Dornbirn: The Heart of Austria's Vorarlberg Region

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [ouf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bih-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh mehrkhteh biht-teh dee shpay-zeh-kahr-teh zay-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-eh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh mehrkhteh biht-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [ikh hah-beh mikh feh-reert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh mehrkhteh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kohs-teht es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kern-en zee den price zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpayt ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist ine oor]
• Half past (10)Halb zehn
  [halb tsayn]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gen]
• 1Eins
  [ines]
• 2Zwei
  [tsvay]
• 3Drei
  [dry]
• 4Vier
  [feer]
• 5Fünf
  [foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Neun
  [noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [wo ist ine/dehr]
• What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?
  [vee ist dee ah-dreh-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kern-en zee meer tsai-gen (ouf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kommt dehr nakhs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

Dornbirn's history can be traced back to the Bronze Age, with archaeological findings suggesting early human settlement in the area. The first documented mention of Dornbirn was in 895 AD, when it was referred to as 'Torrinpuirron'. It was primarily a farming community during its early years, benefiting from its fertile lands and the protection offered by the surrounding mountains.

During the medieval period, Dornbirn experienced significant growth. It came under the control of various noble families, including the Counts of Montfort. The town's strategic location along trade routes facilitated commerce and economic development. By the 14th century, Dornbirn had established itself as a notable market town, attracting traders and craftsmen from surrounding regions.

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought religious upheaval to Dornbirn. While the town remained predominantly Catholic, there were notable shifts in religious practices and community life. The construction of significant religious structures, such as the St. Martin's Church, played a crucial role in shaping the town's cultural and spiritual landscape.

The 19th century marked a transformative era for Dornbirn with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. The town became a hub for the textile industry, with numerous factories and mills established along the shores of the Dornbirner Ach river. The Schedler family, among others, played a pivotal role in industrializing Dornbirn, leading to rapid economic growth and urban development.

Dornbirn, like much of Europe, was deeply affected by the events of the 20th century. During World War I and World War II, the town faced economic hardships and loss. However, in the post-war period, Dornbirn underwent significant modernization. The establishment of educational institutions, such as the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, and the development of infrastructure transformed Dornbirn into a vibrant modern town.

In recent decades, Dornbirn has experienced a cultural renaissance. The town hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate its rich heritage and contemporary culture. The annual Dornbirn Fair, for instance, is a major highlight, attracting visitors from across the region. Cultural institutions, such as the Inatura Nature Museum and Kunstraum Dornbirn, further enrich the town's cultural tapestry.

Dornbirn is located in the westernmost part of Austria, in the state of Vorarlberg. The nearest major airport is Zurich Airport in Switzerland, approximately 120 kilometers away. From Zurich, you can take a direct train to Dornbirn, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Munich Airport in Germany, about 200 kilometers away, and then take a train or rental car to Dornbirn. There are also regional flights to Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany, which is only 45 kilometers from Dornbirn. For those traveling by train, Dornbirn is well-connected by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) network, with regular services from major Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg.

Dornbirn offers a variety of transportation options. The city itself is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local buses operated by Vorarlberg Lines (Landbus) are efficient and frequent. Taxis are readily available, and car rentals can be arranged from several agencies in the city. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, with many bike rental services and designated bike paths. For regional travel, Dornbirn's main train station provides connections to surrounding cities and towns.

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Dornbirn, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful, and international cards are generally accepted for cash withdrawals. Be sure to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

Dornbirn is generally a very safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. There are no specific neighborhoods in Dornbirn known for high crime rates targeting tourists. As always, stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you are out late at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Dornbirn has a well-equipped hospital, the Landeskrankenhaus Dornbirn, for any medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out or attending events. Don't wear overly casual or revealing clothing in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Don't take photos in religious sites without permission. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüß Gott' or 'Hallo.' A firm handshake is also common. Don't be overly familiar on first meetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Käsekrainer and Vorarlberger Riebel. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dornbirn like a local, visit the Wochenmarkt, a weekly market where you can buy fresh produce and regional products. Engage with locals at the many cafés and restaurants, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the area. Don't miss the Rappenlochschlucht, a stunning gorge for hiking, and the Rolls-Royce Museum, which is unique to Dornbirn. For a relaxing experience, take a stroll through the Stadtpark and enjoy the serene atmosphere.