a theatre of life, mirrored on the lake and crowned by the mountains
AUSTRIA
The Austrian stretch of Lake Constance, though small, centers around vibrant Bregenz – the capital of the Vorarlberg region. The city is renowned for its spectacular floating stage, where each summer the Bregenzer Festspiele takes place – one of Europe’s most famous opera festivals. Austria’s lakeshore invites visitors to stroll along the promenade, swim in crystal-clear waters, and admire the breathtaking mountain views. The area also offers numerous cycling routes as well as opportunities for water sports. In Bregenz, elegance meets the natural charm of the lake and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Austrian stretch of Lake Constance – with Bregenz, Lochau, and Hard – is well connected with the rest of the country as well as with neighboring nations. From Vienna, Innsbruck, or Salzburg you can reach the region by train or via the motorway through Vorarlberg. Thanks to its proximity to the borders, it is also easily accessible from Munich in Germany or St. Gallen in Switzerland. Nearby airports in Altenrhein (CH) and Friedrichshafen (DE) provide additional connections. Compact yet perfectly accessible, the region welcomes travelers from many directions.
The Austrian part of the region is renowned for its homely dishes and Alpine influences. Local favorites include Käsespätzle, Tafelspitz, and, of course, the Wiener Schnitzel. Light fish dishes and seasonal desserts such as strudel are also popular. This cuisine combines rich flavors with hospitality and the authentic character of Vorarlberg.
Although Austria has only a small stretch of Lake Constance, the region enchants visitors with Alpine panoramas and a tranquil atmosphere. Bregenz – the main town on the lake – offers a blend of culture, nature, and excellent leisure opportunities. From here you can take a boat cruise, hike up Pfänder mountain, or simply stroll along the promenade. In our guide, you’ll find practical information on transport, tourist cards, prices, and attractions. Discover what’s good to know to make the most of your stay by the Austrian part of Lake Constance.
Art by the lake in the glow of the Alps
Bregenz is a place where the landscape itself becomes a work of art – the lake shines like a sheet of glass, while Alpine slopes rise gently from its shores, quietly climbing toward the sky. At the city’s heart beats not a town hall, but a stage – the legendary Seebühne, a theatre on the water where opera meets the sunset, and the performance is shared by waves and wind alike. The old town nestles against a hillside, where paths wind among stone houses and the shadows of history. Above it reigns the Pfänder, the green heart of Bregenz, offering a panorama that turns the world into one vast canvas. This city does not shout – it tells stories, sings, and dances to the rhythm of days, seasons, and festivals. Bregenz carries the nobility of quiet elegance and the boldness to transform nature into scenography. Here, everything flows – music, water, time – and only wonder remains.
Here, life breathes with silence…
Lochau is a place where the day begins with the mirror of the lake and ends with the sight of illuminated shores of neighboring countries. Nestled between the calm of Lake Constance and the majesty of Mount Pfänder, the town embraces its guests like a warm linen shawl – with simplicity, silence, and space. Morning mists over the lake dance here with the sound of church bells, while in the evening only the rustle of leaves and the gentle splash of waves can be heard. Lochau does not try to be more than it is – and it is in this restraint that its charm lies. It is a place for those seeking true rest – not in attractions, but in the quiet rhythm of nature and everyday life. Here you can climb Pfänder, gaze upon three countries at once, and realize that borders exist only on the map. Lochau does not call out – it waits until someone is ready to hear it.
your place for active adventure
Hard is a town that needs no grand words to leave its mark – just a morning walk among the reeds, when the lake is still asleep and the sky reflects in the water like a quiet dream. It lies at the crossroads of worlds: between water and forest, between the rhythm of nature and the daily life of its residents, who seem to know every stone and every breeze. Once known for its textile industry, today Hard attracts those who wish to experience simplicity in its most beautiful form – by bike, on foot, or by kayak. The shores here are wild, and the paths lead not to attractions, but to moments that remain in the heart. You won’t find the hustle of resorts here – instead, you’ll find space to truly breathe. Hard is no coincidence on the map – it is a hidden balance between people and a world that needs no embellishment.
Rooted in history, alive with modern spirit
Dornbirn is a city that breathes deeply – with fresh mountain air, modern ideas, and history hidden in the structures of an old factory transformed into a museum. Space here is as wide as the valley filled with morning light, and as dense as the forests along the Rappenloch Gorge. It is a city that doesn’t pretend – it truly combines local identity with openness, tradition with design, simplicity with energy. In the marketplace you hear a lively mix of dialects, languages, and generations. Just a few steps away, silence begins: a mountain path where you can lose phone signal and find yourself again. Dornbirn is like wood and glass – warm and transparent, modern yet with soul. It is not just a point on the map of Vorarlberg – it is its beating heart.
A town where history meets Alpine charm
Feldkirch is a picturesque town in western Vorarlberg, with a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. At its heart lies the charming old town, with narrow streets, colorful houses, and lively squares where life unfolds among cafés and local markets. Overlooking the town stands the majestic Schattenburg Castle, a guardian of history that today houses a museum. Walking through Feldkirch, visitors can feel the atmosphere of centuries past while also discovering the modern, vibrant side of the town. Its proximity to the Alps makes Feldkirch an ideal starting point for mountain hikes and outdoor adventures. The town fascinates with its harmony of history, culture, and nature. It is a place that leaves lasting impressions and invites visitors to return again and again.
Lake Constance
Radolfzell
This atmospheric little town on the western shore of Lake Constance is known for its beautiful old town and tranquil atmosphere. Founded in the Middle Ages as a monastic settlement, it now attracts visitors with its lakeside promenade, bird sanctuary, and thermal baths. It is also an excellent starting point for cycling and hiking tours in the Untersee region.
Stockach
Stockach is a small, picturesque town surrounded by the hills and forests of the Hegau region. It is known for its idyllic landscape, walking trails, and views of Lake Constance as well as volcanoes that became extinct millions of years ago. An ideal place to relax, far from the bustle of tourism.
Konstanz
This picturesque city on the southern shore of Lake Constance, right on the Swiss border, boasts a historic center that has preserved its medieval layout, with a cathedral that hosted the Council of Constance in the 15th century. Today it is also a vibrant university town, full of atmospheric cafés, a lakeside promenade, and access to countless cultural and water attractions.
Überlingen
Überlingen is a historic town on the northern shore of Lake Constance, famous for its beautiful promenade and medieval old town. Here you will find the impressive Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral as well as numerous gardens and parks, including the renowned lakeside promenade. It is also a popular spa destination with thermal baths and easy access to lake cruises.
Meersburg
Meersburg ist eine historische Stadt am Nordufer des Bodensees, bekannt für ihre romantische Altstadt und die schöne Uferpromenade. Hoch über dem See thront die beeindruckende Burg Meersburg, eine der ältesten bewohnten Burgen Deutschlands, während das barocke Neue Schloss den Glanz späterer Jahrhunderte widerspiegelt. Umgeben von Weinbergen, idyllischen Gärten und Thermen ist Meersburg zudem ein beliebter Kurort und ein idealer Ausgangspunkt für Schifffahrten auf dem Bodensee.
Friedrichshafen
Friedrichshafen is a modern city on the northern shore of Lake Constance, known as the birthplace of the Zeppelin airships. The fascinating Zeppelin Museum showcases the history of aviation and features a full-scale reconstruction of a Zeppelin interior. The city also offers a beautiful lakeside promenade, sweeping views of the Alps, and excellent ferry and rail connections throughout the region.
St. Gallen
St. Gallen is a historic city in eastern Switzerland, renowned for its baroque cathedral and former Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey library, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world, houses priceless manuscripts. The charming old town enchants with colorful facades and distinctive oriel windows, while the city’s rich textile tradition made it a center of embroidery and fabric art. St. Gallen is also a perfect gateway to Appenzell and the Swiss Alps.
Steckborn
Steckborn is a charming little town on the Swiss shore of the Untersee. It is known for its historic half-timbered houses, a cozy lakeside promenade, and a rich history dating back to Roman times. A peaceful place, perfect for strolling, cycling, and experiencing the Swiss charm of the region.
Stein am Rhein
Stein am Rhein is a picturesque town in northern Switzerland, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town and colorful frescoes adorning the facades of its buildings. Situated on the banks of the Rhine, it captivates visitors with its remarkable architecture, tranquil atmosphere, and history that reaches back to Roman times.
Rorschach
Rorschach is a Swiss town on the northern shore of Lake Constance, in the canton of St. Gallen. It is known for its beautiful harbor, lakeside promenade, and the elegant former Roman bathhouse (Badhütte) – a unique wooden bathing pavilion from the 19th century. With views of the lake and the Alps, Rorschach offers a peaceful stopover or a pleasant walk along the Swiss shore of Lake Constance.
Lindau
Lindau is a charming German town located on an island in Lake Constance, connected to the mainland by a bridge and causeway. It is famous for its picturesque harbor with a lighthouse and lion statue, creating one of the lake’s most iconic landmarks. Lindau’s old town enchants with historic townhouses, narrow alleys, and a Mediterranean atmosphere.
Bregenz
Bregenz is the elegant capital of Austria’s Vorarlberg, picturesquely located on the eastern shore of Lake Constance. It is famous for its summer opera festival and unique floating stage, as well as for the panoramic Pfänder peak, accessible by cable car. The historic Oberstadt, modern museums, and lakeside promenade create a unique atmosphere where culture, nature, and relaxation come together.
Romanshorn
Romanshorn is a peaceful Swiss town on Lake Constance, located in the canton of Thurgau and known for its large ferry and shipping port. It is an important transport hub, with ferry connections to Friedrichshafen and cycling routes around the lake. Romanshorn offers a pleasant promenade, a small railway museum, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing walk by the water.
Arbon
Arbon is a charming Swiss town on Lake Constance, with a beautiful lakeside promenade and a historic old town. It is also known for its rich history dating back to Roman times and its industrial heritage.
Map of the region’s highlights and towns
Unforgettable Viewsge
