The municipality of Elbigenalp stands at the point where the Bernhardsbach, a rushing stream emerging from a gorge in the Allgäu Alps, flows into the Lech river.
This village with 870 inhabitants is made up of several settlements and is situated in the heart of the Lechtal Valley. It is known as the main cultural hub of the valley and has a proud tradition of handicrafts documented by the many frescoes and examples of stuccowork on local buildings. Since 1951 is has also been home to the only wood carving school in Austria where budding sculptors learn how to create wooden items of all shapes and sizes. In July 2015 the Wunderkammer Elbigenalp was opened, a museum and gallery offering visitors the chance to see the large collection of art and curiosities acquired by lithographer Johann Anton Falger. Elgibenalp was also the birthplace of painter Anna Stainer-Knittel, whose life provided the inspiration for the book Geierwally known throughout the German-speaking world. The annual Geierwally-Festspiele are held in her honour an open-air stage near the entrance to the Bernhardschlucht gorge. The village is also an excellent base for holidaymakers wishing to explore the mountains on skis in winter and on foot in summer. In the village itself there are a number of small lifts ideal for beginners, and the quiet family-friendly resort of Jöchelspitze is located in the neighbouring municipality.
This village with 870 inhabitants is made up of several settlements and is situated in the heart of the Lechtal Valley. It is known as the main…
