Schwangau, the village of royal castles

Some townpeople may smile at the name "Schwogar = Schwangauer", but they know what they have is their rural heritage. For example, the "Schupfen" of their homes, which are unique to the area (only in the Engadine/Switzerland will you find these covered porches). It is cosy to sit in the shade, sheltered -  even the rain can not harm you. In the evening many social gatherings with a glass of wine or beer, can be found in the "Schupfen" of the house.  Some of these treasures can still be found in the village while strolling around.

The Schwangauer village is old, with a special tradition that still exists today. Some of the farmhouses are up to 600 years old and have survived many storms in that time. In earlier times, three generations lived in the house together. One could call the old farmhouses beauties to fall in love with.

Just look around: an old grindstone, or a Huenzen (a tool used for drying the hay) or an old rake leaning against the wall at the house entrance. So much love, idealism and effort has been put into the renovation of many old houses and to save from decay. Discreetly the old farmhouses fit beautifully into the centre of the village.

Not only flowers, but the most diverse of herbs, healing plants and vegetables are planted with much love to nature and by the tradition of old farm methods.

Being a "farmer" is an honour in Schwangau. Since the time when Karl Hirnbein brought the soft cheese production to the Allgäu, he freed his fellow countrymen from extreme poverty. Cows and their owners became important landscape nurses. They ensured the conservation of species in rich alpine meadows, which would otherwise have developed into woodland.

After a long winter the springtime is waiting impatiently. As soon as Easter time approaches, the fountains in Schwangau are elaborately decorated and ornamented.