Bregenz is a town in western Austria, on the shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee), with the Alps rising behind it. It is the capital of the Vorarlberg state and a place where a lakeside setting and a cultural calendar sit comfortably side by side.
The lakeside stage
The town is best known for its floating stage on the lake, where the Bregenz Festival takes place each summer. Opera performances are staged here, with the water and the mountains forming the backdrop. Visitors who plan a trip around the festival should check its programme and book ahead, as performances draw audiences from far beyond the town.
Old town and modern culture
Bregenz combines an older town centre with more recent cultural life. Walking through the streets of the old town gives a sense of the place's character, and the contemporary cultural venues nearby show a different side of the city. The mix suits a visit of a day or a longer stay.
- The lake shore, with views across Lake Constance and the Alpine ridges
- The festival stage and its summer programme of opera
- The old town, for a slow walk among its streets
- Modern cultural offerings, for those interested in contemporary art and performance
Because Bregenz sits on the lake, it also makes a good base for exploring the wider region of Vorarlberg and the surrounding shoreline. For visitors who enjoy the combination of water, mountains and music, the town offers a clear and rewarding stop.