Bregenz, Austria

On the easternmost end of Lake Constance, Bregenz is the largest Austrian city on the lake it shares with Germany and Switzerland. You can either get there by train within Austria, but the best way to get there from Germany or Switzerland is to ride one of their ferries from Konstanz, Lindau, or Friedrichshafen.

The geography of Bregenz itself consists of an older upper town from the middle ages and a newer lower town from the early modern age. The upper town is perched on the top of a hill with a city wall protecting it on all sides, it is also a great place to find a restaurant that serves authentic Austrian schnitzels. My favourite dessert, Kaiserschmarrn, is also from Austria and composed of a fluffy pancake with fruit compote and sometimes a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The lower town provides plenty of entertainment for the modern visitor with pedestrianised streets lined with interesting local shops and cafes. There are quite a few stores selling local produce and handmade goods. In terms of culture, the three main cultural centers right by the lake are the state theatre, the Voralberg Museum on state history, and a comtemporary art museum. A chapel and a baptistry are also located near the complex of cultural buildings.

By the lake, the Festspielhaus Bregenz is the world’s largest floating stage and hosts a 4-week long arts festival every summer. Unfortunately, the festival was cancelled when I visited in 2020, but I did get to walk around the empty stage where the Bond film Quantum of Solace was filmed. If you’re not too busy and just want to hand out on the water in summer, consider renting a boat to go out to the lake.