Kempten

Follow The Cheese Road in the gently undulating Bregenzerwald for the perfect combination of natural beauty and unparallled taste. The Cheese Road is a unique Bregenzerwald attraction. It isn’t a street or a road in the usual sense, but rather a union of experts from various disciplines. Throughout the whole year, the members organise events, invite people to tasting sessions, and initiate guests into the secrets of cheese production. https://www.austria.info/uk/things-to-do/food-and-drink/cheese-road

The unique panoramic view of all of Lake Constance 240 alpine peaks of Austria, Germany and Switzerland make the Pfänder by Bregenz, Vorarlberg, one of the region’s most famous viewpoints. The Pfänder, the local mountain of the people of Bregenz, offers a variety of opportunities for both locals and guests to enjoy memorable outdoor experiences. One of the major advantages is that getting there is extremely convenient. The port as well as the port train station are only seven minutes away on foot. Once one has arrived at the valley station, 600 metres in height are overcome with the Pfänderbahn mountain railway in only six minutes. At the summit at 1,064 metres in altitude, with far-reaching views of the deep-blue Lake Constance, the towns and villages along its bank and of the Austrian and Swiss mountains, it is easy to take a deep breath. A trip to the Pfänder is simply always worth it. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/pfaender/

The centre of the new port is the new port building, designed by architects Nägele, Waibel, Spagolla, Ritsch and Steinmann. While visitors can stroll west through the well-known Bregenz lakeside area towards the Bregenz Festival and Conference House, to the north stretches the so-called “Blumenmolo”, at whose top on the side of the lake a lighthouse rises into the sky. At the same time, it marks the western orientation point of the port entrance. Towards the west, direct access to the lake was created through the creation of sunset seating steps. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/experience/lake-constance/port-of-bregenz/

Around the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, Bregenz was still a pronounced baroque city. Today, numerous baroque echoes can still be found in the cityscape. It is primarily church buildings on which the build and design-happy construction style of the 17th and 18th centuries made its mark. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/experience/tourist-attractions/churches-in-bregenz/

The Art House stands in the light of Lake Constance. Its structure is built from glass plates, steel and a stone mass of cast concrete that forms structure and space in the interior of the building. Viewed from outside, the building gives the impression of an illuminant. It absorbs the changing light of the sky and the haze light of the lake, radiates light and colour back and gives an idea of something of its inner life, depending on the angle, the time of day and the weather. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/culture/kunsthaus-bregenz/

The State Theatre in Bregenz plays a significant role in the cultural happenings of Vorarlberg’s state capital. The repertoire ranges from classics to debut performances. The theatre, as a place of imagination, stories and emotions, focuses consciously on traditional and contemporary theatre art, thus finding its recognition in the cultural landscape of the Lake Constance region. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/culture/vorarlberg-state-theater/

Located between the lake and the city centre, in direct proximity to the Art House and the State Theatre, the architectural masterpiece of the new vorarlberg museum forms the end of the culture boulevard.The main point of attraction is the more than 150,000 artefacts from art, history, folklore and archaeology that deal with the history and present of Austria’s westernmost federal state from a wide range of perspectives. Inspired by Terra Sigillata vessels, Roman ceramics from the museum collection, the artists used the base of commercial PET bottles as the shape and equipped the outer wall of the museum with a structure that seems random at first glance but that, in reality, was calculated in a complex mathematical process. Seen from the lake, the historicism facade of the former district commission structures the building. The most noticeable feature is the huge panoramic window on the top floor, which provides a fantastic view of Lake Constance and the Lindau bank, where the guest, stirred by the many impressions, experiences a moment of tranquillity and contemplation. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/culture/vorarlberger-museum/

Visit the exhibitions in St. Martin’s Tower and enjoy a picturesque, beautiful panorama over Bregenz and the Upper Town, the Pfänder, Bregenz’s local hill, the Swiss mountains and of course Lake Constance from the window gallery. Bregenz’s landmark is in truth unique. A warehouse from the time of the city’s foundation c. 1250 originally stood there, which was barely higher than the city wall. he warehouse had a basement, a ground floor higher up and an upper floor. As early as the first half of the 14th century, there was a small chapel room in the upper floor that was separated with wooden walls. In 1362, Count Wilhelm III of Montfort founded St. Martin’s Chapel, which, in the subsequent years, was furnished with magnificent frescos and expanded across the entire upper floor. In the late 15th century, the previously secularly used ground floor was integrated into the chapel room, with the ceiling being torn out, making the room approximately twice as high. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/experience/tourist-attractions/st-martins-tower/

Bregenz’s Upper Town seems more than just a steep city path away from the touristic hubbub by the lake or the hectic shopping world of the city centre. Even from far away one sees the old city walls, which – depending on one’s character – have a threatening or calming impression on the visitors. As soon as one arrives at the entrance, the historic city gate, one leaves the modern world outside. Historic coats of arms, a mummified shark and the relief of a Celtic goddess immediately plunge everyone into a mystical, mythical world and make them think of time periods in which cults, wars and heretics were commonplace. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/experience/tourist-attractions/bregenz-upper-town/

Each summer, in the middle of an enchanting landscape in the westernmost Austrian federal state of Vorarlberg, the Bregenz Festival presents high-calibre opera al fresco with the theatre on the lake. In addition, the festival attracts approximately 200,000 visitors to the border triangle between the Alps and Lake Constance with unforgettable debut opera performances and concertante treasures in the Festival House, unheard material as part of “Kunst aus der Zeit” at the studio theatre, as well as touching gems of operatic literature at the Theater am Kornmarkt in the months of July and August, with more than 80 performances in total. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/culture/bregenz-festival/

The artfully designed Casino Bregenz impresses with its stunning location on the shore of Lake Constance; international casino style and culinary highlights await you during your casino short break in Austria. The Casino in Bregenz consists of several pavilions, which blend harmoniously into the promenade of the picturesque lake. Architecture and art play a central role in the Casino Bregenz; not only within the design of the actual casino building but also when it comes to supporting the art scene in Bregenz, Austria. Elegance at the live game casino and a more casual atmosphere at the slot machine casino guarantee unique gaming experiences for every interest during a casino short break in Bregenz. https://www.casino-urlaub.at/en/casinos/bregenz-vorarlberg-austria.html

An important component that refines Bregenz city life is the weekly markets. Guests experience the markets as places of encounters that invite one to discover a variety of culinary delights and specialities. Locals, too, take advantage of the appealing opportunity to find tasteful, high-quality products for kitchen and household. Hospitableness and down-to-earthness characterise the city’s market bustle. An inspiring wealth of culinary art vivifies the streets and squares, which invite one on a delightful journey of discovery. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/events/bregenz-markets/

Mehrerau Abbey is one of the most important Cistercian abbeys in the Lake Constance region. Its history stretches back to the 11th century. Its magnificent location beside Lake Constance, the impressive library and its beautiful inner courtyard are most inviting. In addition, the abbey cellar, where specialities of the abbey’s own agricultural production are offered, ensures moments of culinary delight. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/experience/tourist-attractions/churches-in-bregenz/mehrerau-abbey/

This striking building from the time of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy is one of the few examples for ring road architecture outside the city of Vienna. A twin building of the post office is found in the imperial spa town of Bad Ischl. Today, the post office includes an exhibition by star Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/experience/tourist-attractions/architecture-in-bregenz/bregenz-post-office/

Situated in the midst of the Bavarian Alpine foothills, Schloss Linderhof (Linderhof Palace) attracts visitors to the imperial villa with its spacious landscaped garden and impressive terraces. https://www.muenchen.de/int/en/sights/castles/linderhof-palace.html

Wonderful hiking routes, beautiful view of the Rhine Valley – including in the evening, when the sea of lights sparkles far below. The Karren is a popular meeting point in the region. For one thing, beautiful hiking routes have their starting point here; for another, life is easy at the panoramic restaurant at 976 metres above sea level. Whether you want to go for something to eat or simply want to enjoy some high-altitude air, the cable car brings you high above the city rooftops in five minutes, giving you a wonderful view: the entire border triangle by day, the sea of lights by night. https://www.bregenz.travel/en/tourism/planning-a-trip/trip-destinations/karren-dornbirn-cable-car/

Everybody can be a pioneer – this is the main message of the Dornier Museum Friedrichshafen. Located at the Friedrichshafen airport, the museum brings 100 years of fascinating aviation and aerospace history to life. http://en.friedrichshafen.info/discover/museum/dornier-museum/

Once you climbed a steep trail top of the mountain you can enjoy beautiful views of the Alt-Ems castle. Old masonry has been decaying since it is no longer needed and nobody has been taking care of it for a long time. The castle ruins at Alt-Ems have been properly torn down – during the redevelopment period of several houses in Marktstraße, Hohenems, stones originally from the castle walls were found. Now, during the redevelopment of the ruins, some of them have been returned to the castle hill. However, that is another story which starts in the early Middle Ages and which demonstrates the cultural importance of the small town at the foot of the castle hill. https://www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com/en/stories/burgruine-alt-ems/

The Jewish Museum of Hohenems remembers the Jewish community of Hohenems and its various contributions to the development of Vorarlberg and the surrounding regions of the Alps. It tells a story about the Diaspora and it confronts contemporary questions of Jewish life and culture in Europe, questions of living together and of migration. The museum also deals with the end of the community of Hohenems, the regional Nazi history, the expulsion or deportation of the last members of the community, anti-Semitism and the Holocaust. Along with these fragmented lines of regional and global history, it is also devoted to the people, their experiences and their histories. And it maintains a close relationship with the descendants of Jewish families from Hohenems around the world. The museum offers annually changing exhibitions and an extensive program of events. http://www.jm-hohenems.at/en/about/the-museum

Building commenced in 1563. The palace used to be the residence of the Counts of Ems (their marriage policy lead to them being related to the Medici) and, along with Glopper castle and Alt-Ems castle ruins, is still privately owned. Of special mention regarding the history of the palace is the discovery of manuscripts A and C of the Niebelungenlied (the song of the Nibelungs). https://www.bodensee-vorarlberg.com/en/poi/renaissance-palast-hohenems/

Lake Constance is a classic year-round European destination. Boundless, refreshing, high quality, traditional, nostalgic — all that fits us. The mobility holiday experience is truly an experience around Lake Constance: boats and ferries, cable railways and airships, buses and trains all offer a range of options to discover the area around Lake Constance from a number of different perspectives. The most beautiful connection between the German and the Swiss shore of Lake Constance is the ferry that runs between Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn. The 41-minute crossing is always a special experience: Over a­ cup­ of­ coffee­ or­ tea­ in­ the­ on-board­ bistro, the passengers can enjoy the view over the wintry lake. Furthermore, the­ “floating­ bridge”­ saves­ many­ kilometres by car around the lake and is therefore the ideal shortcut. Both Friedrichshafen and Romanshorn are the starting points for many tourist destinations. http://www.bodensee.eu/en

Catholic St. Ulrich’s church: a richly furnished late Gothic basilica built in the architectural styles of Renaissance and Baroque. http://www.augsburg-tourismus.de/augsburg-city.html

Die Kiste,” the museum of the Augsburg Puppet Theatre, is found one floor above the theater in the Heilig-Geist-Spital, a former hospital now preserved as an historical monument http://www.augsburg-tourismus.de/augsburg-city.html

City residence of the banker Liebert von Liebenhofen with a richly furnished rococo banqueting hall (1765-1770), today Germany’s most important baroque gallery. http://www.augsburg-tourismus.de/augsburg-city.html

The mountain at the heart of Innsbruck. The Nordkette is part of Austria’s largest nature park, the Karwendel Nature Park, and can be reached directly from Innsbruck city centre in just a few minutes! The breathtaking 360° view leaves a lasting impression, with the capital of the Alps on one side and Tyrol’s most extensive conservation area on the other. The Hungerburg funicular enables visitors to reach the Hungerburg in just 8 minutes. There are several stops along the way including the Alpine Zoo, which is a favorite among families. After reaching the Hungerburg station, a short walk across Hermann Buhl Square, named after the world-famous Austrian mountaineer, leads visitors to the cable car station. The Hafelekar Run is one of the steepest ski runs in Europe. With an incline of 70%, this ski run is reserved for extremely good riders. When the powder is at its best, it is more likely for some locals to be at the Hafelekar than at the workplace. The run for all those who like the extreme! The location of the Nordkette Single Trail in high-alpine terrain directly above the rooftops of Innsbruck, make it unique worldwide. Riders experience an interplay of steep curves, rock jumps and root passages integrated with northshores and drops. It takes about 20 minutes to get from the Seegrube Station to the Nordkette Climbing Arena. There are approximately 40 tours which are mainly single-rope routes at the UIAA difficulty levels 4 – 9, which means they are suitable for both beginner and advanced-level climbers. Also experience the Innsbruck Fixed Rope Climbing Route.The best of the best have climbed on these rocks including mountain legend Hermann Buhl and also Hannes Gasser, who this route is named after. Climb in the footsteps of these climbing greats and experience unique mountain adventure. https://nordkette.com/en/

It is presumed that a small chapel existed here as early as in the year 800. The All Saints church was first mentioned in historical documents in 1375. https://www.dibk.at/Media/Pfarren/Innsbruck-Allerheiligen#

A mighty brown bear roams around its enclosure. A few paces away, otters swim and splash nimbly through the water and a bearded vulture looks down at visitors from high up in a tree. Food? No, don’t worry. It’s well fed and has found a safe haven in the Alpine Zoo. For the animals of the Alps are no less endangered than species from the savanna, jungle and desert. The Alpine Zoo does a great deal for the conservation of biodiversity, providing a home for animals native to the mountains, such as birds of prey, chamois and marmots. Visitors can observe these animals up close – a highlight for the entire family and also well worth a visit for adults! When the church bells ring in Innsbruck, the wolves at the Alpine Zoo howl along in unison. The graceful lynx remain calm in comparison but become louder to mark their territory during the mating season in February. Their neighbour, the golden eagle, shows no interest at all. Did you know that this species was nearly wiped out in the 19th century? A fate it shares with other animals at the zoo, such as brown bears, wolves and bearded vultures. Some species have now recovered thanks to breeding programmes and reintroduction into the wild, which has included animals from the Alpine Zoo. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/highlights/alpine-zoo.html

From the city centre to the largest nature park in Austria in just 20 minutes! The breathtaking 360° views with Innsbruck on one side and the Karwendel Nature Park on the other are sure to leave a lasting impression. The modern Hungerburgbahn funicular takes you from the historic old town to the Hungerburg district, via the stop for the Alpine Zoo, in just eight minutes. From there, you cross Hermann-Buhl-Platz square, which is named after the world-famous Austrian mountaineer, and continue to the lift that runs up to the Seegrube. The Seegrube is located at an altitude of 1,905 metres above sea level and attracts daring mountaineers in summer and winter alike. Thanks to the direct connections to the city, everyone can also continue up to the Hafelekar – an absolute highlight at 2,300 metres above sea level with impressive panoramic views and natural alpine surroundings. Visitors can often catch a glimpse of the normally shy wildlife, but the real highlight is the unique panorama of city and mountains which leaves nothing to be desired. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/facilities/details/infrastruktur/innsbrucker-nordketten-cable-cars-innsbruck.html

Innsbruck's most famous landmark shines in the heart of the historic old town. The splendid alcove balcony gets its name from the 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles that adorn the roof. The building has reigned over medieval houses and shady arcades for over 500 years. It was built by Emperor Maximilian who very much enjoyed the view: from there he would look down over the colourful hustle and bustle of his city, watch jousting tournaments and be revered from below. The shining golden roof can be seen on entering the historic old town but it is also well worth taking a look up close. The structure below the roof is richly adorned with a wide variety of figures and images, including many curiosities. An exposed backside sticks prominently out from the Golden Roof. Admittedly, it is only a few centimetres in size and it belongs to one of the many figures set below the roof. Why bare facts? This question remains unanswered and is one of the many mysteries that surround the landmark. Maybe the revenge of medieval craftsmen who weren't paid? We can only speculate. The front of the structure is decorated with a man and two wives: Emperor Maximilian is portrayed next to his wife of the time Bianca Maria Sforza. He didn't like her much, however, and that is why his first wife – Maria von Burgund – also looks out from the relief. Another eye-catcher: Small men with twisted limbs. They are morisco dancers, who were effectively the breakdancers of the Middle Ages. The Golden Roof is a must-see for anyone visiting Innsbruck. Come to the historic old town and see for yourself. You can't miss it. In the adjoining museum, you can immerse yourself in the time of Emperor Maximilian. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/sightseeing/historical-buildings/detail/infrastruktur/golden-roof-innsbruck.html

Look out over the rooftops of Innsbruck as the tower guards once did in the Middle Ages. Guards kept watch from the City Tower for almost 450 years, warning citizens of fire and other dangers. The lower storeys also once served as a prison. Today, the tower is there for visitors to enjoy. Over 133 steps lead up to the 31-metre-high viewing platform, which overlooks the medieval streets of Innsbruck and offers stunning views of Bergisel, Patscherkofel mountain, the River Inn and the Nordkette mountain range. The City Tower is a good 50 years older than the Golden Roof. It was completed in 1450 on the side of the old town hall. It doesn’t seem huge in comparison with modern buildings but 51 metres was very impressive in 1450 and the tower was a proud symbol of the self-confidence of the people of Innsbruck. The onion dome was added 100 years after its completion. Today, the tower still rises up majestically from amongst the medieval buildings in the old town – providing a good vantage point and a romantic view of Innsbruck. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/sightseeing/historical-buildings/detail/infrastruktur/city-tower-innsbruck-1.html

The Imperial Palace was completed in the year 1500 under Emperor Maximilian I (1459-1519). The palace was built to the same scale as is seen today and was captured as a watercolour by Albrecht Dürer. he painting shows a late Gothic courtyard with covered staircase, a Crest Tower and the women’s quarters (or “women’s rooms”). The reception area, which is known today as the “Gothic Cellar”, was built in the style of a large hall with columns and vaults. A “Kürnstube” (home to Maximilian’s hunting trophies), the “Silver chamber” (treasury) and the Festival Hall (with depictions of Hercules) are also reminders of the time. The “Rennplatz” square in front of the Imperial Palace served as a competition arena to please the sports-loving Emperor. Almost 250 years later, Maria Theresa (1717-1780) visited the Innsbruck palace and deemed it to be behind the times. There hadn’t been any Tyrolean princes since 1665 and the governor, who reigned Tyrol on behalf of the Emperor, lived in the governor’s quarters on the first floor. The representation rooms on the second floor, which were reserved for the Imperial family, were uninhabited. Maria Theresa arranged for the palace to be rebuilt in the Viennese late Baroque style and sent her best artists to Innsbruck: Konstantin von Walter and Nicolaus Parcassi. Martin van Meytens and his school and Franz Anton Maulbertsch were appointed for the interior. The renovations were interrupted by the Seven Years’ War and, therefore, only completed in the 1770s. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/sightseeing/historical-buildings/detail/infrastruktur/imperial-palace-innsbruck.html

World famous & wonderful: Swarovski Crystal Worlds, located just 20 kilometres east of the Capital of the Alps, awaits with new and exciting attractions. Between 2013 and 2015, the worlds of art and culture, entertainment and shopping were extended to cover an area of 7.5 hectares. The “Home of the Giant” now inspires with a new poetic garden, which features a unique Crystal Cloud made from 800,000 hand-mounted and enchanted floating crystals. This mystical masterpiece is the largest of its kind worldwide and with it Swarovski has set the new standard for brilliantly implemented installations. The Crystal Cloud draws visitors to the Mirror Pool where the sparkling light of the crystals is captured to form a sea of stars both day and night. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/innsbruck-city/experience/sightseeing-in-innsbruck/swarovski-crystal-worlds.html

The Court Church is also known by locals as “Schwarzmander Church” thanks to the 28 life-size bronze figures that stand guard, watching over the tomb of Emperor Maximilian I. Strange but true: eight of the “Black Men” (Schwarzmander) are actually women and the Emperor’s tomb is empty. But this beautifully crafted masterpiece is still a work of art and wonderful to behold. The Emperor’s tomb takes pride of place in the church. However, the building is also home to legendary local heroes, such as freedom fighter Andreas Hofer. In 1809, Andreas Hofer led thousands of brave Tyroleans against the superior force of Napoleonic troops on Bergisel. He was executed for this in Mantua but is still revered as a hero in Innsbruck. The Court Church is also the final resting place of his fellow soldiers Josef Speckbacher, Joachim Haspinger and Kajetan Sweth. The Silver Chapel is a highlight that shouldn’t be missed on a visit to the Court Church. Two additional famous people from Innsbruck are buried here: Archduke Ferdinand II and his wife Philippine Welser. She was a local superstar during her lifetime: the “Queen of Hearts”, a herbal expert and a bathing beauty who was even accused of witchcraft by malicious tongues. A magnificent silver alter and Madonna by imperial architect Giovanni Lucchese is the main feature of the room alongside another special piece: an organ with pipes made exclusively of wood. https://www.innsbruck.info/en/sightseeing/sightseeing/churches-and-monasteries/detail/infrastruktur/court-church-innsbruck.html