Bregenz, the picturesque capital of Vorarlberg, lies between the sparkling waters of Lake Constance and the green slopes of the Pfänder. Situated in the tri-border region of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, the city effortlessly combines cultural highlights with natural experiences. Whether enjoying a performance on the renowned floating stage of the Bregenz Festival, taking a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, or riding the cable car up the Pfänder to soak in its breathtaking panorama – Bregenz enchants with its unique charm and versatility.
Location
Bregenz is beautifully situated on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, framed by rolling hills and the striking Pfänder. Conveniently located just a short drive from Munich, Zurich, or Innsbruck, the city is easily accessible and perfectly positioned as the starting point for your next adventure.
Top Highlights of Bregenz
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Lake Constance
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
At the tripoint between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland lies Lake Constance - the largest and deepest lake in Germany, inhabited since the Stone Age. Here, you can expect a unique cultural landscape with UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Monastic Island of Reichenau, picturesque towns such as Constance and Lindau, and the flower-filled island of Mainau. The lake not only provides drinking water for 4.5 million people but also offers ideal conditions for viticulture and fruit orchards due to its mild climate. Whether sailing, cycling along the Lake Constance Cycle Path, or taking a cruise with the "White Fleet," the diverse recreational opportunities make Lake Constance one of the most popular holiday destinations in Central Europe.
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Bregenzer Festspiele
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
At the picturesque backdrop of Lake Constance, the Bregenz Festival awaits you, one of the most spectacular cultural festivals in Europe. Since 1946, the festival has been staging elaborate outdoor opera productions every summer on the world's largest lake stage, the Seebühne, with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra providing a unique sound experience. The festival attracts around 269,000 visitors with about 80 events between July and August, achieving an impressive occupancy rate of 98%. In case of bad weather, performances take place in the Festspielhaus Bregenz, which opened in 1980 and also hosts additional opera productions and orchestral concerts.
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Festspielhaus Bregenz
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
Opened in 1980, the Festspielhaus Bregenz is now one of Europe's leading event centers, hosting not only the famous Bregenz Festival but also concerts by international stars like Elton John and Peter Gabriel.
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Kunsthaus Bregenz
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
Opened in 1997, the Kunsthaus Bregenz is an architectural masterpiece by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, renowned for its minimalist design featuring glass, steel, and exposed concrete. With nearly 1900 square meters of exhibition space, the museum showcases rotating exhibitions of international contemporary art, enhanced by a thoughtful daylight concept that creates a unique atmosphere.
Herz-Jesu-Kirche
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
High above the center of Bregenz stands the neo-Gothic Heart of Jesus Church at 413 meters, featuring its distinctive double-tower facade that reaches 62 meters into the sky. Built between 1905 and 1908, the church impresses with its cathedral-like acoustics, boasting an 8-second echo, and houses one of the largest bell ensembles in Austria, weighing a total of 10,865 kg.
Martinsturm
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
The mighty Martinsturm stands as one of the landmarks of Bregenz in the historic upper town, where it was originally built as a low defensive tower in the 13th century. Its distinctive shape with the wooden shingle onion dome was added in the late 16th century when it was raised to serve as a fire watchtower after a devastating city fire.
Vorarlberg museum
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
At the Vorarlberg Museum in Bregenz, you can embark on a fascinating journey through the art, culture, and history of the region, featuring over 160,000 objects from archaeology to the present day. Founded in 1857, the museum has been housed in an award-winning new building since 2013, with its striking façade adorned with over 16,000 concrete flower reliefs becoming a landmark.
Brigantium
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
In Brigantium, the oldest Roman military camp in Austria, you can still explore the remains of a significant ancient settlement that was established around 15 BC on a Celtic oppidum.
Kirchstraße 29
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
With only 57 centimeters in width at its narrowest point, the house at Kirchstraße 29 is considered the narrowest house in Europe. This over 200-year-old building was originally inhabited by a wax maker and later used as a brush factory.
Hohenbregenz Castle
Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria
High above Lake Constance, the Hohenbregenz Castle stands majestically on Gebhardsberg - today an impressive ruin with a rich history. Built in the late 11th century by the Counts of Bregenz, the fortress changed hands several times before being captured and blown up by Swedish troops in 1647.
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Best Activities
Stroll Through the Upper & Lower Town
Wander through the Upper Town, the medieval heart of Bregenz. The most iconic landmark here is the Martinsturm, topped with its distinctive baroque onion dome. Yet, Bregenz is not just about tradition. In the modern Lower Town, Kunsthaus Bregenz showcases international contemporary art, while the interactive Vorarlberg Museum offers insights into the region’s history and traditions.
The Bregenz Festival
As the sun sets, Bregenz transforms into a hub of cultural brilliance. The Bregenz Festival draws thousands each year - not just for its iconic floating stage, but also for its awe-inspiring performances that leave a lasting impression.
A Nature Lover's Paradise
If you love the outdoors, you’ll thrive in Bregenz. The Pfänder is a haven for hikers and cyclists. A cable car takes you effortlessly to an elevation of 1,064 meters above sea level, where spectacular views and a charming wildlife park await.
If you prefer something more laid-back, the scenic lakeside promenade offers the perfect setting for leisurely walks with stunning views of the Bodensee.
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
June to August offers the warmest temperatures, while April to May and September to October are ideal for a quieter trip with mild weather.
Spring (March to May)
Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 19°C, though frequent rain is common
Activities: Perfect for city sightseeing and cultural events
Summer (June to August)
Weather: Warm temperatures between 24°C and 26°C, with a higher chance of rain
Activities: Watersports, hiking, and attending the Bregenz Festival
Tip: Book accommodations early, as this is peak travel season.
Autumn (September to November)
Weather: Cooling temperatures between 21°C and 10°C, with less rain than in summer
Activities: Hiking through colorful autumn landscapes
Winter (December to February)
Weather: Chilly temperatures ranging from 5°C to -5°C, with occasional snowfall
Activities: Winter sports in nearby ski areas and visiting Christmas markets
Getting to Bregenz
Bregenz is easily accessible, whether by car via the A14, by train from Vienna, Zurich, or Munich, or even by boat – the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
By Plane
Nearest Airports:
Bodensee Airport Friedrichshafen (DE): 32 km away
St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (CH): 24 km away
Allgäu Airport Memmingen (DE): 75 km away
Zurich Airport (CH): 120 km away
By Train
The city boasts three train stations: Bregenz Main Station, Bregenz Riedenburg, and Bregenz Hafen. The Riedenburg and Hafen stations primarily serve regional traffic.
There are regular connections via ICE and InterCity trains from Vienna, as well as EuroCity trains running between Zurich and Munich. Additionally, the WESTbahn now operates once daily directly from Vienna to Bregenz, with frequency increasing to two daily connections starting December 2024.
By Car
From Germany: The A96 takes you directly to Bregenz. With the completion of the A96, travel time from Munich has been significantly reduced.
From Austria: The A14 Rheintal/Walgau Autobahn leads straight to Bregenz. Some sections, such as between the border at Hörbranz and the Hohenems junction, are toll-free.
From Switzerland: Take the A1 and then connect to the A14 to reach Bregenz.
Toll Requirements: In Austria and Switzerland, highways and expressways are toll roads. Vignettes are available at several locations, including Bregenz Tourism & City Marketing at Rathausstraße 35a.
Lake Constance Ferry
Bregenz has a harbor with regular ferry connections to other towns around Lake Constance, such as Lindau, Friedrichshafen, and Constance.
Getting Around Bregenz
A well-developed bus network makes it easy to get around the city and explore the surrounding region.
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Culinary Delights
Feeling hungry? Get ready to savor fresh Lake Constance fish, rich Vorarlberg mountain cheese, and fine wines. The restaurants along the promenade and in the charming old town serve up regional specialties with care – often paired with breathtaking views of the water.
