One of the most scenic places in Austria aside from its capital city is the tiny region of Vorarlberg found in the westernmost part of the country. Bordered by two countries and a principality – Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein – it has the distinct advantage of having a diverse topography which makes it an ideal holiday destination all year round. While it is almost virtually surrounded by mountains, it also has several bodies of water that runs along the valleys: there’s Lake Constance near Bregenz, the capital city; the Rhine, the Bregenzer Ach, the Dornbirner Ach and other lakes. The region may be the smallest of all the provinces in Austria but it is definitely packed with interesting attractions and lively cultural activities that showcase not only its scenic surroundings but also the warmth and creativity of its people.
Winter is a busy season for Vorarlberg which is widely known for its slopes and the ample winter sports resorts and facilities around. As a good percentage of the region is elevated at 1000 meters above sea level, the ski slopes range from 1,400 meters to 2,400 meters with varying levels and challenges that beginners and professionals can both enjoy. Some good districts where there are plenty of skiing and winter hiking options are the Alberg region, the Montafon, Bodensee-Vorarlberg and Bregenzerwald. In Bregenz, must-see places include the Kunsthaus Bregenz which is one of Europe’s best museums for contemporary art, the Jewish Museum of Hohenems as well as some of the award-winning modern buildings around. There is also the “Cheese Street” which is basically a network of shops, cheese makers, farms and even restaurants that offer the different types of cheese made in Vorarlberg.
