Erlenbach im Simment(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Sennental-Erlenbach, the top choice for families is Hotel Alpenblick, a family-run boutique hotel nestled in the Alps with spacious family suites and child-friendly amenities. The rooms feature authentic Swiss wood carvings, and panoramic views of the Rhine Valley. The hotel boasts a wellness spa, organic restaurant serving local dishes like cheese fondue and rye bread, and easy access to the Steinburg Nature Trail—perfect for kid-friendly hikes. Its central location near the St. Maria Church makes exploring the village convenient and safe.

The prime spot for autumn colors is the Bregenzer Auen Pathway and the St. Moritz Ridge Trail intersection. In early morning light, golden maple and oak trees reflect beautifully on the clear waters of the Bregenzer River. Start at the St. Matthias Church and walk 1.5 km along cobblestone paths, passing 19th-century Swiss farmhouses and wild rhododendrons. For a breathtaking view, head to the Eisenhausen Viewing Platform at dusk, where you can enjoy the entire valley bathed in fiery hues—perfect with a warm mulled wine.

Must-try dishes include Sennental cheese platter, handcrafted by local herders with rich, nutty notes, served with rye sourdough bread and homemade jam. Another highlight is Alpenfleisch, slow-cooked beef stew simmered for 8 hours, often paired with mashed potatoes and wild mushrooms. Don’t miss the honey-ginger tea, sourced from century-old apiaries, known for its warming properties. These delicacies are available at the Village Market or Das Bärenhaus Restaurant, where you can watch chefs prepare meals using traditional clay pots.

The ideal area is the Old Town Center, near the St. Maria Church and Clock Tower Square, offering walkability to all major attractions. This district hosts several family-owned guesthouses, such as Haus Zirbel and Waldschlösschen Hotel, both preserving original timber structures and stone fireplaces. The neighborhood is quiet at night, with morning sounds of shepherd’s horns echoing through the valley. Free bike rentals are available nearby, making it easy to explore surrounding forest trails and waterfall paths.

Join a winter sledding tour led by local shepherds or attend the annual Spring Shepherding Festival. The sledding tour uses traditional wooden sleds, gliding through forests while learning about Alpine grazing history and reindeer training. The festival, held every May, features villagers in traditional costumes (red-and-white striped skirts and copper hats), performing folk dances and showcasing handmade textiles. You can also book a homestyle cooking workshop in a heritage kitchen, where you’ll learn to make cheese rolls and almond candy, gaining deep insight into mountain life.

Recommended for couples: Löwenhof Hotel, a 19th-century wooden villa with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Rhine Gorge. Rooms feature underfloor heating and natural pine furniture, with hand-painted star maps above the beds. The hotel offers private hot tub bookings and nightly candlelit dinners featuring truffle risotto and Swiss chocolate lava cake. Wake up to sunrise mist over the valley or stroll through the rose garden—ideal for a dreamy Alpine escape.

Don’t miss Hohenstein Falls, a 42-meter cascade plunging from a limestone cliff, creating a dramatic mist. Cross the suspension bridge trail for close-up views—only 1.2 meters wide with transparent glass railings for an exhilarating experience. Also explore Eichberg Caves, an unspoiled karst cave system with stalactites and underground streams, accessible only with a certified guide. Both sites lie within the National Park Buffer Zone, so only foot or bicycle access is allowed—offering serene, untouched nature.

Top winter highlights include snowmobile tours, ice sculpture exhibitions, and the Christmas Market. The ice sculpture show at Clock Tower Square features works by artists from Zurich and Lucerne, themed around Alpine myths, glowing under nighttime lights. The Christmas Market, held at St. Maria Church Square, sells handmade candles, wool scarves, and mulled wine. Additionally, the Stein Peak Ski Lift offers beginner-friendly slopes, with a mountain hut restaurant serving coffee and panoramic views of the Alps.

The town is car-free, so travel is primarily by walking and bicycling. Rent electric bikes from stations near the Village Entrance or Church Square. Visitors arriving from Chur or St. Gallen can take the train to Sennental Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus (every 30 minutes) into the center. Some hotels offer complimentary shuttles. During summer, mountain biking tours are available, guided through the Bregenzer River Valley and green meadows.

Attend the Alpine Harvest Festival in July, celebrating wheat and potato harvests, featuring villagers in traditional attire dancing the Schuhplattler and displaying giant handwoven tapestries. The Village Market fills with fresh produce, jams, and dry-cured ham. In September, join the Shepherd’s Horn Competition, where herders from neighboring villages battle for pitch accuracy and endurance, with winners receiving silver bells. Every weekend, the Old Church Square hosts open-air concerts with Alpine bagpipes and harp duets, drawing crowds from across the region.