Bregenz, located on the eastern shore of Lake Constance, is the third largest freshwater lake in Europe and borders Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. With its rich cultural program and impressive mix in its cuisine, Bregenz is the perfect starting point for our weekly adventure in Vorarlberg. Here is a brief summary of the best things to do in Bregenz and where to eat.
The best time to visit Bregenz is during the famous summer Bregenz Festival, when extraordinary operas are performed on a floating stage by the lake. Although we missed the festival, we had the chance to see the magnificent floating stage. In 2023, Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly will be staged on the lake stage for a total of 25 evenings.
1. Be a Captain for a Day - Explore Lake Constance by Motorboat
When the weather is nice, I definitely recommend renting a boat from the gondola harbor located between Fischersteg and Festspielhaus. It can be a bit pricey, but it's a great way to see the Bregenz skyline and the Pfander Mountain rising in the background. You can rent electric, pedal, and motorboats from Feurstein boat rental company. In my opinion, the best and most fun option is to choose motorboats equipped with a 6 hp outboard motor; these boats can be used without a captain's license. All information and frequently asked questions can be found on their websites. Boat rentals are open daily from April to October until sunset, depending on weather conditions. Boat rentals remain closed in rainy weather.
2. Alternative: Rent a Bicycle
If you have the time, another great way to explore the 270 km circumference of Lake Constance is to discover the “Bodensee Rundwanderweg” (celebrating its 40th year this year!) or the Lake Constance Path. It is possible to cycle around the lake in sections (Lindau is only 36 km away), and this usually takes four to seven stages. The trail is of moderate difficulty, with each section having an elevation gain and loss of about 400 meters. Additionally, you can hop on one of the boats operated by Vorarlberg Lines to reach other points on the lake and return to Bregenz.
3. Take a Ride on the Pfänderbahn Cable Car
If you have a short break in Bregenz like us, take the time to reach the summit of Pfander Mountain - the city offers a magnificent view of Lake Constance and over 240 Alps from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. To enjoy the view, take the Pfänderbahn cable car (round-trip ticket €13.60 for adults, €6.80 for children (6-15 years), and family ticket €27.20). At the top, there is a panoramic restaurant where you can enjoy a cold beer while admiring the view.
4. Bregenz Cultural Path - Say Hello to Kunsthaus Bregenz
I also recommend taking a stroll along the Bregenz cultural path; here you will find a magnificent mix of old and new architecture. The walk should include a visit to the ultra-modern KUB Kunsthaus Bregenz museum for contemporary art. (Standard adult tickets are €11, discounted tickets are €9, combined ticket for KUB and Vorarlberg museum is €17, €12 for under 25s). Thanks to the constantly changing exhibitions, you can always see something new here. Famous exhibitions held here in the past include those of Warhol, Weiwei, and Antony Gormley.
5. Vorarlberg Museum
The Vorarlberg museum, (Normal tickets €9, discounted tickets €7) is another magnificent modern building and a repository of the state's artistic and cultural treasures. The collections here delve deeply into areas such as archaeology, folklore, art history, and more.
Where to Eat in Bregenz
Lunch: Pier 69
The lakeside location of Pier 69 is unique, the service is excellent, and the dishes are a beautiful mix of modern European cuisine; it offers a variety of options ranging from seafood paellas to potato gnocchi with basil pesto. The set lunch menus offer incredible value.
Lunch at Kunstler Cafe
Located at Kornmarktplatz, next to Kunsthaus, Kunstler Cafe was recommended by a woman we met at the weekly farmers' market. The cafe has a very relaxed atmosphere; it's great to chat with the locals, and they offer fantastic suggestions on what to do in the area. As the name suggests, the cafe also serves as a platform for local artists to exhibit their work for free. Art is used to encourage conversation among cafe guests. In the past, the cafe has hosted various crazy themed exhibits, such as the shoe-throwing incident aimed at former President George W. Bush; here, 100 pairs of shoes have remained hanging in the cafe where a picture of the former president is displayed.
There is a lovely food selection ranging from sandwiches to cold cuts and cheeses, and a drink menu is also available. Coffee is sourced from Kaffeebohne, a local coffee roasting company in Dornbirn. The owner froze the price of an espresso at €1.90 five years ago to offer guests quality at fair prices.
Taste Vorarlberg Cheese at Fredi’s Kaselade
One of the highlights of any trip to Vorarlberg is trying the region's famous cheese varieties. 60% of the milk produced in Vorarlberg is used to make cheese varieties. Centuries of craftsmanship combined with modern production create the unique character of Vorarlberg cheese. Among the great local cheese examples you must try are Alp Cheese, Mountain Cheese, Cream Cheese, and Sura Kees made from goat or sheep milk.
A great place to taste Vorarlberg cheese culture in Bregenz is Fredi's Kaselade.
Try Obstkuchen at Theater Cafe
This cafe was recommended by regulars of Kunstler Cafe. It is a very stylish and cozy cafe located in historic Bregenz city center; like Kunstler, it is at Kornmarktplatz. The service was excellent, and besides good coffee and hot chocolate, it is famous for its cakes; you should try the poppy seed strudel or the perfectly freshly baked tarts, especially the apple tart known as ‘Obstkuchen’.
More Resources
Check out my new guide on the best things to do in Feldkirch, my previous guide on the best things to do in Vorarlberg, and my story about Vorarlberg's fascinating architectural heritage.
Disclaimer
I was invited to Bregenz and Vorarlberg by the Vorarlberg Tourism Office. As always, all opinions expressed here (both bad and good) are entirely my own.
A big thank you to Katharina Fa, Katrin Preuss, and the Vorarlberg Tourism Office team for showing us your beautiful home and making our time there unforgettable.
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