Lake, culture, mountains – Bregenz is filled to the brim with striking contrasts. Nature meets culture, city meets lake, tradition meets modernity, architecture meets avant-garde. Exciting, we think.
A true insider tip: dive into the lake, and also into history. This beautiful lakeside bathhouse has stood since 1825, originally built for military use. Today, it’s one of the most charming swimming spots at Lake Constance.
Photo © Michael Kemter, Vorarlberg Tourismus
Want to know what connects a shark, an Amazon warrior and a gallows bell? You’ll find these stories in Bregenz’s medieval old town. Walk the steep Stadtsteig and explore the legends.
Photo © Kristina Stalnionyte, Vorarlberg Tourismus
Follow the footbridge for 42 meters across the lake’s surface to access this majestic location. The “Badehaus am Kaiserstrand” (meaning: Bathhouse at the Emperor’s beach) features a café and a sun deck belonging to the close-by Hotel am Kaiserstrand. Here, you’ll find a small fine menu – accompanied by impressive lake views and modern architecture.
Photo © Darko Todorovic, Vorarlberg Tourismus
Opera under the open sky, the floating lake stage as a spectacular backdrop, and Lake Constance as the natural scenery. The Bregenzer Festspiele combine grand art with a unique atmosphere – a must-see for every visit.
Photo © Michael Kemter, Vorarlberg Tourismus
Game on at Lake Constance! Enjoy the elegant atmosphere, the thrill of roulette, poker, blackjack and slot machines – with the lake just steps away. Take a seat at the bar, or dive straight into the action.
For architecture enthusiasts: Jacques Herzog & Pierre de Meuron turned a tiny historic townhouse into this petite hotel – 8 meters wide and 23 meters deep! The salon is open to the public, serving drinks and snacks.
Photo © Montamont
A signature of Vorarlberg architecture, designed by Dietrich & Untertrifaller – and a true eye-catcher. The “Festspielhaus” is home to cultural highlights and major events – and was even featured in a James Bond film (“Quantum of Solace”)!
Photo © Christiane Setz
Step aboard history: the paddle streamer Hohentwiel (1913) and the Art Deco MS Österreich (1928) are phenomenal ways to explore the beauty of Lake Constance. Both offer themed cruises, scenic boat tours and more – all with the right touch of nostalgia.
Photo © Michael Häfner
Contemporary art meets courageous architecture. In this museum, also called the “KUB” and designed by Peter Zumthor, the structure itself becomes a piece of art – the glass building captures the lake’s light and enriches the unique stage for international artists. Inspiring, challenging, and undeniably a part of Bregenz’ identity.
Photo © Gregor Lengler, Vorarlberg Tourismus
Right by the lake state and in the heart of Bregenz lies the Vorarlberger Landestheater. With 15 premiers each season and a permanent ensemble, this theater brings high-quality performing arts to Bregenz.
Photo © Manfred Oberhauser, Vorarlberg Tourismus
Just across the border – only a few kilometers from Studio 17 – is the medieval island town of Lindau. Explore narrow lanes, historic towers, cute cafés and the famous harbor entrance.
Visible from Bregenz’ historic old town: the Martinsturm. Climb to the panoramic gallery for fantastic views over the lake, the city, and even the Swiss Alps. The tower also houses exhibits about Bregenz’ fascinating history.
Photo © Gregor Lengler, Vorarlberg Tourismus
A real head-turner: futuristic design and impressive size make this majestic event ship one of the most unique venues on the lake. Based in Bregenz, the “Sonnenkönigin” (meaning: sun queen) hosts sunset cruises, Oktoberfest, and New Year’s Eve galas.
Photo © Reinhard Fasching
Locals hike it once a week – and it’s easy to see why. Bregenz’ beloved local mountain offers a challenging climb and rewards you with breathtaking views of Lake Constance as well as 240 Alpine peaks. Or prefer a more comfortable ascent? Take the Pfänder ropeway.
Photo © Dietmar Walser, Vorarlberg Tourismus
A boat trip a day keeps the ordinary away. Hop on board with Vorarlberg Lines – daily cruise ships departing from Bregenz to Lindau, Wasserburg, Nonnenhorn, Kressbronn, Langenargen, Friedrichshafen, Immenstaad, Hagnau, Meersburg, Mainau and Konstanz.
Ahoy! (Fun fact: people in Bregenz greet each other with “Hoi!” – whether or not that’s a nod to lake life remains a mystery.)
Photo © Michael Häfner
Hold on, are those bottle bottoms on the façade? You saw that right – this striking structure is the brainchild of Cukrowicz Nachbaur architects, and a symbol of contemporary Vorarlberg design. Inside, you’ll find changing exhibitions, regional history and contemporary arts. A great experience for both adults and children.
Photo © Manfred Oberhauser, Vorarlberg Tourismus
A familiar sight for locals, and pure magic for our guests: Zeppelins gliding silenty across the Lake Constance sky. From April to November, you will find daily airship cruises starting from Friedrichshafen. Expect spectacular views, quiet majesty, and gourmet options onboard.
Photo © Michael Häfner
In Friedrichshafen (Germany), right next to the lake, you can explore the fascinating history of airships and the legendary Zeppelins. One particular highlight: the walk-through passenger cabins of the famous LZ 129 Hindenburg – recreated in a detailed, 33-meter-long replica (and absolutely safe).
