It consists of the three communities of Klösterle am Arlberg, Dalaas and Innerbraz and the three Bludenz towns Bings, Radin and Außerbraz with an area of 193.6 km2 (74.7 sq mi) and about 4,700 inhabitants (as of 2017).

The name Klostertal can be explained historically with the transfer of the chapel in St. Marienthal by Count Hugo I. von Montfort in 1218 to the Johanniterhaus in Feldkirch.

In return for the foundation received, the Order of St. John had to give at least shelter, fire and water to the passing poor people.

The shortest connection between Tyrol and Vorarlberg leads over the 1,793 m (5,883 ft) high Arlberg Pass.

The weather determined the length of this crossing and so along the route a number of utilities such as guest houses and accommodations were built.