Bregenz summer holidays

Holidays in Bregenz

The spectacular Pfander Mountain slopes down to meet Lake Constance at the small town of Bregenz – the historic capital of Voralberg that dates as far back as Roman times. Best known for its summer opera festival (as well as having Europe’s narrowest house...) the resort’s got quite the global fan base and there’s a real energy to the area in the summer months. You can see Germany and Switzerland from the water’s edge and with the Alps just behind, this is a top spot for a whole host of activities on the lake and mountains.

Highlights: • lots of history & culture • bathing beach with spa • boat trips and watersports

Bregenz Walking

As it’s sandwiched between Constance and the Pfander, Bregenz has some excellent variety to its walking and hiking routes. There’s a path around the lake (especially lovely during the festival when the floating stage is up) which is popular with Nordic walkers, who’ll find a number of trails starting from the square beside the motor boat harbour. Tours of the city, its architecture and the old town are also great ways to learn your way around the legendary culture and history of the local area. At the top station of the Pfander cable car you’ll find the Alpine Gamepark, where you can see ibex, marmots and wild boar on your walk around, or take a hike along the cheese trail which has its starting point here. The Pfander itself can be scaled in about an hour and a half, though it’s a much easier hike to Gebhardsberg castle which, close to the foot of the mountain, has awesome views of the city, lake and Rhine Valley.

Bregenz Cycling

The slopes at the rear of Bregenz are a fantastic place to explore by mountain bike, with some testing trails around Eichenberg and Langen. Descents back into the resort can be pretty hairy but give amazing views of Gebhardsberg castle as well as the lake and city – particularly in the summer when the festival’s in full swing.

Around Constance, the 270k Bodensee circuit sticks close to the water’s edge and is excellent for families as it’s flat most of the way. There’s also the chance to hop on a ferry at various points (try Rorschach to Reutin) if you feel like shortening the route a little – keep your passports handy as the path loops through 3 countries! The Rhine Valley’s also known for its gentle sprees along the river and up to the pretty town of Götzis.