Bezau
Bezau is a small village in Austria's Bregenzerwald region, located at about 650 meters elevation with roughly 2,000 residents. The settlement sits surrounded by mountains and green fields, with quiet streets lined by traditional houses featuring simple, charming facades.
Bezau was first recorded in 1249 as Baezenowe, though settlement traces reach back to the Iron Age. The construction of a parish church in 1497 and the founding of a monastery in 1656 marked important steps in its development as an organized community.
The name Bezau reflects its origins in medieval times and remains central to local identity. Traditional wooden architecture and weekly markets demonstrate how residents maintain centuries-old crafts and farming practices that continue to define daily life.
The village is accessible by bus, and a restored train connects Bezau to the nearby village of Bersbuch-Andelsbuch. Visitors should note that many activities like hiking and the weekly market operate from June to October, making these months ideal for a visit.
A remarkable episode occurred in 1807 when women of the village protested against military conscription and sparked a riot that damaged the courthouse. This unusual action during Napoleonic times reveals the community's strength and resistance to external constraints.
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