On the Trail of the Unicorn

Why is there a unicorn in the coat of arms of Bludenz? How long has the town existed? And how did the name "Bludenz" actually come about? We went on a search and discovered the unicorn in many places in the city. In this video we have captured the most beautiful impressions for you. In addition, you will find some interesting facts about the history of the alpine town on this page.

... and to discover the city and its secrets up close, we recommend our Guided Tours of Bludenz.

The actual origin of the famous unicorn in the Bludenz coat of arms is difficult to trace. Bludenz was ravaged by devastating fires in the 15th and 17th centuries, during which valuable writings were destroyed.

The earliest documentary mention of Bludenz dates back to the year 830 and can be found in the “Carolingian Imperial Surbar“ (Rhaetian property register). The name Bludenz was written in different ways: Plutines, Pludens, Bludens, Pludentz up to the present form of Bludenz. The name is derived from the Latin "palus", "paludines", which means "marshes", "meadow".

Since always, the unicorn can be found in the Bludenz coat of arms. The oldest find is a federal letter from 1391, where the coat of arms image is found in the seal: A lace shield with an unicorn turned to the right. On the main edge of the shield one recognizes a silver mural crown with five visible battlements.

The unicorn is an Indian mythical animal and plays an important role in the world of legends. It embodies irrepressible power, enduring strength and virginal purity.

The confirmation for the continuation of the traditional coat of arms took place in February 1929 by the government of Vorarlberg.

Sources: www.bludenz.at
Literature: Ströhl, Jenny, Ulmer, Leuprecht