Spring has finally sprung everywhere between Lake Constance and the Vorarlberg mountain regions. With the skiing equipment tucked away, the time has come to bring out hiking boots and bicycles. Nature is in bloom, and cultural stages, too, are abuzz with activity.

Watch the butterflies dance

Spring is the perfect time to let yourself be enchanted by the small wonders of nature. Hiking through landscapes coming into bloom is a marvellous experience for all the senses. But where is the best spot? The Vorarlberg Tourist Board has selected 13 extra special spring hiking destinations for you. Along the way, you will encounter lakes and rivers, moors and natural attractions. Suggestions range from a lagoon hike by Lake Constance to the tufa formations trail in Bregenzerwald to a moor hike in Kleinwalsertal.

Take it one step at a time

Keen to go on a round-trip hike of Vorarlberg and get to know the region in all its splendour? Then “Min Weag” (local vernacular for My Way) is the perfect choice. The 31-leg circuit will take you through Vorarlberg’s most amazing landscapes – from Lake Constance to the rolling hills of Bregenzerwald to the high alpine settings of Arlberg, Silvretta and Rätikon. Online information is available for you to plan ahead or get your bearings while on the move. The printed Min Weag guidebook might also come in handy. It contains itineraries, trail and height profiles, as well as information on the history, geology and cultural life of the respective area.

Ride your bike through landscapes in bloom

On the mountain tops, the last snow fields are glistening in the sunlight, while flowers beckon in the meadows either side of the valley-bottom trails. Mild springtime temperatures invite you to explore Vorarlberg on your bike. Flat riverside routes along the Ill or the Rhine are perfectly suited for those cycling for pleasure. Picturesque scenery unfolds on the track from Egg to Doren along the Bregenzerache river. The Round the Pfänder mountain tour, which starts out at Lake Constance, rewards those willing to master a few ascents with beautiful vistas.

Float up the mountains

It is amazing how different the world looks from up high. In Vorarlberg, you will find many non-strenuous options to reach mountain summits with panoramic views. The cable cars leading up to Pfänder near Bregenz and Karren near Dornbirn or the one in Bezau are open virtually all year round. All other summer cable cars start operating from May or June. For details about operating times click here.

Set the tone

A variety of stages offer all styles of musical performances.

• The Schubertiade, which takes place in Hohenems from April/May and in Bregenzerwald from June, is dedicates to Lied and classical music.
• “Neighbourhood” is the overarching theme of the multi-faceted formats offered by the Emsiana festival in Hohenems from 12 to 15 May 2022.
• “Junge Festspiele” is the name of the Bregenz Festival’s youth programme. From June to August, guided tours provide glimpses of what goes on behind the scenes of the festival and into the world of musical theatre. The programme features a family opera (12 and 13 May 2022) and an exciting concert performance called “Vergissmeinnicht” (Forget-me-not) (19 to 21 June 2022).

Cast off

The state-of-the-art harbour at Bregenz is where the Lake Constance cruise ships set out for their destinations. Vorarlberg Lines  operate a fleet of six ships which, until October, head out for all major ports between Bregenz and Constance – Lindau, the enchanting little island town, Friedrichshafen with is Zeppelin airship museum and the Dornier museum, Meersburg, which is famous for its wines, and of course Mainau, the unique flower island. You can also take round trips in the bay of Bregenz, three-countries panorama cruises and a number of special-event trips with entertainment programmes. If you appreciate a nostalgic touch, opt for a cruise on the paddle steamer Hohentwiel or the art-deco motor ship Österreich.

Participant or spectator?

On 20 and 21 May 2022, the Lake Constance Women’s Run (Bodensee Frauenlauf) gives participants an opportunity to show what they are made of. Both the 5km and the 10km course start at Hotel Kaiserstrand in Lochau and end at Bodensee stadium in Bregenz. For the first time ever, the programme also features a new attraction, the largest yoga session on Lake Constance. About a week later (28/29 May 2022), the Hypomeeting Götzis will reunite the world’s best track and field athletes in Vorarlberg.