“Welcome to Benedikta.” Elisabeth Brändle opens the old wooden door with a warm smile and, almost instinctively, invites guests in for coffee and cake. Moments later, everything slows down. Seated around the original Montafon table in the cosy stube, stories begin to unfold – of her grandmother, of the house dating back to 1836, and of its careful transformation into a contemporary retreat.

What defines Benedikta is this quiet dialogue between past and present. Old timber, worn surfaces and familiar details meet a restrained, modern design language – never competing, always complementing. It becomes clear, almost immediately, how deeply this house is rooted in personal memory and care.

There is a particular sense of comfort here. Set at the edge of the forest, the house seems to draw you inward. Especially on days when the weather turns – when snow falls heavily or rain taps against the windows – Benedikta reveals its true character. A place to stay in, to settle, to slow down. Wrapped in warmth, time softens. And with it, the pace of everything else.

Shingled roof, traditional box windows, sage-green shutters on the outside; wood-panelled walls, low ceilings and timeworn details within – Benedikta carries the unmistakable character of Montafon architecture. Carefully restored by Elisabeth Brändle in collaboration with local architects, the house preserves its original structure while introducing a quiet sense of modernity.

The ground floor remains true to its origins, with its traditional layout of interconnected stube rooms and kitchen. Antique pieces, such as the original Montafon table, sit naturally alongside contemporary elements – a minimalist bench here, a refined material choice there – creating a living space that feels both rooted and current.

A more modern expression reveals itself in the entrance area, opened up to the roof and defined by a sculptural steel staircase. Upstairs, an airy lounge with a large window seat invites slow moments, while three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms offer a more pared-back aesthetic. Light fir wood, black steel and natural stone shape the spaces – simple, calm and quietly inviting.

Tucked away on the ground floor, in what was once the house’s storage area, a small sauna with mountain views adds another layer to the experience. From here, a door leads directly outside – into the garden, or in winter, into fresh snow. A place where warmth and cold, inside and out, meet in the most natural way.

At Benedikta, the culinary experience begins quietly. A small welcome awaits on arrival – often a glass of prosecco paired with local cheese, accompanied by a gentle introduction to the house. And if Elisabeth Brändle happens to join, there is often something more: a thoughtful, homemade touch.

The rest is left intentionally open. Guests are invited to settle in, to shop locally, to leaf through cookbooks and make use of the fully equipped kitchen. Meals unfold in the stube, around a laid table, without schedule or expectation.

A small pantry offers a selection of regional specialities, while the wine cellar holds carefully chosen bottles from Austrian, French and Italian producers. For those who prefer to leave things in other hands, the house can arrange provisions, stock the fridge or deliver a breakfast basket in the morning.

There is also the option of private cooking – simple, traditional dishes prepared on site, from Vorarlberg classics such as Käsknöpfle to more refined interpretations. A quiet, flexible approach that allows each stay to find its own rhythm.

Vandans may feel understated at first, yet its location at the edge of the forest makes Benedikta an ideal base for exploring the Montafon – in every season. In keeping with the spirit of the house, the focus here is on nature and a quieter kind of activity. Large-scale resorts and noise are deliberately absent; instead, the region offers space to move at a more considered pace.

In winter, this means smaller, characterful ski areas, scenic ski tours and peaceful winter walks. In summer, the landscape opens up to hiking and climbing routes, as well as (e-)mountain bike trails leading to alpine huts, viewpoints and higher peaks.

Within walking distance, the Golm cable car connects the valley to 1,890 metres. From the mid-station, the Maisäß Runde Matschwitz offers a gentle loop past historic alpine huts, with views stretching towards the Verwall range.

Further afield, the Kristberg in the neighbouring Silbertal provides a different perspective. Accessible by cable car, its well-prepared winter trails lead through quiet terrain and past mountain huts. A stop at the Knappastoba adds a sense of warmth before returning to the valley.

In the Montafon, the experience is not defined by distance or speed, but by the landscape itself – and the freedom to explore it in your own way.

Published: 2023 | Last Updated: 19.04.2026