The tradition and history of Stuben am Arlberg dates back to the 13th century. The village once served as the last rest stop before the Arlberg Pass and probably owes its name to a warming hut that offered protection and rest to travelers, muleteers and carters. As early as 1218, the Knights of St. John set up accommodation here to offer travelers "fire, water and shelter", as instructed by Count Hugo I von Montfort. Stuben was first mentioned in a document in 1330 as a post station and "Emperor's highest room".
Historical & interesting facts about Stuben am Arlberg
The historical connection between Tyrol and Vorarlberg had a significant impact on the development of Stuben am Arlberg. As goods traffic over the Arlberg increased, the town experienced an economic boom. Heinrich Findelkind founded the neighboring St. Christoph Hospice to support travelers on the arduous route over the pass. Documents show that as early as the 15th century, farmers and muleteers were tasked with "breaking up the Arlberg" and clearing the snowdrifts. Hans Thöni describes this development in detail in his book "Stuben am Arlberg - Geschichte eines Bergdorfes". Income from transit duties, carriage wages and catering for travelers contributed to the prosperity.
Development of tourism
In 1520, Stuben was destroyed by a devastating fire, but reconstruction began quickly and with great effort. Later developments, such as the improvement of the Arlberg Pass under Maria Theresa and industrialization, ensured further growth. In 1884, the opening of the Arlberg Railway led to a shift in traffic and a quieter time for Stuben.
With the growing enthusiasm for skiing, Stuben am Arlberg developed into a charming ski resort. Nestled between Albona, Erzberg and Trittkopf, the village has managed to preserve tradition and history while becoming a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
The historic "Post" and "Mondschein" inns made Stuben an early base camp for mountaineers. From 1900, the village attracted its first tourists, while ski pioneer Hannes Schneidermade Stuben's reputation known worldwide. With the rise of skiing and the construction of the first ski lifts in 1956, Stuben developed from a mule village into a modern ski resort with cozy guesthouses and exclusive hotels.
Today, Stuben am Arlberg is a high alpine skiing and hiking paradise. Genuine hospitality and a wide range of leisure activities make the village a popular destination - in winter and summer alike.
