Activities and adventure
Bregenz has a lot more to offer than just its eponymous Festival. The Pfänder peak, Lake Constance and the Art Gallery are just a few of the highlights. But it is often the smaller things which stay in your memory.
Walking on the "Pfänder" local peak
In six minutes, the modern Pfänder panoramic cable car sweeps you up more than 600 metres, far from the noise and bustle of the city, to the top station of the Pfänder (1,064 metres). Enjoying the unrivalled panoramic view, which takes in the whole of Lake Constance and 240 alpine peaks, is the perfect way to relax and recharge your batteries. On the Pfänder, don't miss a visiting the viewpoint; also to be recommended is a circular walk through the Alpine Wildlife Park, where you can catch a glimpse of some of our indigenous wild animals. A meal in the Pfänder mountain restaurant makes the perfect way to round off your day.
Bregenz lido and indoor pool
With an area of some 23,000 m², Bregenz lido offers just about everything you could expect from a swimming complex. Whether you want peace and relaxation in a wonderful location, right next door to the world-renowned “floating” stage; a great day’s swimming with the family, or a bout of serious competitive sports training, you will not be disappointed.
Bregenz indoor pool
Even if it’s raining or snowing, the Bregenz lakeside indoor pool provides a warm, happy atmosphere for swimming and splashing about. The protected area for children, with a water slide and paddling pool, is a brilliant place for all youngsters to have fun. A 25-metre swimming pool is available for serious competitive swimmers. Less confident bathers can enjoy themselves in the non-swimmers’ pool.
Lake Constance cycle track
With a shoreline of approx. 270 km Lake Constance is the third largest lake in Central Europe. With a length of approx. 170 km the largest part belongs to Germany, about a quarter to Switzerland and roughly 10% to Austria. The lake lies at an altitude of just over 400 metres.
The Lake Constance cycle track follows the shoreline almost throughout. The only exception is part of the Bodanrück section, on the southern shore of the Überlinger lake, where the Marienschlucht gorge is accessible only to walkers. Here, in Wallhausen, you have to surmount a mountain ridge before descending along the Dettelbach river to Bodman.
Paddle boarding on Lake Constance
Located directly on the inner harbour at Hard, windsurfing and paddle boarding courses and equipment hire are available. Canoes and kayaks can be hired here too. The gentle winds on Lake Constance are especially well suited to beginners. The calm water and manageable dimensions are conducive to steady learning and good progress. Stand up paddling (abbrev: SUP) is a trend sport from Hawaii, which is now making inroads into local waters. In SUP you stand up on a special surfboard which is propelled by means of a paddle. This is a great and simple way of exploring Lake Constance and its neighbouring rivers.
Canyoning tours
It’s all about exploring the power of the water and its currents, sliding and jumping into crystal-clear pools, abseiling over roaring waterfalls, simply being in a fascinating natural landscape which would be inaccessible under normal circumstances. This is the fascination of canyoning! “Canyoners” will certainly need to be fairly gutsy and have a thirst for adventure. The gorges near Dornbirn (Kobelach/Merlins World and Kangaroo-Jump, Rudach) offer some of the finest canyoning anywhere in Austria. Canyoning tours are available for both beginners and more experienced participants.
Via ferrata facilities in the area
For anyone who enjoys walking in the mountains, and who is not averse to venturing into more precipitous areas, a via ferrata makes the perfect challenge.