Country and People
Living Space Vorarlberg
Vorarlberg is located in the Lake Constance region in Austria’s very west, where Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the principality of Liechtenstein form a vibrant cultural area. In Austria’s westernmost state, you will come across a delightful mix of culture, nature and high-quality offers.
“All nature is a melody in which a deep harmony is hidden.”
Borrowing this quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Vorarlberg invites visitors to let the poetry of nature and the carefully designed cultural landscapes work their magic – when the sunset paints Lake Constance in gold, when taking in the dazzling views from one of the countless peaks, when marvelling at the wealth of contemporary architecture or enjoying first-rate dining in a perfect setting. With an unfailing focus on quality and sustainability, Vorarlberg’s hosts create a holiday world that provides scope for discoveries and touches the soul.
Living Space
Extending over a surface of 2,600km², Vorarlberg is four times the size of Vienna, and comparable to the German state of Saarland or the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Two thirds of the country are situated above 1,000m. As at 2022, the total number of inhabitants was 406,886. The largest town in Vorarlberg is Dornbirn (50,000), ahead of Feldkirch (35,000) and the state capital of Bregenz (30,000). Other major towns are Bludenz and Hohenems.
Activity Space
Vorarlberg is a genuine leisure paradise, both in summer and in winter. Despite all attractions, it has guarded and preserved its cultural landscape. The mountains and valleys have been developed on a human scale, nature lovers will still find countless quiet spots and remote corners. The public transport network is fully developed, with all train and bus schedules dovetailed and integrated in a uniform tariff network.
Did you know?
Vorarlberg stretches some 100km from north to south. From the shores of Lake Constance (400m), it takes just 90 minutes by car to reach the high-alpine Silvretta mountains with their glacier-capped peaks.
Language Space
While the rest of Austria is of Baiuvarii origin, Vorarlberg is Austria’s only regional state whose population is of Alemannic descent. And it is specifically this Alemannic origin to which certain characteristic traits are ascribed. The people of Vorarlberg are said to be hard-working, frugal, assiduous and home-loving. Here is where their kinship with the Swiss, Alsatians and Swabes becomes apparent.
The Alemannic descent is also audible in the dialect, or better dialects, which differ from village to village, and from valley to valley. To sample some sound bites, browse through our free-of-charge folder “Sprachgenie” (available in German only).
Culture Space
Vorarlberg is an art-loving state where bold, innovative projects continually come to life. The region is particularly notable for its surprising contemporary timber architecture and design-oriented craftsmanship. Musically, Vorarlberg boasts the highest concentration of bands and music schools in Austria. Several orchestras, including the Vorarlberg Symphony Orchestra, chamber music ensembles, brass bands, rock and pop bands, jazz and folk music groups, as well as solo artists perform classical, modern, and traditional pieces. Many venture into new territory, experimenting across genres with infectious enthusiasm. In literature, acclaimed Vorarlberg authors such as Michael Köhlmeier, Arno Geiger, and Monika Helfer have earned recognition through prestigious literary awards. Literature has found a physical home in Hohenems, where since spring 2025, the Literaturhaus Vorarlberg has welcomed visitors of all ages within its carefully restored historic walls.
Vorarlberg also houses innovative scientific and research institutions, notably the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences and the Stella Vorarlberg Private University of Music. The region’s libraries serve as accessible learning spaces, providing vital access to information, education, and culture throughout the area.
Business Space
Vorarlberg is a thriving business region. At roughly 66 %, its export ratio is the highest among all of Austria’s states. Vorarlberg’s flagship companies are Doppelmayr Lifte, the world-market leader in ropeway construction, Blum GmbH (fittings), Alpla (plastic packaging), Zumtobel (light design), Rupp Käse, Bachmann electronic, Wolford (bodywear) and the fruit juice manufacturers Rauch and Pfanner. Kästle (legendary skis, freeriding equipment specialist), Skinfit (functional wear manufacturer) have a special link to Vorarlberg.
Vorarlberg plans to be energy-autonomous by 2050. This is why energy efficiency and the sparing use of natural resources are given utmost priority. Numerous projects promote e-mobility. When it comes to generating power, Vorarlberg has long been privileging hydro-electricity.
