Here in Austria’s westernmost province, a culture of architecture has developed over decades that attracts international attention. A region where tradition isn’t seen as nostalgia, but as a starting point for bold, modern architecture. Clean lines, local materials, a sense for proportion – always in dialogue with the environment.
The best part? As a guest at Studio 17 in Bregenz, you’re right in the middle of it. You can explore it all on foot – in about two hours, starting directly from Studio 17.
The Bregenz Architecture Walk
Start: Studio 17
- vorarlberg museum
- Kunsthaus Bregenz
- Der kleine Löwe
- Festspielhaus Bregenz
- Lakeside promenade
- Badhaus am Kaiserstrand
Duration: approx. 2 hours on foot (including breaks)
1. vorarlberg museum
📍 Kornmarktplatz 1
🕒5 minutes from Studio17
The museum’s facade features delicate concrete blossoms designed by local firm Cukrowicz Nachbaur – deeply rooted in the region. Inside, contemporary design meets historical storytelling in perfect harmony.
The highlight: 16,656 concrete blossoms turn the building into an urban sculpture. Artist Manfred A. Mayr cast the shapes from PET bottle bottoms – a playful nod to the museum’s role as a “container” for collections. Inside: clear spatial lines, lake views, and exhibits that bring history to life.
https://www.vorarlbergmuseum.at
2. Kunsthaus Bregenz (KUB)
📍 Karl-Tizian-Platz 1
🕒 2 minutes from Studio 17
An iconic glass cube by Peter Zumthor. Minimalist, almost floating. The light of Lake Constance refracts through its surfaces, dramatically showcasing contemporary exhibitions. A must-see for architecture lovers – both from the outside and within. Current program:
https://www.kunsthaus-bregenz.at
3. Der kleine Löwe
📍 Kornmarktplatz
🕒 1 minute from KUB – right across the square
Small, but impossible to miss for fans of architecture: “Der kleine Löwe” is a brilliant example of urban density and courageous style. Designed by world-renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, a narrow historical building (only 8 meters wide!) was reimagined into a compact hotel full of character.
The ground-floor salon is open to the public – serving drinks and design atmosphere.
4. Festspielhaus Bregenz
📍 Platz der Wiener Symphoniker 1
🕒 8 minutes walk along the lake
From Kornmarktplatz, head toward the lake and stroll east along the promenade. Soon you’ll reach the Festspielhaus Bregenz – a powerful, elegant building designed by Dietrich | Untertrifaller Architects. Its location right at the bay of Bregenz makes it an architectural statement: bold, functional, and refined.
Famous for the spectacular floating lake stage that thrills thousands of visitors each year – and yes, James Bond was filmed here too: “Quantum of Solace” featured scenes shot inside the Festspielhaus.
A building that brilliantly merges function and show.
5. Badhaus am Kaiserstrand – minimalism on stilts
📍 Lochau, Am Kaiserstrand
🕒 30 minutes walk along the lakeside path
Your final stop is in Lochau. Walk back past KUB, the train station, and then follow the shoreline path “Pipeline” toward Lindau. The bathhouse sits 42 meters out in Lake Constance – a wooden work of art that seems to float on the water.
Minimalist, surrounded by lake, accessible via a narrow footbridge. Inside: a wraparound café. Outside: a sun terrace with front-row sunset seats. An architectural grand finale before heading back to Bregenz!
This walk proves one thing: in Vorarlberg, architecture doesn’t just happen – it leads the way.
Enjoy your walk!
Foto © Manfred Oberhauser, Vorarlberg Tourismus