Dornbirn is a city in Austria's westernmost state, Vorarlberg, lying in the Rhine Valley close to the borders with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It is the largest city in the region, and it has a reputation as a centre of innovation, where traditional Alpine culture sits alongside contemporary architecture and design.
What to see
- inatura, a museum with an eye-catching building, devoted to nature and the natural sciences.
- Rotes Haus, a historic building that now serves as a cultural centre, a place to see how the city presents its arts and local life.
- The contrast between old Alpine traditions and modern architecture, which can be seen simply by walking through the town.
Around the city
Dornbirn is surrounded by mountains, so walking, hiking and views of the valley are close at hand. Lake Constance is only a few minutes away, which makes it easy to combine a city visit with time by the water. The location suits travellers who want both the quiet of the mountains and the convenience of an urban base.
For a visit, Dornbirn works well as a stop of a day or two, with the museum and cultural centre as anchors and the surrounding landscape as the reason to stay a little longer.