Bregenz is nestled at the Austrian-German border unveiling the allure of the marvelous Lake Constance. This wonderful town is a capital of the Voralberg state, proudly lying at one of the largest European lakes.
In the picturesque embrace of the mountains, Bregenz enjoys a fantastic blend of cultural sights and culinary delights.
Popular by its summer festival, Bregenz is an artistic gem standing shyly beyond the cities like Salzburg or Innsbruck. It’s not only a fantastic introduction to explore the Voralberg, but also Lake Constance and neighbouring countries.
With the fabulous views from the Pfander mountain, Bregenz is more that you would imagine.
Let’s make a journey to Bregenz and prepare the amazing itinerary with the sights it offers.
Bregenz Lake Promenade
Strolling along Lake Constanz (Bodensee) is what makes Bregenz so idyllic as it unveils this Austrian pearl. Right across the train station lies the marvelous stage, fantastic to visit even beyond the popular Summer Festival. As the promenade stretches towards the white pavillion, you can enjoy the wonderful lake views.
Offering fantastic photo opportunities, the Bregenz lake promenade is a place to relax and grasp the beauty of the water. Enjoying coffee with a view or refreshing drink near the white pavillion is an excellent way to stop the day here.
In the harbour area, you’ll get a chance for plenty of things to do, such as dining or shopping. Since 1888, the charming pedestrian promenade makes Bregenz so authentic.
To not miss while in Bregenz is admiring the sunset colours right on the lake shore. At the sunset steps or Molo is an amazing place to capture the sunset.
Buy a milk of various flavours at Milchpilz
While walking on the lake promenade, you’ll see this mushroom-shaped kiosk. Trying the unique milk flavours is unmissable and this one remains as the last one in Austria. Having the mushroom stalls with the milk product is a tradition of the West Germany and Austria.
Visit the Lake Stage
Unfolding the world of fantasy and art, this stunning stage is a highlight of Bregenz. Open all year long, the different topic shapes the wonderful floating stage.
During the Bregenz Festival in July and August, it transforms into the vibrant home of fun. Enjoying some of the numerous concerts or theatre pieces is an experience to remember.
Established in 1946, the Bregenz Festival gathers the majestic musicians such as the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Not only on the lake stage, the numerous performances are also held in different locations such as the Festspielhaus.
The stage itself can host about 7000 visitors. You can also visit the backstage tours for 7.5€ during the festival.
Tips about the Bregenz Festival
Bregenz Festival is happening between mid-July and mid August with numerous visitors. When the famous floating stage becomes the vibrant flow of happenings, you’ll experience Bregenz in a new light.
You should get the tickets rather in advance as they sell out quickly.
Bringing something warm to wear or even a blanket is advisable as it can get cold by the lake shore. Using a blanket for your seat is much needed considering that you’ll sit on the folding chairs.
Taking photos during performances is strictly prohibited, but have in mind that you can visit the stage all year long.
Booking your restaurant or hotel in advance is something you should do as they fill up rather quickly.
Enjoy its charming streets
The Lower Town is full of wonderful shops and restaurants of all kind and it’s so enjoyable to stroll around.
With quiet corners and aromatic caffe bar, Bregenz is enjoyable to visit for a day trip even on a slow travel. Trying the culinary delights of the region will let you taste the fantastic mix of the Austrian, German or Suiss cuisine.
Bregenz has a relaxing and elegant atmosphere, perfect for families, couples and older travellers. Enjoying its cultural and outdoor lifestyle will allure your visit to Bregenz.
Kornmarktplatz is the heart of Bregenz with the Kornmarkthaus from 1838, which hosts various markets and events. St. Nepomuk Chapek with its rounded shape adorns the charming streets of Bregenz.
Xocolat- a fun visit to the local chocolate shop
On the way to the Upper town, don’t miss the lovely Xocolat shop. Though a bit pricey, you’ll find incredible flavours that are a fantastic gift from Austria.
Picking up the flavours of your choice in the special box with the Bregenz images is a wonderful way to remember Bregenz.
Admire the views from Pfänder
Visiting the Pfänder mountain will unveil the gorgeous views of the lake and the surrounding Alps. Though you can hike to Pfänder, it’s easy to choose the Pfänderbahn if you’re short on time. The cable car lies in the city center though about 30 minutes from the train station. In few minutes you’ll admire the stunning images of the surrounding Alps.
For the return ticket you’ll pay 18 €, taking you to the excellent panoramic views and 1064m. Get more info here at the official site about all the prices, including the Mountain & Lake combination ticket.
With such a feast to the eyes, it’ll be hard to resist visiting the Phänder views. On the top you can enjoy plenty of activities, such as the Wildlife Park or relaxing at the children playground.
Enjoying the meal in the cable car’s restaurant will provide you a set of fantastic views.
Wander around the Upper Town
On the Upper town you’ll be rewarded with the charming set of the city images. Admiring the surrounding castles and churches will take you to the Middle-Age.
Deuringschlössle is a very pretty small castle, rebuilt in the Baroque time. Martinsturm Tower offers the stunning views, stretching to the whole lake Constanz. With the 3,5€ fee, it’s fantastic to visit and includes the adjacent museum covering the Bregenz history.
Kirchstrasse is the narrowest street in Europe, where you can get a fantastic view of the Upper town.
The walled Capuccin Monastery and Church from 1636 is also a lovely sight to your visit.
Kunsthaus Bregenz
Kunsthaus Bregenz covers a fantastic collection of the international contemporary art, placed in the exquisite modern structure. Since 1997 it attracts numerous visitors not only to its exhibits, but to the various events and educational programs.
It covers the spectacular artistic lights during the night.
Enjoy the cruise
Taking the cruise on Lake Constanz will let you experience its picturesque scenery with plenty of photo opportunities. In one hour, you’ll be amazed by the fact that the horizon stretches toward the three countries.
During the sunset, you’ll benefit the most from the marvelous colours of the lake. Visiting Lindau and its pretty harbour is a fantastic option, either by cruise or the train.
The flower island Mainau is a bit further away, being such a fabulous experience at lake Constanz. It’s needless to say, it’s also my wish to visit for years.
Bonus
Visit Lindau
Lindau is such a pretty town, only 20 minutes away by train from Bregenz. You can do both in one day, even on a day trip as I did from St. Anton. With the fantastic harbour and charming streets, you cannot miss visiting Lindau on Bodensee.
Take a trip to Dornbirn or Feldkirch
Dornbirn is a charming town, only 12 km south of Bregenz. It has some fantastic shops as many textile firms take the production here.
Visiting the Rappenlochschlucht gorge will offer you a fantastic retreat to the nature around the river Ache.
Feldkirch is nestled in the pristine atmosphere of Voralberg, within 35 km south of Bregenz. Schattenburg castle shines elegantly over the town, giving you the amazing tours.
For hikers- go to Gebhardsberg
Gebhardsberg lies south of Bregenz within a short distance, overlooking the lake. Unveiling the picturesque trails, this 600-m hill is pretty popular for hikers.
There are the castle ruins and fantastic views from the Burgrestaurant.
Final thoughts
Bregenz is not a bucket list destination from travel postcards, but perhaps that’s the reason it stays authentic and unforgettable.
If you need help about similar destinations, I have this free guide, ie the Dolomites Itinerary for 4 & 7 days (short but detailed).
Here’s not a place to rush the sights, but to slow down your travels. Seeing the delightful horizont of the three countries from the Pfander mountain, you’ll feel to be on the right place.
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We enjoyed exploring the Bregenz area while biking around the Bodensee. We missed the festival though, unfortunately.
The milk thing has me intrigued. I have never heard of such. If I am ever lucky enough to return to Austria, it will be on my list of things to check out.
It looks like a gorgeous whimsical place, I would love to visit. Your photos really sell it as a destination and the chocolate shop sounds great .
Wow, this city wasn’’t on my radar. Def adding it to my Austria itinerary
Bregenz looks like such a hidden gem! I haven’t been there yet, but the lake promenade and floating stage during the summer festival sound absolutely magical. I’d love to take the Pfänder cable car for those panoramic mountain views and try the famous flavored milk at Milchpilz. Definitely adding this charming town to my future Austria itinerary!
I havent heard of Bregenz however after reading this post it sounds like a place I would enjoy visiting. The scenery is so pretty.
I have only visited Salzberg, Vienna and Zellemsee many years ago. Bregenz looks like a charming town. Being a milk lover, I will definitely try out the various flavors from Milchpilz! The lake promenade and the floating stage sound like fun. Must do a second visit!
Bregenz was certainly not on my radar, but ill be sure to put it on the bucket-list! I love small, off the beaten path places like this – and so affordable too!