Bregenz Forest Travel Guide

The Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest) is a hilly, forested region in the eastern part of Vorarlberg, Austria's westernmost state. Despite the name, it is less a single forest than a collection of villages, alpine meadows, and gentle valleys that rise from the Rhine plain toward the Allgäu Alps. The region is home to roughly 30,000 people spread across small communities, many of which retain a strong sense of local identity expressed through architecture, food, and handicraft.

The area sits at the intersection of several cultural traditions — Alemannic Swiss, Swabian German, and distinctly Vorarlbergian — which gives it a character noticeably different from the Tyrolean or Salzburg alpine mainstream. Visitors who expect lederhosen and brass bands will find instead quiet dairy farms, cedar-clad contemporary houses, and cheese cellars.

The Bregenzerwald is also recognized internationally for a quiet but influential design and craft movement. The Werkraum Bregenzerwald, a cooperative of regional artisans and architects, has brought sustained attention to the region's tradition of skilled woodworking and vernacular building. This makes it an unusually rewarding destination for travelers interested in architecture and material culture alongside outdoor activities.

Austria is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. For visa and entry requirements specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Austrian immigration authority before travel.

What to pack

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are essential even for casual exploration; paths can be muddy after rain at any season.
• Layers are advisable year-round. Summer afternoons can be warm at valley level but temperatures drop quickly at higher elevations.
• In winter, waterproof outer layers and warm mid-layers are necessary; snowfall is reliable from roughly December onward.

Health and insurance

EU and EEA travelers should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travelers from outside the EU are strongly advised to arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before departure. The nearest general hospital is in Dornbirn or Bregenz; verify current facilities and emergency contacts locally.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage from major Austrian networks is generally good in valley villages but can be patchy on higher trails. Download offline maps before heading into the hills.

The Bregenzerwald does not have its own airport. The most practical air gateway is Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) in Germany, roughly 40–60 minutes from the region by car or combined bus/train. Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland and Munich Airport (MUC) are larger international hubs; both are reachable in approximately two hours by car, with rail connections possible via Bregenz.

By rail: The regional capital Bregenz has direct train connections to Zurich, Munich, and Innsbruck via Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and partner operators. From Bregenz, regional buses operated under the Vorarlberg public transport network (Vorarlberg Linien) serve the Bregenzerwald villages. Verify current timetables at vorarlberg.at or the ÖBB journey planner before travel, as schedules vary by season.

By car: Driving into the region via the A14 motorway (Rhine Valley motorway) is straightforward from the west (Switzerland) or north (Germany). An Austrian motorway vignette (toll sticker) is required for motorway use; purchase this before entering the motorway system. Verify current vignette requirements and pricing at the official ASFINAG website.

By bus: The Bregenzerwald Bus is a seasonal public bus service that connects many smaller villages and trailheads; it is particularly useful in summer. Confirm operating season and stops locally or through Vorarlberg Linien.

A car offers the most flexibility for moving between villages, especially in smaller communities not well-served by public transit. Roads are well-maintained but can be narrow and steep on mountain sections; winter driving requires winter tyres and confidence on snowy roads.

The Vorarlberg public transport network (Vorarlberg Linien) provides bus connections between most populated villages. A regional day pass or multi-day pass can represent good value for travelers planning to use buses extensively; verify current pass options at vorarlberg.at.

Cycling is popular on designated routes through the valleys, and e-bike rental has become widely available in the region. Confirm rental availability locally, as offerings change between operators and seasons.

Within individual villages, walking is almost always the best option. Many villages are compact and most key attractions — churches, cheese dairies, Werkraum showrooms — are within easy walking distance of a central parking area or bus stop.

Accommodation in the Bregenzerwald is dominated by family-run guesthouses, small hotels, and farmhouse bed-and-breakfasts (Urlaub am Bauernhof — farm holidays). This style of accommodation is well-suited to the region's character and often includes locally produced breakfasts.

Bezau and Schwarzenberg have the widest selection of mid-range accommodation and tend to be well-connected to public transport. Smaller villages such as Schoppernau, Schröcken, and Damüls offer quieter stays at higher elevations, generally better suited to travelers with a car.

Self-catering apartments and chalets are available, particularly in ski-season destinations; these are worth considering for families or longer stays. Booking well ahead is advisable for July–August and the peak Christmas–New Year period, when the region is popular with both Austrian and German visitors. Verify current availability and pricing through regional tourism listings at bregenzerwald.at or standard booking platforms.

Hiking

The Bregenzerwald has an extensive marked trail network ranging from easy valley walks to multi-day ridge routes. The Käseweg (Cheese Route), a long-distance trail connecting Alpine dairy farms and cheese producers, is among the most distinctive walks in the region and can be walked in sections. Trail conditions and signage are generally high quality; the local tourism organization (bregenzerwald.at) maintains maps and route descriptions.

Werkraum Bregenzerwald

The Werkraum in Andelsbuch is a permanent showcase for regional craftsmanship — furniture, textiles, architecture models, and objects made by member artisans. Even travelers with little prior interest in design often find it a compelling introduction to why the Bregenzerwald looks the way it does. Verify current opening hours and any admission fees directly with the Werkraum.

Cheese culture

The region produces well-regarded mountain cheeses, including varieties of Vorarlberger Bergkäse and Alpkäse made on summer Alpine pastures. Many farms and dairy cooperatives welcome visitors, particularly during the summer season when cattle are on the high pastures (Alpe). Ask locally about farm visit opportunities, as arrangements are informal and vary by farm.

Winter activities

Cross-country skiing (Langlauf) has a long tradition here, and several villages maintain groomed tracks. Snowshoeing on marked winter routes is increasingly popular. Downhill skiing is more limited than in neighboring Tyrol, though small local ski areas exist. Verify current lift and piste information locally before planning a ski trip.

Villages worth exploring

• Schwarzenberg: Notable for its historic Angelika Kauffmann Museum (dedicated to the 18th-century painter born nearby) and a well-preserved village center.
• Schoppernau and Schröcken: Quieter villages at higher elevation, good bases for mountain walks.
• Bezau: The main hub of the central Bregenzerwald, with regular markets and good transport connections.
• Andelsbuch: Home to the Werkraum and a center for contemporary craft.

The Bregenzerwald's culinary identity is rooted in dairy farming. Cheese is central to the local diet and appears in many forms: fresh curd cheeses, aged mountain cheeses, and whey-based preparations. Käsknöpfle — a baked pasta dish similar to the Allgäu's Käsespätzle, layered with local cheese and topped with fried onions — is the most emblematic regional dish and found on menus throughout the area.

Breads, soups with local dairy products, and dishes featuring foraged mushrooms or seasonal vegetables reflect a cooking tradition shaped by self-sufficiency and local agriculture. The region is not known for elaborate fine dining, but several village inns (Gasthäuser) serve honest, seasonal food of real quality.

Local apple juice and cider are produced in the valleys, and Vorarlberg has a small but growing craft beer scene. Austrian wine is widely available but is not locally produced; ask for Vorarlberg dairy products and locally foraged or grown ingredients where available.

Farm shops and market stalls in larger villages sell direct-from-producer cheese, butter, and preserves. These are worth seeking out both for quality and as a way to engage directly with the agricultural community that defines the region.

Emergency numbers

For all emergencies in Austria, 112 is the general European emergency number. 133 is the Austrian police number, 144 is the ambulance/emergency medical service, and 122 is the fire service. Verify these numbers remain current locally on arrival.

Money

The euro is the local currency. ATMs are found in larger villages such as Bezau and Schwarzenberg but are sparse in smaller communities. Carrying some cash is advisable. Card acceptance varies by establishment; smaller farms and family businesses often prefer or require cash.

Pharmacies and medical care

Small pharmacies (Apotheken) exist in several villages; larger towns such as Dornbirn and Bregenz have fuller medical facilities. Confirm locations and hours locally.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in restaurants and taxis; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is standard practice.

Useful resources

• Bregenzerwald tourism: bregenzerwald.at
• Vorarlberg regional transport: vorarlberg.at
• Austrian Federal Railways: oebb.at
• Werkraum Bregenzerwald: werkraum.at

The Bregenzerwald belongs to the Alemannic cultural zone, which stretches across Vorarlberg, Liechtenstein, much of German-speaking Switzerland, and parts of southern Germany. This gives the region cultural affinities that sometimes feel closer to Switzerland than to eastern Austria, a dynamic locals are often aware of and occasionally proud of.

Traditional dress (Tracht) is still worn at community festivals and church celebrations, though the styles are specific to Vorarlberg and differ from the more widely marketed Tyrolean versions. The annual Alpine cattle drives — the ascent to high pastures in early summer (Alpauffahrt) and the descent in autumn (Alpabfahrt) — remain genuine agricultural events that draw community participation.

The region has a long tradition of skilled woodworking and building craftsmanship, reflected both in historic structures and in the contemporary architecture for which the area has received international attention. A number of significant buildings by architects including Peter Zumthor (in neighboring Lech/Vorarlberg region) and local Vorarlberg practices are within reasonable driving distance, making the broader region of interest to architecture enthusiasts.

Religious life is predominantly Roman Catholic, and village churches are often the oldest and most architecturally notable structures in each settlement. Visitors should dress modestly and be quiet when churches are in use for services.