Vorarlberg in Summer
Holidays between mountains, Lake Constance and architecture

Vorarlberg is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, nestled between Lake Constance and the Alps. Its people add a unique touch to high culture and modern architecture

As Austria's westernmost province, Vorarlberg is a dream destination for summer lovers. Between its peaks and valleys lies a region that invites you to relax and enjoy. The warm season brings out the best of Vorarlberg’s scenic and culinary treasures. A cultural highlight is the Bregenz Festival, with its spectacular opera performances on the floating stage at Lake Constance, creating magical summer evenings.

Lake Constance

Lake Constance stretches out like a sparkling jewel against the backdrop of the Vorarlberg Alps. Its shores buzz with summer activity and joy for life: Sailing boats glide across the water while cyclists explore the lakeside paths. For those who prefer a quieter pace, the clear lake air is best enjoyed on a peaceful stroll or by taking a refreshing dip in the water. Bregenz itself offers a wealth of culture and exciting sights to discover.

Active and Sustainable

In summer, Vorarlberg is a paradise for active holidaymakers. Dense forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear mountain lakes offer the perfect backdrop to experience nature in all its glory. At the same time, protecting this unique environment is a key priority: The "Nature Diversity Vorarlberg" initiative ensures that sustainable tourism and environmental preservation go hand in hand, safeguarding the region’s beauty for future generations.

Fresh and Local

Summer in Vorarlberg also brings the finest local produce to the table. Sun-kissed alpine pastures provide fresh ingredients for culinary delights. Cheese, particularly from the mountains of Bregenzerwald, is still traditionally made in numerous dairies and is of the highest quality. Along the Bregenzerwald Cheese Route, farms and guesthouses offer culinary adventures where you can truly taste the region’s distinctive flavours.

Quick info about Vorarlberg
Capital city:Bregenz
Area:2.600 km²
Population:approx. 394,000 (as of 2024)
Biosphere reserve:1
Nature parks:1
Piz Buin mountain:3.312m

All of Vorarlberg's holiday regions offer an Inclusive Card, valid for public transport, cable cars, museums, and much more - depending on the region.

Events in Vorarlberg
Traditional and modern highlights are shown in the Calendar of events

Meet Vorarlberg

Top highlights

Activities in Vorarlberg

Tours

Regions

Cities and places

Intangible UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Living Customs in Vorarlberg

On the first Sunday after Ash Wednesday, an ancient tradition ignites each year in many places across Vorarlberg: the traditional burning of sparks. This custom is intended to drive away winter and bring good luck to the people. Artfully stacked wooden towers are set ablaze, culminating in the explosion of the powder-filled "spark witch" at the top.

In Montafon, "Scheibenschlagen" is also celebrated on Spark Sunday. Discs made from alder and birch wood are placed on hazel sticks, ignited, and struck against a disc stick. The glowing discs create arcs of light in the darkness. This fiery spectacle is accompanied by music, along with delicious food and drink - especially the "Funkaküachli," a traditional yeast cake.

The most beautiful sights in Vorarlberg

Top events

Experience Culinary Vorarlberg!

Recipes

Unique places to stay

Climate Protection Info

Monument Protection: A Synonym for Sustainability

The preservation of historic buildings is an outstanding initiative in Austria for climate protection. Why is this important?

  • Monument preservation saves resources and prevents the sealing of green spaces.

  • It also plays a significant socio-cultural role: preserving these structures benefits the entire region and inspires guests with its historic architecture.

  • Many historic buildings are constructed from natural materials sourced locally. When repaired professionally, these regional materials are preferred to maintain their originality.

  • Additionally, the existence of various animal and plant species is protected. Monument preservation is a crucial step for ecological sustainability.

FAQs

Natural beauty meets cultural wealth in Vorarlberg, offering a wide range of summer activities. There’s something for everyone: nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure-seeking sportspeople alike.

Vorarlberg's ski resorts are renowned for their snow-sure conditions, with around two-thirds of the region situated above 1,000 m (3,281 ft). Many ski areas range from 1,400 m (4,593 ft) to 2,400 m (7,874 ft) in altitude. Vorarlberg offers numerous activities in winter:

Brandnertal: The valley in Vorarlberg offers impressive mountains, lakes, and Alpine meadows. It is an ideal destination for vacations with children and anyone seeking peace and natural relaxation.

Kleinwalsertal: Although geographically part of Vorarlberg, Kleinwalsertal can only be accessed via Germany. It is known for its Alpine landscape, featuring numerous hiking trails.

Klostertal: This tranquil valley impresses with its rich natural diversity and serves as a gateway to some of Austria's best-known ski resorts. In summer, the valley transforms into a hiking paradise with many routes through the alpine landscape.

Großes Walsertal: In this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, people have lived in harmony with nature for centuries, and the sustainable use of natural resources is a matter of course. The reserve is characterized by alpine meadows, forests, and mountain streams, where tradition and nature conservation complement each other.

This might also be interesting

Discover the Best of Austria

Sign up for our newsletter and enjoy exclusive access to:

  • Insider tips for your next Austrian holiday

  • Delicious recipes

  • Must-see events and cultural highlights

  • Special travel deals and offers