BREGENZ - Things to see and do | Good to Know

Article by guest author Peter Brooker

Bregenz is a short flight from Heathrow to Zurich, a long wait at customs (thanks Brexit) and a confusing train route that requires a border crossing and some trusted intelligence from the locals. Let's just say Google Maps is not your phone a friend when it comes to Swiss trains.

We stayed at the Seehotel Am Kaiserstrand, which is about a 45 minute walk from the main action in Bregenz. For what we got, the prices were through the roof and this was for a measly view of the car park and train track. The view of the lake on the other side is what the brochure will show you.

There is a pier with a roof for lounging, a bar for drinking and relaxing, that is exclusively for guests of the hotel. That is of course in case the hotel decides to close it off for private events, which it did two of the nights we were there. No alternative compensation was offered to guests.

The breakfast in the hotel was great, as you'd expect from a Michelin Star restaurant. But Jesus does no one care about the wasps in this place? They're not exclusive to the hotel, but the hotel has no plan to install a deterrent system. I personally wouldn't stay at this hotel again.

THINGS TO DO:

If you are really interested you can read more about the things to do in Bregenz here.

While you're here, I'd also recommend taking the Pfänder cable car for the wonderful views over Lake Constance and spending some time exploring Bregenz, a charming old town. If the weather is nice, a boat trip on the lake is always a lovely way to spend an afternoon. We did three in total. The most popular is probably the boat to Lindau. There isn't any more to do in Lindau than there is in Bregenz, but it's a change of scenery and the boat ride is pleasant enough.

For dinner, Pier 69 is a great choice if you enjoy modern cuisine with a beautiful harbour view, while Wirtshaus am See is perfect if you'd like to try some traditional Austrian dishes by the lake.

The number one rated restaurant in town is the Hirschen | Weinstube | Bierbar. The food is authentic Austrian pub food, no pretense. I'd recommend all three.

Lastly, if you're in town by chance for Festival season, which is basically one of the 5 weeks of the year they have an opera on the lake, then it's probably too late to get tickets. They go on sale 23rd August and I would recommend it. We'll be booking for next year.

The Opera House tour is an hour long and I would say it whets the appetite for a show at least. You can book a tour in English by emailing Stefanie - here, at ticket@bregenzerfestspiele.com. We paid £180 for two people for an hour-long tour.

Be sure to do the White Knight boat tour, it's only once a year but well worth it. Lastly, drink lots of wine, it's so cheap. Yes you can swim in the lake. It's typically Austrian/Swiss clear.

Photo by Marcus Ganahl on Unsplash
Photo by Gabriel Goller on Unsplash