Watched over by centuries-old castle ruins, Hohenems lies in the heart of Austria’s Rhine Valley in the state of Vorarlberg. It is home to a well-preserved Jewish quarter and a Renaissance palace, which was designed in the 16th century by the Italian architect Martino Longhi the Elder.
Things to do in Hohenems
The town’s cultural heritage is brought to life at the Jewish Museum of Hohenems, which occupies an 1860s villa once belonging to the Rosenthal family. Learn about the settlement of Jewish families in Hohenems in 1617 and the town’s role as a hub for the Jewish diaspora living in and around the Alps. In addition to exhibiting personal objects from former Jewish residents, the museum tells the story of their forced dispersal in 1940.
A short walk east of the town centre are the castle ruins of Alt-Ems, which is believed to have once been among the largest castle complexes in Central Europe. It has existed since at least the 12th century, with seven gates leading to its 47 rooms. Join a guided hike to learn more about Alt-Ems’ fascinating past and enjoy its magnificent views across the Rhine Valley.
Car enthusiasts can visit the Rolls-Royce Museum, which is located on the outskirts of nearby Dornbirn. It boasts the largest collection of Rolls-Royce vehicles in the world and an in-house workshop where you can see restorations in action. A highlight of the collection is the 1927 Phantom I driven by Peter O’Toole in “Lawrence of Arabia”.
Getting around Hohenems
Hohenems is around 15 minutes’ drive from Bregenz and 20 minutes from St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Hohenems railway station and buses travel through the town.