Book: Nature, Schneiderkopf and local history
Accommodation in Book
If you are looking for a hotel in Book, local themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: protected landscapes, hiking around Schneiderkopf, winter sports or local history. The destinations and activities each have a different focus, so you can consider which ones suit your stay.
Village Centre and Parish History
The parish church of Book stands on a rise in the village centre at an altitude of 725 m. Its location makes it a central landmark in the village, and its elevation is clearly specified. The history of the church site can also be understood through specific dates: in 1484, the Bishop of Constance, Daniel, consecrated a chapel with two altars in Book. In 1794, a church was built on the site of this chapel. The two dates refer to the consecration of the chapel and the later construction of a church on the same site.
The Bregenzerach Gorge and Ippach Forest Natural Areas
The Bregenzerach Gorge Natura 2000 site also includes Book and covers a total area of 434.02 hectares. This figure applies to the entire protected area, not just Book. In the area around Schneiderkopf, the Caraway (Meum athamanticum) is a botanical rarity found in mat-grass meadows. The 2020 update to the biotope inventory for Book lists it as critically endangered in Vorarlberg.
The endangered lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) grows in the lighter forests of the Bregenzerach Gorge. Ippach Forest adds to the natural landscape as one of the largest contiguous forest areas in northern Vorarlberg. Together, these details highlight different aspects of the landscape: a protected area with a stated total size, distinctive plant habitats and an extensive forest landscape.
Schneiderkopf: Mountain Cross, Views and Hiking Route
The new mountain cross at Schneiderkopf was erected in mid-August 2026. At its dedication on 6 September 2026, it was reported to be 3.55 metres tall and weigh around 120 kilograms. The cross stands just below the 971 m summit. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains of the Bregenzerwald.
The former mountain cross also has a place on the hiking trail on the Book side: its old timber was used to make a seat above the hamlet of Tobel. This links the new cross with an object made from its predecessor. The dedicated hiking route “Panoramic Hike: Over Schneiderkopf from Book to Bildstein” runs from Book to Bildstein. These are two distinct points of interest for your planning: a route between two places and a viewpoint just below the summit.
Winter Sports in Book
The small Schneiderkopf ski area is located right in the village of Book. Beginners learn their first turns on skis and snowboards at the Heimen practice lift. If winter sports are part of your trip, this is a specific option for beginner skiing and snowboarding.
Choosing Book for Your Hotel Search
Nature and landscape enthusiasts can look to the Bregenzerach Gorge and Ippach Forest; the route to Bildstein and Schneiderkopf are also listed for hiking. The Heimen practice lift offers an introduction to skiing or snowboarding, while the parish church and historical dates draw attention to local history. Consider which theme you would like to shape your stay, and compare specific hotel offers based on their information about location and amenities.
Discover more destinations: Lauterach, Schnepfau, Höchst, Langen bei Bregenz, Eichenberg, Wolfurt, Alberschwende, Rehmen
For the overview of the wider area: Bregenz.
