Bregenz Sights

Sights in Bregenz

  1. A

    Bodensee

    Everybody who arrives in Bregenz is bewitched by the Bodensee, Europe's third largest lake, straddling Austria, Switzerland and Germany. In summer, the lake attracts cycling enthusiasts to the beautiful and blissfully flat trails lining its banks. Other activities on the lake include sailing and diving at Lochau, and swimming. For those that would prefer to kick back and enjoy the view, there are numerous boat companies that ferry passengers across the lake from April to mid-October.

    ÖBB-Bodenseeschifffahrt Bregenz (428 68) should be your first port of call for information on timetables and prices.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Vorarlberger Landesmuseum

    This museum delves into the region’s history, art and architecture with curiosities from Stone Age artefacts to a model Roman fort and an intricately carved Tragorgel (portable organ). The top floor showcases a superb collection of works by Swiss-born neoclassical artist Angelika Kauffmann (1741–1807).

    reviewed

  3. C

    Kunsthaus

    With its soaring glass-and-steel exterior and concrete interior, this is a cube that would inspire Picasso to paint. Its cutting edge design is supposed to look like a lamp (use your imagination!). Flooded with natural light, the inside is stark, open-plan and perfect for ­rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Festspielhaus

    The lakefront Festspielhaus is the must-see monolith. Blending concrete, tinted glass and clean lines, the striking edifice proves that creativity also comes in boxes. Jutting out onto the lake, the semi-circular Seebühne is where festival performances take place.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Rheindelta

    The Rheindelta is where the River Rhine flows into the Bodensee. Comprising mossy marshes, reeds and mixed woodlands, this nature reserve is an unspoilt wilderness and a haven to more than 300 bird species including curlews, grey herons and rare black-tailed godwits.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Martinsturm

    Martinsturm is topped by the largest onion dome in central Europe. Take a peek at the 14th-century frescoes in the church on the ground floor before climbing up to the small Vorarlberger Militärmuseum (military museum) for fine views over the town.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Pipeline

    The best place for a quick dip or a barbecue is the Pipeline, a stretch of pebbly beach north of Bregenz so named for the large pipeline running parallel to the Bodensee.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Hard

    If you fancy sunbathing and splashing around in the buff, there is a secluded naturist beach at Hard.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Strandbad

    check out the open-air pools and volleyball court at the lakeside Strandbad.

    reviewed