🗺️ Bregenzerwald: main sights, skiing and the lake stage

Bregenzerwald lies in the west of Austria, in the federal state of Vorarlberg. The region occupies the Bregenzer Ach valley and borders Switzerland and Germany. From Lake Constance it stretches south to the Arlberg massif.

The name is misleading. There are almost no continuous forest areas here: the gentle slopes of the Alpine mountains are covered with grass. The trees were cut down centuries ago to expand pastureland for livestock.

You will find dense forests only on the way from the lake to the Arlberg, on high peaks and in steep hollows. The rest of the area is taken up by villages, and each one preserves the traditions of its ancestors.

In summer people come here for hiking trails and opera on the water. The Seebühne in Bregenz opens its season on July 22, 2026 with the opera La Traviata (as of 09/2026, Bregenz Tourismus). The main places in the region and their opening hours are listed below.

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Region overview and its three parts

💡 In short:

Pick your season: skiing from December to April, hiking trails from June to September.
Choose your base by goal: Bregenz for opera and the lake, Egg or Bezau for the mountains.
Book accommodation in advance: in summer and during ski season, available rooms go fast.
Opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Bregenz website.

Bregenzerwald is conveniently divided into three parts. The western part faces Lake Constance, the central part climbs toward the pass, and the southern part runs to the Arlberg. Between these parts lie green valleys with villages.

A federal highway runs through the area. It takes you easily to any village and lets you breathe in the mountain air. Side roads lead to high alpine pastures, where cattle are brought up in summer.

The region lives on agriculture and tourism. Cheese, butter and yogurt from the alpine pastures are sold directly at the farms. Many villages have preserved old houses with wooden facades, and these are residential buildings, not decorations for tourists.

In summer, hiking and cycling routes of varying lengths are available. In winter, ski lifts and cross-country ski trails open.

Autumn mountain landscape in Bregenzerwald with Damülser Mittagspitze peak

Alberschwende ski resort

Alberschwende is often called the gateway to Bregenzerwald. It is equally close to Germany and Switzerland, so it is convenient to stop here in the first half of your trip.

The slopes here are gentle and wide. They suit beginners and families with children, not just experienced skiers. The high ranges to the east hold back moist air masses from the Atlantic, so there is plenty of snow.

The ski season usually starts in December and lasts until late March or early April. The main peak, Brüggelekopf, rises to 1,368 m, and the total length of the slopes reaches 29 km (as of 09/2026, Bergfex). One or two days will be enough to cover the whole resort.

Snow-covered village of Alberschwende with church and houses in winter

Many people come here not only for skiing. Walks through the surrounding forests and villages take up no less time than skiing. In winter, toboggan runs and cross-country trails are also available.

Alberschwende is known for another fact as well. Hermann Gmeiner, the founder and first president of SOS-Kinderdorf, was born here. He proposed the concept of family-type children's homes, which was later adopted in many countries.

Sights in Bregenz and the region

The list below will help you decide what to see first.

Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey

Wettingen-Mehrerau Abbey stands near Alberschwende, right by Bregenz. It is an active Cistercian monastery headed by an abbot and a center of Catholic life in the region.

Mehrerau Abbey with church tower by the lake

The abbey is worth a visit if you are interested in the history of monasteries.

Martinsturm tower

Martinsturm is considered the symbol of Bregenz. Everyone recognizes the tower by its wooden dome, which is visible from the lake. The upper floors house a weapons museum, and an observation deck is open at the top.

The deck offers a view of the city and Lake Constance. The tower is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (as of 09/2026, city of Bregenz). Monday is a day off, and on that day you will not see anything.

Martinsturm tower with onion dome in Bregenz

The lakeside stage Seebühne

A floating stage called Seebühne operates on Lake Constance. Festivals have been held here since the mid-20th century, and the audience watches performances from the shore.

Water scene with snow-covered village and moon

The stage seats thousands of spectators, so tickets for summer premieres sell out well in advance. In 2026, Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata is being performed here (as of 09/2026, Bregenz tourist office website). If you are planning a trip in July or August, book your seats in the spring.

Alpsennereimuseum in Hittisau

The Alpsennereimuseum, a museum of Alpine cheesemaking, operates in the Hittisau valley. Hittisau is considered the municipality with the most Alpine pastures in Austria: there are around 120 alps here. The museum opened in 1980 and moved to its current location in 2011, and inside you will see a historic cheese dairy and around 80 exhibits (as of 09/2026, Bregenzerwald Tourismus).

The village of Schröcken

Schröcken lies in the southeast of the region and has a population of just a couple of hundred people. The village is notable for its church, which was built on the site of a dilapidated place of worship.

The Nazarene style was chosen for the construction. That is why the local church does not look like its neighbors. It is worth stopping here on the way to the Arlberg if you are traveling by car.

Village of Schröcken in the Alps with snowy mountains in the background

Egg, the center of the region

Egg is considered the center of the Bregenzerwald. The ascent to the highest point in the area starts from here. The walk takes several hours, and you will need comfortable shoes.

Snow-covered valley with village and mountains in winter

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The parish church of St. Nicholas was built here in the late nineteenth century and later fully restored. The local museum houses a collection on the culture and daily life of an Alpine village.

Women in Egg wear traditional dress not only on holidays but also on ordinary days. For many tourists, this becomes a highlight in itself.

Bezau and the cable car

A cable car called Seilbahn Bezau operates in Bezau. It takes you up to the Niedere ridge and the Baumgarten viewing platform, from where the entire Bregenzerwald is visible.

The cable car is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (as of 09/2026, Seilbahn Bezau). At the top, a panoramic restaurant and walking trails await you. This is the best option if you want to see the region without a long climb.

Tours and tickets in Bregenz

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Bregenzerwald?

In summer, from June to September, hiking trails, cable cars, and the lake stage are open. In winter, from December to April, the ski season begins. November is a quiet off-season, but many lifts and museums are closed, so plan your trip in advance.

How do you get to Bregenzerwald?

The most convenient way is by train to Bregenz or Dornbirn, then by bus. A federal highway runs through the region, so by car you can quickly reach any village. Public transport connects the main villages, but it rarely goes to high alpine pastures.

What to see in one day?

Start with Bregenz: climb the Martinsturm and walk to the lake stage. Then head to Alberschwende or take the Seilbahn Bezau cable car. One day is enough to see the lake, the tower, and the mountains.

Can you ski with children?

Yes, Alberschwende is well suited for that. More experienced skiers will enjoy steeper sections and neighboring resorts. The season often lasts until early April.

In short: what to book

Bregenzerwald is easy to explore in two or three days. If you only have one day, choose Bregenz: the Martinsturm tower, the lake stage, and a walk along the shore. If you are with children and skiing, choose Alberschwende. For panoramic views and a mountaintop restaurant, head to Bezau.

Tickets for the lake stage and hotel rooms sell out in advance, so book them in the spring. You can find suitable accommodation in the region on Trip.com.

Bregenzerwald: mountains, lake and villages of western Austria