Rudolf I, Count of Bregenz facts for kids

Rudolf I (born 1081 – died April 27, 1160) was an important ruler in the Middle Ages. He was the Count of Bregenz, Chur, and Lower Raetia. He held these titles from 1097 until his death in 1160. Many people consider him the first ruler to unite the region known today as Vorarlberg.

Rudolf's Early Life and Challenges

Rudolf I was the son of Ulrich X, Count of Bregenz and Bertha of Rheinfelden. When his father died in 1097, Rudolf's family, the House of Bregenz, faced a big challenge. They were in a conflict with another powerful family, the Welfs. This conflict was about who would inherit lands from the House of Buchhorn. These lands included areas like Linzgau, Alpgau, and Upper Raetia.

Rudolf's mother, Bertha, played a key role. She strongly encouraged Rudolf to fight for their family's rights. She wanted him to stand up against the Welfs and their allies, the Kirchberg family. Thanks to her efforts, some of their family's lands were returned. However, the Kirchberg family still kept most of the control over these areas.

Sharing Land with His Brothers

Rudolf had two brothers, Ulrich XI and Henry. They had lost their lands to the Welfs and Kirchbergs. To help them, Rudolf gave them new territories. Ulrich received lands in Rheingau and parts of Argengau. Henry was given Kellmünz, which was his mother's property.

Sadly, neither of Rudolf's brothers lived very long. Ulrich died before 1116, and Henry passed away in 1127. Because of this, Rudolf took back control of all their lands. This made his territory even larger.

Improving His Lands

Rudolf was a smart ruler. He wanted to make his lands easier to manage. So, he created a new area called the County of Walgau. Its main center was Guggais, near Nüziders. This new way of organizing his lands helped the region grow.

The area started to attract German workers. They came to work in the nearby mines in the Montafon Valley. Rudolf is also remembered for building many new towns and churches. Some of these still exist in Vorarlberg today.

Finding an Heir

As Rudolf grew older, he faced a problem: he had no son to inherit his titles. He had a daughter named Elisabeth. Rudolf chose Hugo II, Count Palatine of Tübingen to marry Elisabeth. Hugo was a strong and effective leader who looked out for Elisabeth's interests.

Rudolf spent his final years in peace with his new son-in-law, Hugo. They had a very close relationship.

Rudolf's Death and Burial

Rudolf I died on April 27, 1160, in Pavia. His son-in-law, Hugo II, made sure Rudolf's body was brought back home. He was buried on May 12 at Mehrerau Abbey. This abbey was founded by Rudolf's father, Ulrich X. Rudolf rests there to this day.

Rudolf's Family

Rudolf I had children from two marriages:

• With his first wife, Irmgard of Calw (who died before 1128):
  • Markward of Schwarzach (died between 1149 and 1158)
• With his second wife, Wulfhild of Bavaria:
  • Elisabeth of Bregenz, who married Hugo II, Count Palatine of Tübingen