Bregenz Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Bregenz, Austria with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, local food, culture, safety and health tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Bregenz

Bregenz is a vibrant city located on the eastern shores of Lake Constance in Vorarlberg, Austria. The city boasts a rich history that dates back to the Roman era. The town is best known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and its stunning location at the foot of the Pfänder mountain.

List of Places to Visit in Bregenz

There are many places to visit in Bregenz, including the following:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Kunsthaus Bregenz: This world-renowned museum is the largest exhibition space for contemporary art in Austria and is located in a stunning glass and steel building on the banks of Lake Constance.
  • The Vorarlberg Museum: This impressive museum offers a detailed history of Vorarlberg, where visitors can learn about the region’s history, culture, and people.
  • The Schlosshof Palace: Located in the heart of Bregenz, this baroque palace surrounded by lush green gardens and a duck pond is a must-visit.
  • The Martinsturm Tower: This tower dates back to the 14th century and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the mountains surrounding it.

Natural Attractions of Bregenz: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Pfänder Mountain: Take a cable car to the top of this mountain to enjoy picturesque views of Lake Constance and the surrounding scenery.
  • The Bregenz Forest: This forest, located to the east of the city, is an ideal place for hiking, cycling, or horse riding, boasting miles of scenic trails.
  • The Bodensee-Therme Konstanz: Located in the nearby city of Konstanz, this spa offers a range of saunas, thermal baths, and relaxation areas, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bregenz

  • The Pfänder Mountain Trail: This trail begins at the base of the Pfänder Mountain and leads all the way to the summit, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
  • The Bregenz Forest Trail: This trail runs along the Ridnaun Creek and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and meadows.

Best Things to Do in Bregenz: Activities and Tours

  • The Bregenzer Festspiele: This festival is held every summer and draws in thousands of visitors, featuring open-air performances of renowned operas, musicals, and plays.
  • The Beach Bar: Located on the shores of Lake Constance, this bar offers guests a laid-back atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and stunning sunsets.
  • The Segway Tour: This tour takes visitors around the city on a Segway, allowing them to see the sights in a unique and exciting way.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bregenz

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Kunsthaus Bregenz and the Vorarlberg Museum
Day 2 Spend a day hiking on the Pfänder mountain
Day 3 Visit the Schlosshof Palace and explore the city
Day 4 Take a day trip to nearby Konstanz and visit the Bodensee-Therme
Day 5 Rent a bike and take a ride through the Bregenz Forest
Day 6 Attend a performance at the Bregenzer Festspiele
Day 7 Relax at the Beach Bar and enjoy the scenic views of the lake

Food and Drink Scene of Bregenz

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kässpätzle: This traditional dish is made with soft egg noodles and melted cheese and topped with crispy onions.
  • Tirolergröstl: This hearty dish is made with fried potatoes, beef or pork, and onions.
  • Schnitzel: A classic Austrian dish, this breaded and fried meat cutlet is usually made with pork or veal.

Local Beverages

  • Römerquelle: This local mineral water, originating from the region’s mountains, is fresh and delicious.
  • Rhenania Bregenz: This local beer is brewed with natural ingredients and has a crisp, refreshing taste.

Where to Stay in Bregenz: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Hotel Garni Bodensee: Located on the shores of Lake Constance, this hotel offers beautiful views of the surrounding scenery and comfortable rooms.
  • The JUFA Hotel Bregenz: This hostel is perfect for budget travelers and features a sauna, a playground, and a garden.
  • The Pension Sonne: This guesthouse in the heart of Bregenz offers cozy rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet.

What to Buy in Bregenz: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Vorarlberger Bergkäse: This cheese, made from the milk of cows grazing in the surrounding mountains, is a must-try for foodies and cheese lovers.
  • Swiss Army Knives: Visitors can pick up a classic Swiss Army Knife, made by the renowned company Victorinox, which also originated in the region.

Local Culture and Customs of Bregenz

  • Language: The official language spoken in Bregenz is German.
  • Currency: The currency used in Austria is the Euro.
  • Time Zone: Bregenz is located in the Central European Time Zone (CET).

Best Time to Visit Bregenz

The best time to visit Bregenz is during the summer months, between June and August, when the temperatures are warm and the skies are clear.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bregenz

Do:

  • Try the local cheese and beer.
  • Visit the Kunsthaus Bregenz and the Vorarlberg Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
  • Explore the Bregenz Forest on foot or by bike.

Don’t:

  • Forget to bring a swimsuit. The lake is perfect for swimming during the summer months.
  • Smoke in public places. Smoking is banned in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bregenz

Bregenz is a safe city for visitors, with low levels of crime and a strong police presence. However, it is always a good idea to take the usual precautions when traveling, such as not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Bregenz

Healthcare in Austria is generally excellent, and there are many hospitals and clinics in the area to choose from.

Getting to Bregenz: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bregenz

  • Friedrichshafen Airport: This airport is located approximately 30km away from Bregenz and offers flights to many European cities.
  • Zurich Airport: This airport is located approximately 140km away from Bregenz and offers flights to many international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Bregenz

  • Bregenz Busbahnhof: This is the main bus station in Bregenz, servicing many domestic and international destinations.

Other Options

  • Train: Bregenz is well-connected to many other cities in Austria and Europe via train.
  • Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car at one of the many rental car agencies located at the airport or in the city center.

How to Get Around in Bregenz

Bregenz is a compact city, and most attractions can be easily reached on foot or by bike. Local buses and taxis are also available for those who prefer not to walk.

Where to Go Next from Bregenz: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lindau: This picturesque town, located just across the border in Germany, is known for its charming Old Town, stunning harbor, and beautiful parks.
  • St. Gallen: This Swiss town is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Abbey of St. Gall, which dates back to the ninth century.
  • Arlberg: This mountain range, located to the east of Bregenz, is a popular destination for skiing and winter sports.

Conclusion

Bregenz is a fantastic destination that offers something for everyone. From natural beauty to cultural attractions, outdoor activities to culinary delights, visitors to this charming city will be spoilt for choice. We hope this guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Bregenz, Austria.

Shore Lake Constance near Bregenz Shore Lake Constance near Bregenz Oberstadt Oberstadt Kunsthaus Bregenz Kunsthaus Bregenz Old City Hall Old City Hall View from Pfänder View from Pfänder Pfänder cable car (''Pfänderbahn'') Pfänder cable car (''Pfänderbahn'') Hohenbregenz Castle on Gebhardsberg Hohenbregenz Castle on Gebhardsberg Kaiserstraße Kaiserstraße Wirtshaus am See, a popular lakeside restaurant Wirtshaus am See, a popular lakeside restaurant Gasthof-Hotel Lamm Gasthof-Hotel Lamm