When it comes to contemporary Vorarlberg architecture or traditional buildings, guided architectural tours open up new perspectives and ways of thinking. Experts explain the design concept, go into detail about the materials used and share specifics about each location.

Throughout the year, there are regular guided tours on different topics and destinations both in the cities and the villages. For some guided tours, you can join spontaneously without registration. For others, registering a bit in advance is sufficient.

Architektur vor Ort (local architecture)

Building culture concerns all people – this is one of the basic tenets of the Vorarlberger Architektur Institut (vai), which was celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022. Headquartered in Dornbirn, the vai puts on special exhibitions at its office location in the centre of Dornbirn. Under the heading “Architektur vor Ort,” it also regularly invites visitors to join architectural tours featuring first-hand information. Always on the last Friday of the month from 5 pm, “Architektur vor Ort” guides visitors throughout Vorarlberg to select new objects from the areas of residential public building, open-space design, education and social affairs, as well as trade and industry. During the public architectural tours, developers and  expert architects provide information on the buildings and are available to answer any questions.
Dates for the event-rich “Architektur vor Ort” series (in German)
Participation fee: free, no registration required

Luaga, Losna & Stuna (look, listen, wonder): Cultural tour “Montafonerhaus-Weg”

In  Gortipohl in Montafon, a number of historic Montafon houses can be marveled at. During the weekly guided tours from June to October, interested visitors follow the traces of Montafon building culture. Using different buildings as examples, their typical elements are discussed and the traditional cultural landscape is traced on the approx. 1,5 hours circular route.
More information on the “Luaga, Losna & Stuna” series (in German)
Participation fee: free, no registration necessary

Agriculture and architecture in Kleinwalsertal

What makes a Walser house so special? Why were houses and stables once built this way? What is a Brüüge, a Seelenloch or a Vorhuus? During summer  Kleinwalsertal community chronicler Stefan Heim guides an easy hike every Tuesday while simultaneously providing insights into the 700-year history of the Walser people in Vorarlberg. Participants may be exposed to one or two (German) dialect words along the way.
Dates and booking for “agriculture and architecture”
Participation fee: EUR  20,-  p.P., children up to 14 years age are free of charge

“Umgang Bregenzerwald” (village walks)

12 created circuit paths through 13 villages in the Bregenzerwald region provide insight into a unique way of life that continues today. With the accompanying information folders available at the local tourist offices or via QR codes on columns at the buildings with more details about the objects and the further Umgang route the trails can be explored on your own.
Those who want to learn more about the special features of regional architecture, regional crafts and the culture of life in the Bregenzerwald take part in one of the weekly guided village walks.
More information about the „Umgang Bregenzerwald“
Registration: until 5:00 pm the day before at the local tourist office
Meeting point: 9:30 am at the local tourist office, the guided tour lasts about two hours
Participation fee: free of charge

vorarlberg museum, Bregenz

The intriguing architecture of the vorarlberg museum in Bregenz, with features like a 23-metre-high clay wall and a facade decorated with flower-blossom impression, is designed to pique the curiosity of visitors.
Guided tours take place as part of the public tours on various dates on Sundays at 3:00 pm.
Dates for guided tours with an architectural focus in the vorarlberg museum (in German)
Participation fee: EUR 7,- p.P.  plus entry, no registration necessary

Kunsthaus Bregenz (KUB)

Because of the building’s unique architecture and its event programme, the Kunsthaus Bregenz, a building designed by the Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, is recognised as one of Europe’s most outstanding exhibition centres for the contemporary arts. During an architectural tour, it is possible to discover more about the specific characteristics of the Kunsthaus. Visitors can also learn more about the history of the KUB, its construction, the materials used and the climatic characteristics of the building.
Tours take place on the first Sunday of every month at 11:00 am.
Current dates for architectural tours at the Kunsthaus Bregenz
Participation fee: EUR 7,- p.P. plus entry, no registration necessary

NEW: Virtual architectural tour of Kunsthaus Bregenz.
A new virtual tour offers previously unknown insights into the KUB architecture by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. On the interactive tour, you can also enter the workshops underground or climb up to the roof – including the view over the city of Bregenz and the international Lake Constance.
To the virtual tour of Kunsthaus Bregenz

kumm ga luaga

Under this motto (“come and see”), every two years owners of apartments and wooden houses open their doors to interested visitors.
The objects from 2022 can be viewed online. The next event will take place in 2024.
All objects from 2020 at a glance (in German)
Participation fee: free, no registration necessary