Mellau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mellau
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Location in the district
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 Mellau
Location in Austria
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| Country | Austria | |
| State | Vorarlberg | |
| District | Bregenz | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 40.55 km2 (15.66 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 688 m (2,257 ft) | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
6881
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| Area code | 05518 | |
| Vehicle registration | B | |
| Website | www.mellau.at | |
Mellau is a charming town located in the Bregenz Forest. This area is in the western part of Austria, specifically in the state of Vorarlberg. Mellau is also part of the Bregenz district.
Contents
Exploring Mellau's Geography
Mellau covers an area of about 40.55 square kilometers. The town sits at the base of the Kanisfluh mountain. This mountain is a famous landmark in the Bregenz Forest region.
A Look at Mellau's History
Mellau has an interesting past. From 1805 to 1814, it was part of Bavaria, a region in Germany. After this period, it became part of Austria again.
In 1870, a large fire caused a lot of damage in Mellau. The church, the school, the rectory, and 18 other buildings were all destroyed.
After World War II, from 1945 to 1955, Mellau was in the area controlled by the French army.
Mellau's Population Over Time
Today, Mellau is home to about 1,300 people. The population has grown over many years.
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1869 | 650 | — |
| 1880 | 627 | −3.5% |
| 1890 | 583 | −7.0% |
| 1900 | 616 | +5.7% |
| 1910 | 620 | +0.6% |
| 1923 | 645 | +4.0% |
| 1934 | 749 | +16.1% |
| 1939 | 704 | −6.0% |
| 1951 | 871 | +23.7% |
| 1961 | 922 | +5.9% |
| 1971 | 1,058 | +14.8% |
| 1981 | 1,088 | +2.8% |
| 1991 | 1,171 | +7.6% |
| 2001 | 1,282 | +9.5% |
| 2011 | 1,308 | +2.0% |
Understanding Mellau's Coat of Arms
The coat of arms for Mellau was created in 1962 by an artist named Hubert Dietrich. It features an uprooted fir tree. This tree represents Mellau's connection to the Bregenz Forest. The coat of arms also shows three crosses. These crosses remind people of the plague, a serious illness that affected the area long ago.
Fun Activities and Tourism in Mellau
Mellau is a popular spot for tourists, especially for winter sports.
Skiing and Snowboarding
In 2010, the ski areas of Damüls and Mellau joined together. This created the largest ski area in the Bregenz Forest. It is also one of the biggest ski regions in the state of Vorarlberg. This combined area is known as Damüls-Mellau.
In 2015, the Mellau cable car was rebuilt. It was updated to a modern "monocable" system.
Bregenz Forest Walking Tour
The "Bregenzerwald Umgang" is a special walking tour. It lets you explore the unique buildings and community design of 12 traditional villages in the Bregenz Forest. As you walk through different landscapes, you can see public buildings, homes, and everyday items. This tour helps you understand the local architectural styles that have developed over many years.
Interesting Facts About Mellau
In Austria, Mellau is well-known because of a song. The song is called "Vo Mello bis ge Schoppornou." This means "From Mellau to Schoppernau" in the local Alemannic language. It was made famous by a band from the Bregenz Forest called Holstuonarmusigbigbandclub.
Famous People from Mellau
Mellau has been home to some notable individuals:
- Norbert Bischofberger (born 1954): He is a scientist. He helped create the influenza vaccination called Tamiflu.
- Hubert Dietrich (1930-2006): He was a talented painter and also restored old paintings.
- Hermann Rützler (1883-1960): He was a photographer and an author.
See also
In Spanish: Mellau para niños
