Exploring Summer in Vorarlberg: A Comprehensive Guide
Vorarlberg, a picturesque region nestled in the far west of Austria and bordering Lichtenstein, Germany, and Switzerland, offers a wealth of experiences for summer travellers. One of the most appealing aspects of visiting Vorarlberg is the ease of getting around, thanks to the region's comprehensive guest card system [1].
The guest card system, introduced to make travel more convenient, flexible, and environmentally friendly, covers free bus and train travel throughout Vorarlberg from your very first overnight stay [1]. This means that exploring key areas such as Montafon, Brandnertal, Klostertal, and Bludenz is straightforward and hassle-free [3].
For those seeking adventure in the mountains, the guest card also provides unlimited rides on participating summer mountain cable cars and lifts, making it easy to access hiking and biking trails without the need for a car [1][5]. Vorarlberg's extensive public bus services integrate seamlessly with regional trains like the Montafonerbahn and ÖBB (Austrian Railways) [3].
Active travellers will appreciate the wide array of hiking and biking trails, many of which are facilitated by lifts and cable cars included or discounted with the guest card [1][5]. The region's extensive network of public transport and cable cars provides the perfect means to explore the alpine scenery with ease.
In addition to free travel, the guest card offers access to some indoor and outdoor swimming pools for relaxation after activities [1][3]. Guided hikes and bike tours organised by local guides are also included, adding to the overall experience [1].
Vorarlberg is not just about outdoor pursuits; it also boasts a rich cultural scene. The region is known for its festivals during the summer months, with the Bregenz Opera Festival, Poolbar Festival, Arlberg Classic Car Rally, and Bezau Beats being some of the notable ones [6].
When it comes to dining, Vorarlberg offers traditional dishes such as Käsknöpfle, cheese noodles in a thick cheese sauce, and Frittatensuppe, a beef soup filled with slices of pancake [4]. After a day of hiking, nothing beats trying a slice of Apfelstrudel, a popular Austrian dessert, or sampling some of the region's highly-regarded alpine cheese [4].
For those seeking luxury accommodations, hotels like Hotel Omesberg in Lech offer great service, good food, huge rooms, and an amazing balcony view [2]. For a more rustic experience, Sporthotel Beck in Brand, surrounded by mountains and hiking trails, offers horse riding, a sauna, and spa area [4].
Finally, the BUS:STOP project in Krumbach, featuring seven unique, internationally designed bus stops, is a testament to Vorarlberg's commitment to blending modern design with traditional charm [5]. For a refreshing drink, try Kaluko, a local company's unique, all-natural iced tea drink made from alpine water, herbal teas, and fruit juices [4].
In summary, the guest card system combined with the region's efficient public transport and cable car network provides the best and most sustainable way to get around Vorarlberg during summer, enabling visitors to explore mountains, valleys, and cultural highlights with ease and flexibility [1][3][5]. Whether you're a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie, Vorarlberg offers something for everyone.
[1] https://www.vorarlberg.info/en/summer/guest-card [2] https://www.hotel-baeren.at/en/ [3] https://www.vorarlberg.info/en/travel/arrival-and-departure/public-transport [4] https://www.vorarlberg.info/en/eat-and-drink/traditional-dishes [5] https://www.vorarlberg.info/en/culture-and-leisure/design-and-architecture [6] https://www.vorarlberg.info/en/events-and-festivals
- The guest card system in Vorarlberg includes access to public swimming pools for relaxation after outdoor activities or guided tours.
- Hotels like Hotel Omesberg in Lech offer luxury accommodations, good food, and stunning balcony views, catering to those seeking a sophisticated stay.
- For those preferring a more rustic experience, Sporthotel Beck in Brand offers horse riding, a sauna, and spa area, surrounded by mountains and hiking trails.
- The BUS:STOP project in Krumbach showcases seven unique, internationally designed bus stops, blending modern design with traditional charm.
- Vorarlberg boasts a rich cultural scene, with festivals such as the Bregenz Opera Festival, Poolbar Festival, Arlberg Classic Car Rally, and Bezau Beats during the summer months, offering something for culture enthusiasts.
