93-514: The Schubertiade Vorarlberg is a music festival in Vorarlberg ( Austria ). A Schubertiade is an event dedicated to the life and works of the Austrian composer Franz Schubert . The Schubertiade Vorarlberg is one the most known Schubertiades in the world. In the decade of 1820, the first Schubertiades were held as private house concerts. Franz Schubert played the piano at the first Schubertiads, and
186-511: A tax affair in 2008, but the principality has since made significant efforts to shed this reputation. An Alpine country , Liechtenstein is mountainous, making it a winter sport destination. The oldest traces of human existence in the area of present-day Liechtenstein date back to the Middle Paleolithic era. Neolithic farming settlements appeared in the valleys around 5300 BCE. The Hallstatt and La Tène cultures flourished during
279-451: A "Landesausschuss" (National Committee) made up of the president of the parliament and four additional members. The National Committee is charged with performing functions of parliamentary supervision. Parliament shares the authority to propose new legislation with the Prince, and with the citizenry, as both parliament and the citizenry may initiate referendums. Judicial authority is vested in
372-824: A Nazi sympathy movement arose within its National Union party. Local Liechtenstein Nazis identified Elisabeth as their Jewish "problem". Pro-Nazi agitation remained in Liechtenstein throughout the 1930s, with an attempted coup in March 1939 while Franz Joseph II was on a state visit to Berlin . In March 1938, just after the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany , Franz named as regent his 31-year-old grandnephew and heir-presumptive, Prince Franz Joseph . After making his grandnephew regent he moved to Feldberg, Czechoslovakia and on 25 July, he died while at one of his family's castles, Castle Feldberg, and Franz Joseph formally succeeded him as
465-747: A full member, and since 1995 Liechtenstein has been a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). In 2008, Liechtenstein joined the Schengen/Dublin Agreement together with Switzerland. From an economic and integration policy perspective, relations within the framework of the EEA and the EU occupy a special position in Liechtenstein's foreign policy. The Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein also participates in
558-562: A nominal increase of 3.4% (cf Austria as a whole +5.2%). The Gross domestic product (GDP) of the state was 19.1 billion € in 2018, accounting for 4.9% of the Austria's economic output. GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power was €43,000 or 143% of the EU27 average in the same year. Vorarlberg is the state with the third highest GDP per capita in Austria. Vorarlberg and especially the Rhine Valley
651-665: A proposal for the state to join the Swiss Confederation. However, the proposed union never took place. Within Switzerland, the Swiss French and Swiss Italians were reluctant to take in another German-speaking area, and Swiss Protestants were somewhat accepting to incorporating such a heavily Catholic area. Opposition came from outside Switzerland as well; for example, Italy wanted Switzerland to give up Ticino if there were any changes on Switzerland's eastern frontier. Vienna and
744-459: A share of 13% is Islam . 0.6% of Vorarlberg's inhabitants profess another religion, while 18.9% profess no affiliation with any religion or denomination. The historical population is given in the following chart: For several years, the Vorarlberg economy has been performing well above the Austrian average. At roughly 66 %, its export ratio is the highest among all of Austria’s states. While
837-569: A somewhat enigmatic political system, which combines elements of absolute monarchy , representative democracy , and direct democracy . The monarch retains extensive executive and legislative powers, and plays a strong active role in the day to day politics of the country, and over all three branches of government —the only European monarch to have retained such a role. Representative democracy and direct democracy coexist in that an elected parliament enacts legislation , and voters can propose and enact laws and constitutional amendments independently of
930-661: A source of ideas and inspiration, as well as an initial contact with architecture for children. Current exhibitions: Vorarlberg is crossed in a north-south direction by a motorway , the Rheintal/Walgau Autobahn (A14). It connects with the Bundesautobahn 96 at the Austria–Germany border near Hörbranz and follows the Alpine Rhine Valley southwards to Feldkirch . It then continues south-eastwards along
1023-466: A sustainable economy and tourism in the region and provides a platform for discussion about society, politics and science. The Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2000. Biosphere reserves are the ecological counterpart of the cultural world heritage sites. The biosphere reserve's aim is sustainable development, education and research as well as the protection of natural diversity. The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park
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#17330997641591116-456: Is Europe's fourth-smallest country , with an area of just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles) and a population of 40,023. It is the world's smallest country to border two countries, and is one of the few countries with no debt. Liechtenstein is divided into 11 municipalities . Its capital is Vaduz , and its largest municipality is Schaan . It is a member of the United Nations ,
1209-473: Is Ländle ('small land'). The frame of reference for this was the much larger and more populous County of Tyrol , from which the small district west of the Arlberg tried to detach itself. In 1861, Vorarlberg was finally raised to a crown land with its own state parliament. On the way to the detachment from Tyrol, the identification with the 'Ländle' remained of great importance. The main rivers in Vorarlberg are
1302-623: Is a cross-border nature park between the German Allgäu and the Austrian Bregenzerwald . The nature park is 24,700 hectares in size. It comprises a high level of biodiversity which is the result of Alpine transhumance (the cultivation of the land by humans) and the geological diversity. The Nagelfluhkette Nature Park offers guided hiking tours. Before the Romans conquered Vorarlberg, there were two Celtic tribes settled in this area:
1395-567: Is a strong winter destination. Overnight-stays in winter reach as high as 5.11 million which is quite large when compared to the summer season with 3.7 million overnight stays. The largest (and best-known) touristic regions are: This is an incomplete list of hotels with a focus on architecture. For the complete list, go to Vacation + Architecture . In Vorarlberg, several public buildings for culture, tourism and leisure have been awarded with national and international prizes for architecture. Some of them are: The greatest tourist attractions are
1488-654: Is an alphabetical list of Vorarlberg's active railway stations : In addition, there are five defunct railway stations on the Arlberg Railway line: Braz , Dalaas , Hintergasse , Klösterle and Wald am Arlberg . The tourist industry employs a considerable number of Vorarlbergers. There are around 12,000 employees working in this industry which represent approximately 11% of the total workforce (107,575 in 2015). Arrivals are slightly higher in winter (1.23 million in 2015) than in summer (1.14 million in 2015). The real difference lies in overnight-stays indicating that Vorarlberg
1581-424: Is an interface in the field of Baukultur . It brings together architects, other design professionals and clients with craftspeople and actors from business, academia, the arts, culture and politics and address the issue of architectural quality through exhibitions, events and publications. For professionals it is a platform for networking and training. For clients and all those interested in cultural issues it offers
1674-551: Is bordered by Germany, Switzerland and Austria and is Austria's and Germany's largest lake. It is also the venue for the annual Bregenzer Festspiele . Vorarlberg is divided into four large districts, from north to south: Bregenz , Dornbirn , Feldkirch and Bludenz . These districts appear on the automobile license plates in form of abbreviations: B, DO, FK and BZ. The Biosphere Reserve Großes Walsertal covers about 19,200 ha and hosts 3,420 inhabitants and around 180 farms (42% of which are organic ). The reserve strives for
1767-422: Is known for its dairy products and tourism. The three-level movement farming ("Dreistufenwirtschaft") is essential to the economy of the mountainous regions in Vorarlberg. It is also known as Alpine transhumance and describes a seasonal droving of grazing livestock between the valleys in winter and the high mountain pastures in summer. Alpine transhumance has a strong impact on the production of cheese in
1860-585: Is one of the few countries in Europe (along with Monaco and San Marino ) not to have a tax treaty with the United States , and efforts towards one seem to have stalled. As of September 2019 the Prince of Liechtenstein is the world's sixth wealthiest monarch , with an estimated wealth of US$ 3.5 billion. The country's population enjoys one of the world's highest standards of living . Liechtenstein has
1953-1008: Is one of the wealthiest areas in the world, with a very high standard of living. By far the biggest company in Vorarlberg is Alpla (plastic packaging), followed by Blum , Grass, Gebrüder Weiss (transport and logistics), Zumtobel Group (lighting systems), Doppelmayr (cablecars), Rauch (beverages) and Wolford (textiles). Currently, five breweries are located in Vorarlberg: Mohrenbrauerei August Huber (in Dornbirn , since 1834), Brauerei Fohrenburg (in Bludenz , since 1881), Brauerei Egg (in Egg , since 1894), Vorarlberger Brauereigenosschenschaft – Brauerei Frastanz (in Frastanz , since 1902), Grabhers Sudwerk (in Bregenz , since 2016). Overall,
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#17330997641592046-710: Is partly located in Tyrol ) are the two largest ski areas in Vorarlberg. Ski Arlberg is the largest connected ski area in Austria since the season of 2016/17. It offers 305 km of slopes and 111 lifts. It includes Lech, Zürs, Oberlech, Warth, Schröcken, Stuben and the Tyrolean municipalities of St. Anton and St. Christoph. Liechtenstein in Europe (agate grey) – [ Legend ] Liechtenstein ( / ˈ l ɪ k t ən s t aɪ n / LIK -tən-styne ; German: [ˈlɪçtn̩ʃtaɪn] ), officially
2139-461: Is the second most densely populated province in Austria after Vienna . With the conurbation between Feldkirch and Hörbranz , it has one of the most densely populated areas in Europe. Due to the early industrialization in comparison to other Austrian states, Vorarlberg developed into a classic immigration state as early as the 19th century. The state, which is small in terms of area, has the highest proportion of immigrants next to Vienna. In 2015, this
2232-636: The Reichstag . Even though several Liechtenstein princes served several Habsburg rulers as close advisers, without any territory held directly from the Imperial throne, they held little power in the Holy Roman Empire. For this reason, the family sought to acquire lands that would be classed as unmittelbar , or held without any intermediate feudal tenure, directly from the Holy Roman Emperor . During
2325-796: The Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (German: Fachhochschule Vorarlberg ) in Dornbirn and the University College of Teacher Education Vorarlberg [ de ] (German: Pädagogische Hochschule Vorarlberg ) in Feldkirch . Originally founded as technical school in 1989, the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences achieved status of an officially recognized university in 1999. It offers Bachelor's and master's degrees in business, engineering and technology, design and social work. About 1350 students have enrolled for
2418-679: The Alemanni , a Germanic people who later settled in the area around 450. In the Early Middle Ages , the Alemanni settled the eastern Swiss plateau by the 5th century and the valleys of the Alps by the end of the 8th century, with Liechtenstein located at the eastern edge of Alamannia . In the 6th century the entire region became part of the Frankish Empire following Clovis I 's victory over
2511-721: The Confederation of the Rhine was founded, the Prince of Liechtenstein was a member, in fact a vassal, of its hegemon , styled protector , the French Emperor Napoleon I, until the dissolution of the confederation on 19 October 1813. Soon afterward, Liechtenstein joined the German Confederation (20 June 1815 – 23 August 1866), which was presided over by the Emperor of Austria . In 1818, Prince Johann I granted
2604-430: The Confederation of the Rhine . This political restructuring had broad consequences for Liechtenstein: the historical imperial, legal, and political institutions had been dissolved. The state ceased to owe an obligation to any feudal lord beyond its borders. Modern publications generally attribute Liechtenstein's sovereignty to these events. Its prince ceased to owe an obligation to any suzerain . From 25 July 1806, when
2697-665: The Customs Treaty with Switzerland of 1923. Liechtenstein maintains direct diplomatic missions in Vienna , Bern, Berlin, Brussels, Strasbourg, and Washington, D.C. , as well as Permanent Missions in New York and Geneva to the United Nations . Currently, diplomatic missions from 78 countries are accredited to Liechtenstein, but mostly reside in Bern. The Embassy in Brussels coordinates contacts with
2790-700: The European Free Trade Association , and the Council of Europe . It is not a member state of the European Union , but it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area . It has a customs union and a monetary union with Switzerland, with its usage of the Swiss franc . Politically, a constitutional referendum in 2003 granted the monarch greater powers, after he threatened to leave
2883-605: The Holy Roman Empire , around 1000. Until about 1100, the predominant language of the area was Romansch , but thereafter German began to gain ground in the territory. In 1300, another Alemannic population—the Walsers , who originated in Valais —entered the region and settled; the mountain village of Triesenberg today preserves features of the Walser dialect . By 1200, dominions across
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2976-516: The Holy Roman Empire . By the early 19th century, as a result of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, the Holy Roman Empire came under the effective control of France, following the crushing defeat at Austerlitz by Napoleon in 1805. In 1806, Emperor Francis II abdicated and dissolved the Holy Roman Empire , ending more than 960 years of feudal government. Napoleon reorganized much of the Empire into
3069-860: The Ill (running through the Montafon and Walgau valleys into the Rhine), the Rhine (forming the border with Switzerland ), the Bregenzer Ache and the Dornbirner Ach . One of the shortest rivers is the Galina . Important lakes , apart from Lake Constance are Lüner Lake , Silvretta Reservoir , Vermunt Lake , Spuller Lake , the Kops Basin and Formarin Lake ; the first four were created for
3162-709: The International Court of Justice ) included over 1,600 km (618 sq mi) of agricultural and forest land (most notably the UNESCO listed Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape ), and several family castles and palaces. In 2005, a government-commissioned investigation revealed that Jewish slave labourers from the Strasshof concentration camp , provided by the SS , had worked on estates in Austria owned by Liechtenstein's Princely House. The report indicated that though no evidence
3255-624: The Principality of Liechtenstein (German: Fürstentum Liechtenstein , [ˈfʏʁstn̩tuːm ˈlɪçtn̩ˌʃtaɪ̯n] ), is a doubly landlocked German-speaking microstate in the Central European Alps , between Austria in the east and north and Switzerland in the west and south. Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein of the House of Liechtenstein , currently led by Hans-Adam II . It
3348-624: The Raeti in the highlands, and the Vindelici in the lowlands, i.e. the Lake Constance region and the Rhine Valley. One of the important settlements of the Vindelici was Brigantion (modern Bregenz), founded around 500 BC. The first settlements in and around Bregenz date from 1500 BC. A Celtic tribe named "Brigantii" is mentioned by Strabo as a sub-tribe in these region of the Alps. The area of Vorarlberg
3441-689: The Rätikon , the Verwall and the Arlberg with many well-known skiing regions and ski resorts . The tallest mountain is Piz Buin , whose rocky peak of 3,312 m (10,866 ft) is surrounded by glaciers . The distance from Lake Constance and the plains of the Alpine Rhine valley across the medium altitude and high Alpine zones to the glaciers of the Silvretta range is a mere 90 km (56 mi). Lake Constance
3534-799: The St. Margrethen–Lauterach line , which leads towards Switzerland. In Feldkirch, the main line meets the Feldkirch–Buchs railway line to Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The Vorarlberg railway line's southern terminus is Bludenz , where it meets the Arlberg Railway to Tyrol and the Bludenz–Schruns railway ( Montafonerbahn ) line to Schruns in the Montafon Valley . Most of these lines are owned and operated by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). Since December 2023, WESTbahn also operates between Wien Westbahnhof and Bregenz. Regional train services are provided by Vorarlberg S-Bahn , with some lines being also part of Bodensee S-Bahn . There are also two heritage railway lines: Bregenz Forest Railway and International Rhine Regulation Railway . The following
3627-504: The Walsertal ), Achberg Castle, Lindau Island ( Germany ), and Schwarzenberg . Due to the renovation of the Angelika Kauffmann hall, Schwarzenberg became the exclusive venue of the Schubertiade Vorarlberg in 2001. In 2005, the festival returned to Hohenems (Markus Sittikus hall), with some concerts still being held in Schwarzenberg. The Schubertiade Quarter in Hohenems consists of several museums that are thematically associated with Franz Schubert, interpreters of classical music and
3720-409: The 13th century, and again from 1807 onwards. The Liechtensteins acquired land, predominantly in Moravia , Lower Austria , Silesia , and Styria . As these territories were all held in feudal tenure from more senior feudal lords, particularly various branches of the Habsburgs , the Liechtenstein dynasty was unable to meet a primary requirement to qualify for a seat in the Imperial Diet (parliament),
3813-434: The 2010 tax year. In addition, Liechtenstein regards Germany as an important partner in safeguarding its interests in European integration. At the cultural level, project sponsorship plays a particularly important role. For example, the Hilti Foundation financed the exhibition "Egypt's Sunken Treasures" in Berlin, and the state donated 20,000 euros following the fire at the Duchess Anna Amalia Library in Weimar . Liechtenstein
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3906-421: The 25-seat legislature. Parliament proposes and approves a government, which the Prince formally appoints. Parliament may also pass votes of no confidence in the entire government or individual members. The government comprises the head of government ( prime minister ) and four government councillors (ministers), who are appointed by the Prince upon the proposal of parliament and with its concurrence, and reflect
3999-399: The Alemanni at Tolbiac in 504. The area that later became Liechtenstein remained under Frankish hegemony ( Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties) until the Treaty of Verdun divided the Carolingian empire in 843, following the death of Charlemagne in 814. The territory of present-day Liechtenstein formed part of East Francia . It would later be reunified with Middle Francia under
4092-475: The Allies also objected, out of concern for the balance of power in central Europe. The government of Vorarlberg opposed union with Switzerland, but began half-hearted negotiations with Bern after the overwhelming result of the referendum. When it became apparent that the Swiss were lukewarm at best to absorbing Vorarlberg as well, Vorarlberg remained with Austria. If Vorarlberg had joined Switzerland, then Liechtenstein would have been enclaved by Switzerland, like
4185-439: The Alpine plateau were controlled by the Houses of Savoy , Zähringer , Habsburg , and Kyburg . Other regions were accorded the Imperial immediacy that granted the empire direct control over the mountain passes. When the Kyburg dynasty fell in 1264, the Habsburgs under King Rudolph I , the Holy Roman Emperor in 1273, extended their territory to the eastern Alpine plateau that included the territory of Liechtenstein. This region
4278-428: The Alps. It ensures that the cattle produces high-quality aromatic milk, the so-called Heumilch ("hay milk"), based on its special diet of natural meadow grass in comparison to silage . The use of hay milk in cheese production contributes to the distinctive flavour that determines more than 30 Alpine cheeses, including Vorarlberger Alpkäse , Vorarlberger Bergkäse , Großwalsertaler Bergkäse , and Sura Kees . With
4371-471: The Constitution of 1921. Important historical stages in Liechtenstein's integration and cooperation policy were its accession to the Confederation of the Rhine in 1806, to the German Confederation in 1815, the conclusion of bilateral customs and currency agreements with the Habsburg monarchy in 1852, and finally the Customs Treaty with Switzerland in 1923, which was followed by a range of other important bilateral treaties. Post-war economic reconstruction
4464-493: The Czech Republic on 13 July 2009, and with Slovakia on 9 December 2009. On 20 September 1990, Liechtenstein was admitted into the United Nations as 160th member state. As a member of the United Nations General Assembly , the microstate is one of the few not to play a prominent role in UN-specialized agencies . Liechtenstein was in dire financial straits following the end of World War II. The Liechtenstein dynasty often resorted to selling family artistic treasures, including
4557-445: The European Union, Belgium, and also the Holy See . For a long time, diplomatic relations with Germany were maintained through a non-resident ambassador; that is, a contact person who was not permanently resident in Germany. Since 2002, however, Liechtenstein has had a permanent ambassador in Berlin, while the German embassy in Switzerland is also responsible for the Principality. Liechtenstein's Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers
4650-452: The European standard of democracy. Legislative authority is vested in the unicameral Landtag , made up of 25 members elected for maximum four-year terms according to a proportional representation formula. Fifteen members are elected from the Oberland (Upper Country or region) and ten from the Unterland (Lower Country or region). Parties must receive at least 8% of the national vote to win seats in parliament, i.e., enough for two seats in
4743-415: The Habsburg territories, and spent much of their time at their two palaces in Vienna. Johann II appointed Carl von In der Maur , an Austrian aristocrat, to serve as the Governor of Liechtenstein . The economic devastation caused by World War I forced the country to conclude a customs and monetary union with its other neighbour Switzerland . In addition, popular unrest caused from economic devastation in
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#17330997641594836-514: The Nazi "Pan German" dream of uniting all German-speakers in the Reich would have also included the population of Liechtenstein. However, the Nazis eventually gave up implementing this plan, and Liechtenstein was spared from enduring a Nazi occupation. At the close of the conflict, Czechoslovakia and Poland , acting to seize what they considered German possessions, expropriated all of the Liechtenstein dynasty's properties in those three regions. The expropriations (subject to modern legal dispute at
4929-407: The Prince of Liechtenstein. During World War II , Liechtenstein remained officially neutral, looking to neighbouring Switzerland for assistance and guidance, while family treasures from dynastic lands and possessions in Bohemia , Moravia , and Silesia were taken to Liechtenstein for safekeeping. Operation Tannenbaum , the Nazi plan for conquest of Switzerland, also included Liechtenstein, and
5022-788: The Regional Court at Vaduz, the Princely High Court of Appeal at Vaduz, the Princely Supreme Court, the Administrative Court, and the State Court. The State Court rules on the conformity of laws with the constitution and has five members elected by parliament. The principality is largely conservative . On 1 July 1984, Liechtenstein became the last country in Europe to grant women the right to vote, following three previous referendums which rejected it in 1968 , 1971 and 1973 . The referendum on women's suffrage that year, in which only men were allowed to participate, narrowly passed with 51.3% in favour. In 2024, Liechtenstein passed same-sex marriage legislation, which would be legalised in 2025. Abortion remains criminalised within Liechtenstein. In
5115-578: The absence of political or military power, Liechtenstein has sought to preserve its sovereignty over the past 300 years through membership in legal communities. International cooperation and European integration are therefore constants of Liechtenstein's foreign policy, aimed at continuing to safeguard the country's sovereignty as recognized under international law. Decisive for the domestic legitimacy and sustainability of this foreign policy were and are strong direct-democratic and citizen-oriented decision-making mechanisms, which are anchored in Liechtenstein in
5208-474: The aim to support and preserve the local dairy production and the traditional agricultural heritage, the Bregenzerwald Cheese Route was founded in 1998. It is an organisation which connects farmers, traders and craftsmen. Along the cheese route, visitors are invited to watch the cheese production process and participate in culinary tastings. Many cultural habits like Yodel , Alphorn or Schwingen were developed during this time. This seasonal nomadism led to
5301-536: The annual meetings of the heads of state of the German-speaking countries (consisting of EU and non-EU members). Relations with Switzerland are particularly extensive because of the close cooperation in many areas; Switzerland performs tasks in some places that would be difficult for the Principality to handle on its own because of its small size. Since 2000, Switzerland has appointed an ambassador to Liechtenstein, but he resides in Bern. Liechtenstein's consular representation has been mostly handled by Switzerland since
5394-404: The balance of parties in parliament. The constitution stipulates that at least two government members be chosen from each of the two regions. The members of the government are collectively and individually responsible to parliament; parliament may ask the Prince to remove an individual minister or the entire government, or the Prince may do so unilaterally. Parliament elects from among its members
5487-439: The baritones Johann Michael Vogl or later Carl von Schönstein sang his songs. Readings and witty entertainment games, which often had a specific theme, were also part of the evenings. These were a mixture of friendly meetings and a literary-musical salon. The first Vorarlberg Schubertiade took place in Hohenems in 1976 and was organised by Hermann Prey . In the first few years, Gerd Nachbauer and Hermann Prey were responsible for
5580-406: The careers of young musicians by introducing them to a knowledgeable and supportive audience. So far, the Schubertiade Vorarlberg has been held at various venues in the federal state of Vorarlberg and around Lake Constance . From its beginning in 1976 to 1991, the Hohenems Palace used to be the main location for the Vorarlberg version of the Schubertiade. The Hohenems Palace is known for being
5673-490: The contacts to be extremely fruitful and important for the country's development, especially on the economic level. Conflicts over the handling of banking and tax data have repeatedly strained relations with Germany. On 2 September 2009, Liechtenstein and Germany signed an agreement on cooperation and the exchange of information in tax matters. The text of the agreement followed the OECD model agreement and provides for an exchange of information on tax matters upon request as of
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#17330997641595766-413: The country should the referendum fail. These powers include being able to dismiss the government, nominate judges and veto legislation. Economically, Liechtenstein has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity . The country has a strong financial sector centred in Vaduz. It was once known as a billionaire tax haven , culminating in
5859-403: The cultural history of the city: Vorarlberg Vorarlberg ( / ˈ f ɔːr ɑːr l b ɜːr ɡ / FOR -arl-burg ; Austrian German: [foːɐ̯ˈarlbɛrk] ; Vorarlbergisch : Vorarlbearg , Voralbärg , or Voraadelbearg ) is the westernmost state ( Land ) of Austria . It has the second-smallest geographical area after Vienna and, although it also has
5952-453: The early 17th century, Karl I of Liechtenstein was made a Fürst (prince) by the Holy Roman Emperor Matthias after siding with him in a political battle. Hans-Adam I was allowed to purchase the minuscule Herrschaft ('Lordship') of Schellenberg and the county of Vaduz (in 1699 and 1712, respectively) from the Hohenems. Tiny Schellenberg and Vaduz had exactly the political status required: no feudal superior ( suzerain ) other than
6045-506: The east. The capital of Vorarlberg is Bregenz (29,698 inhabitants), although Dornbirn (49,845 inhabitants) and Feldkirch (34,192 inhabitants) have larger populations . Vorarlberg is also the only state in Austria where the local dialect is not Austro-Bavarian , but rather an Alemannic dialect ; it therefore has much more in common culturally with (historically) Alemannic-speaking German-speaking Switzerland , Liechtenstein , Baden-Württemberg , Bavarian Swabia , and Alsace than with
6138-416: The economic expansion of Vorarlberg is "very positive and for the future rated more dynamic than for the other states". Vorarlberg plans to be self-sufficient in energy by 2050. In addition to the flourishing textile, clothing, electronics, machinery and packing materials industries of the Alpine Rhine Valley , there is also a broad agricultural base, especially in the Bregenzerwald (Bregenzerwald), which
6231-443: The emperor. On 23 January 1719, after the lands had been purchased, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor , decreed that Vaduz and Schellenberg were united and elevated the newly formed territory to the dignity of Reichsfürstentum ( imperial principality ) with the name "Liechtenstein" in honour of "[his] true servant, Anton Florian of Liechtenstein ". On this date, Liechtenstein became a mostly-sovereign immediate member state of
6324-402: The entire Alpine area. Liechtenstein then became integrated into the Roman province of Raetia . The area was garrisoned by the Roman army , which maintained large legionary camps at Brigantium (Bregenz, Austria), near Lake Constance , and at Magia (Maienfeld, Switzerland). The Romans built and maintained a road which ran through the territory. Around 260 CE Brigantium was destroyed by
6417-409: The finding place of two manuscripts of the Nibelungenlied . When the Hohenems Palace had to be renovated in 1991, the festival moved entirely to the neighbouring town of Feldkirch . From 1994 on, the Feldkirch concerts were complemented by so-called Landpartien , outings inspired by Franz Schubert 's travels. The venues for the Landpartien included the Propstei St. Gerold (a provost's residence in
6510-432: The late Iron Age , from around 450 BCE—possibly under some influence of both the Greek and Etruscan civilisations. One of the most important tribal groups in the Alpine region were the Helvetii . In 58 BCE, at the Battle of Bibracte , Julius Caesar defeated the Alpine tribes, thereby bringing the region under Roman subjugation. By 15 BCE, Tiberius —later the second Roman emperor—with his brother, Drusus , conquered
6603-418: The legislature. However, as with laws passed by the legislature, these can be vetoed by the monarch. The reigning Prince is the head of state and represents Liechtenstein in its international relations (although Switzerland has taken responsibility for much of Liechtenstein's diplomatic relations). The current Constitution of Liechtenstein was adopted in March 2003 , amending the 1921 constitution, giving
6696-408: The mountains and the numerous ski resorts . In the cold season, winter sports enthusiasts will find ideal conditions for their favourite sport: skiing , cross country skiing , freeriding , snowboarding , ice skating , sled dog rides, carriage rides, tobogganing , snow and fun parks . Vorarlberg's largest ski resorts include: The ski resorts Silvretta Montafon and Ski Arlberg (which
6789-619: The overall Austrian GDP in 2004 rose by 2.0% in real terms, Vorarlberg recorded an increase of 2.9%. This came as a surprise, particularly as the major trading partners in Germany and Italy did not fare well. Owing to this robust economic performance, Vorarlberg was able to boost its gross regional product in 2014 to 15.2 billion euros according to the Economic Policy Department of the Vorarlberg Chamber of Trade. This translates into
6882-515: The portrait Ginevra de' Benci by Leonardo da Vinci , which was purchased by the National Gallery of Art of the United States in 1967 for US$ 5 million ($ 46 million in 2023 dollars), then a record price for a painting. By the late 1970s, Liechtenstein used its low corporate tax rates to draw many companies and became one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Liechtenstein
6975-495: The prince extensive veto powers, and the ability to dismiss the government and rule by emergency decree, and maintaining the prince's active role in the legislative process. The BBC characterizes Liechtenstein post-2003 as "in effect" an " absolute monarchy ". Just prior to the referendum, the Venice commission of the Council of Europe published a comprehensive report analysing the amendments, opining that they were not compatible with
7068-410: The production of hydroelectric energy . However, even before the dam for the power plant was built, Lüner Lake was the largest mountain lake in the Alps. Most of this hydroelectric energy is exported to Germany at peak times. At night, energy from power plants in Germany is used to pump water back into some of the lakes. There are several notable mountain ranges in Vorarlberg, such as the Silvretta ,
7161-514: The production of peak current. Vorarlberg was the first region in Europe where more sustainable energy was produced than consumed. Green electricity from Vorarlberg is therefore also sold to the German Westallgäu, to Switzerland and to other Austrian provinces. The largest electricity producer in Vorarlberg is Illwerke AG . They produce 75% of the electricity in Vorarlberg, mainly by hydropower. Two higher education institutions in Vorarlberg are
7254-620: The programme. Nowadays, the Schubertiade is held at venues in Schwarzenberg and Hohenems , both in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. The concerts are usually held between May and October. The Schubertiade is considered the most important Schubert festival in the world, presenting about 80 events and registering between 35,000 and 40,000 visitors per year. The festival features orchestra concerts, lectures, exhibitions and master classes given by singers and instrumentalists. It aims at advancing
7347-490: The rest of Austria , southeastern Bavaria , and South Tyrol . Vorarlberg is to a large extent mountainous. About 37% (97,000 hectares) of its surface is forest. Vorarlberg literally means 'before the Arl mountain '. The name Arl or Arlberg can be traced back to 1218 in various spellings (Arle, Arlen, Mons Arula, Arlenperge) and is derived from the numerous Arlen bushes there, the so-called mountain pines . Its nickname
7440-404: The rich culture, architecture and love for nature found in Vorarlberg. A significant cultural icon unique to this area is the festive movement of cattle from the pastures to the villages in autumn. This tradition is especially popular with tourists. The energy sector is one of the founders of Vorarlberg's economy, in which hydropower is the most important source of energy. This is mainly used for
7533-601: The river Ill to Bludenz , where it connects with the Arlberg Schnellstraße (S16) to Tyrol over the Arlberg . The A14 is linked with the A13 motorway in Switzerland via a road that crosses the Austria-Switzerland border at Lustenau / Au . The main line is the Vorarlberg railway line, which traverses the state in north-south direction and which extends northwards into Germany. South of Bregenz , it connects with
7626-399: The second-smallest population, it is the state with the second-highest population density (also after Vienna). Two thirds of the state are situated above 1,000m. It borders three countries: Germany ( Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg via Lake Constance ), Switzerland ( Grisons and St. Gallen ), and Liechtenstein . The only Austrian state that shares a border with Vorarlberg is Tyrol , to
7719-471: The situation of Lesotho , San Marino and Vatican City . Following the Second World War Vorarlberg found itself occupied by French troops from 1945 to 1955, along with most of the state of Tyrol . The population of Vorarlberg is 397,094 (as of 1 January 2020). The majority (86%) of residents are of Austrian-Germanic stock with a cultural connection with Switzerland and Liechtenstein to
7812-474: The term 2018/19. The Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is considered one of Austria's best applied universities in the field of technology. The University College of Teacher Education Vorarlberg was founded in 2007 and offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in primary and secondary education. It also administers its own elementary and middle school, in which students from the university can complete their student teaching. The vai Vorarlberger Architektur Institut
7905-579: The territory a limited constitution. In that same year Prince Aloys became the first member of the House of Liechtenstein to set foot in the principality that bore their name. The next visit would not occur until 1842. Developments during the 19th century included: Until the end of World War I , Liechtenstein was closely tied first to the Austrian Empire and later to Austria-Hungary ; the ruling princes continued to derive much of their wealth from estates in
7998-471: The war directly led to the November 1918 Liechtenstein putsch , which created the process of a new constitution based on constitutional monarchy being introduced in 1921. In 1929, 75-year-old Prince Franz I succeeded to the throne. He had just married Elisabeth von Gutmann , a wealthy woman from Vienna whose father was a Jewish businessman from Moravia. Although Liechtenstein had no official Nazi party ,
8091-514: The west and Germany to the north. A sizable proportion of the population's ancestors came from the Swiss canton of Valais in migrations of " Walsers ", including the Swiss French in the 19th century by invitation during the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire . There has been a sizable minority of Turkish descent since the 1960s. With around 150 inhabitants per square kilometer, Vorarlberg
8184-680: Was enfeoffed to the Counts of Hohenems until the sale to the Liechtenstein dynasty in 1699. In 1396, Vaduz , the southern region of Liechtenstein, gained imperial immediacy , i.e. it became subject to the Holy Roman Emperor alone. The family from which the principality takes its name originally came from Liechtenstein Castle in Lower Austria, which they had possessed since at least 1140 until
8277-530: Was a gathering-together of former bishoprics , was still ruled in part by a few semi-autonomous counts and surviving prince-bishops until the start of World War I . Vorarlberg was a part of Further Austria , and parts of the area were ruled by the Counts Montfort of Vorarlberg . Following World War I there was a desire by many in Vorarlberg to join Switzerland. In the Vorarlberg annexation referendum held on 11 May 1919, 80.75% of those voting supported
8370-514: Was around 16% of the total population. Residents of German origin make up the largest migrant group, closely followed by immigrants from Turkey . People from countries of the former Yugoslavia are by far the third-largest immigrant group in Vorarlberg. According to 2021 figures of Statistics Austria , 60.7% of the population are Catholic , and 7.6% are followers of other Christian denominations (3.8% Orthodox Christians , 2.5% Protestants , 1.3% other Christians). The second-largest religion, with
8463-765: Was conquered by the Romans in 15 BC and it became part of the Roman province of Raetia . It was later conquered by Allemanic tribes in c. 450 AD. It then fell under the rule of the Bavarians and was subsequently settled by the Bavarians and the Lombards . It later fell under the rule of the Counts of Bregenz until 1160 and then to the Counts of Montfort until 1525, when the Habsburgs took control. The historically-Germanic province, which
8556-652: Was followed by accession to the Statute of the International Court of Justice in 1950, Liechtenstein signed the CSCE Helsinki Final Act (today's OSCE) together with 34 other states in 1975, Liechtenstein joined the Council of Europe in 1978, and Liechtenstein was admitted to the United Nations (UN) on September 18, 1990. In 1991, Liechtenstein joined the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as
8649-532: Was found of the House's knowledge of the slave labour, the House bore responsibility. Citizens of Liechtenstein were forbidden to enter Czechoslovakia during the Cold War . The diplomatic conflict revolving around the controversial postwar Beneš decrees resulted in Liechtenstein not having international relations with the Czech Republic or Slovakia . Diplomatic relations were established between Liechtenstein and
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