Bregenz Journals

Study Abroad in Bregenz

A December 2002 trip to Bregenz by bledpub

Playing around at the park in Bregenz Photo - Hotel Bodensee, Bregenz, Austria

Quote: In the summer of 2000 I did a study abroad in Bregenz and it changed my life. I stll return as a visitor.

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Study Abroad in Bregenz

Overview

Lakefront in Bregenz Photo - Bregenz, Austria

Quote:

Man oh man. I spent a lot of time here back in 2000. This was home to me for a summer when I participated in a study abroad. I know, not the first destination for people who come to Austria-but it should be! It is the quintessential Austrian town. No tourists. Great food. Lovely lake. Good spot for daytrips. One of my favorite places. Period.At first I didn't think anything could beat Bregenz in the summer. The warm breezes coming off the lake, the outside ice cream vendors, dining alfresco in the old town, sunning on the rocks like little reptiles...But then I went back in the winter and it had a completely new charm for me. The winter markets, the live nativity scene, the warm wine from th...Read More

Man oh man. I spent a lot of time here back in 2000. This was home to me for a summer when I participated in a study abroad. I know, not the first destination for people who come to Austria-but it should be! It is the quintessential Austrian town. No tourists. Great food. Lovely lake. Good spot for daytrips. One of my favorite places. Period.

At first I didn't think anything could beat Bregenz in the summer. The warm breezes coming off the lake, the outside ice cream vendors, dining alfresco in the old town, sunning on the rocks like little reptiles...But then I went back in the winter and it had a completely new charm for me. The winter markets, the live nativity scene, the warm wine from the street vendors, the snow on the lake...Now I just have to make it back for fall and spring!

Quick Tips:

I highly reccommend a daytrip to the Pfander. Basically, it is a big mountain in the middle of town. You can ride a cable up to it, and once you get up there the vew is awesome. On good clear days you can see Germany, Austria, Switerland, Lichtenstein, and even France far off in the distance.

I also suggest a daytrip through the Bregenzerwald-the Bregenz forest. Take yourself a picnic lunch and make a day of it. It's beautiful.

The Volks museum has some wonderdul Roman Empire artifacts, along with some other neat things. It only costs about to get into it and you could spend a couple of hours wandering around.

If you're there in the summer, check out the music festival. It is world famous and features an enourmous floating stage on the lake. When I was there the first time the theme was "Ein Maskenball" and the stage consisted of a 300 foot skeleton.

A daytrip to the lovely German island of Lindau (about 10 minutes) away can not be missed. It is a great little tourist island and you can shop and eat to your heart's content.

Take a boat ride to the island of Mainau, where flowers abound. No one lives on the island, but there is a palace and lots of gardens to wander around in.

Best Way To Get Around:

Getting AROUND: Basically, the only way to get around Bregenz is to walk. If you're coming to or from the train station with your luggage, then I suggest calling a taxi. Other than that, walk. The town is so tiny that you'll probably be wherever you want to be in five minutes anyway.

Getting TO: Bregenz is on the main train route from Zurich to Munich and from Zurich to Vienna. (Or Zurich to Innsbruck or Salzburg) Basically, you have to go through it at some time if you are going anywhere near Zurich. Be ready to hop off the train, though. It only stops in Bregenz for about a second. Read Less

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Hotel Bodensee

Hotel

Quote:

We tend to keep going back to the same places when it comes to accommodations. This is, in my opinion, the best place to stay in Bregenz. The location is great, located near the center and across the street from the lake. There are many good restaurants and shops close by, as well as bars that stay open late. THe train station is about a ten minute walk but we take a taxi due to the amount of luggage we always have. (The drivers don't seem to have a problem ith this.) The owner is very friendly and speaks some English. She has lent me a hairdryer in my time of need. She has a small library where you can leave and take books for your trip. She will also point you in the right direction if the...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 17, 2007

Hotel Bodensee
Kornmarktstraße 22
Bregenz, Austria 6900
+43 5574 42300-0

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Goldener Hirschen

Restaurant

Quote:

This is the best place in town to go to if you want to sample the local cuisine. The food is very heavy on meats, creams, and sauces, so don't go there unless you have an empty stomach-it will fill you up quickly. There decor is Austrian hunting lodge and the tables are large and wooden. On crowded nights you might share with someone you don;t know. I have had most of the things on the menu at one time or another. I especially like the wienerschniztel and the little boiled potatoes that come with it. I also like the spaetzle with goat cheese, although some people in my group did not. It is pretty strong and has a strong scent to it. They also do good broth-y soups and some excellent desserts...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 17, 2007

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On Top of the World - the Pfander

Story/Tip

The Pfander in Bregenz Photo - Bregenz, Austria

Quote:

The first time I visited the Pfander, I had no idea what to expect. It was my first day in Austria and I had never seen the Alps. It was so crowded in the cable car, and I'm so short, that I couldn't see anything on the ride up. When we got to the top, I was shuffled out with everyone else. I took about five steps and then looked up, and that's when the panorama of the scene unfolded. Snow topped mountains, the pristine lake, the bright blue sky, and low green valleys spread before my eyes. It was the most breathtaking site I had ever seen. I really felt as if I were standing on top of the world.

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About the Writer

bledpub
Waco, Kentucky

"I try to travel to a new place with every trip. If I can't do that then I at least check out a new r..."
27 journals
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133 reviews

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