One Day in Bregenz, Austria: What to See & Do by Lake Constance
This was a fast trip for me, mainly motivated by a visit to the famous Seebühne. My friend had shown me some videos, and it looked so impressive that we decided to just drive there for a day. Bregenz is small and easy to explore, so one day is the perfect amount of time to enjoy this scenic Austrian town on Lake Constance (Bodensee).
Visit the old town
Start your day wandering through the Old Town, the medieval heart of the city. Here you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and remnants of the old city walls. The area has a calm, local vibe that contrasts with the lakeside bustle.
Art in the city
Bregenz has a reputation for contemporary art and culture. Even outside museums, you’ll notice sculptures and installations scattered throughout the city, which makes walking around feel like an open-air gallery. If you wonder why there’s a house with lots of zeros, me too. The Wikipedia article just says that this untitled art work intends to represent the difference between the imagined and the object. In any case, that’s 10×10-14 meters.
Martinsturm
One of Bregenz’s highlights is the Martinsturm (St. Martin’s Tower), a former granary from 1601 with a distinctive onion-shaped dome. You can climb the tower for sweeping views over the city, the lake, and the mountains.
Swim at the Constance lake
If you’re visiting in summer, bring your swimsuit! Lake Constance has several designated swimming spots near the main promenade, and locals love to cool off here on hot days. The lake is very clean, and the atmosphere is lively but relaxed.
Go to the Seebühne for a show
For me, that’s the coolest thing you do in Bregenz. The Seebühne is the city’s famous floating stage, built directly on the lake. Every summer, it hosts the Bregenz Festival, with large-scale opera and musical productions. Even if you’re not there for a performance, the stage itself is worth seeing. You can even take a tour to walk on stage. The stage is rebuilt every two years with a completely new design for a new opera.
Kunsthaus (Art museum)
If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the Kunsthaus Bregenz. This striking glass building designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor is home to rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. Even if you don’t go inside, the minimalist architecture is fascinating to see.
Ride the airship over the Lake Constance
If you’re looking for a truly unique (though pricey) activity, you can book a ride in an airship (zeppelin) over Lake Constance. Modern airships use helium or hot air instead of hydrogen, so they are perfectly safe. The experience gives you an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the lake and surrounding towns.
What else to visit if I’m around
f you’re traveling through the region and have more than a day, Bregenz is a great base for exploring Western Austria. Check out my full 7 Days in West Austria itinerary to discover gorges, glaciers, waterfalls, and other highlights nearby. Other cities worth a trip in Central Europe are Heidelberg, in Germany, or Brno, in the Czech Republic.