C Pfänderbahn Bregenz (c) Mira Zielbauer - Vorarlberg Tourismus
A city for all seasons
Bregenz brought to life
Looking for a fun-filled day in the city? Enjoy these top tips from our editorial team!
As the state capital of Vorarlberg on the east bank of Lake Constance, Bregenz has so much more to offer beyond its famous festival. Its lakeside location ensures that it enjoys broad horizons, with the waters also providing welcome refreshment throughout the summer and mild temperatures during the autumn months.
We paid a visit to Bregenz in autumn. While the city is wonderfully inviting all year round, the lake is a particularly enticing prospect at this time – the air is clear and fresh, yet still ideal for a little people-watching as you sip a coffee outdoors. This is a perfect time to visit the city for shopping, walks, dining out and much more. Join us as we explore the highlights and share a few insider tips!
Discover Bregenz with us as we take in the city’s top attractions!
Experience Bregenz
Tips from our editorial team
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01 Arrive by train
Bregenz features excellent public transport connections. You can travel by train and bus straight to the city centre (opposite the Festival Theatre) or to the station at Bregenz harbour on the shores of Lake Constance.
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02 The lakeside stage
The stage design of the Bregenz Festival fascinates visitors from all over the world. The oversized clown’s head of the sensational production of FREISCHÜTZ remained standing for 2 years so that the 2024 and 2025 performance could thrill visitors on the world’s largest lake stage. In summer 2026, La Traviata by G. Verdi will be performed on the lake stage. Advance ticket sales for 2025 will start on Oktober 1, 2024.
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03 The lakeside promenade
Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade, which leads from the Festival Theatre to the city. Enjoy a wonderful autumn walk by the lake on your way towards Bregenz harbour, passing the fishermen’s hut that serves as a summer bar and a popular backdrop in holiday snaps. If you’re looking to head out onto Lake Constance, a variety of wonderful cruises and fascinating themed outings are available whatever the season.
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04 vorarlberg museum / Kunsthaus Bregenz
The vorarlberg museum and the Kunsthaus Bregenz art gallery (KUB) are an essential part of any trip to Bregenz. Each boasting unique architecture, these popular attractions offer an innovative and exciting look at historical artefacts from Vorarlberg plus a world-class collection of contemporary art. Tip: Kunsthaus Bregenz is currently hosting an exhibition on its architect Peter Zumthor.
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05 Bregenz’s landmark mountain
The breathtaking view from Pfänder mountain over Lake Constance, the Rheintal valley and the Swiss mountains is particularly stunning in autumn. Open all year round, the Pfänderbahn cable car offers panoramic views of the city, the lake and 240 Alpine peaks during its 6-minute journey.
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06 Our top tip for dining out
After all that, it’s time for a bite to eat. And while the city is home to a rich variety of eateries, we opted to visit the harbour restaurant “pier69”, which is beautifully situated next to Bregenz harbour on Lake Constance. It boasts a fantastic range including breakfasts, delicious dishes and tasty cocktails that you can enjoy from your lakeside lounge chair. Get ready for great food and a wonderful atmosphere!
Note: “Die Zauberei” (as seen in our video clip) has closed its doors.. -
07 Shopping!!!
Our tour ends with a trio of very special shopping tips. Römerstraße/Kirchstraße has evolved into the city’s trendiest quarter in recent years and is home to Anna Claudia Strolz’s exclusive lighting shop, which even stocks lamps made from the fabric featured in traditional Bregenzerwald Tracht dress. Head on towards the Oberstadt district to reach the newly designed Kirchstraße, which is home to 2 terrific shops: Xocolat Manufaktur uses only the finest ingredients to produce its handmade chocolate delicacies (so addictive!), while nearby Fesch LIVIN’ features an array of stylish design and decorative items with Nordic flair.
