History of Stuben am Arlberg
The earliest record of Stuben can be traced back to 1330 when it was referred to as a post office known as “the emperor’s highest room.”According to tradition, the name Stuben is derived from the term “Wärmestube.” Stuben served as the final resting and stopping point before reaching the top of the Arlberg pass. During the long winters, it also served as the last warming room for travelers, packers, and carters.
In 1218, at the Reichstag in Ulm, Hugo I of Montfort designated the Stuben area to the Johanniters in Klösterle. This assignment was made with the purpose of constructing and managing accommodations for travelers crossing the Arlberg Pass.It is believed that these rooms were constructed in the vicinity of the present-day chapel, situated on a small hill in front of its current location.
During the 14th century, under the rule of Werdenberg, there was a notable increase in traffic and goods transport over the Arlberg Pass. As a result, efforts were made to improve and expand the existing paths.The primary goods that were transported included salt from the Salzkammergut and Hall in the Tyrol, as well as linen from Thurgau (known as Konstanzer Leinen in the Diocese of Konstanz).The increased volume of traffic in Stuben resulted in an economic boom.
Markus Sittikus von Hohenems, the governor of Sonnenberg and Bludenz, issued a letter of order in 1542.This document outlines the necessary steps for effectively maintaining a pathway, with a particular focus on clearing deep snow.Stuben became a parish in the year 1666.
The economic earning potential in Stuben, particularly in the role of mule and cart drivers, has declined over the decades due to changes in traffic patterns, such as those seen on the Fern Pass. However, the construction of the Arlberg Pass Road has brought about a new period of growth and opportunity.During the reign of Maria Theresa in 1760, efforts were made to enhance and repair the Arlberg Pass route. Subsequently, under the government of Joseph II from 1782 to 1784, further improvements were made, including partial reconstruction.
The newly upgraded road, known as the Arlberg Pass Road or Josephine Street, was officially opened on December 27, 1785.Stuben experienced a brief economic boom due to the rapid development of the textile industry in Vorarlberg and eastern Switzerland, as well as increased postal traffic. However, this growth was short-lived as the construction of railways across Europe made transportation over the Arlberg Pass more complicated.The opening of the Arlberg Railway from Langen to St. Anton in 1884 resulted in a further decline in activity around the Stuben post station.
New life was brought to the town with the introduction of winter sports in the early 20th century and motorized private transport after the Second World War.The construction of the Arlberg Expressway and the Arlberg Road Tunnel resulted in traffic calming, despite the economic drawbacks being balanced out by the growing tourism industry.
Stuben has served as a filming location for multiple film teams on numerous occasions.This location served as a filming spot for several scenes in the movie “The Big Leap,” including the winter and ski scenes. Additionally, it was also used as a filming location for “Mountains in Flames,” a film directed by Luis Trenker.
