Sightseeing in Bregenz - what to see. Complete travel guide

Bregenz is a popular Austrian resort that is glad to accept guests from different parts of the world all year long. On winters this place is very good for alpine ski and so several ski slopes are equipped with everything needed. When spring comes to Austria, tourists will enjoy the splendor of the local nature and can go to numerous excursions either in the town or in the surroundings. Centuries ago the territory of the modern Bregenz was used by Celtic settlements. Later the town was conquered by the Romans and then by the Alemannen. Bregenz got the status of the city in 1200, when it turned into important trading and industrial center.

Climbing the Pfänder Mountain is considered the most famous attraction in Bregenz. Even though this mountain is 1,064 m high, the climbing process is really simple and doesn’t require any special training due to several specially made roads. If walking by foot is not your strong point, you can always reach the mountain’s peak by the funicular railway that will bring you to the point of destination within just several minutes. On the mountain’s top you will find not only several spacious observing areas, but a safari zoo that is always liked by small visitors of this resort.

The territory of the city is conditionally divided into Upper Bregenz and Lower Bregenz. All main sights are located in the Upper part of the city. The entrance in the old part of this city is defined by ancient gates Unter-Tromenir. The Church of St Martin is considered the symbol of this district. This part of the city is rich in various old architectural structures. The most famous of them are the Martinsturm, old town hall, Gothic church of St. Gall, Herz-Jesu church and Landsmuseum. The lower Bregenz is considered the modern, business part of the city, but you will also find many places of interest there. You will find out more about the history and culture of the city if you visit Kunsthaus Bregenz, Protestant church of the Sacred Cross, and Tourismushaus tourist center. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Several fabulous ancient castles, associated with interesting tales and legends, remain around the city area. Castle Hofen is a place of interest, built in the 16th century and located in an incredibly magnificent area. In war-time, the castle became a hospital and in the middle of the 20th century the historical monument fallen to ruin, was bought out by the government. Today, it accommodates a research centre, with some nice promenade areas around the castle.

Adlerwarte Eagle Observatory is a very interesting sightseeing attraction, also located in the scenic surroundings of the city. This observatory is a unique facility, being a sanctuary to birds of prey being hurt or injured. The centre is located in a vast wilderness area, where tourists can expect to have a fascinating tour around beautiful scenery where birds of prey are shown in their natural habitat.

Bregenzboasts a great casino, which is a local hotspot of the city. In fact, it is also a historical site, when the opening of the casino took place as far back as the middle of the 20th century. It is an immense world-class gambling venue where one is spoiled for choice of gambling tables and slot-machines, and World Poker Tours are frequently held over there. Many people just come to this casino to enjoy the luxury atmosphere and take a walk along the lake. The casino can accommodate up to 4,000 visitors at a time, and it is often the venue of fabulous musical concerts and shows.

An excellent local history museum, founded as far back as 1857, is open to the public in the city. Its collection of archaeological relics is diverse and fascinating, exhibiting some relics dating back to the Stone Age. There is a collection of traditional costumes, antique armour, ancient books, manuscripts, and works of art referring to different periods of time.

Mehrerau Abbey is an ancient historical place of interest. Nowadays, the building accommodates a prestigious gymnasium, and the ancient church is reminiscent of religious designation of this place. It was fully renovated in 1962, and where a lot of beautiful wall-painting and other works of art were brought back to life.