Overview
Vorarlberg is Austria's westernmost and second-smallest state (Bundesland), wedged between Germany to the north, Switzerland to the west, Liechtenstein to the southwest, and the main body of Austria to the east. Despite its compact size, it packs in considerable geographic variety: the eastern shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee), the Rhine valley, the densely forested Bregenzerwald hills, and the high Alpine terrain around the Arlberg pass.
The state capital, Bregenz, sits directly on Lake Constance and is best known for its open-air Bregenz Festival (Bregenzer Festspiele), a summer opera and theatre event staged on a floating lake stage. The Bregenzerwald subregion, stretching inland from Bregenz, is noted for a strong tradition of craftsmanship—particularly woodworking and architecture—and a distinctive regional cuisine centered on dairy products.
In the east, Vorarlberg borders Tyrol at the Arlberg pass, home to the interconnected ski areas of Lech, Zürs, Stuben, and St. Anton (the last technically in Tyrol). This area is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious ski destinations in the Alps. Culturally, Vorarlberg's Alemannic heritage sets it somewhat apart from eastern Austria, and residents have historically had close ties to neighboring Switzerland and southern Germany.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Austria is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Entry requirements vary by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Austrian immigration authority (BMI – Bundesministerium für Inneres) for current, personalized guidance before you travel.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for entry into Austria. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for winter sports activities, as mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation can be costly. EU/EEA nationals should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for public healthcare access; all other travelers should arrange comprehensive private coverage.
What to Pack
- Winter/ski trips: Layered thermal clothing, ski gear (or budget to rent locally), UV-protective sunglasses or goggles, and high-SPF sunscreen—UV exposure increases significantly at altitude.
- Summer trips: Light layers for evenings, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and sun protection.
- Year-round: Austrians typically dress neatly; smart-casual clothing is appropriate for restaurants and the Bregenz Festival.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest major international airport is Zurich (ZRH) in Switzerland, roughly 90–120 minutes by road or rail from Bregenz depending on your destination in Vorarlberg. Innsbruck Airport (INN) is an alternative for the Arlberg region. Munich Airport (MUC) is also within range, though transfer times are longer. Verify current transport connections at your time of travel.
By Rail
Vorarlberg is well connected to the Austrian and European rail network. Bregenz sits on a main line with direct or one-change connections from Zurich, Munich, Innsbruck, and Vienna. The regional railway (S-Bahn Vorarlberg) links Bregenz, Dornbirn, Feldkirch, and Bludenz. ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) operates most intercity services; check schedules and book at oebb.at.
By Road
Vorarlberg is easily reached by car via the A14 motorway (Rheintal/Walgau Autobahn). An Austrian motorway vignette (toll sticker) is required on Austrian motorways; these can be purchased at petrol stations and border crossings. The Arlberg road tunnel connects the state to Tyrol and the rest of Austria; a separate tunnel toll applies.
By Bus
FlixBus and other coach operators serve Bregenz and Feldkirch with connections to German and Swiss cities. Verify current routes and timetables directly with operators.
Getting Around
Public Transport
Vorarlberg has an integrated public transport network (Vorarlberg Linien) covering buses and the regional S-Bahn. A single regional pass covers buses and trains within the state and offers good value for multi-day exploration. Many ski resorts are accessible by ski-bus services included with a ski pass—verify this locally as arrangements vary by resort.
By Car
A car is the most flexible option for exploring the Bregenzerwald villages, the Großwalsertal, and smaller valley communities. Mountain roads can be narrow and are sometimes closed in winter due to snow or avalanche risk; check road conditions (ASFINAG, Vorarlberg traffic reports) before setting out in winter.
Cycling
The Rhine valley cycle path (Rheinradweg) is a popular, largely flat route suitable for recreational riders. The Bodensee-Radweg circles Lake Constance and passes through Bregenz. Off-road mountain biking trails are plentiful in summer, particularly in the Bregenzerwald.
Within Ski Resorts
Lech, Zürs, and the broader Arlberg ski area offer free or included ski-bus connections between villages. The lift systems link many sectors, reducing the need for a car once you are based in a resort.
Things to See & Do
Bregenz and Lake Constance
- Bregenz Festival (Bregenzer Festspiele): Held each summer (typically late July–August), the floating lake stage is one of Europe's most distinctive opera venues. Book tickets well in advance at the official festival website.
- Pfänder Mountain: Accessible by cable car from Bregenz, the Pfänder offers panoramic views over Lake Constance and into Switzerland, Germany, and Liechtenstein on clear days. Walking trails and a small wildlife park are nearby.
- Bregenz Old Town (Oberstadt): The upper old town includes the medieval Martinsturm tower and tower church, offering views over the lake.
- Lake Constance boat trips: Scheduled ferries and excursion boats connect Bregenz with the Austrian, German, and Swiss shores of the lake. Operators include Bodensee-Vorarlberg Tourismus-affiliated services; verify timetables locally.
Bregenzerwald
- Kunsthaus Bregenz: A prominent contemporary art museum in the lower town, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. One of Austria's most architecturally significant gallery spaces. Verify opening hours and current exhibitions on their official site.
- Bregenzerwald villages: Bezau, Schwarzenberg, and Schoppernau are among the most visited. Schwarzenberg hosts a small Angelika Kauffmann museum dedicated to the 18th-century painter who was born there.
- Cheese Route (Käsestraße Bregenzerwald): A themed route linking farms, dairies, and producers of the region's celebrated mountain cheese. Guided tastings and farm visits can be arranged; contact Bregenzerwald Tourismus for details.
Alpine and Skiing
- Arlberg ski area: One of the largest and most technically varied ski areas in the Alps, encompassing Lech, Zürs, Stuben, and St. Anton (Tyrol). Suitable for all levels, though the area is particularly known for off-piste and freeride terrain. Ski passes, rental, and lessons are available locally; prices change seasonally.
- Montafon valley: A broader ski and outdoor recreation area in southern Vorarlberg, with multiple resorts including Silvretta Montafon. Less crowded than the Arlberg and generally more affordable.
- Summer hiking: Well-marked trail networks spread across the state. The Bregenzerwald, Großes Walsertal (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), and Silvretta Alps all offer routes for varying fitness levels.
Food & Drink
Regional Cuisine
Vorarlberg's food culture is more closely aligned with neighboring Switzerland and the Allgäu region of southern Germany than with eastern Austrian cuisine. Dairy is central: the Bregenzerwald is a significant cheese-producing area, and Vorarlberg Bergkäse (a semi-hard mountain cheese with PDO status) and Vorarlberger Alpkäse are local staples.
Dishes to look for:
- Käsespätzle: Egg noodles layered with melted cheese and topped with crispy fried onions—often considered Vorarlberg's signature dish.
- Schnitzel and Wiener classics are available across the state, though they reflect a broader Austrian tradition rather than a specifically Vorarlberg one.
- Riebel: A traditional cornmeal or semolina dish, often served sweet with fruit compote or savory alongside meat.
- Hirsch and Reh (venison and roe deer): Seasonal game dishes appear on menus in autumn.
Drinks
- Austrian wine is not widely produced in Vorarlberg itself; the region sits at the northernmost edge of Alpine wine territory. Look instead for wines from the Wachau, Styria, or neighboring Swiss cantons.
- Local craft beers are produced by several small Vorarlberg breweries; ask locally for current producers.
- Schnapps distilled from local fruits (particularly plums and apples) is a traditional digestif across the state.
Where to Eat
Bregenz has the widest range of dining options, from casual lakeside cafés to more formal restaurants. In ski resorts, mountain huts (Almhütten) serve warm food and drinks on the slopes—quality varies considerably, so ask resort staff for recommendations. In the Bregenzerwald, family-run guesthouses (Gasthöfe) often serve the most authentic regional food.
Practical Information
Money
Austria uses the Euro. ATMs (Bankomaten) are widely available in Bregenz, Feldkirch, Dornbirn, and ski resort towns. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, though smaller farms, markets, and mountain huts may be cash-only. Carry some cash when visiting rural areas.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency (EU standard): 112
- Police: 133
- Fire: 122
- Mountain Rescue (Bergrettung): 140
- Ambulance: 144
Always verify these numbers are current before relying on them, as they can occasionally change.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good in towns and major valleys. Coverage can be patchy in remote mountain areas and deep valleys. Roaming within the EU/EEA is typically included in European mobile plans; travelers from outside the EU should check their operator's rates. Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafés, and some public spaces.
Electricity
Austria uses Type F (Schuko) sockets at 230V/50Hz. Travelers from North America, the UK, and some other regions will need adapters and possibly voltage converters for some devices.
Tipping
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or adding 5–10% is the norm. For taxis, rounding up is standard. At mountain huts and for ski instructors, small cash tips are appreciated.
Safety
Vorarlberg is generally a very safe destination. Petty crime rates are low, and violent crime affecting tourists is rare. Standard urban precautions apply in Bregenz, particularly around busy lakefront areas in summer.
Mountain Safety
The most significant safety risks in Vorarlberg relate to outdoor activities in Alpine terrain:
- Avalanche risk is real throughout winter and early spring. Before hiking or skiing off-piste, always check the daily avalanche bulletin (Lawinenlagebericht) issued by the Austrian avalanche warning service. Never venture into backcountry terrain without appropriate training, equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel), and ideally a qualified guide.
- Altitude and weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Even in summer, temperatures drop significantly above 2,000 m. Always check forecasts before setting out and carry appropriate clothing.
- Trail difficulty: Austrian trail difficulty markings (color-coded) are a reliable guide; do not attempt black or difficult alpine routes without relevant experience and equipment.
- Swimming in mountain lakes: Water temperatures in high-altitude lakes remain very cold even in summer. Cramps and cold shock are genuine risks.
If you are injured or in danger in the mountains, call 140 (mountain rescue) or 112. Give your GPS coordinates if possible—many Alpine hiking apps can provide these.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Vorarlberg's cultural identity is shaped by its Alemannic heritage, which it shares with neighboring Switzerland (particularly Graubünden and St. Gallen) and the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The local dialect—Vorarlbergerisch—is notably different from standard Viennese German and can be difficult for other German speakers to follow at first. English is spoken in most tourist-oriented businesses, especially in Bregenz and major ski resorts.
The Bregenzerwald has an unusually strong tradition of craft and contemporary architecture. The Werkraum Bregenzerwald, a cooperative of local craftspeople and designers, organizes exhibitions and events celebrating regional woodworking, textile production, and building culture; their dedicated building in Andelsbuch is itself an architectural attraction.
Folk customs remain active in some communities, including traditional costumes (Tracht) worn at festivals and religious celebrations. The agricultural calendar still shapes village life in the Bregenzerwald: the Almabtrieb (the ceremonial return of cattle from mountain pastures in autumn) is celebrated publicly in several communities, typically in September or October. Dates vary by year and village; check with local tourism offices.
