Eye-catching Architecture

General information

For many years, Vorarlberg has been a trailblazer of contemporary architecture. The fame of innovative craftspeople, especially those grouped in the Werkraum Bregenzerwald cooperative, has spread far beyond the regional borders. The ubiquitous “passion for homebuilding” can be discovered hands-on in many different ways.

Elegant simplicity

Urban or rural: Vorarlberg boasts an eye-catching mix of traditional and contemporary (timber) architecture. Architecture lovers have set their focus particularly on recent works. The new buildings, eye-catchers amid natural scenery, stand out for uncluttered lines and blend harmoniously with the surroundings. Inside, they impress by their smart functionality. Energy-efficient construction is a matter of course, as is fitting rooms with ecologically sound furniture and materials. And this is where the craftspeople come in again. They design tables and chairs, beds and sofas, shelves and cabinets, based on age-old techniques, with innovative spirit, to blend in seamlessly with contemporary architecture. The result is spaces that are pleasing to look at and pleasant to live in. As a visitor, you can experience such comfortable living in several hotels, holiday homes and apartments, but also in restaurants. Tips on restaurants where architecture and culinary harmonize in a special way are collected by architect Marina Hämmerle and art and culinary historian Renate Breuß.

Architecture Trails

What special buildings are there to see, and what stories do they tell us? For the best insights, there are eleven Architecture Trails to discover. These half-day or full-day tours explore different themes such as “Village spaces”, “Innovation and craftsmanship”, or “Landscape and nature”. Interactive maps, an accompanying folder, and an app which is linked to an architecture data base show where those buildings are located.

Looking around

Alongside the Architecture Trails, there are many other possibilities to find out more about architecture in Vorarlberg. 12 “Umgang Bregenzerwald“ trails in Bregenzerwald, all village circuits, shed light on regional architecture and design. Modern artisanry is showcased at the Werkraumhaus in Andelsbuch, with varying exhibitions being hosted. Another much-visited attraction is BUS:STOP Krumbach. This is a string of seven striking bus stops in the Bregenzerwald village of Krumbach that were designed and developed by architecture firms from all over the world in cooperation with Vorarlberg architects and craftspeople.