Mellau, Town in Bregenz District, Vorarlberg, Austria
Mellau is a small municipality at the foot of Kanisfluh mountain in Austria's Bregenzerwald region with about 1,300 residents. Located at 700 meters elevation and surrounded by forests and open fields, it serves as a base for year-round outdoor activities.
Mellau has developed from a traditional mountain village into a modern outdoor destination. The connection of its ski area with Damüls through a new cable car marked a turning point for the local economy and triggered investment in hotels and restaurants.
Traditional wooden houses with shingled facades shape the streetscape and reflect the region's craftsmanship heritage. Colored pillars along the 'Umgang' walking route mark historic buildings and help visitors understand the local architectural style and cultural identity of the Bregenzerwald.
The town is best explored on foot since it is small and walkable from one end to the other. Buses connect Mellau with other villages in the region and local transportation passes are affordable and widely available.
The Mellaubahn cable car operates year-round rather than just in winter, helping hikers and walkers reach the higher reaches of Kanisfluh and save time. On clear days, visitors can even spot the Swiss Alps from the mountain peaks.
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