Sights in Bregenz

The medieval buildings tell of a time long past and many exciting, spine-chilling stories. Far removed from the tourist bustle of Lake Constance, the Upper Town is protected by its fortification walls. Walk through the historic city gate, leave the present behind, and step into a mystical, magical world. Until two years ago, the “tower keeper” of Bregenz still lived in the Martinsturm. The former prison was housed in the Federal Monuments Office. The largest half-timbered building in the city is the old town hall. The Upper Town is a place of tranquility that has retained a touch of chill and eeriness to this day.

If you want to see the Alpine peaks and the entire region from above, head to Bregenz’s most famous lookout point: the Pfänder. This is the local mountain of the people of Bregenz. Just a few minutes from the harbor, the Pfänderbahn takes you all the way to the top at an elevation of 600 meters. The ride takes just 6 minutes until you reach the summit at an elevation of 1,064 meters. What you’ll see then is the region’s full diversity and the deep-blue Lake Constance with its many tranquil villages and towns.

The city’s outstanding convention center can accommodate up to 4,500 guests. It is located directly on Lake Constance and is one of Austria’s international event venues. Every year, more than 400,000 guests visit the Festspielhaus, which is known for hosting a wide variety of events. Whether it’s art, culture, music, theater, or entertainment, the Festspielhaus’s diverse program has something for everyone.

Its long and rich history also makes Bregenz a Baroque city. Take a stroll through the streets, and you’ll find Baroque influences practically around every corner. But this centuries-old architectural tradition is most evident in the churches and in the opulent architectural style of the 17th and 18th centuries. This creates an impressive backdrop and is well worth a visit.

Exhibitions are held year-round at the Martinsturm. From the window gallery, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Upper Town of Bregenz all the way to Lake Constance. The tower is both a unique structure and a local landmark. Since the city’s founding in 1250, it has served as Bregenz’s granary. Yet it wasn’t even taller than the city wall. The basement, ground floor, and a small chapel have been part of the tower since the 14th century, and the tower has plenty of fascinating stories to tell.
The tower is open from May through October, Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. Be inspired by the many sights in Bregenz and spend a whole day in this charming state capital on Lake Constance.