Panorama of Au in Austria — Online Webcam
Mountain Valley on Webcam: Getting to Know Au
The small alpine settlement of Au is nestled among the green slopes of Bregenzerwald — a picturesque region in western Austria. The online camera is positioned to capture the entire valley: from the foothills with neat farmhouses to the steep forested slope rising upward. This is a classic Austrian Alps landscape — the kind you see on postcards, but here it's alive and real.
The village of Au is part of the Bregenzerwald region — a mountainous area in the state of Vorarlberg, known for its pastures, cheese dairies, and wooden architecture. The entire region has a population of about 30,000 people living in 24 small communities. This is a place where the traditional way of life has been preserved for several centuries.
Bregenzerwald: Between Lake and Mountains
The Bregenzerwald region lies between Lake Constance and the alpine pastures. In clear weather, panoramic views of Lake Constance — one of the largest bodies of water in Central Europe — open up from the mountain peaks. The terrain here is typical of the Northern Alps: gentle meadows at the bottom give way to steep forested slopes, and behind them rise rocky peaks.
In 1992, the "Nature and Life Bregenzerwald" initiative was launched in the region, aimed at creating an integrated eco-social space. Local communities united around the idea of sustainable development: preserving nature, supporting traditional agriculture, and at the same time welcoming tourists. This approach has made Bregenzerwald an example of how an alpine region can live in harmony with the environment.
Diedamskopf: A Viewpoint Over Three Countries
One of the main natural attractions near Au is Mount Diedamskopf, with an elevation of 2,090 meters. At the summit, there is an observation deck with a 300° panorama, offering views of more than 200 peaks in three countries: Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. On a clear day, views of the Allgäu Alps and Lechtal Alps open up — some of the most scenic mountain ranges in the Eastern Alps.
For tourists, Diedamskopf is both a ski slope in winter and a starting point for hiking in summer. The cable car operates year-round, so you can reach the summit even without special preparation.
Architecture and Way of Life in Au
The houses in the valley are built in traditional alpine style: log cabins with dark roofs, wide eaves, and carved balconies. This architecture is not just a tribute to tradition — it is practical. Thick walls retain heat well, and sloped roofs withstand snow loads. Many of these buildings are still operating farms where livestock is raised and cheese is produced.
The central church of the village is St. Gallus Church (Kirche St. Gallus), one of the most important churches in Bregenz. It stands on the site of a pre-Christian sanctuary and has been rebuilt several times by Baroque masters from the Bregenzerwald region. The church is an example of how local builders combined religious architecture with regional traditions.
Cheese, Farms, and Gastronomy of Bregenzerwald
Bregenzerwald is unimaginable without cheese. Local farmers produce Bregenzerwald Käse — a hard cheese made from cow's milk that has been made here for several centuries. In summer, cows are driven to high-altitude pastures where they graze on diverse herbs — this is what gives the milk its special flavor.
Small cheese dairies operate in the villages of the region, where you can taste the product right at the producer's. Many farms offer tours and tastings, making gastronomic tourism an important part of the local economy.
Tourism and Outdoor Activities
Au and its surroundings attract tourists year-round. In winter, there are the ski slopes of Diedamskopf and neighboring resorts; in summer — hiking, cycling routes, and simply walking through the valley. The Bregenzerwald region offers dozens of marked trails of varying difficulty: from easy walks along the river to multi-day treks over mountain passes.
The infrastructure is well developed: the valley has parking areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. At the same time, the region has not turned into a mass resort — the atmosphere of a genuine alpine village is still felt here.
What You Can See on the Camera
The online camera is positioned overlooking the Hollenstein-Au mountain valley. The frame captures a panoramic landscape with an alpine settlement: green meadows and pastures on the hillsides, small houses in traditional style with dark roofs, roads and parking areas with cars. In the background rises a steep mountain slope covered with dense coniferous forest. This is a typical Austrian Alps landscape — calm, green, and distinctly neat. The webcam shows the valley in real time, as it is right now: with the current weather, lighting, and atmosphere of this particular day in Bregenzerwald.
