C Dornbirner Marktplatz, Kirche St. Martin (c) Dietmar Walser I Vorarlberg Tourismus
A city for all seasons
Dornbirn brought to life
Looking for a fun-filled day in Dornbirn? Enjoy these top tips from our editorial team!
Dornbirn: Vorarlberg’s biggest city
Dornbirn is the biggest city in the Rheintal valley and Vorarlberg’s shopping hub. As you take a stroll through the charming city centre and across the market square, you’ll be amazed at the vast array of brands and styles on offer in over 220 shops. Dornbirn is also packed with a wide range of additional attractions, such as the popular Kulturhaus and Spielboden cultural centres and the “inatura” natural history museum. The city is also home to the Vorarlberg Architecture Institute, which focuses on contemporary architecture.
Dornbirn’s culinary scene is deliciously diverse, featuring options from Gault&Millau award-winning restaurants to delightful and authentic Vorarlberg inns. Hearty, exquisite and traditional cooking is available all over Dornbirn – high above the rooftops, down in the heart of the city and also in its attractive surroundings.
The city’s high quality of life is reflected in its sports and leisure attractions. Hikers and mountain bikers alike are drawn to the nearby mountains, with the romantic forest pool, the architecturally stunning city pool, the fitness course and the cycle paths also ideal for active breaks.
Late autumn is the perfect time to visit Dornbirn: take a leisurely stroll, shop at the trendiest outlets, ride the Karrenseilbahn cable car and explore terrific dining options. It’s also ideal for discovering the Karren, Dornbirn’s main summit, which commands a breathtaking view over the Rheintal valley all the way to Lake Constance.
Join us as we explore the highlights and trendiest locations in the city!
Did you know?
Erected in 1639, the Rotes Haus in Marktplatz square is a beautiful example of the timber buildings that were once so widespread here. The red colour comes from a protective coating of ox blood and ox gall, which was commonly applied in the 18th century.
Discover Dornbirn with us as we take in the city’s hotspots!
Experience Dornbirn
Tips from our editorial team
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01 Marktplatz square
The beautiful pedestrian area encompassing spacious Marktplatz square is the ideal starting point for any shopping trip. Home to popular weekly markets, this bustling square is the perfect place to sit outdoors with a coffee on a summer’s day and watch the world go by. It is also the site of the traditional St. Martin’s market and the Christmas market. The square also features the striking Rotes Haus, a famous historic building that now houses an excellent restaurant.
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02 Die Koje
Beds and more, all made from stone pine: this blend of quality design, health benefits and sustainable production is right on trend. “Die Koje” manufactures beds from stone pine and exhibits an array of prize-winning products at its Dornbirn showroom (Carpenter of the Year 2017, A’Design Award-winning cradle, etc.).
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03 Cafesito
Time for a coffee break? Be sure to head for Cafesito: nestled on the edge of Marktplatz square, this cafe serves up a range of eye-catching options and lots of urban flair. Drop in for chai, bagels, quality baked goods, smoothies and of course the best coffee in Dornbirn!
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04 Dornbirn’s very own master shoemaker
If you’re a fan of made-to-measure shoes, you won’t want to miss the remarkable range on offer from shoemaker Christine Dünser. Having learned this almost extinct craft in Florence, she has undertaken placements with firms including Salvatore Ferragamo and is a master shoemaker. Visit her for custom hand-welted or wood-nailed shoes, made from finest or robust leather in the colour of your choice. The perfect Christmas gift!
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05 Functional clothing from Skinfit
“Intensive experience of nature and physical performance inspires us to produce perfect functional clothing.” Skinfit certainly lives up to this mission statement, creating optimum products with a beautiful, sporty design and uncompromising functionality. After all, nothing should get in the way of the joy of movement. Visit the dedicated shop in Dornbirn’s Klostergasse to find the ideal outfit for your hiking tour on Karren mountain!
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06 Way up high on Karren mountain
The top excursion destination is nearby Karren mountain, featuring a cable car that whisks visitors up to a height of 976 metres in under 5 minutes. From there, you can enjoy wonderful views of the Rheintal valley right through to Lake Constance and the Swiss mountains. The Karren is also the starting point of many hikes and its panorama restaurant serves up fine dining with a glorious view.
Tip: the Karrenkante viewing platform, a 12-metre walkway surrounded only by glass, extends out over the rock face and is the perfect place for a spectacular selfie!
