Overview
Bregenzerwald is a forested alpine valley region in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, stretching roughly east from Bregenz toward the Arlberg. It comprises around 20 small villages and market towns, the largest of which include Egg, Bezau, Mellau, Au, and Schoppernau. The landscape transitions from gently rolling foothills near Bregenz to steep, snow-capped peaks in the inner valley.
The region is unusual in that it has maintained strong cultural continuity: traditional Vorarlberg vernacular architecture — characterized by wooden shingle roofs, wide overhanging eaves, and whitewashed stone bases — sits alongside a remarkably lively contemporary design culture. The Vorarlberg school of architecture, which emerged in the late 20th century, has its roots here, and the two coexist in an understated way that rewards attentive visitors.
Bregenzerwald is not a mass-tourism destination. Crowds are modest by Alpine standards, infrastructure is well-maintained without being over-commercialized, and the pace suits travelers who want to walk, eat well, and pay attention to their surroundings rather than tick off sights.
Before You Go
Visas
Austria is a Schengen Area member state. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the Austrian Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Austrian embassy well before travel.
Health and Insurance
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its UK equivalent (GHIC) covers EU/UK residents for emergency medical care in Austria. All other travelers should carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes mountain rescue, as helicopter rescue operations in the Alps can be very expensive. Verify coverage details with your insurer before departure.
Seasonal Considerations
- Winter (Dec–Mar): Snow is reliable at higher elevations; roads can be icy and winter tires or chains may be required. Book accommodation early around Christmas and school holidays.
- Summer (Jun–Sep): Ideal for hiking; cable cars and lifts operate in summer timetables. Wildflower meadows are at their best in June and July.
- Shoulder (Apr–May, Oct–Nov): Some mountain facilities close; many hotels take a break between seasons. Verify openings before travel.
Packing
Bring layers regardless of season. Weather can change rapidly at altitude. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended even for casual visitors.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest international airport is Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) in Germany, approximately 40–50 km from the valley entrance at Bregenz. Zurich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland is a larger hub with more connections and is roughly 120 km away. Innsbruck Airport (INN) is another option, depending on your onward route. Verify current ground transport links from each airport before booking.
By Train
Bregenz, the gateway city to Bregenzerwald, is on the main Vorarlberg rail line with connections to Innsbruck, Zurich, and Munich. From Bregenz, bus services run into the valley. The Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) website (oebb.at) is the authoritative source for schedules and fares.
By Car
The A14 Rheintalautobahn connects Bregenz to the rest of Austria. From Bregenz, the Bregenzerwald Bundesstraße (B200) leads directly into the valley. Having a car significantly increases flexibility, particularly for reaching smaller villages and trailheads. Be aware that winter road conditions require appropriate tires.
By Bus
The Landbus Bregenzerwald operates a network of regional buses connecting the valley villages. This is a practical option for those without a car, though frequency diminishes toward the inner valley. Check current timetables at vmobil.at.
Getting Around
Regional Bus Network
The Landbus Bregenzerwald is the backbone of public transport within the valley. It connects most settlements and runs with reasonable frequency during peak seasons. The Vorarlberg public transport network (vmobil.at) offers integrated ticketing and timetable information. A Vorarlberg day pass or the KlimaTicket Austria may offer good value depending on your plans — verify current pricing and validity on the official sites.
By Car
A rental car or your own vehicle gives the most freedom, especially for reaching alpine meadows, smaller hamlets, and trailheads not served by buses. Parking is generally available in village centers, though it can fill up at popular trailheads on summer weekends.
Cable Cars and Lifts
Several valley towns operate cable cars and gondolas that access higher terrain. These typically run in winter (ski season) and summer (hiking season) but close during shoulder periods. Bezau's cable car to the Baumgarten area is one example. Verify operating seasons and hours locally or on the relevant lift company's website before making plans around them.
Cycling
Bregenzerwald has a developing network of cycling routes, including sections suitable for e-bikes. E-bike rental is available in some villages — verify locally.
Where to Stay
Accommodation Types
Bregenzerwald's accommodation leans toward family-run guesthouses (Pensionen), traditional inns (Gasthöfe), and farm-stays (Urlaub am Bauernhof). There are also a handful of larger hotels in towns such as Bezau and Mellau. Design-conscious travelers should note that a small number of architecturally significant properties exist in the valley — these are worth researching before booking, as they combine good design with genuine hospitality rather than spectacle.
Booking Advice
Peak periods — Christmas to New Year, February school holidays in German-speaking countries, and July–August — book up well in advance. Shoulder season (May and November) may see reduced options as many establishments take a break. The regional tourism office at bregenzerwald.at lists accommodation options and can help orient first-time visitors.
Pricing
Expect mid-range Austrian alpine pricing, broadly comparable to other Vorarlberg valley destinations. Half-board (Halbpension) arrangements — bed, breakfast, and dinner — are common and often represent good value compared to eating entirely at separate restaurants. Verify current rates directly with properties.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
Hiking is the defining outdoor activity. The valley offers trails across a wide range of difficulty levels, from easy meadow walks near villages to demanding ridge routes. The Bregenzerwald Höhenweg is a multi-day hiking route traversing the region's higher terrain. Trail maps are available at local tourist offices and at hüttes (mountain huts) along the way.
Skiing and Winter Sports
The Bregenzerwald Ski Region links several resorts including those at Mellau, Damüls, and Schoppernau/Au, collectively offering a substantial number of piste kilometers. Damüls in particular receives heavy snowfall and has historically ranked among Austria's snowiest ski resorts. Ski passes, equipment rental, and ski school services are available in resort towns — verify current pricing locally or through the resort websites.
Werkraum Bregenzerwald
The Werkraum in Andelsbuch is a cooperative that brings together craftspeople and architects from the region. Its building — designed by Peter Zumthor — is architecturally significant in itself. The Werkraum organizes exhibitions, open studio days, and an annual open-house weekend (Werkraum Woche) that lets visitors enter workshops and meet makers. Dates and openings should be verified at werkraum.at.
Architecture Exploration
The concentration of award-winning contemporary buildings by Vorarlberg architects alongside traditional timber farmhouses makes the valley genuinely interesting for architecture enthusiasts. Many buildings are private, so observe respectfully from public areas. The Architekturbüro Cukrowicz Nachbaur and others have projects throughout the valley that can be identified through Vorarlberg architecture guides available locally.
Cheese Roads and Dairies
The Bregenzerwald Käsestrasse (Cheese Road) connects local dairies, alpine farms, and cheese producers. The region produces well-regarded mountain cheeses, and several dairies welcome visitors. Verify which are open to the public and whether visits require prior arrangement at kaesestrasse.at.
Swimming and Lakes
In summer, the valley's rivers and some smaller lakes offer swimming spots. The Mellauer Ache and other streams run cold and clear. Schoppernau's immediate surroundings offer accessible family-friendly nature areas.
Food & Drink
Regional Cuisine
Bregenzerwald cooking draws on the broader Vorarlberg tradition: dairy-heavy, hearty, and rooted in alpine farming. Dishes to look for include Käsknöpfle (a baked cheese-and-egg pasta similar to Spätzle, finished with caramelized onions), Riebel (a toasted cornmeal dish often served at breakfast), and a range of local cured meats and sausages. Cheese in many forms — fresh, aged, and melted — appears throughout menus.
Local Cheese and Dairy
The Bregenzerwald is one of the most significant cheese-producing areas in Austria. Mountain cheese (Bergkäse) made from raw milk during the summer alpage (when cattle graze high pastures) is particularly valued. Local shops, farm stalls, and many restaurants sell or serve regional cheeses. The flavors vary noticeably by producer and season.
Restaurants and Gasthouses
The valley has a number of well-regarded gasthäuser (traditional inns) and a smaller number of restaurants with broader culinary ambitions. Several establishments have received recognition from Austrian food guides. Because the valley is spread across many small villages rather than one center, dining options in any given location may be limited — plan meals accordingly, particularly in shoulder season when some establishments close.
Drinks
Austrian wines from other regions are widely available. Local schnapps (fruit brandy) distilled from plums, pears, and other alpine fruits is common as a digestif. Beer served is generally Austrian or German lager styles. Non-alcoholic options include fresh buttermilk and various dairy drinks at farm shops.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
In Austria, the general emergency number is 112 (EU standard). Mountain rescue can be reached via 140 in Austria. Verify these numbers on arrival, as they are long-established but it is always sensible to confirm locally.
Money
ATMs are available in larger villages such as Bezau and Egg. Smaller establishments, farm shops, and mountain huts may be cash-only. Carry euros in small denominations when venturing away from village centers.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (major Austrian operators) is generally adequate in the main valley and villages but can be patchy or absent in high terrain. Download offline maps (e.g., maps.me or Komoot hiking maps for the area) before departing from areas with reliable connectivity.
Tourist Information
The regional tourism organization Bregenzerwald Tourismus operates a website at bregenzerwald.at and maintains visitor information points in several valley communities. Staff can advise on current trail conditions, local events, and accommodation.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Craft and Design Tradition
The Werkraum cooperative represents an unusual regional commitment to quality craft. Carpenters, glassworkers, textile makers, and other artisans are organized into a network that emphasizes both traditional skill and contemporary design thinking. This is not a museum culture — it is a living working community, and visitors who engage with it seriously are treated accordingly.
Traditional Dress and Festivals
Vorarlberg has its own distinct traditional costume (Tracht), different from the Tyrolean Dirndl and Lederhosen more commonly associated with Austria abroad. Festive occasions, including religious holidays and local festivals, may feature traditional dress worn without self-consciousness. Visitors are welcome to observe, and should do so respectfully.
Language
The local dialect (Vorarlbergerisch) is noticeably different from standard German and can be difficult even for other German speakers to follow. Standard German is understood everywhere. English is spoken in hotels and tourist-oriented businesses; less reliably in small farm shops or remote huts.
Religious Life
The valley is predominantly Roman Catholic, and church life remains visible — bell schedules, religious festivals, and roadside shrines are part of the landscape. Visitors are welcome in churches but should dress and behave appropriately.
