Things to do in Bregenz
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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.
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Pfänder Cable Car
The Pfänder rises sharply above Bregenz and affords a breathtaking panorama of the lake and the pointy peaks of the Alps. The cable car will whiz you to the top. At the summit, kids and fans of furry critters will love the Wildpark, a 30-minute circular trail bringing you close to deer, ibex and marmots in their near-to-natural habitat. There's also a Greifvogelflugschau (bird of prey show), where feathered performers amaze with aerial feats (11:00 & 14:30 May-Sep).
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Gaststätte Zum Goldenen Hirschen
For a slap-up meal in traditional Austrian style, head for the delightfully timeless, half-timbered Gaststätte Zum Goldenen Hirschen. Every imaginable cut of beef is available here in a long list of options known as Rindfleischtöpfli (beef pots).
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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.
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Cafesito
Cafesito squeeze into this tiny café for the freshest bagels and smoothies in town. Lilac-yellow walls and modern art create a funky backdrop for a light lunch or cup of fair-trade coffee. Try the famous bikini bagel or chilli hot chocolate.
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Neubeck
Crisp white linen and red leather set the scene in this sleek bistro, opening onto a shady patio. Expect fusion cuisine, from scallops with ricotta-lemon ravioli to Thai crayfish curry. The two-course menu du jour is good value.
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Wunderbar
Smooth funk plays in this boho bar with free internet access and neo-baroque touches from red velvet sofas to flickering candles. Browse the papers or sip cocktails beneath the cherubs.
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Wirtshaus Am See
Loved-up couples grab a table on the lantern-lit terrace at this half-timbered villa overlooking the lake. Local specialities like Bodensee sander filet land on your plate.
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Viva Cantina
Not only the chillis are lively at this Mexican cantina. The hip haunt doubles as a party place after shrimp fajitas and one too many tequilas. Retreat to the palm garden in summer.
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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.
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Gösserbrau
Gösserbrau is an optical illusion: one side is a wood-panelled tavern serving Austrian fare and the other an ubercool bar. Both have Gösserbrau brews on tap.
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Farmers’ Market
In summer, little beats a picnic on the banks of the Bodensee; stock up on fresh bread, smoked fish, cheese and fruit at the farmers’ market.
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Pizzeria San Giuseppe
This great little place rolls out reasonably priced pizzas that are thin and crisp. On Friday and Saturday nights, San Giuseppe doubles as a popular bar.
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Cuba
Glammed up with chandeliers and a sweeping staircase, this gallery-style bar attracts trendy types with Latin tunes and a top line-up of DJs.
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Bistro Duygu
Locals pile into this cheery Turkish place for late-night munchies such as lentil soup, falafels and honey-drenched baklava.
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KFL
KFL is the place to catch live jazz and jam sessions (many are free). Opening hours vary depending on the performance.
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Wohnzimmer
Clued-up locals head to this intimate den for everything from indie concerts to DJs spinning electro and punk.
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Hard
If you fancy sunbathing and splashing around in the buff, there is a secluded naturist beach at Hard.
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Strandbad
check out the open-air pools and volleyball court at the lakeside Strandbad.
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Greifvogelflugschau
Greifvogelflugschau where feathered performers amaze with aerial feats.
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