Vorarlberg’s Largest Festival Area: Mohrenbräu Celebrated “Brausilvester 2026”

As everyone knows, cold beer tastes better and stays fresh longer. Before the invention of modern refrigeration technology, the hot summer was off-limits for brewing beer. Production resumed on St. Michael’s Day, September 29, using freshly harvested hops and grain. For centuries, this new beginning was celebrated with “Brewing New Year’s Eve.”

Today, the Mohren Brewery in Dornbirn uses state-of-the-art technology to produce specialty beers 365 days a year—including non-alcoholic varieties. Independent, family-run, and open to innovation: that’s what the Mohrenbräu brand has stood for since 1763. This is reflected in its product range as well as in the annual “Brausilvester.” Vorarlberg’s oldest brewery revived the tradition in 2012. Since then, the festival has grown each year to include new attractions. In 2022, the venue moved from the brewery to the exhibition grounds. On September 26, it once again transformed into Vorarlberg’s largest festival grounds.

Twelve hours of fun and enjoyment for all generations

The 2026 Brausilvester offered 4,000 square meters of space for stages, bars, and a beer garden. In addition, there was free fun on the chain carousel, at the autodrome, and on the children’s train, as well as relaxation on the playground. At noon, the atmosphere is lively with fairground excitement and brass band music; in the afternoon, it’s a folk festival and beer garden; and in the evening, it’s a party. “Brausilvester means twelve hours of enjoyment and fun for all generations. It’s the variety that makes the day so special,” emphasizes Mohrenbräu Managing Director Thomas Pachole.

More people than ever before joined in the celebrations at this year’s Brausilvester. At times, the fairgrounds reached capacity, and admission had to be temporarily restricted. “We’re all the more pleased that, in the end, no one was left standing outside the gates and everyone who wanted to celebrate with us was able to get into the fairgrounds,” said Pachole. One highlight was Mo’s Lounge. The young brand brought two creations for tasting as a refreshing surprise: Pear Pressure! (pear) and Dark Side! (cola mix).

Enjoyment, Joy, and Family
Dornbirn’s mayor, Markus Fäßler, kicked off the new beer year at the traditional keg-tapping ceremony. For the first time, VO ÜS donated a keg of soda for the children to enjoy at the event. “What would life be without celebrations? Beer tastes even better when shared, and we should cherish our beautiful traditions. Pleasure, joy, family, and gratitude: we celebrate all of this at Brausilvester,” says Thomas Pachole.

Together with the Huber family, the owners, he welcomed numerous guests from politics, business, and the region, including Provincial Councilor Marco Tittler, Dornbirn Mayor Markus Fäßler, Deputy Mayor Alexander Juen, City Council members Judith Knabl and Valentin Sottopietra, and Doren Mayor Guido Flatz. Also in attendance were, among others, Renate and Helmut Schlachter, Margit and Gerhard Salzmann, Rene Krall, Hanno Lecher, Martin Dechant, Bettina Steindl, and Harald Giesinger.

Special thanks went to the brewery team and the 300 volunteers. Musical entertainment was provided by the Dornbirn City Band, the Doren Music Association, Buch Brass, and the Allgäu Feager. After 11 p.m., the party continued at the Conrad Sohm nightclub.