Get Premium access to all the latest content online
Subscribe and view full print editions online... Subscribe
Best of the west: making the most of your trip to Vorarlberg
The westernmost state of Austria may be its second-smallest, but it’s big on first impressions. From artisan cheesemakers and stunning architecture to scenic cycling trails, discover what makes each of Vorarlberg’s regions fit for a holiday to remember
Music on the banks of Lake Constance, unmatched views of the Alps from award-winning restaurants, strolls through tranquil forests and family picnics in blooming meadows – whatever your dream Austrian getaway entails, you’ll find it in Vorarlberg. We’ve gathered the top destinations to visit this summer.
For culture: Bodensee-Vorarlberg
With lively Lake Constance at its heart, Vorarlberg’s capital of culture is renowned for its festivals, museums and architecture. Come summer, the small town of Bregenz transforms into an alfresco celebration of jazz and modern folk music, while contemporary art exhibitions are on hand at the glass Kunsthaus Bregenz gallery. Don’t miss the interactive Inatura museum in Dornbirn, the Renaissance palace of Hohenems and the immaculately preserved medieval streets of Feldkirch. After, a dip in the lake makes for welcome refreshment.
Photo by © Vorarlberg Tourismus/Gregor Lengler
For authentic cuisine and architecture: Bregenzerwald
Culinary travels await on the Bregenzerwald Cheese Road, along which a team of 180 farmers, Alpine dairies, artisan cheesemakers and local inns represent the very best of the region. Be it a goats' cheese camembert, citrus and muscat-scented Emmentaler or spicy mountain cheese, expect purity of flavour and top-quality produce. Opt for cheesemaking classes, cellar tours or hunt for flavoursome souvenirs before settling down for dinner in a timber-clad eatery – Bregenzerwald is renowned for an architecture style that sits in harmony with nature, traditional craftsmanship and innovation showcased across a myriad of charming towns and villages. Take a stroll through Bizau and admire an ensemble of award-winning buildings from all epochs or check out Langenegg for exemplary, hyper-sustainable design.
Photo by © Bregenzerwald Tourismus/Adolf Bereuter
For unspoilt nature: the Alpine city Bludenz and the Brandnertal, Klostertal and Großes Walsertal valleys
The region around Bludenz is a winter sports haven, but it’s the eponymous Alpine town that draws visitors during the summer. Explore pretty medieval streets, flower markets and churches poised against a breathtaking backdrop of ragged mountain peaks, with the hiking routes of Brandnertal a stone’s throw away. The Klostertal valley – spanning Vorarlberg for some 30km – calls for riverside strolls and picnics with panoramic vistas and, if it’s serenity you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the dense deciduous forests of the Unesco-listed Großes Walsertal biopark.
Photo by © Brandnertal Tourismus/Alex Kaiser
For alfresco dining: Lech Zürs am Arlberg
Warm weather reveals the colourful side of world-famous ski slopes. Flowering meadows and picturesque mountain trails are dotted with restaurants to stop by, whether you’re en route to a viewing platform or feeling peckish after a wild swim. Follow the sweet scent of kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes) to an authentic mountain hut or opt for an award-winning feast of sustainably-sourced fish, home-grown veg and foraged herbs – here, wellness is at the forefront of menus. Whichever you choose, take in the views with a glass of pear brandy or local wine in hand.
Photo by © Vorarlberg Tourismus/Angela Lamprecht
For cycling: Montafon
Over 260km of cycling and mountainbiking trails snake through the valleys of Montafon. Encountering charming villages cradled by ragged Rätikon peaks is just one of the highlights of the Sunshine Tour, its hills best conquered on an e-bike. Rocky riverside trails of the Wildried to Fritzensee loop are perfect for seasoned mountain bikers and the family-friendly Gauertal is packed with scenic picnic stops. Grab your helmet – the opportunities are endless.
Photo by © Österreich Werbung/Dietmar Denger
For bird’s-eye views: Kleinwalsertal
This valley framed by imposing summits is accessible by road only from Germany, making it the ideal getaway for unwinding and recharging your batteries – friendly cows and marmots adding to the fairytale atmosphere. Seeking a thrill? Cross the Austria border from above on the Mindelheimer climbing routes, discover hidden wonders on a canyoning excursion or enjoy the views from above the canopies at a forest rope course.
Photo by © Österreich Werbung/Dietmar Denger
For more summer holiday inspiration – including itineraries all across Vorarlberg – head over to vorarlberg.travel and start planning your trip.
Sponsored by Holidays in Austria
