Excursions

Every child knows that cheese is made from milk. But hardly anyone knows how milk is turned into cheese. So why not finally get to the bottom of this mystery and, while doing so, take the opportunity to nibble a little of your favourite dairy product?

Vorarlberg is blessed by an abundance of water. From glacial ice to the shores of Lake Constance, the crystal-clear wet stuff seeks its way, is collected, filtered, drunk and – increasingly – is converted into electricity.

The history of silver mining at Kristberg stretches back over 1000 years. For more than half this time, a little church in honour of St. Agatha has perched high up overlooking Silbertal, the “Silver Valley”. 

Messe Dornbirn is an ideal option for when the weather leads your group to consider indoor activities. Covering an area of over 1,236,544 m², this exhibition centre bears testament to Vorarlberg's vibrant society and economy. 

Situated right in the city centre, Feldkirch’s Montforthaus hosts various congresses and events all year round. Stunningly renovated in 2015, the building’s ultra-modern façade nestles smoothly between the city’s medieval structures. A new range of tours offer a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes, giving visitors insights into the hosting of exhibitions, congresses, concerts and trade fairs.

Cobbled streets and romantic arcades lead visitors through the Feldkirch’s old town. The Schattenburg castle towers mightily above it, regaling with stories of times gone by. 

Vorarlberg has a long tradition of small-scale agriculture. Most farmers here live from dairy farming. The milk is used in numerous alpine dairies and in summer months in the Alps to make its Bergkäse, a tangy hard cheese. 

This historic steamship first graced the Lake Constance waters back in 1913 and in the 21st century it retains a timeless charm and elegance. The flair of its decks, the chic salons, and the mighty steam engine whisk visitors back in time to days gone by.

This interactive centre is the region’s most visited museum and one of the most high-tech nature museums in Europe, with underwater cinema, avalanche simulator, science centre, and more. 

Werkraum is home to various forward-thinking and traditionally-rooted craftspeople from the Bregenzerwald area. The visionary building was designed by world-famous architect Peter Zumthor but built and fitted out by the collective might of the local craftsmen themselves.

This palace is regarded as one of the most important Renaissance buildings in western Austria. Its construction dates back to Cardinal Markus Sitticus III of Hohenems. The palace is now owned and lived in by the Waldburg-Zeil family: Countess Stephanie Waldburg-Zeil can even give a personal tour of the palace on request.

Vorarlberg has a long and proud history of beer brewing. In fact, in years gone by almost every inn brewed its own beer. A number of these traditional breweries are still active today, such as the Fohrenburger brewery in Bludenz, the Mohren brewery in Dornbirn, the Egg brewery and the Frastanz brewery cooperative.

The Zeppelin Museum has long drawn visitors to Lake Constance. Here you can experience the varied developments in the history of aviation and even walk through a model Zeppelin. In fact, the museum offers the world's most extensive and important collection on the history and technology of Zeppelin airship travel. 

Austria Guides offer a magical walking tour to the most beautiful and distinctive points of the city, such as the lakeside promenade, the harbour and the cultural mile.

The centuries-old Martinsturm tower in Bregenz is the main landmark of Vorarlberg’s capital. One of the must-see historical sights on Lake Constance, its baroque onion-shaped dome towers over the roofs of the city.