Bregenz

🇦🇹 Austria
Stunning lakeside escape with a cultural flair

Bregenz - Vacation Briefing

Bregenz, Austria is a picturesque lakeside town located in the western part of the country, where the stunning Lake Constance acts as a beautiful backdrop. Known for its rich cultural scene, Bregenz is home to the renowned Bregenz Festival, which features world-class opera performances on a spectacular floating stage. The old town is charming and filled with historic buildings, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. Nature enthusiasts will love exploring the nearby Pfänder mountain, offering panoramic views of Lake Constance and the Alps. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Bregenz is a destination that truly has something for everyone.

Popular Sights in Bregenz

Things to do during your Bregenz vacation

Bregenz is a charming city located on the eastern shores of Lake Constance, Austria. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Bregenz offers a wide range of activities to suit every traveler's interests and preferences.

  • Pfänder Mountain: Hike or take a cable car to the top of Pfänder Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Constance and the surrounding mountains.
  • Bregenz Festival: Attend the world-renowned Bregenz Festival, featuring spectacular opera performances on a floating stage in the lake.
  • Bregenz City Center: Explore the historic city center with its charming streets, beautiful old buildings, and a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Bregenzer Ach River: Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Bregenzer Ach River, lined with lovely parks and gardens.
  • Martinsturm: Visit Martinsturm, an iconic medieval tower offering breathtaking views of the city and the lake.
  • Vorarlberg Museum: Immerse yourself in the art and history of Vorarlberg region at the Vorarlberg Museum, showcasing a diverse collection of exhibits.
  • Seebühne Beach: Relax on the sandy Seebühne Beach, enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Constance, or indulge in watersports activities.
  • Bregenzerwald Cheese Route: Embark on the Bregenzerwald Cheese Route and discover the traditional cheese-making process while tasting delicious local cheeses.
  • Bregenz City Library: Pay a visit to the modern Bregenz City Library, known for its impressive architecture and extensive collection of books and media.
  • Bregenzer Festspiele Museum: Learn about the history and behind-the-scenes of the Bregenz Festival at the Bregenzer Festspiele Museum.
  • Bodensee Stadium: Catch an exciting football match or attend a live concert at the Bodensee Stadium, a popular venue for sports and entertainment events.

Why you should visit Bregenz

Overall
7.8

Bregenz, Austria is a beautiful destination with a good range of attractions and activities.

Safety
8.5

Bregenz, Austria is generally safe with low crime rates and political stability.

Culture
8

Bregenz, Austria has a rich cultural heritage with numerous museums, historical sites, and a diverse culinary scene.

Nightlife
6.5

Bregenz, Austria has a decent nightlife scene with a variety of bars and clubs, but it may not be as vibrant as some other cities.

Adventure
7

Bregenz, Austria provides some adventure opportunities like skiing in nearby mountains, but it may not have as many extreme sports options compared to other destinations.

Relaxation
9

Bregenz, Austria offers a relaxing experience with its picturesque scenery, lakeside walks, and nearby hiking trails.

Best time to visit Bregenz

Bregenz offers a delightful experience throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from June to August. You can enjoy pleasant temperatures, lively festivals, and vibrant cultural events during this period.

Jan
Mild weather, fewer crowds
-3°C - 4°C
Feb
Winter beauty, cultural events
-2°C - 5°C
Mar
Milder weather, fewer tourists
0°C - 9°C
Apr
Blooming nature, outdoor activities
3°C - 13°C
May
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
8°C - 18°C
Jun
Ideal weather, lively festivals
12°C - 21°C
Jul
Warm weather, vibrant atmosphere
15°C - 24°C
Aug
Sunny days, cultural events
14°C - 23°C
Sep
Mild weather, autumn colors
10°C - 19°C
Oct
Festive atmosphere, cooler temperatures
6°C - 14°C
Nov
Off-peak season, charming ambiance
1°C - 8°C
Dec
Winter festivities, Christmas markets
-2°C - 5°C
December in Bregenz is filled with winter festivities and enchanting Christmas markets. Despite colder temperatures, the town comes alive with sparkling lights and a cheerful atmosphere. It's an ideal time to experience the magic of the holiday season.

A guide To your first day of Bregenz vacation

morning

  • Start your day with a visit to the iconic Bregenz Festival, known for its stunning opera performances on a floating stage on Lake Constance.
  • Explore the charming Old Town of Bregenz, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and picturesque views of the lake.

afternoon

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic lakeside promenade, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Visit the Vorarlberg Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region, and admire the contemporary art exhibitions.

evening

  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants, savoring traditional Austrian cuisine and local specialties.
  • Catch a performance at the Bregenz Festival, experiencing the magic of an open-air opera in a unique and unforgettable setting.

night

  • Explore the vibrant nightlife of Bregenz, with its cozy bars and pubs offering live music and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Take a romantic evening boat ride on Lake Constance, admiring the city lights and the reflections on the water.

How to get to Bregenz

By Plane

The most convenient way to reach Bregenz, Austria by plane is to fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH). With excellent global connections, Zurich Airport offers frequent international flights. From the airport, you can easily take a train to Bregenz, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Make sure to check the train schedule in advance for a smooth transition from the airport to Bregenz.

By other means

Bregenz can be reached by public transport, primarily by train. The city is well-connected to major cities in Austria and neighboring countries. Bregenz Hauptbahnhof, the central train station, serves as a hub for regional and long-distance trains. If you prefer exploring by ferry, Bregenz also has a harbour with ferry routes available to Lake Constance destinations like Lindau and Friedrichshafen.

Tips for Booking Your Trip

Planning a trip can get tricky, right? Don't worry, we've got some solid advice to make your life easier. Here's how you can find flights and accommodations without a hitch.

Flights: How to Score the Best Deal

First things first, check out Google Flights. Their price calendar and nearby airport options are really useful. Found a good deal? Great, but hang on a sec—make sure you compare it with prices on Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Kiwi. A little research can go a long way.

Accommodation: Find Your Ideal Spot

For places to stay, start by scanning Booking.com and Airbnb to get an idea of what's out there. Then, level up your search by looking at Hostelworld and Agoda. Oh, and a quick tip: the hotel's own website might have some special offers, so give that a look too.

Ready to make some moves? The links you need are right below. Happy booking!

Flights

Accommodation

Best for travelers who are ...

Cultural enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a tranquil lakeside getaway

How long to stay in Bregenz?

A recommended stay of 2-3 days to fully immerse in the cultural and natural offerings of Bregenz

Nearby

If you're already in Bregenz, Austria you might want to consider visiting these nearby destinations: