Vorarlberg Highlights Tour
AI-generated illustration • AI-generated illustration

Vorarlberg Highlights Tour

7-day journey through Austria's westernmost alpine state

7 days • Moderate difficulty • Est. €533

Day 1: Arrival in Bregenz & Lake Constance Shores

Arrive in Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg. Explore the modern architecture, walk along the lake promenade, and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

  • 10:00

    Arrival and Check-in

    Arrive in Bregenz, drop off luggage at hotel, and orient yourself in the city center.

  • 11:00

    Visit the Pfahl (Pile)

    Explore the iconic wooden structure on Lake Constance, designed by Peter Zumthor. It offers great views and hosts cultural events.

  • 12:30

    Walk through the Old Town

    Stroll through the historic center, visiting the Market Square and the St. Martin's Minster.

  • 15:00

    Lake Constance Promenade Walk

    Relax with a walk along the lakefront, enjoying the views of the Swiss and German shores.

  • 17:30

    Kunsthaus Bregenz Exterior

    View the striking white tent-like structure of the Kunsthaus, a landmark of modern architecture.

Meals: Lunch at Market Square Bregenz , Dinner at Restaurant near Lake

Where to stay: Stay in Bregenz city center for easy access to the lake and attractions.

Getting around: Walking is sufficient for this day. Public transport available if needed.

Day 2: The Montafon Valley & Schruns

Drive north into the Montafon valley. Explore the traditional wooden architecture of Schruns and enjoy the alpine scenery.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Schruns

    Drive from Bregenz to Schruns in the Montafon valley (approx. 45 mins).

  • 10:00

    Explore Schruns Village

    Walk through the charming village center, known for its well-preserved wooden houses and the 'Schruns' sign.

  • 12:00

    Montafon Museum

    Visit the regional museum to learn about the history and culture of the Montafon valley.

  • 14:00

    Short Hike towards Gargellen

    Take a gentle walk or drive up towards Gargellen for stunning mountain views.

  • 16:00

    Silvretta High Alpine Road Viewpoint

    Visit a viewpoint along the famous Silvretta High Alpine Road for panoramic views.

Meals: Lunch at Alpine Hut in Montafon , Dinner at Traditional Gasthof in Schruns

Where to stay: Stay in Schruns or nearby Gaschurn for a quiet alpine experience.

Getting around: Car is essential for this day to navigate the valley and mountain roads.

Day 3: Brandnertal & Wine Culture

Explore the Brandnertal valley, known for its wine production and the scenic Brandner Kehl cable car.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Brand

    Short drive from Schruns to the Brandnertal valley.

  • 10:00

    Ride Brandner Kehl Cable Car

    Take the cable car up to Brandner Kehl for breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding peaks.

  • 12:30

    Wine Tasting in Brand

    Visit a local winery in Brand to taste regional wines, particularly the famous Blaufränkisch.

  • 14:00

    Hiking in Brandnertal

    Enjoy a moderate hike through the vineyards and alpine meadows.

  • 16:00

    Brand Church

    Visit the historic church in Brand, a notable landmark in the valley.

Meals: Lunch at Restaurant at Brandner Kehl , Dinner at Wine Restaurant in Brand

Where to stay: Stay in Brand or return to Schruns.

Getting around: Car is recommended for valley access.

Day 4: Lake Constance & Lindau

Cross the border to Germany for a day trip to Lindau, a picturesque island city in Lake Constance.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Lindau

    Drive from Bregenz to Lindau, Germany (approx. 30 mins).

  • 10:00

    Explore Lindau Old Town

    Walk through the charming medieval old town on the island, visiting the Rathaus and harbor.

  • 12:00

    Lindau Lion Monument

    Visit the iconic lion statue at the harbor entrance.

  • 13:00

    Island Gardens

    Relax in the beautiful gardens on the island.

  • 15:00

    Cafe Hopping

    Enjoy coffee and cake at a traditional German cafe with lake views.

  • 17:00

    Return to Bregenz

    Drive back to Bregenz.

Meals: Lunch at Seafood Restaurant in Lindau , Dinner at Restaurant in Bregenz

Where to stay: Return to Bregenz accommodation.

Getting around: Car is needed for the cross-border trip.

Day 5: Dornbirn & The Rhine Valley

Explore Dornbirn, the second-largest city in Vorarlberg, and the industrial heritage of the Rhine valley.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Dornbirn

    Short drive from Bregenz to Dornbirn.

  • 10:00

    Vorarlberg Museum

    Explore the regional museum focusing on culture, history, and the textile industry.

  • 12:00

    Dornbirn Old Town

    Walk through the historic center, visiting the Stadtpfarrkirche.

  • 13:00

    Rhine Promenade

    Walk along the Rhine river, enjoying the green spaces.

  • 15:00

    Shopping in Dornbirn

    Browse local shops and boutiques.

  • 17:00

    Drive to Bludenz

    Drive to Bludenz for the next day's exploration.

Meals: Lunch at Restaurant in Dornbirn , Dinner at Hotel Restaurant in Bludenz

Where to stay: Stay in Bludenz.

Getting around: Car is recommended.

Day 6: Bludenz & Lech Valley

Explore Bludenz and drive up to the scenic Lech Valley, known for its luxury resorts and stunning alpine scenery.

  • 09:00

    Drive to Lech

    Drive from Bludenz to Lech am Arlberg (approx. 45 mins).

  • 10:00

    Explore Lech Village

    Walk through the upscale village, known for its traditional architecture and luxury shops.

  • 12:00

    Lech River Walk

    Stroll along the Lech river, enjoying the clear water and surrounding mountains.

  • 13:00

    Hiking in Lech

    Take a moderate hike in the surrounding alpine meadows.

  • 15:30

    Lech Church

    Visit the historic church in Lech.

  • 17:00

    Return to Bludenz

    Drive back to Bludenz.

Meals: Lunch at Alpine Restaurant in Lech , Dinner at Restaurant in Bludenz

Where to stay: Stay in Bludenz.

Getting around: Car is essential for this day.

Day 7: Arlberg Pass & Departure

Drive over the Arlberg Pass, visit St. Anton am Arlberg, and depart from Vorarlberg.

  • 09:00

    Drive to St. Anton

    Drive from Bludenz to St. Anton am Arlberg via the Arlberg Pass.

  • 10:00

    Explore St. Anton am Arlberg

    Visit the famous ski resort village, known for its challenging slopes and vibrant après-ski scene.

  • 12:00

    Arlberg Pass Viewpoint

    Stop at the Arlberg Pass for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

  • 13:00

    St. Anton Church

    Visit the historic parish church in St. Anton.

  • 15:00

    Coffee Break

    Enjoy a final coffee in St. Anton before departure.

  • 17:00

    Departure

    Drive towards your next destination or airport.

Meals: Lunch at Restaurant in St. Anton , Dinner at Restaurant en route

Where to stay: No overnight stay if departing same day, or stay in St. Anton if extending trip.

Getting around: Car is essential.

Practical Information

Vorarlberg is accessible year-round, but the optimal visiting periods are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October). During these months, temperatures are mild, ideal for hiking, and crowds are thinner than in peak summer. Winter offers excellent skiing in the Alps, particularly in Montafon and Lech, while summer is best for lake activities on Lake Constance. Note that mountain weather changes rapidly; always check local forecasts before heading to higher elevations. Getting around requires a car for maximum flexibility, as public transport, while reliable, may not reach remote alpine huts or smaller villages efficiently. The region is well-connected by rail to Zurich, Munich, and Innsbruck. Once in Vorarlberg, the Vorarlberg Ticket allows unlimited travel on regional trains and buses. For those preferring not to drive, the "Green Mobility" network includes electric car-sharing options and extensive cycling paths, particularly around Lake Constance. Accommodation ranges from luxury alpine hotels in Lech and Zurs to budget-friendly pensions in Dornbirn and Bregenz. For a central base, consider Bregenz for lake access and cultural sites, or Bludenz for easier access to the Montafon valley. Booking in advance is crucial during ski season and summer holidays. Many guesthouses offer half-board options, which can simplify dining and support local agriculture. Budget-wise, Vorarlberg is comparable to other Austrian regions. Costs are higher in resort areas like Lech. A mid-range budget should account for €80–€120 per night for accommodation, €15–€25 per meal, and €10–€15 for daily activities. The Vorarlberg Card offers free entry to many museums, thermal baths, and public transport, providing significant value for tourists. Pack sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing for variable mountain weather, and swimwear for Lake Constance. Bring a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe and abundant. Essential items include sunscreen, insect repellent, and a power adapter (Type C/F). Respect local customs by keeping noise levels down in residential areas and adhering to marked hiking trails to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem. Always carry cash, as some rural mountain huts may not accept cards.

Book your stay

More Itineraries

← Back to Itineraries