Start with the essentials
Plan Vorarlberg at a glance
- Best for
- Lake Constance and western Alpine villages
- Suggested time
- 4 to 7 days
- Main connection
- Bregenz and Bludenz rail corridors
About Vorarlberg
Why explore Vorarlberg
Bregenz sits on Lake Constance near the German and Swiss borders. Lech and Zürs lie high in the Arlberg area and require a separate bus or road journey from the main rail line.
A short trip should choose lake or mountain. Combining both works better with at least four nights and a clear transfer day.
Plan the region
Bregenz sits on Lake Constance near the German and Swiss borders. Lech and Zürs lie high in the Arlberg area and require a separate bus or road journey from the main rail line.
Choose where to spend your time
Places to explore
2 guides
Bregenz
Bregenz is a compact Austrian city on Lake Constance, with a waterfront festival stage and wooded Pfänder rising behind it.
Open guide
Lech Zürs am Arlberg
Lech and Zürs are high Arlberg villages in Vorarlberg, reached by road and bus rather than a village railway station.
Open guideBuild a coherent route
Plan by area
Bregenz
Bregenz is a compact Austrian city on Lake Constance, with a waterfront festival stage and wooded Pfänder rising behind it.
Lech Zürs am Arlberg
Lech and Zürs are high Arlberg villages in Vorarlberg, reached by road and bus rather than a village railway station.
See the main travel bases
See the main places in Vorarlberg
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Use the map to compare the main bases before planning local transport.
Match the route to your time
What fits into your trip
A practical first visit
Bregenz sits on Lake Constance near the German and Swiss borders. Lech and Zürs lie high in the Arlberg area and require a separate bus or road journey from the main rail line.
Link the stops sensibly
Routes and day trips
Bregenz combines a compact centre, Pfänder access and a waterfront shaped by the summer festival calendar.
Suggested regional routes
Bregenz
Bregenz’s station sits between the centre and lake, making the waterfront easy to reach. The Oberstadt provides a smaller historic quarter around the Martinsturm.
Open destination guideLech Zürs am Arlberg
Lech has the larger village centre and broader year-round identity, while Zürs sits higher along the pass road and focuses closely on mountain access. Both can be quiet outside the main winter and summer seasons.
Open destination guideChoose transport by destination
Getting around Vorarlberg
Bregenz is well placed for Germany and Switzerland, but ticket and timetable details vary by operator.
Suggested time
4 to 7 days
Main connection
Bregenz and Bludenz rail corridors
Choose dates that suit the route
When to visit
Mountain access routes may use seasonal closures, restrictions or winter equipment rules.
Read the seasonal guide for AustriaAvoid common route problems
Planning checks
How long should I spend in Vorarlberg?
Two days suit Bregenz. Add three or four days for Lech Zürs and a transfer day.
Can I explore Vorarlberg without a car?
Bregenz is easy by rail. Lech Zürs is reachable by bus, though a car adds flexibility when roads and parking allow.
What should I check before travelling through Vorarlberg?
Confirm the dated transport, opening information and conditions for the exact places in the route.
Quick answers
Questions about Vorarlberg
How long should I spend in Vorarlberg?
Two days suit Bregenz. Add three or four days for Lech Zürs and a transfer day.
Can I explore Vorarlberg without a car?
Bregenz is easy by rail. Lech Zürs is reachable by bus, though a car adds flexibility when roads and parking allow.
What should I check before travelling through Vorarlberg?
Confirm the dated transport, opening information and conditions for the exact places in the route.
How this guide is checked
Sources and review
Reviewed 3 September 2026, next review due 3 March 2027. Services, access rules and opening arrangements can change, so check the official source before travel.
- Official Austria travel information, Austrian National Tourist Office
- Austrian rail timetable and service updates, ÖBB
- Official Bregenz visitor information, Bregenz Tourism
- Official Lech Zürs visitor information, Lech Zürs Tourism
- Official Vorarlberg visitor information, Vorarlberg Tourism
Continue through Austria
Regions that connect naturally
Lech Zürs am Arlberg
Lech and Zürs are high Arlberg villages in Vorarlberg, reached by road and bus rather than a village railway station.
Continue planning
See more of Austria
Use the country guide to compare Vorarlberg with other regions and destinations in Austria.