Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost region, sits beautifully between the shores of Lake Constance and the mighty Alps. Here, sleek modern architecture and sustainable design seamlessly blend with long-standing traditions. Whether you’re a hiker, skier, or culture lover, Vorarlberg’s unspoiled nature and rich heritage offer something special. From hiking in Montafon and skiing in Lech Zürs to the Bregenz Festival and boat trips on Lake Constance, this alpine region is full of surprises that’ll leave you enchanted.
Top Highlights of Vorarlberg
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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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inatura - Erlebnis Naturschau Dornbirn
Vorarlberg, Austria
In the former Rüsch-Werke, a metal factory from the 19th century, you will find Vorarlberg's most visited museum today. The inatura cleverly combines natural history with interactive technology experiments across 3,000 m² and takes you on a journey through the typical habitats of the region - from the mountains to the forests and waterways.
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Rappenlochschlucht
Vorarlberg, Austria
The impressive Rappenloch Gorge in Vorarlberg, Austria, stretches over 500 meters through the Ebniter Valley, about 5 kilometers southeast of Dornbirn. Since its initial development in the late 18th century, paths and bridges have guided you through this gorge, which is traversed by the Dornbirner Ach and has been accessible to hikers since 1905.
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Silvretta Hochalpenstraße
Gaschurn, Vorarlberg, Austria
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Lünersee
Vandans, Vorarlberg, Austria
At nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, the Lünersee sits majestically, one of the largest lakes in Vorarlberg, which you can easily reach via the Lünerseebahn. Originally a natural mountain lake, it was transformed into a reservoir starting in 1920 through sealing works and later by a dam, which now serves for power generation.
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Karrenseilbahn
Vorarlberg, Austria
Since 1956, the Karren cable car has been taking you up to an altitude of 971 meters, providing access to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Vorarlberg. The panoramic restaurant, expanded in 2013, and the spectacular Karren-Kante - a viewing platform that juts out 12 meters - make your visit to the summit a special experience.
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Pfänder
Lochau, Vorarlberg, Austria
The 1,062-meter-high Pfänder is the local mountain of Bregenz and offers you one of the most spectacular views in the region - from Lake Constance to 240 Alpine peaks and four countries. You can explore various routes over a dense network of hiking trails, such as the historic Jakobsweg or the informative Käsewanderweg, while observing native animals like ibex and red deer in the Alpine Wildlife Park. The mountain's history dates back to the late Bronze Age, and today the Pfänderbahn, built in 1927, takes you comfortably from Bregenz to the summit. With its mountain house, playground, and unique views, Pfänder is a popular hiking destination and a relaxing outing spot for families.
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Lünerseebahn
Vandans, Vorarlberg, Austria
The Lünerseebahn takes you from the valley station at 1568 meters up to the picturesque Lünersee at nearly 2000 meters. This modern cable car, which has been in operation since 2020 after extensive renovations, can carry up to 65 people per ride and opens up the impressive mountain world of the Rätikon to you.
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Walmendingerhornbahn
Mittelberg, Vorarlberg, Austria
The Walmendingerhornbahn has been taking you to the summit of the same name at 1,955 meters since 1966, making it one of the steepest cable cars in Vorarlberg. With an impressive incline of up to 61.8%, the two spacious cabins, each accommodating 41 people, glide over the Kleinwalsertal.
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Travel Ideas
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
For a summer escape, the ideal months are June to September, while December to February is perfect for winter sports.
Spring (March to May)
As spring unfolds, temperatures slowly rise. By May, you’ll enjoy daytime highs around 19°C, great for lower-elevation hikes. Expect more rain in May, keeping the landscapes lush and vibrant.
Summer (June to August)
This is prime time for outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, and climbing. July and August offer highs of 24-26°C, but be prepared for August showers. Even so, long days and warm sunshine make it a favorite season for visitors.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is ideal for hiking, with mild weather (around 19°C in September) and fewer crowds. Rainfall drops, and the autumn colors create a stunning backdrop. November marks the transition to winter, with cooler days and the first snowfall.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is ski season, with temperatures between -5°C and 2°C. Resorts like Lech Zürs and Montafon guarantee excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide.
Getting There
Vorarlberg’s location, bordering Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, makes it easily accessible. The region is best reached by train or car, though night trains or flights into nearby airports like Zurich are options for longer journeys.
By Train
Vorarlberg, especially Bregenz, has excellent rail connections. There are daily direct trains from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Routes from Vienna, Munich, Zurich, and St. Gallen are offered by ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn. The journey from Munich to Bregenz takes around 2 hours, while Vienna is a 7-hour trip.
By Car
Well-maintained highways make driving to Vorarlberg simple. From Munich, it’s a 2-hour drive to Bregenz, and from Zurich, about 1.5 hours. In winter, snow chains are a smart addition, as some mountain roads can be tricky in snowy conditions.
By Plane
Vorarlberg has no international airport, but nearby options like Zurich Airport (120 km), Memmingen Airport (85 km), and Friedrichshafen Airport offer good access. From there, trains or buses can get you to Vorarlberg with ease.
