Vorarlberg: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

Glaciers, glittering lakes, and lush green alpine meadows characterize Vorarlberg. The smallest federal state of Austria is located in the far west of the Alpine Republic and offers a varied holiday experience. From Mediterranean charm at Lake Constance to mountain idylls in the high mountains of Montafon to winter fun in the Lechtal Alps, there is much to discover in Vorarlberg.

Table of contents

Vorarlberg - The most beautiful cities
Vorarlberg - 5 most beautiful natural sights
Vorarlberg - Climate

Vorarlberg - The most beautiful cities

Bregenz

Far beyond the borders of Austria, Bregenz is known for the Seefestspiele. They take place on the largest floating stage in the world. When there is no opera performance, it can be visited. The Martinsturm, crowned with an onion dome, is the city's landmark. A visit to the exhibition on the city's history is worthwhile. During your stay in Bregenz, don't miss a trip to the Pfänder. You can also hike up the mountain. The cheese trail leading to Lutzenreute is interesting. The Kunsthaus at the harbor is a hidden gem for those interested in contemporary art.

Dornbirn

Many landmarks in Dornbirn tell of days gone by, especially the Red House on the market square, built in the style of a Rhine Valley house. The Schlossguggerhaus is the oldest preserved building, dating back to the High Middle Ages. The Panoramahaus with its curved glass facade is an example of contemporary architecture. The 976 m high Karren is the local mountain of Dornbirn. You can easily reach the summit with the Karren cable car. At the top, you have the opportunity to refresh yourself in the panorama restaurant. You can hike along the forest nature trail to the Staufensee. The Rappenloch Gorge is also worth a visit: it is one of the largest gorges in the foothills of the Alps.

Feldkirch

The landmark of the Vorarlberg capital Feldkirch is the Schattenburg. You can visit the 13th-century castle during a tour of the museum, concerts, or events for children. Afterwards, you can dine at the castle restaurant or play mini-golf with the whole family next to the castle. During a stroll through the old town, you will discover the Cathedral of Feldkirch and parts of the old city fortifications, including the Churer Gate or the Katzenturm. On the Ardetzenberg in the middle of the city lies the wildlife park, where your children can enjoy cute inhabitants and a place to play.

Lech

Lech is an Eldorado for active and family vacations: The hiking trail network covers 350 marked kilometers. Additionally, in Lech, you have the opportunity to perfect your swing on Austria's highest golf course. Families and passionate swimmers love the Lech forest swimming pool. There, you will find a sports pool, wide wave slides, and bubble loungers. Experience an unforgettable winter vacation in the snow-sure Arlberg ski area. 305 perfectly groomed kilometers of slopes are ready for you. The ski circuit "The White Ring" over 22 km and 5,500 meters of altitude is a challenge. Freeriders will find 200 km of deep snow slopes. Fans of Nordic skiing can enjoy the 27 km long cross-country ski trails.

Bludenz

Embark on a historical city tour in Bludenz and discover architectural gems like the St. Laurentius Church or Gayenhofen Castle. The onion dome of the sacred building is one of the city's landmarks, towering over Bludenz. The Brandnertal climbing park in Brand near Bludenz is a popular excursion destination. If you're in the mood for a nature trip, take the cable car to Muttersberg. Once at the top, admire works by regional sculptors on the art trail. For the youngest guests, there is an outdoor playground and a weather-independent indoor playground. The Val Blu bathing world guarantees fun in the water.

Hohenems

In the Jewish quarter in Hohenems, the past comes alive: Many of the houses built in the 18th and 19th centuries are excellently preserved. An interesting museum is housed in the Villa Heimann-Rosenthal. The Hohenems Palace is impressive. Regular tours are held through the magnificent building, which was built in the Renaissance style. Hohenems has a lot to offer for families. In hot weather, the Rheinauen natural swimming pool is a popular meeting place. With an area of 120,000 m², it is the largest outdoor pool in western Austria. There are swimming opportunities in natural water and in three pools. A highlight for those with a sweet tooth is a visit to the Fenkart chocolate factory.

Rankweil

From afar, you can recognize the landmark of the Austrian community of Rankweil: the Basilica. Also known as the pilgrimage church "Our Lady of the Visitation," it has existed since the early Middle Ages and is a pilgrimage site on the Way of St. James. The path up rewards you with a magnificent view of Rankweil and the Swiss Alps. On the Trift adventure trail, children discover how wood was transported from the mountains over the Frutz River into the valley. Information boards illustrate the adventurous undertaking of past times. Also interesting is the open-air museum Römervilla near the golf course, where you can marvel at the excavations of a manor from the 1st to the 5th century.

Lustenau

The modern, pointed tower of the parish church Peter and Paul is visible from afar. The stained glass windows by Edzard Seeger are among the highlights of the interior. The printing workshop offers history you can touch. In the 450 m² workshop, art and book printing machines can be seen. The embroidery museum also tells of old craftsmanship. Around Lustenau, 52 kilometers of hiking trails invite active recreation in nature. Popular routes lead along the Old Rhine or the Rheintal-Binnenkanal. In summer, the park pool offers refreshment. A sports pool, a 70 m long slide, and a children's area provide variety. The nature play park at Moosbach is perfect for children.

Vorarlberg - 5 most beautiful natural sights

Mountains of the Bregenz Forest

Step by step, you get to know the mountains of the Bregenzerwald while hiking. You can choose between challenging mountain tours and flat, family-friendly routes. One of them is the Lausbubenweg in Langenegg. At nature-inspired play stations, children test their sense of balance and skill. Good fitness is required for the tour to the Sünserspitze. The Bregenzerwald is also worth a visit in winter. The ski area on the 2,090 m high Diedamskopf offers 40 kilometers of slopes for beginners and advanced skiers. The Damüls-Mellau ski area attracts with many child-friendly offers. A Kids Park, a speed track, and a fantastic area for freeriders are among the highlights.

Rheinwaldhorn Nature Park

Even in the warmer months, the Rheinwaldhorn is often covered with a blanket of snow. During hiking tours on trails with the whole family in Ticino or in Graubünden with a significantly easier level of difficulty, the Rheinwaldhorn can be spotted in the distance as a fantastic photo subject with its white peak in clear visibility. The ascent to the summit with its summit cross and a book to record one's success is possible, but only for very experienced hiking enthusiasts and climbing fans, and preferably in a group. Various paths lead upwards, always requiring alpine equipment or even professional glacier equipment.

Rhine Gorge

The Rhine Gorge, located between Reichenau and Illanz, is about 13 km long and up to 400 m deep, formed by a rockslide more than 10,000 years ago. The locals call it Ruinaulta, which is derived from the Romansh words ruin (quarry) and aulta (high). Numerous hiking and cycling trails run along the Vorderrhein and in the forests surrounding the Rhine Gorge. Adventurers experience the white steep walls with the roaring river while canoeing and kayaking or river rafting. Nature lovers can also discover glittering lakes, rare bird species, and even orchids in the wild and romantic gorge.

Panther

As the local mountain of Bregenz, the Pfänder is located on the eastern shore on the Austrian side of the lake. You can comfortably take the Pfänderbahn starting in Bregenz to go up. The seven-minute ride already offers you fantastic views. Once you reach the summit, you have the choice between many different hiking options. Those who wish can start the hiking tour directly in Bregenz on various routes. The distance averages around 7 km. If you are traveling with children, you should definitely plan a detour to the Alpine Wildlife Park just below the summit. Here you can marvel at alpine animal residents such as ibexes, deer, or mouflons.

Lake Constance

In the west of Lake Constance, the Allgäu offers numerous excursion destinations. Take a stroll through the picturesque town of Lindau with its old town island, a boat trip across the so-called Swabian Sea, or an excursion to Mainau Island. A little further north, the stilt houses at Unteruhldingen offer an interesting glimpse into Stone Age life. Aviation history enthusiasts will enjoy the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen. On the Austrian side, during your stroll along the lakeside promenade in Bregenz, you can visit the largest floating stage in Europe. On the Swiss side, half-timbered houses adorn the varied cycling path, which, by the way, allows you to travel around the entire lake.

Vorarlberg - Climate

The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.

Best topics in Vorarlberg

Best hiking trails (Vorarlberg)