Cultural Heritage and Tradition in Vorarlberg and the Lake Constance Region

Learn about the traditions and customs of Vorarlberg and its neighbours Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland
Juppenmacherin bei der Arbeit - Juppen maker at work ©Jana Sabo, friendship.is, bregenzerwald.at

Course Overview

Learn how to preserve and disseminate as well as promote your local heritage by experiencing a course that presents the customs, traditions and local heritage of the four-country region around the Lake of Constance.

In this course you will get to know numerous customs and traditions that are unique and specific to the region around the Bodensee, the Lake of Constance. Besides a short introduction to the dialects of the region, the participants will also see how traditional costumes ("Tracht" and "Juppe") are produced, how cheese is made, how different festivities are celebrated throughout the year, like Funkensonntag and many more. Furthermore, intercultural learning opportunities and a project based approach to multilingualism in your lessons will be developed.

Vorarlberg's local heritage is shown to you in a way that you can prepare the same taking your own teaching background and the knowledge of your own country's heritage into account when you transfer it to your own project preparations.

The course will comprise of visits to local heritage sites in all four countries - Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein and will be based on practical experiences, workshops and lessons, as well as study trips to different locations covering different historical eras which have influenced the local heritage. Furthermore, these trips to discover our local heritage are covering different fields of education.

During the week participants will learn about the Austrian culture and the differences to the local culture, as well as language differences, Vorarlberg's gastronomy, its history and its people.

Ultimately, teachers will plan their own heritage project and programme and will present similarities and differences to the heritage of their own regions.

The Cultural Heritage and Traditions course is aimed at teachers and school staff of all levels, from pre-school, primary, secondary, vocational, special needs and adult education as well as staff of non-government organizations, government and policy makers and company staff.

The company founders typically welcome participants on Sunday afternoon, providing them with all necessary information about the courses and the Erasmus week. The maintraining sessions, including instruction and practice, will run from Monday to Friday. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to present their own schools and Erasmus projects to the group at the beginning of the week. Following these presentations, they will collaborate on setting up future eTwinning projects or even job shadowing opportunities. Participants will also take part in cultural activities organized by the company in the afternoons. Finally, there will be a course summary and final evaluation on Friday or Saturday morning, depending on the departure times, along with the distribution of attendance certificates.

Benefits

Enhance your knowledge about the Bodensee region:

Get to know typical traditions, customs and local cultural heritage of the four-country region

Intercultural and Multicultural Skills:

Learn to embrace multiculturalism and multilingualism as well as the interculturalism, the differences and similarities of the four-country region

Transfer multicultural appreciation to the educational environment by developing multicultural projects as well as local heritage projects

Collaboration and Communication:

Discuss cultural and historical interconnections, diversity and enrichment of culture

Prepare intercultural exchange projects and local heritage presentations for your own school and region

Improved School Climate:

By fostering a culture of respect and tolerance, the course contributes to a positive school environment where everyone feels valued

Arrival & Accommodation

Your Stay – Comfortable, Welcoming & Specially Arranged

For your time in the Bregenzerwald, we’ve partnered with two excellent accommodations that perfectly match the atmosphere of EdEU courses – quiet, high-quality, and close to nature:

  • Hotel Gasthof Adler in Lingenau
    A traditional, family-run hotel just a short walk from the course venue. Enjoy bright rooms, regional breakfast, and a warm, personal atmosphere. Many rooms have balconies with views of the hills and forests – perfect for unwinding after a course day.
  • Harald’s Ferienhaus in Langenegg
    A beautifully renovated farmhouse offering stylish, spacious apartments with lots of charm. Located just a few minutes away by car or bus, it’s ideal for small groups or those who prefer more independence and privacy during their stay.

Thanks to our partnership with both hosts, EdEU participants benefit from special arrangements and reduced prices – tailored to the needs of our course guests. We’re happy to assist with bookings and recommendations.

Methodology & Objectives

Methodology:

Interactive Workshops:
Engaging sessions that involve discussions, role-playing, games and group activities to facilitate active learning and participation.

Hands-On Training:
Practical exercises and hands-on experiences to learn how traditional foods and meals are prepared

Collaborative Projects:
Group projects that promote teamwork and the development of suitable teaching content on the topic. Preparing positive approaches to multicultural and multilingual schools.

Expert Facilitation:
Sessions led by experienced instructors with backgrounds in cultural education, intercultural knowledge transfer, story-telling and teaching, ensuring a well-rounded approach to the subject matter.

By the end of this course, participants will be well-equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to a better intercultural communication, transfer and presentation of their own customs, traditions and heritage and ultimately enhancing the well-being and academic success of the entire multicultural and multilingual school community.


Objectives:

Develop Skills to deal with Local Heritage:
Equip participants with fundamental knowledge how to promote local heritage and how to motivate their students to preserve local heritage

Get to know a great experience of heritage and culture and be able to transfer a good practice example to the participants' own school setting

Enhance Knowledge about the Four-country Region around Lake of Constance:
Experience customs, traditions and local heritage first hand in the setting of a collaborating European region

Develop the project cycle to preserve local culture:

Adapt the experience in Vorarlberg to your local situation and your school reality to create a successful project. Design a complete project cycle from idea development and finding of partners, designing the project, accompanying and managing the active project to project assessment and project report.

Improve the knowledge on how to create cultural heritage preservation and dissemination projects with the goal to foster European integration based on local culture

Understand historical influences on culture and vice versa:
Discuss the interconnectivity of culture and historical events

Foster a Multilingual and Multicultural Learning Environment:
Create a school culture where tolerance, respect, and inclusivity are prioritized, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all.

Empower and train teachers, educators and staff in educational settings in how to preserve local heritage and foster interculturalism, multiculturalism and multilingualism at school

Encourage Proactive Communication:
Strengthen communication channels between students and teachers, especially in student exchange projects.

Strengthen European collaboration and networking among participants in the course.

The "Cultural Heritage and Tradition in Vorarlberg and the Lake Constance region" course is designed to empower both students and educators with the knowledge and skills needed to create a tolerant multicultural and multilingual learning environment. This comprehensive program combines practical workshops and cooking lessons, study trips, visits to museums, local craftsman and artists and many more. Through interactive lessons, hands-on practice, and collaborative activities, participants will develop multicultural competencies, fostering a culture of respect and tolerance within the school community and for incoming student exchange groups.

Our expert trainer will also guide and encourage collaboration and connection among the course attendees. We have designed networking events and cultural activities to provide participants with opportunities to share best practices, establish professional relationships, and build partnerships. These activities will involve not only the attendees of this specific course but also individuals from other courses offered by our organization. The training program has been carefully structured to enable participants to transfer knowledge, develop essential skills, and create and manage proposals with a high likelihood of success.

Cost and Erasmus+ Funding

The cost of the seven-day course is €620, which includes course fees, free coffee, complimentary cultural activities in the area throughout the week, and a certificate of attendance. Additional organizational costs may apply if registration is through an intermediary company. The company also offers an optional cultural package designed to enhance the connections between participants.

Free Cultural Activities included in your course

On Monday and Saturday of your Erasmus+ week, we are pleased to offer complimentary cultural activities centered around the course venue. You will have the opportunity to take part in a city tour that provides captivating insights into the people, traditions, and culture of Vorarlberg.

Additionally, we will arrange an excursion to a nearby attraction, landmark or mountain area, tailored to the season and weather conditions. Detailed information about these activities will be provided during the welcome event on Sunday evening. We look forward to sharing these enriching experiences with you!

Special Packages (Add-Ons)

  • Accommodation Bregenzerwald - Lingenau & Langenegg
    If the course takes place in the Bregenzerwald (Lingenau / Langenegg) and the participant stays in one of our partner accommodations (Hotel Adler Lingenau, Harald's Holiday Home) between May and October, the following are included in the price:‍ 🚍 Free public transportation in the region from your arrival in Vorarlberg 🚡 Free access to many cable cars in the region 🏊 Free entry to public outdoor swimming pools ‍ ! We offer special prices for our participants at all partner accommodations, all year round: - Hotel Adler Lingenau: Accommodation with breakfast and/or half board - Pension Bals in Hittisau: Accommodation with half board - Harald's Ferienhaus in Langenegg: Beautyful self-catering holiday house for 2-3 people Enjoy a comfortable stay at exclusive rates while making the most of your time in the beautiful Vorarlberg region! Contact us for details and information
This Course requires a B1 level of English proficiency.

Lingenau
Vorarlberg, Austria

Welcome to Lingenau – Your Gateway to the Bregenzerwald Lingenau is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Bregenzerwald region in western Austria. Surrounded by lush green hills and picturesque alpine scenery, it offers the perfect setting for relaxation, inspiration, and connection with nature. Despite its tranquil atmosphere, Lingenau is easy to reach: a direct bus runs from Bregenz train station to Lingenau, making your journey simple and stress-free. From May 1st to October 31st, guests staying in the region can take advantage of the Bregenzerwald Guest Card. This card includes free public transportation from Bregenz to Lingenau and in the area – ideal for sustainable and comfortable travel. Lingenau is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its hospitality and cultural richness. Whether you're here for a course, a retreat, or to explore the region, you'll find everything you need for a memorable stay. Experience the Bregenzerwald – A Natural Retreat in Every Season Nestled between lush alpine pastures and forested hills, the Bregenzerwald region is known for its gentle, rolling mountains, traditional wooden villages, and a harmonious balance of nature, culture, and craftsmanship. Whether you visit in summer or winter, the landscape invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the outdoors. Nature That Inspires The Bregenzerwald’s scenery is distinct – a peaceful mix of green hills, deep gorges, clear mountain streams, and wide meadows framed by the Alps. Its well-preserved cultural landscape is the result of centuries of sustainable farming and forest management. Walking here feels like stepping into a storybook – with cows grazing on flower-strewn fields and handcrafted wooden houses dotting the valleys. In every season, the Bregenzerwald offers more than just outdoor fun. You’ll experience warm hospitality, high-quality regional food, and a deep connection to place and tradition. Whether sipping herbal tea on a sun terrace, hiking to an alpine hut, or watching snow fall outside a wooden sauna – this is a place to slow down and feel at home in nature.

More Information
Foto: Lingenau, Emanuel Sutterlüty, Familienhotel Adler, Gemeinde Lingenau

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