Bregenz

1. Scratch the map

Bregenz is charming Austrian city on the shores of Bodensee and is the capital of the state of Voralberg. Along with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains, an added attraction of Bregenz is the open air opera hosted on the lake every year during summer.

You can spend 1-2 days exploring Bregenz and its surrounding region. Also, it would be ideal to combine this visit with a trip to places in and around Bodensee. 

2. How to reach

It is easy to reach Bregenz from different towns around Bodensee via ferry connections. There are also direct train connections between Bregenz and certain places in Germany like Lindau and Friedrichshafen.

3. Key Attractions

3a.  Bregenz Seepromenade

The promenade is a very lively area along the lake where people can enjoy a drink at one of the cocktail bars or take a casual stroll and admire magnificent views of the lake. There is also a nice book café in the promenade where you can read your favourite book while sipping a hot cup of coffee.

3.b) Pfänder mountain

The Pfänder mountain peak offering breathtaking views of Lake Constance and Allgäu Alps can be reached via a cable car ride (Pfänderbahn) from Bregenz in 5-6 minutes. The Pfänderbahn station is a 6-7 minutes’ walk from Bregenz main train station and is well marked with directions guiding tourists towards the station. You can buy your cable car ticket at the counter here for a fee of 17 euros (round trip) per adult.

There are hiking trails along this route as well in case you are up for it. There is also a beautiful alpine wildlife park at the top of the mountain where you can spend a quiet day amidst nature and do some animal watching. In addition to rabbits, wild boars and deers, this park has mouflons which are a type of wild sheep.

3c) Bregenz Opera

The open-air opera at Bregenzer Festspiele is a unique experience which you can attend during July-August of every year. The opera stage is created on the lake itself and it goes without saying that the lovely theatrical performance along with the floating stage create a beautiful ambience.

3d) Bodensee cruise

Don’t forget to enjoy the charm of Bodensee during your stay in Bregenz and the best way to do this is by taking a ferry ride or a cruise. You can also explore nearby towns by getting down at the port of Lindau or Konstanz or simply relax and admire beautiful sunset views from the cruise.

4) Goodbye Notes

A trip to Brengenz should be definitely on your list if you want some blissful moments of solitude amidst nature. As I sign-off today, I wish you happy and safe travels 😀.