Visit The Best 20 Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Bregenz

July 2, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 1885 Views

Bregenz is the capital of the mountainous state of Vorarlberg in Austria. The town sits on the coast of Lake Constance and is surrounded by wonderful mountains. The best things to do in Bregenz, Austria involve exploring the wonders of nature around the town as well as exploring the regional history and culture of Vorarlberg.

The city is divided into two parts: lower town and upper town. The upper town is the historical part with some of the best places to visit in Bregenz. This section of the city used to be a fortified town and is home to the majority of historical Bregenz tourist attractions. You will see old churches, houses, fortifications walls, monasteries, estate houses, and more.

The lower town is relatively new, but it also has several historical Bregenz attractions. These include many 17th and 18th-century structures such as the New Town Hall, Nepomuk Chapel, and Chapel of St. George. But, this area is more popular for the modern and contemporary places to see in Bregenz including art galleries & museums, a lake-side promenade, lake-view restaurants, a concert venue, shopping streets, and more.

The city is renowned for its culture. It is a happening centre for musical concerts, art exhibitions, traditional festivals, dance performances, and more. The annual summer festival Bregenzer Festspiele is the best time to visit Bregenz. You can explore the contemporary art galleries that are renowned across Europe.

You can also take a boat cruise tour from the lower town to explore Lake Constance and the surrounding mountains. These are the most amazing things to see in Bregenz.

Speaking of the mountains, many people come for outdoor activities to do in Bregenz so that they can venture out to the majestic Alps to see valleys, waterfalls, mountain peaks, Alpine wildlife, forests, rivers, and glorious natural wonders. You can also make day trips during Bregenz travel to go for winter activities such as skiing, and sledging. The city is surrounded by several ski slopes and resorts for you to explore.

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Table of Contents

Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Bregenz, Austria

1. Vorarlberg Museum

This history and art museum focuses on the creations made in the Vorarlberg state. It is also one of the best places to visit in Bregenz to learn about the regional culture.

The collection focuses on several aspects of the mountainous state including archeology, history, art, artists, folklore, traditions, festivals, and more. This is one of the first attractions you should see when you visit Bregenz as it helps put the rest of the trip into perspective. It takes about 2 hours to tour this museum.

2. Kunsthaus Bregenz

This is one of the most well-known galleries in Europe of contemporary artworks. The exhibits include regional, Austrian, and international artworks. It is one of the best things to do in Bregenz, Austria if you are an aesthete.

The building housing the museum is renowned for its architecture. The modern structure has a playful relationship with light. It is one of the most unique things to see in Bregenz, Austria.

From the outside, it looks like an illuminated lamp. Whereas from inside you can see how the glass structure redirects natural light to fill the space. You will need at least 2 hours to explore the building and the museum.

3. Pfänder

You cannot embark on Bregenz travel and not explore the mountains. Mount Pfander is the perfect destination for all kinds of outdoor exploration and nature sightseeing.

The mountain has a nature park, hiking trails, lakes, valleys, forests, waterfalls, and more. It is one of the most beautiful Bregenz tourist attractions. You will even find restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of delicacies with amazing views.

A trip to this mountain needs at least 2 to 3 hours. If you plan on taking longer hiking trails, you might even want to reserve an entire day for this place.

4. Seekapelle Bregenz

This measuring chapel dates back to the 1500s and is dedicated to St. George and Our Lady. The church was expanded in 1644 and 1663, which is the version you will come across during Bregenz sightseeing.

It is a simple structure with only a few elaborate architectural and artistic elements. But it holds more historical and cultural significance. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore the church.

5. Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus)

This A-frame timber house used to be the town hall of the city and is now a private residence. But it is still one of the most popular historical Bregenz attractions.

The structure dates back to the 17th century and is the largest timber building in the Bregenz. You can only admire it from outside so you don’t need more than a few minutes for this attraction.

6. Town Hall (Rathaus Bregenz)

Built-in 1686, this building was earlier used as a warehouse. It was rebuilt in 1720 and became the town hall in 1811. The building was rebuilt with Renaissance-style design elements inspired by palaces.

You can only explore certain parts of the building. So you only need a few minutes to explore the building when you visit Bregenz.

7. Martinsturm

This structure dates back to the 13th century and is one of the most popular places to visit in Bregenz, Austria. The tower has had a long and varied history. It has served several purposes including a watchtower, granary, chapel, and now a city history museum.

You will learn about the various roles it played during its life and about the history of the Bregenz over the years. It takes about an hour from Bregenz travel to explore the tower and its museum.

8. Territorial Abbey of Wettingen-Mehrerau (Kloster Mehrerau)

The history of the Abbey goes all the way back to 611 A.D. when it used to be a monastery. The current structure was built during the 1800s. The location had seen several structures built, torn down, and rebuilt.

You can tour parts of the Abbey to admire the classic architecture, religious artwork, and history of the place. It takes an hour or so to explore this Bregenz tourist attraction.

9. Bödele

This recreational area sits between Vorarlberg Rhine Valley and Bregenz Forest. The area is facilitated for a lot of fun things to do in Bregenz. It has an alpine farm and dairy with holiday homes if you wish to experience pastoral life in the mountains.

The area also has ski slopes, an artificial swimming lake, hiking trails, snow trails, and several other outdoor activities to do in Bregenz. You can easily spend an entire enjoying this place and its various activities.

10. Doppelmayr Zoo

This zoo is one of the best things to see in Bregenz for family tourists. It has more than 400 animals from 70 different species. You will see porcupines, tortoises, raccoons, kangaroos, ducks, parakeets, peacocks, mountain goats, and more. You need about an hour or so to tour this zoo when you visit Bregenz.

11. St. Gallus Church

This parish church dates back to the 14th century. The church features white stucco and pink marble, but the overall architecture is quite simple. Yet owing to the material it has a unique presence.

But it is known more for its interiors. You can still see artworks, frescoes, and ornate alters that are as old as the church. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Bregenz travel to explore this church.

12. Lake Constance Promenade

Sitting at the base of Mount Pfander, the promenade gives a great view of the lake and the mountains. It is the ideal place to go for leisurely strolls during Bregenz sightseeing.

The lakeside also has many shopping venues, restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, and swimming spots. The promenade also has gazeboes and viewing platforms to admire the views.

You can also enjoy a meal or beverage at cafes and restaurants with a lake-side view. Take an hour or so to enjoy the shores of Lake Constance.

13. Floating Stage (Seebuhne)

This floating stage is built for the famous Bregenzer Festspiele Music and performing arts festival. The stage is decorated with a variety of themes each year. It is one of the most popular Bregenz attractions. You need 20 to 30 minutes to check out the venue, but the place is best experienced during the festival or performance.

14. Lake Constance Boat Tour

This is one of the best things to do in Bregenz. You will get on a classic-looking cruise boat and enjoy views of Lake Constance and the surrounding mountains.

The tour also takes you to Lindau harbor and the lighthouse. You can also take a sunset or dinner cruise if you are looking for a more romantic experience. You will need at least an hour for this tour.

15. Bregenzwald Cheese Road (Bregenzer Käskeller)

This road refers to a network of 17 dairies and 90 farmsteads close to Bregenzwald in the Alpine Valley. You can tour many of these cheese producers to see how the famous Alpine cheese and other mild products are made.

These are the best places to visit in Bregenz, Austria for foodies and cheese lovers. You can participate in the making and try out samples from different producers.

Some of the most popular Bregenz tourist attractions on this trail include Lingenau Cheese Cellar, Andelsbuch Cheese Center, and Metzler Dairy School. You will need an entire day for this experience.

16. Fort Heldsberg

This fort used to be part of the Swiss defenses to protect against the Axis powers. It saw a lot of battles during WW2 and incurred a lot of damage. But, it still has many of the artifacts from the war period.

It is one of the most fascinating things to see in Bregenz for those interested in war history, especially the world wars. The fort sits on the Swiss side of the Switzerland-Austria border so you need at least 2 hours from Bregenz travel to tour the fort.

17. Hittisau Women’s Museum (Frauenmuseum Hittisau)

This is the first and only museum dedicated to the incredible women of Austria. It celebrates various Austrian women in the fields of politics, art, culture, crafts, architecture, and more.

The museum conveys the achievements of these women through photographs, storytelling, AV presentations, workshops, and interactive exhibits. You need an hour to tour this museum when you visit Bregenz, Austria.

18. Herz Jesu Church

The construction of the church was completed in 1902. It is built on a plateau sitting 413 meters above sea level. The church is known for its Gothic architecture and elaborate interior decor.

The church is an important historical and cultural Bregenz attraction. It was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Tyrolean consecration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

19. Rappenlochschlucht

This canyon is one of the most beautiful natural sights to explore when you visit Bregenz. It is only a 30-minute drive away from the city and is known for valleys, lakes, and especially the waterfalls.

Among these, the 120 meters tall Alpochschlucht waterfall is a pretty scenic site. You can also enjoy several hiking trails through forests and pass over streams in this area. Take 2 to 3 hours out of Bregenz sightseeing to explore natural sights in Rappenlochschlucht.

20. Schattenburg Castle

This magnificent medieval castle was built during the 12th century and was occupied by many well-known noble families of Austria including the Hadsburgs. It also served as a seat for the Counts of Montfort.

The castle houses many artifacts concerning its own history and those who lived there. The exhibits include weapons, lifestyle artifacts, religious items, furniture, artworks, and more.

The palace also houses an amazing restaurant serving authentic Austrian cuisine. It is one of the best places to visit near Bregenz. It is only a 30-minute drive away from the city and you will need about an hour to tour the castle.

If you are looking for more things to see and do in Bregenz, check out the sections below. We have put together an incredible list of all the attractions and activities that you can enjoy in and around Bregenz.

Things to do in Bregenz, Austria

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Bregenz, Austria

Kunsthaus Bregenz
Vorarlberger Military Museum
Abadia Territorial de Wettingen
Brugruine Hohenbregenz
Kloster Marienberg
Herz Jesu
St. Gallus
Deuring Schlossle
Galerie Arthouse
St. Nepomuk kapelle
Kloster Thalbach
Galerie Z
Kunst im Rohnerhaus Art Museum
Schloss Wolfurt
Museum des Feuerwehr Oldtimer Museum
Burgruine Alt Hofen
Bregenzerachmundung
Rhein Schauen Museum
Rhein Bahnle
Bregenzerach Schlucht
Fort Heldsberg
Mariastern Abbey
Zisterzienserinnenabtei Monastery
Stickerei Museum
Rauch’s Radio Museum
Mesmers Stall Museum
Kunstraum und Sammlung Hollenstein
Ulrichkapelle Chapel

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Bregenz, Austria

Mount Pfander
Gebhardsberg Peak
Martinstrum
Bregenzer Ache
Alpine Wildpark Pfander
Mehrerauer Seeufer
Janersee Lake
Rhine Delta
Hirschberg Mountain Peak
Lake Binnenbecken
Riedsee Lake
Rheindeltahaus Nature Preserve
Schleienlocher
Gruner Damm Wildlife Refuge
Bruggelekopf
Rickenbach Waterfall
Losenpass
Alter Rhein Nature Park
Walderlebnispfad Moggers
Schweizer Ried Nature Preserve
Naturschutzgebiet Nature Preserve
Alberschwende Waterfall
Lake Bodelesee

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Bregenz, Austria

Pfanderbahn Parkhaus Cable Car
Seebuhne Bregenz
Casino Bregenz
Bregenzer Hafen
Pfanderbahn Cable Car
Spielplatz an der Seepromenade
Doppelmayr Zoo
FKK Strand Hard
Bodele Ski Resorts
State Park
Hochberg Mountain Peak
Alberschwende Ski Area
Nordic Sport Park Sulzberg
Nature Park Farm

Shopping in Bregenz, Austria

Kaiser Strasse
Romer Strasse
Anton-Schneider Strasse
Lindaupark
Messepark
Stadtmarkt
Downbirn Marktplatz
GWL Shopping Centre
See Galerie

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Bregenz, Austria

Hiking
Trekking
Camping
Skiing
Sledging
Mountain Climbing
Wildlife Spotting
Boat Tour

Sightseeing in Bregenz, Austria

Bregenz Altstadt
Oberstadt
Bregenzer Seebrunzler
Molo Observation Deck
Sandplatten Lauterach

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Bregenz, Austria

Wirtshaus am See
Theater Cafe Troy
Gasthaus Goldner Hirschen
Tapa Tapa
Gasthaus Kornmesser
Kesselhaus Bar & Restaurant
Poseidon
Cafe Wunderbar
Viva Cantina
Weinstube Kinz
Pizzeria San Giuseppe
KUB Cafe
Pier 69 Hafenrestaurant
Buongustaio
Chen’s Dining Bar
Taverna Ikaros
Germania
Fein 7 Stuonobach
Petrus Cafe Brasserie
Babenwohl
Pizzeria Trattoria Toscana

Where to Stay in Bregenz?

Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Bregenz. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Bregenz.

Custom Tours Package in Bregenz

How to Reach Bregenz, Austria?

By Air

The closest airports to visit Bregenz include Altenrhein (15 km), Friedrichshafen (40 km), and Zurich-Kloten (100 km). These airports receive direct flights from several cities in Europe. The closest airport, Altenrhein, receives direct flights from Vienna, Cagliari, Ibiza, Naples, and a few other European cities.
The larger airports, Zurich and Munich, receive flights from Asia and North America as well. All these cities have train and bus connectivity to reach Bregenz.

By Road

You can get direct or connecting trains for Bregenz travel from several cities in Austria and other European countries. These include Lindau, Immenstadt, Zurich, Salzburg, Stuttgart, Vienna, Milan, Brussels, Paris, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Interlaken, Bologna, Lyon, Prague, Geneva, Rome, Ulm, St. Gallen, Munich, London, Amsterdam, and many more.

The bus network to reach Bregenz from several cities in Austria and Nearby cities in neighbouring countries. If you are planning to visit Bregenz by road, you should head for routes A14, 202, E60, or E43.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to get to Bregenz.

Image Reference

Vorarlberg Museum – Böhringer Friedrich / Wikimedia Commons
Kunsthaus Bregenz – Böhringer Friedrich / Wikimedia Commons
Pfänder – Jürgen / PixaBay
Seekapelle Bregenz – H.Helmlechner / Wikimedia Commons
Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) – Schiffswalter / Wikimedia Commons
Town Hall (Rathaus Bregenz) – Böhringer Friedrich / Wikimedia Commons
Martinsturm – Gabriele Lässer / PixaBay
Territorial Abbey of Wettingen-Mehrerau (Kloster Mehrerau) – Asurnipal / Wikimedia Commons
Bödele – Reinhard Müller / Wikimedia Commons
Doppelmayr Zoo – Rudolf Zündel (Vorarlberger Nachrichten), Vorarlberger Landesbibliothek
St. Gallus Church – Böhringer Friedrich / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Constance Promenade – Gabriele Lässer / PixaBay
Floating Stage (Seebuhne) – Fritz Weichsel / PixaBay
Lake Constance Boat Tour – Walter Sturn / PixaBay
Bregenzwald Cheese Road (Bregenzer Käskeller) –
Fort Heldsberg – Punkte 1 / Wikimedia Commons
Hittisau Women’s Museum (Frauenmuseum Hittisau) – böhringer friedrich / Wikimedia Commons
Herz Jesu Church – böhringer friedrich / Wikimedia Commons
Rappenlochschlucht – PantaRhei / Wikimedia Commons
Schattenburg Castle – Leonhard Niederwimmer / PixaBay