Kanzelwand - Riezlern Ski Resort Austria
Kanzelwand - Riezlern is the busiest ski resort in the Kleinwalsertal region and connects across the German border with Fellhorn near Oberstdorf. The Austrian region's largest & liveliest town, Riezlern, is at the base of the ski area and can be easy utilised as a base to ski the other Kleinwalsertal resorts of Ifen & Walmendingerhorn-Hueberg via the free local bus network.
Check out the Kanzelwand Ski Trail Map below.
Where is Kanzelwand, Austria?
The Kanzelwand ski resort is in the Kleinwalsertal enclave of Vorarlberg state in Austria, above the region’s largest town of Riezlern. There is no road access from greater Austria to the region at any time of the year, let alone during the ski season, with access only via Germany. The nearest transport hub is the fabulous German tourist town of Oberstdorf. Oberstdorf has a major train & bus station from which all parts of Kleinwalsertal can be accessed.
If possible, we recommend travelling to the region by combination of train and bus, direct from the airport to Oberstdorf. From there the ski lifts for Kanzelwand are just 11km by road away near the centre of Riezlern.
Oberstdorf can be accessed from Munich (MUC) airport by train in around 3½hr, or from Zurich (ZRH) airport in a little over 3hr (depending on connections). If coming to the region from Innsbruck, the best way is with a rental car via Reutte in Tirol.
If staying in Oberstdorf you will likely get a local guest card & ‘mobil pass’ to use all the buses on the German side. But if heading to ski the Austrian side by bus, you do need to buy a ticket when you cross the border and vice-versa if staying in Austria and using the bus to ski at Nebelhorn or such in Germany.
Anyone with an unnatural aversion to public transport and driving on winter roads may want to look at a private transfer, particularly if in a group of 3 or more people. Search & book here for all airport transfers to Kleinwalsertal & Riezlern.
If driving in the region you will find that all the car parks near the ski lifts cost around €5/day. If staying in Kleinwalsertal, it is best to leave the car parked at your accommodation and take the free local buses to get around. The do an admirable job of transporting the masses
Kanzelwand Accommodation
The most convenient accommodation near Kanzelwand is at its base in the town of Riezlern. The town has all the hotels, bars, restaurants & services that one could require at a ski resort. Elsewhere further up valley in Kleinwalsertal, the alternatives are Hirschegg, Mittelberg or at the end of the road, the tiny hamlet of Baad.
Search & book a place to stay via the Riezlern Ski Accommodation Listings.
Reviews & More Info
The Powderhounds reviewed Kanzelwand - Riezlern in January & February 2026. We found it be insanely busy on occasions plus surprisingly limited in scope. Stay tuned for our sparkling repartee, new photos & insights.
See how Kanzelwand compares to the rest of the Austrian ski resorts on the Austria ski resort ratings page, or compare to the rest of Europe on the European ski resort ratings page.
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