Bregenz - cultural center with floating stage

Located in Austria, Bregenz (Bregenz in German) is the capital of the state of Vorarlberg in the west of the country. It lies on Lake Constance at the foot of the Pfänder mountain. The lake itself is shared between Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Bregenz has a population of just under 29,000. Due to its location and attractive leisure activities, the city is popular with tourists especially during the summer season.

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Bregenz is more than 2,000 years old. Settlement in the area was recorded as early as the 15th century BC. In the 5th century BC, the Celts built their fortress here, which was conquered by the Romans a few hundred years later. The city is famous for the Bregenzer Festspiele arts festival, held annually since 1945, during which productions of the best operas are presented on an unusual stage on the lake.

What to see in Bregenz?

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If you are planning a holiday on Lake Constance, set aside a day to visit beautiful Bregenz. What is worth seeing here?

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The Old Town in Bregenz

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Bregenz is divided into the old, Upper Town (Oberstadt) and the newer Lower Town (Unterstadt). Many streets in the old part of Bregenz have retained their old character, not least due to the reduction of traffic here. In some places you can see remnants of the 13th-century city walls. Worth seeing are the old town hall, a small palace, a 17th-century Capuchin church and monastery, and the 14th-century St. Gall's Church, with its rich interior design. Meanwhile, in the Lower Town, noteworthy is the circular Baroque chapel of St. John Nepomucen.

St. Martin Tower (Martinsturm)

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This tower was built in 1602, initially as a place to store grain, but later also as a watchtower. It's worth climbing not only for the beautiful views of the city, but also for the magnificent frescoes and the sizable collection of artifacts related to the city.

Vorarlberg Museum

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In this museum you can learn more about the history and culture of Bregenz. Exhibits include historical and artistic collections, including crafts, costumes, weapons or coins - from prehistoric times to the present. The site is also worth a visit for its sizable collection of Roman-era (1st-4th century AD) finds.

Scene on Lake Constance

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The stage on the water is surrounded by an amphitheater that can accommodate 7,000 spectators. In July and August, it hosts a famous arts festival with numerous opera and musical concerts.

Lake Bodensee tour

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While in the city for a bit longer, take the opportunity to enjoy a cruise on Lake Constance. Departing from Bregenz, you can sail to Constance or Lindau, for example, or relax and enjoy the breathtaking views on a cruise around the lake.

Lake Cruise

Pfänderbahn

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The Pfänderbahn cable car connects the town to the Pfänder summit, ascending 1,022 meters above sea level. The views from there are beautiful, plus it's a good starting point for the surrounding trekking routes. A restaurant and a park with alpine animals such as mountain chamois and eagles have been set up at the upper station of the cable car.

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Trails at Lake Constance

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Tourists and locals alike enjoy walking on the lakeside promenade. It was established in the late 19th century. Along the promenade is the life of Bregenz - there are many cafes, restaurants and stores.