Bregenz

A trip to Bregenz is worthwhile not only during the festival season: the capital of Vorarlberg has much more to offer than its world-famous lake stage.

Medieval upper town in Bregenz

For example, many tourists are unaware of the upper town, which was built in the 13th century under the Count of Montfort and expanded three centuries later. The imposing Martinsturm tower, built in 1599 on the foundations of a medieval castle, is now considered the city’s landmark. The Deuringschlösschen, built in the mid-17th century, the Capuchin monastery and the parish church of St. Gallus have also been preserved to this day and are well worth seeing. In addition, there is a real curiosity in the upper town: the narrowest house in Europe stands in Kirchstraße: the façade of the over 200-year-old building is only 57 centimetres wide.

International flair on the shore

The steep Stadtsteig connects the medieval old town with the vibrant life of today – behind the city gate begins the lower town of Bregenz. Here, shopping enthusiasts and culture lovers alike will find what they are looking for. In addition to the Kunsthaus, which exhibits contemporary works, the Vorarlberg State Museum offers interesting insights into the history of Vorarlberg. The Vorarlberg State Theatre on Kornmarkt, housed in an old granary, regularly stages highly acclaimed performances and is also architecturally interesting.

Just a few minutes’ walk away, Lake Constance beckons once again, bordered in Bregenz by a spacious promenade. This is where people come to stroll: seeing and being seen is the motto, especially in the summer months, when guests dressed in their finery flock to the Festival and Congress House every evening. The unique atmosphere on the world’s largest lake stage attracts around 200,000 visitors every year.

From Lindau to Bregenz

During the season, the quickest and easiest way to get to Bregenz is by train or bicycle. From April to mid-October, scheduled boats also call at the harbour at the foot of the Pfänder: on board the ‘Weiße Flotte’ (White Fleet), you can enjoy the unique view of the lake and its three neighbouring countries during the crossing.

It is only a few minutes’ walk from the harbour to the city centre. The harbour is only a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. If you are travelling by train, buy your ticket at the ÖBB ticket office at Lindau station – it is cheaper there than at Deutsche Bahn.

Journey

(duration | distance | CO2 emissions)

on foot: 2 hours 25 minutes | 12 km | 0 kg/P
by bike: 39 minutes | 12 km | 0 kg/P
by train: 10 minutes | 11 km | 0.91 kg/P
By boat: 22 min. | 8 km | 1.68 kg/P
By car: 20 min. | 14 km | 2.05 kg/P.