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Vorarlberg
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Explore Vorarlberg’s Lake Constance cities, timber villages, mountain valleys, Alpine resorts, regional food and progressive architecture in western Austria.

Austria’s westernmost region occupies a compact but remarkably varied corner between Lake Constance, the Rhine Valley and the high Alps. Vorarlberg borders Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and its geography changes quickly: the broad lowlands around Bregenz, Dornbirn and Feldkirch give way to forested foothills, deep mountain valleys and high passes towards the Arlberg. This variety makes it possible to combine lakeside culture, urban architecture and serious mountain landscapes within a single journey, although the region’s valleys and resorts are best understood as distinct bases rather than one continuous sightseeing circuit.
Read more about Vorarlberg
Bregenz, on Lake Constance, is the regional capital and a cultural centre known for its lakeside setting, contemporary Kunsthaus Bregenz and the annual Bregenz Festival, whose large-scale opera productions are staged on a floating platform when the festival is in session. Nearby Pfänder rises above the lake with walking routes and broad views across the water and Alpine foothills. Dornbirn, Vorarlberg’s largest town, provides a more commercial and industrial counterpoint, while Hohenems preserves a compelling cultural history and Feldkirch has a medieval centre dominated by Schattenburg.
Beyond the Rhine Valley, the Bregenzerwald is characterised by wooded hills, traditional farmhouses and a notably strong contemporary architectural culture. Villages such as Bezau, Schwarzenberg and Hittisau show how timber construction, local craftsmanship and modern design can coexist without turning the landscape into an open-air museum. Further south, valleys including Montafon, Brandnertal, Klostertal and the Walgau lead into higher mountain country. Lech, Zürs and other Arlberg communities are associated with winter skiing, while summer brings hiking, climbing, cycling and cable-car access to extensive Alpine terrain.
Food reflects both the pastoral economy and the region’s position at a cultural crossroads. Mountain cheeses, especially those associated with the Bregenzerwald, appear in local shops, inns and farm-based producers, while Kässpätzle, soups, dumplings and seasonal dishes remain important regional fare. The region also has a strong design and manufacturing tradition, visible in its architecture, furniture, textiles and small-scale craft businesses. Visitors will find a destination that feels distinctly Austrian yet outward-looking, shaped by trade routes, neighbouring countries and a close relationship between settled valleys and high mountains.

When is the best time to visit Vorarlberg?

Best: June–August · 23–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January367
February461
March875
April1388
May19105
June (best)23124
July (best)24126
August (best)24112
September2098
October1486
November880
December371

Getting to and around Vorarlberg

How to get there

Vorarlberg has no major international airport of its own. The nearest practical air gateways include St Gallen–Altenrhein in neighbouring Switzerland, Friedrichshafen in Germany, and the larger airports at Zurich and Innsbruck, both outside the region; onward rail or road connections are required. Long-distance trains serve Bregenz, Dornbirn, Feldkirch and Bludenz, with the Arlberg railway providing an important east–west connection. By road, the main approaches use the Rhine Valley and the Arlberg route, while travellers from Liechtenstein and Switzerland commonly enter through the Rhine Valley.

Transportation

Rail and buses make the Rhine Valley relatively straightforward to explore, and the regional Verkehrsverbund Vorarlberg network links towns with many valley communities. Feldkirch and Bludenz are useful rail hubs for journeys towards the Walgau, Montafon and Klostertal, while Bregenz and Dornbirn serve Lake Constance and the northern lowlands. A car is useful for remote villages, mountain passes and dispersed trailheads, but roads can be narrow and busy in resort areas. Mountain buses, cable cars and seasonal services vary, so check current arrangements before planning a hike or point-to-point journey.

Top city travel guides in Vorarlberg

The cities of Vorarlberg, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Vorarlberg

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg’s attractions range from Lake Constance culture to high Alpine recreation. Bregenz combines the lakeside promenade and harbour with Kunsthaus Bregenz, the Pfänder mountain and the seasonal Bregenz Festival. In the Rhine Valley, Dornbirn provides museums and urban culture, while Hohenems is associated with palaces, Jewish heritage and the accessible foothills of the Karren. Feldkirch offers a historic centre and Schattenburg, with the Walgau and southern valleys opening into more rural landscapes. The Bregenzerwald is a destination in its own right, appreciated for its villages, farmhouses, contemporary buildings, walking routes and cheese-making traditions. Montafon, Brandnertal, Klostertal and the Arlberg provide extensive opportunities for hiking, skiing, climbing, cycling and scenic cable-car journeys. Families can find animal parks, swimming facilities and hands-on museums, while visitors interested in industry and design can explore the legacy of textile production and the region’s modern architecture. Activities are highly seasonal: winter concentrates on snow sports, summer on mountain access and walking, and spring and autumn on town visits, food, architecture and lower-altitude excursions.

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Best landmarks in Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg’s most recognisable landmarks express its borderland history, Alpine setting and confidence in modern design. Bregenz’s lakeside Festival Theatre and floating stage are distinctive cultural structures, while the white Kunsthaus Bregenz is an important contemporary architectural presence near the old town. Above the city, Pfänder forms a natural landmark with wide views over Lake Constance and the surrounding countries. Feldkirch’s medieval centre is defined by the towers, walls and hilltop Schattenburg, a castle associated with the Counts of Montfort. In Hohenems, Renaissance-era Palace Hohenems recalls the town’s former aristocratic status. The Bregenzerwald’s traditional farmhouses and carefully integrated modern timber buildings are less monumental but collectively form one of the region’s strongest visual identities. Farther south, the high valleys, jagged ridges and passes around Montafon, Klostertal and the Arlberg provide the defining natural landmarks, changing dramatically with snow cover, light and season.

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Explore Vorarlberg on the map

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Best restaurants in Vorarlberg

Vorarlberg’s food reflects mountain dairying, farming and its position beside the German- and Swiss-speaking parts of the Alpine world. Kässpätzle, small pasta-like dumplings with local cheese and fried onions, is a familiar regional speciality, while mountain cheeses from the Bregenzerwald are central to farm shops, inns and seasonal menus. Other traditional dishes include soups, rösti-like preparations, dumplings and hearty meat or vegetable plates, often adapted to the produce available in the valleys. Towns such as Bregenz, Dornbirn and Feldkirch offer the broadest choice of international and contemporary restaurants, cafés and bakeries. Rural inns and mountain huts provide simpler menus, with dairy products, smoked meats, cakes and apple-based desserts common in many areas. Farmers’ markets, dairies and direct-sales shops are useful for discovering cheeses, breads, preserves and seasonal produce. In resort communities, dining ranges from informal Alpine food to polished modern cooking, but booking is prudent during winter and major cultural events.

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Best bars in Vorarlberg

Evening life in Vorarlberg is concentrated in Bregenz, Dornbirn and Feldkirch, with smaller scenes in Hohenems, Bludenz and the larger mountain resorts. Bregenz offers bars, cafés, cultural events and occasional festival-related evenings near the lake, while Dornbirn and Feldkirch have a mixture of pubs, cocktail-led venues, live music and student-oriented nightlife. In the Alpine valleys, traditional inns, hotel bars and après-ski venues are more characteristic than large clubs, particularly in winter resorts such as Lech and Zürs. Montafon and other mountain areas may have seasonal live music and late-opening venues, but schedules change with the season. Craft breweries, wine bars and relaxed cafés provide alternatives to clubbing, and many smaller communities become quiet relatively early. Check local listings for current performances and opening arrangements rather than expecting a nightlife district on the scale of Vienna or Salzburg.

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Best nightclubs in Vorarlberg

Evening life in Vorarlberg is concentrated in Bregenz, Dornbirn and Feldkirch, with smaller scenes in Hohenems, Bludenz and the larger mountain resorts. Bregenz offers bars, cafés, cultural events and occasional festival-related evenings near the lake, while Dornbirn and Feldkirch have a mixture of pubs, cocktail-led venues, live music and student-oriented nightlife. In the Alpine valleys, traditional inns, hotel bars and après-ski venues are more characteristic than large clubs, particularly in winter resorts such as Lech and Zürs. Montafon and other mountain areas may have seasonal live music and late-opening venues, but schedules change with the season. Craft breweries, wine bars and relaxed cafés provide alternatives to clubbing, and many smaller communities become quiet relatively early. Check local listings for current performances and opening arrangements rather than expecting a nightlife district on the scale of Vienna or Salzburg.

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Best shops in Vorarlberg

Shopping in Vorarlberg is strongest in the towns and market communities of the Rhine Valley, where Feldkirch’s historic streets, Bregenz’s central area and Dornbirn’s retail districts offer independent shops alongside everyday Austrian chains. The region is particularly rewarding for products connected with design, craft and food: Bregenzerwald cheeses, breads, preserves, spirits, textiles, wooden objects and carefully made household goods are widely available through dairies, farm shops, galleries and specialist retailers. Dornbirn and surrounding communities retain links to the textile industry, while contemporary design shops reflect the region’s architectural culture. Hohenems and Feldkirch are useful for antiques, books and small specialist businesses, though opening patterns vary. Mountain resorts focus more on outdoor equipment, winter sports clothing and high-quality local food than on extensive general retail. Seasonal markets, Christmas markets and village events provide opportunities to buy regional produce and crafts, but visitors should check dates locally because market schedules differ between communities.

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Vorarlberg essentials

Currency and Payment
Vorarlberg uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Austria. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, transport offices and larger shops, although a small amount of cash remains sensible for rural refreshment stops, farm shops, lockers and occasional local services. The border location means visitors may encounter Swiss francs in neighbouring Switzerland or Liechtenstein, but payment and change arrangements outside Austria differ; do not assume that foreign-currency cash will be accepted throughout Vorarlberg.
Safety
Vorarlberg is generally well equipped for visitors, but mountain conditions demand preparation. Check weather and route information before hiking, stay on suitable paths, and allow extra time for steep terrain, exposed sections and changing visibility. In winter, follow avalanche and piste guidance and use marked routes unless properly equipped and experienced. Lake Constance and mountain streams can have cold water and strong currents. On roads, expect tunnels, cyclists, farm vehicles and winter conditions; in towns, use ordinary precautions in busy stations, festivals and nightlife areas.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 works in Austria; national numbers include 133 for police, 122 for fire and 144 for ambulance. Mountain rescue is reached on 140, which is particularly relevant for hiking, climbing and winter sports in Vorarlberg. Give your exact location, trail or lift name and any visible landmarks, and do not leave an injured person alone unless remaining there creates a danger. The Austrian national emergency arrangements apply throughout the region, including the Lake Constance shore and high Alpine valleys.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths and respect signs, grazing animals, private land and quiet mountain settlements. Close gates behind you and do not disturb livestock or enter fields without permission. In churches, chapels and cemeteries, dress and behave respectfully, and ask before photographing people or interiors. Punctuality and quiet consideration are valued on public transport and in shared accommodation. Tipping is customary but discretionary in restaurants and cafés, usually by rounding up or adding a modest amount; check that service has not already been included.
Local Tips
The Rhine Valley is best explored with short rail journeys between towns, whereas the Bregenzerwald and southern valleys reward slower itineraries with time for village walks, local cheese producers and architecture. Lake Constance can be breezy even in warm weather, while high resorts may remain cool and unsettled. Ask accommodation providers about regional guest cards or included transport benefits, as eligibility and validity vary by locality and season. For the Bregenz Festival, reserve accommodation and performance tickets well ahead, and keep a weather-appropriate alternative for outdoor events.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGrüaß di[Grooss dee]
GoodbyeAdieu[A-dyoo]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNei[Nay]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[Bitta]
Thank youDanke[Dahn-keh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Ent-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wia geits?[Vee gaits]
Fine. And you?Guat. Und dir?[Gooot. Oond deer]
Do you speak English?Sprecht ihr Englisch?[Sprekt ear Englisch]
I don't understandI versteh nix[Ee fer-shteh nicks]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI möcht gern d'Karte sehn, bitte[Ee mercht gurn d'Karta zayn, bitta]
I don't eat meatI ess kein Fleisch[Ee ess kyne Flysh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseI möcht zahlen, bitte[Ee mercht tsah-len, bitta]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Helft![Helft]
Go away!Geh weg![Gay vek]
Call the Police!Ruf die Polizei![Roof dee Polizai]
Call a doctor!Ruf en Doktor![Roof en Dok-tor]
I'm lostI bin verlorn[Ee bin fer-lorn]
I'm illI bin krank[Ee bin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I möcht kaufen...[Ee mercht kau-fen]
I'm just lookingI schau nur[Ee shau noor]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet's?[Vee feel kost-ets]
That's too expensiveDas isch z'uer teuer[Das ish z'oor toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Könntet ihr de Preis senken?[Kern-tet ear deh Price senk-en]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wia spät isch's?[Vee shpaet ish's]
It's one o'clockEs isch ein Uhr[Es ish ein Oor]
Half past (10)Halb elf[Halb elf]
MorningMorgä[Mor-gah]
AfternoonNachmittäg[Nahch-mit-tayg]
EveningAbend[A-bend]
YesterdayGester[Ges-ter]
TodayHüt[Hoot]
TomorrowMorgä[Mor-gah]
1Eins[Eins]
2Zwei[Tsvi]
3Drei[Drai]
4Vier[Veer]
5Fünf[Fünf]
6Sechs[Zex]
7Sieben[Zee-ben]
8Acht[Acht]
9Neun[Noyn]
10Zehn[Tsen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo isch a/d'...?[Vo ish a/d'...?]
What's the address?Wia isch d'Adräs?[Vee ish d'Adrays?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Könntet ihr mir zeigä (uff dr Kärt)?[Kern-tet ear meer tsay-gah (oof der Kaert)?]
When's the next (bus)?Wänn kommt dr nächscht (Bus)?[Venn komt der nay-shch-t (Boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)E Ticket (nach ....)[Ee Ticket (naakh ....)]

History of Vorarlberg

Early Settlement and the Roman Province of Raetia

The Rhine Valley and Alpine passes have attracted settlement since prehistoric times, while the area later formed part of the Roman province of Raetia. Brigantium, near modern Bregenz, became an important Roman settlement and communications point on Lake Constance. Roman roads, administration and trade connected the region with the wider Alpine world, although much of the later settlement pattern developed after the empire’s withdrawal. Archaeological remains around Bregenz provide the clearest reminder that Vorarlberg’s position between the lake, the Rhine and the mountain passes has long given it strategic importance.

Medieval Counts, Towns and Alpine Valleys

During the Middle Ages, power in the region was divided among local dynasties, ecclesiastical institutions and neighbouring political centres. The Counts of Montfort became particularly influential, establishing Feldkirch as an important fortified town and leaving their name across several valleys and settlements. Castles, churches and market privileges helped shape the medieval landscape, while farming communities expanded into higher valleys. Feldkirch’s old town and Schattenburg remain especially visible evidence of the period, when control of routes through the Alps brought both revenue and political significance.

The Habsburg Era and the Formation of Vorarlberg

The Habsburg monarchy acquired much of present-day Vorarlberg in stages, incorporating territories that had previously belonged to local lords, abbeys and other authorities. The region was administered alongside Tyrol for long periods but retained strong links with Swabia, Switzerland and the wider Lake Constance area. This borderland position influenced language, trade and commercial relationships. In 1814, after the Napoleonic period, Vorarlberg returned to Austrian rule, and in 1861 it became a separate crown land, an important step in the development of its modern regional identity.

Textiles, Commerce and Industrialisation

From the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, textile production became one of Vorarlberg’s defining economic forces. Cotton processing, spinning, weaving and embroidery developed particularly strongly in the Rhine Valley and around towns such as Dornbirn, supported by water power, improved transport and commercial links across the borders. Industrial wealth changed the appearance of towns and helped fund civic buildings, churches and cultural institutions. Although the textile sector later contracted and globalised, its legacy remains visible in factories, company histories, design traditions and the region’s continuing reputation for practical, high-quality manufacturing.

Railways, Tourism and the Alpine Economy

The opening of the railway through the Arlberg in the nineteenth century connected Vorarlberg more directly with the rest of Austria and strengthened trade across the mountains. Rail access also encouraged tourism, especially in mountain valleys and at the Arlberg, where winter sports developed into a major industry during the twentieth century. Roads, lifts and hotels transformed communities that had once relied mainly on farming and seasonal work. Today, tourism remains important, but it shares the economy with manufacturing, services, agriculture and internationally oriented businesses in the Rhine Valley.

Modern Vorarlberg: Regional Identity and Architecture

Since the late twentieth century, Vorarlberg has become known beyond Austria for contemporary architecture that engages with local materials, craftsmanship and settlement patterns. The so-called Vorarlberg school of architecture is not a single formal movement, but a broad regional culture of careful building, often using timber and clear modern forms. Projects in the Bregenzerwald and other rural areas are frequently developed in dialogue with local communities and traditional structures. This architectural confidence complements, rather than replaces, older farmhouses, historic town centres and the region’s long-established manufacturing culture.

Vorarlberg in Photos

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Neighbouring regions of Vorarlberg

The closest regions to Vorarlberg, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Vorarlberg

Discover Vorarlberg with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy hotel, tour, ticket, and experience booking
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More about the Evendo app

Explore the beauty of Vorarlberg, Austria with Evendo, the all-in-one travel guide app. Plan, book, and navigate your perfect trip effortlessly. Download now for free!

  • History of Vorarlberg and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for a local experience
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app designed to make your trip to Vorarlberg, Austria an unforgettable experience. Whether you are planning to explore the majestic Bregenzerwald, marvel at the architectural wonders of Kunsthaus Bregenz, or enjoy gourmet dining at Rote Wand Chef's Table, Evendo has got you covered.

With Evendo, you'll have access to detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Vorarlberg. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your trip. Discover hidden gems, book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences with just a few taps - all in one place.

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From the history of Vorarlberg to travel essentials and tons of good, local advice, Evendo is your perfect travel companion. Download Evendo now and unlock the full potential of your Vorarlberg adventure. Best of all, it's completely free - no in-app purchases, no additional costs, forever.

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