Elevation 600 m. Bludenz, known as the gateway to the Alps lies at the point of intersection to fivealpinevalleys: Klostertal in the direction of Arlberg (Lech, Zürs 40km) ; Montafon (Schruns-Tschagguns 10km) ; Brandnertal (Brand 7km) ; Great Walser Valley (10km) and Walgau in the direction of Feldkirch (20km). The 700year old town with 12, 000 inhabitants is surrounded by a chain of mountains and snow covered peaks reaching to3, 000 m. Endless possibilities for nice easy walks through fields and forests and for those who want varietyin their hiking, there are narrow mountain paths passing along ravines and beside alpine streams which lead tothe glaciers of Schesaplana (2967m). A cable car lifts you to Muttersberg (1400 m) from where you have aunique panoramic view of the alps. Here you can also bathe in the sunshine on the sun terraces of the restaurants. Bludenz is a beautiful old town with quaint old archways, covered arcades and archaic buildings. It isa cultural and self supporting centre in the upper Vorarlberg. Bludenz has a modern heated swimming pool, anindoor swimming pool, tennis courts, riding hall, minigolf, pin bowling alley, fishing, cinema, concerts, national costume evenings, good restaurants and cafes, dancing, sauna. Ideal starting point for automobile excursions to Lake Constance, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Montafon, Innsbruck, various Vorarlberg and Tyrolean alpine valleys. WINTER: Ideal winter holiday resort to visit famous and world renowed ski resorts such as Bürserberg 5kmwith cable car and double chair lift, 3 ski lifts to 1800 m and ski school; Brand 14km; Montafon-Schruns10km;. Arlberg-Stuben 30km; Zürs-Lech 40-50km; St. Anton 50km. Sauna in the town.