Bezau - An economic pearl in the Bregenzerwald
Bezau, as a lively village in the Bregenzerwald, plays a decisive role for the regional economy. With supra-local institutions such as the district court, notary’s office, monastery, federal schools and a large number of stores, crafts and restaurants, Bezau has become an important meeting point in the valley. Thanks to innovative companies in the fields of handcrafts, trade, gastronomy and agriculture, the local supply is guaranteed in the best possible way.
The beginnings of the permanent settlement of “Baezenowe” (first documented in 1249) date back to the 12th-13th centuries. A chapel as a branch of Egg probably already existed in the 14th century. After the construction of a new church Bezau became an independent parish in 1497. In 1656 a Capuchin monastery was founded. This monastery contributed to the development of Bezau for more than 320 years.
2 years after the abandonment by the Capuchins, Polish Franciscans settled there in 1977. Until today they support our and the surrounding parishes.
Bezau was upgraded in the 19th century by the creation of various central town facilities. Since 1806 Bezau has been the place of jurisdiction for the Bregenzerwald. In 1850 the first post office for the rear Bregenzerwald was established, 2 decades later the road connection from Andelsbuch was completed. Another step in Bezau’s advance was the opening of the Bregenzerwald Railway in 1902 with Bezau as the terminus, which was in operation until 1980. Since 1988, the narrow-gauge railroad has been in operation as a museum railroad with great success.
In 1962 Bezau was elevated to a market town of the Bregenzerwald. In the seventies, the village center was redesigned. Due to the new construction of the federal road as a bypass, the village has been relieved of through traffic for almost 30 years.
Activities
From Bezau you can hike to many beautiful destinations and peaks. The Bezau cable car shortens the ascent. It goes to the middle station Sonderdach and to the top station Baumgarten. Right next to it is the modern panorama restaurant with a beautiful viewing terrace. Hikers can enjoy a particularly beautiful view from the ridge of the “Niedere”. Paragliders and hang gliders appreciate the mountain because of its good thermals. Swimming is possible in the open-air swimming pool in the centre of Bezau. In winter, skiers and deep-snow skiers swing over the slopes and hillsides in the Niedere-Andelsbuch-Bezau ski area. There are cross-country ski trails and beautiful winter hiking trails.
Tips
- Insights into the Bregenzerwald design culture are provided by the “Umgang Bregenzerwald” village tour. Discreet, rust-colored columns draw attention to the individual stations.
- Picturesquely beautiful is the settlement of Schönenbach, accessible from Bezau on hiking trails. Cows and people spend the summer here. You can stop for a bite to eat at the Jagdhaus Egender, known for its good “Käsknöpfle”.
- Variety of shopping possibilities: With many individual stores, crafts and restaurants, Bezau has become an important meeting point in the valley community
