Pfänderbahn: Ascend to Panoramic Splendor
Reach breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Constance and the Alps in minutes via the Pfänderbahn cable car in Bregenz, Austria.
Ascend to the summit of Pfänder Mountain via the Pfänderbahn, an aerial cable car offering stunning panoramic views of Lake Constance (Bodensee) and the surrounding Alpine landscape. Since its opening in 1927, the Pfänderbahn has been a gateway to the natural beauty of the region, transporting visitors from Bregenz to a vantage point where Austria, Germany, and Switzerland converge. The Pfänderbahn efficiently climbs from its valley station at 419 meters to the mountain station at 1,022 meters above sea level. The ride itself is an experience, offering ever-widening vistas of the lake and the distant peaks. At the summit, a range of activities and attractions await. Explore well-maintained hiking trails that cater to various skill levels, from leisurely loops to more challenging ascents. The Alpine Wildlife Park provides an opportunity to observe local fauna, including marmots, wild boars, and deer. For those seeking relaxation, the Berghaus Pfänder restaurant offers a terrace with unparalleled views. The Pfänderbahn's history is showcased at the Pfänderbahn Museum, located at the valley station. Exhibits detail the cable car's construction, technology, and role in the region's tourism. The museum provides context for the modern experience, highlighting the enduring appeal of this mountain destination. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, stunning scenery, or a glimpse into local history, the Pfänderbahn offers a memorable journey to the heart of the Lake Constance region.
Local tips
- Check the weather forecast before your visit; clear days offer the best visibility of the surrounding countries and Alpine peaks.
- Consider purchasing a combination ticket with a Lake Constance boat trip for a discounted and comprehensive experience.
- Pack layers, as the temperature at the summit can be cooler than in Bregenz, especially during colder months.
- Arrive early, especially during summer, to avoid crowds and secure parking at the valley station.
- Take advantage of the free bicycle transport before 10 am to explore the mountain trails on two wheels.
A brief summary to Pfänderbahn
- Steinbruchgasse 4, Bregenz, 6900, AT
- +435574421600
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
- Thursday 8 am-7 pm
- Friday 8 am-7 pm
- Saturday 8 am-7 pm
- Sunday 8 am-7 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Bregenz train station or city center, take a Stadtwerke Bregenz city bus to the 'Pfänderbahn' bus stop, which is directly in front of the valley station. Bus schedules are available online. A single ride within Bregenz costs approximately €2-3.
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Walking
From Bregenz Hafen (harbor), the Pfänderbahn valley station is approximately a 5-minute walk. Follow the signs towards the Pfänderbahn. From Bregenz train station, the walk is about 1.2 km (approximately 15-20 minutes).
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from Bregenz city center to the Pfänderbahn valley station will cost approximately €10-15, depending on traffic and the specific location within the city center. The ride takes about 5-10 minutes.
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Car
From the A14 motorway, take the Bregenz exit and follow signs to the Pfänderbahn. Limited parking is available at the valley station (Parkplatz Pfänderbahn P6, Steinbruchgasse 4) and a nearby parking garage (Parkhaus Pfaenderbahn P15, Schillerstraße 3). Parking fees apply, with the first 3 hours free upon validation. Expect to pay around €2-3 per hour thereafter.
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Special Transport
During the summer (typically April to mid-October), a scenic option is to take a boat from Lindau (Germany) to Bregenz Hafen, followed by a short walk (5 minutes) to the Pfänderbahn valley station. A discounted combined ticket for the boat and Pfänderbahn is often available at the Lindau Tourist Information. Boat fares vary, but expect to pay around €11-12 for a single trip from Lindau to Bregenz.
Attractions Nearby to Pfänderbahn
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Herz Jesu
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Bregenz Hafen
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Vorarlberger Militärmuseum im Martinsturm / Oberstadt
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Theater am Kornmarkt
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Kunsthaus Bregenz
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Seepromenade mit Hafenmole
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Atelier Am Kornmarktplatz 1.Stock / 1.floor / 1er etage
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Vorarlberg Museum
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Seekapelle zu unserer lieben Frau am See
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Brunnen am Leutbühel
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Brunnen Maurachgasse
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Woodhenge
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Martinsturm
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Small Seawall at the Harbor
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Hommage An Brigantium
Landmarks nearby to Pfänderbahn
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Pfänderbahn-Parkhaus
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Nepomukkapelle
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Bregenz Tourismus & Stadtmarketing GmbH
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Bregenz Altstadt
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Deuringschlössle
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Beckenturm
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Fischersteg - Sunset Bar - Bregenz
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Jodok Fink Denkmal
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Heilige Kübel von Bregenz
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Kloster Marienberg
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Seebühne Bregenz
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Festspielhaus Bregenz
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Burgruine Hohenbregenz
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Alpenwildpark Pfänder
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Parish church of Saint Kolumban