch, often written St Gallenkirch, is the kind of alpine village where you barely need a car. Walk a few steps from your hotel, step into the gondola and fifteen minutes later you are close to 2,000 metres above sea level, with green peaks, small lakes and trails stretching in every direction.
The village lies in the Montafon valley in Vorarlberg, Austria's westernmost region, and it is one of the gateways to the Silvretta Montafon ski area. It is small and calm, which is exactly the appeal: big mountains without the crowds and noise of the most famous resorts.
Straight from the village
The gondola starts in the village, so the mountains are only minutes away.
Skiing in Silvretta Montafon
In winter, Silvretta Montafon offers well-groomed slopes at every level, so it suits both families with small children and confident skiers. The Hochjoch area has a long vertical drop, and a large share of the runs lie at 2,000 metres or above, which helps keep the snow in good shape.
Looking for more of a challenge? You will find black runs, freeride terrain and a big snowboard park. Chairlifts, gondolas and cable cars make it easy to move around the area, and ski hire is available in Sankt Gallenkirch itself. The high season runs from December to April.
Hiking in the Montafon Alps
Summer may be the village's best-kept secret. The gondolas keep running, you can bring your bike in the lifts, and hiking and mountain biking take over from skiing. Trails lead past grazing horses and goats, colourful flowers and small mountain lakes, with cafés where you can stop for lunch and a cold drink.
Follow one family's day in the mountains, from the gondola ride to a dip in an alpine lake, in our story from your hotel door to 2,000 metres in just 15 minutes. At the top station of Hochalpila, at around 2,430 metres, the views stretch far across the Alps.
Trails in every direction
The same lifts that carry skiers in winter take hikers and cyclists up in summer.
Cocktails and non-alcoholic gin
After a day outdoors, the village has a surprising speciality. At REVIER Mountain Lodge Montafon, right by the gondola, the bar has become known for well-made cocktails and non-alcoholic gin that even sceptical gin and tonic fans enjoy. Read more about Sankt Gallenkirch as the go-to place for good cocktails and non-alcoholic gin, including two drink recipes to try at home.
Alcohol-free in the Alps
Fresh herbs and good ice are the secret to a non-alcoholic cocktail worth ordering twice.
Getting to Sankt Gallenkirch
The nearest airport to the Montafon valley is Innsbruck. Zurich is another good option, with a train or rental car taking you on to Vorarlberg. Once in the valley, local buses link the villages, and the lifts do the rest. For more alpine ideas, see our guide to Austria holidays.
When is the best time to go to Sankt Gallenkirch?
Come between December and April for skiing, with January to March usually offering the best snow. For hiking and biking, June to September is ideal, and July and August bring warm days, though afternoon showers are common in the mountains. Shoulder seasons are very quiet, and some lifts and huts close between seasons, so check before you travel.
Sankt Gallenkirch: frequently asked questions
Where is Sankt Gallenkirch?
Sankt Gallenkirch is a village in the Montafon valley in Vorarlberg, the westernmost region of Austria, close to the borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is one of the base villages for the Silvretta Montafon ski and hiking area, with a gondola leaving from the village into the mountains.
Is Sankt Gallenkirch good for families?
Yes, Sankt Gallenkirch is a good choice for families. The village is small and calm, the gondola is easy to reach on foot, and Silvretta Montafon has slopes for every level, including gentle runs for beginners. In summer, easy trails, grazing animals and mountain lakes keep children entertained.
Can you visit Silvretta Montafon in summer?
Yes, Silvretta Montafon is open for hiking and mountain biking in summer, and the gondolas carry both walkers and bikes up the mountain. You will find marked trails, mountain lakes and cafés at the lift stations. Opening dates vary, so check the lift timetable before you plan your days.
What is the nearest airport to Sankt Gallenkirch?
The nearest airport to Sankt Gallenkirch is Innsbruck, with Zurich as a popular alternative for flights from the UK. From Zurich you can continue by train or rental car to the Montafon valley, and from Innsbruck the drive heads west through Tyrol and over the Arlberg region.