St. Ulrich has a history of settlement going back to 1000 A.D., but this takes on a special dynamic after the 19th century and the construction of the first road through the valley. It was initially the global success of the wood carving and toy industries that brought economic boom to St. Ulrich and changed the face of the village profoundly with a newly-built church and schoolhouse, warehouses, workshops and villas belonging to artists and businesspeople. A second developmental spurt brought hiking, winter sports and tourism, which did not only have an influence on the village, but also caused a sustained change in its societal and cultural environment still happening today.