Follow the Architecture Trail through Austria's Bregenz Forest region

The Bregenzerwald (Bregenz Forest) is a region in the far west of Austria. It is known not only for its magnificent mountain landscape and delicious cheese, but also for its modern architecture and sophisticated craftsmanship. While walking through small villages, you will see the beautiful form and materials used in the buildings in the region. Here, old and new come together. What better way to explore the region’s wonderful buildings than on the Architecture Trail?

The Austrian province of Vorarlberg is considered a model region in terms of architecture and craftsmanship. In the 1960s a group of young architects got together to spread their idea of simple, resource-saving and affordable buildings. Since then, many public buildings and private houses in Vorarlberg have been thoughtfully planned or modernised. Wood, the regional building material, as well as clear design are defining features of the local architecture. The people of Vorarlberg, and in particular the Bregenzerwald, are proud of their wood.

This Collection brings you closer to both the nature and the architecture of this region. Over 4 days and a total of 32 miles (52 km), you will hike from Hittisau to Lingenau, Schwarzenberg, Bezau, and finally to Au. The respective stages are not particularly long - leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the stops en route, such as museums, restaurants and vantage points. With 3,600 feet (1,100 m) of altitude difference. At the end of each stage, you spend the night in a typical Bregenzerwald village where tradition and modernity meet. Despite being a rural region, you will find excellent restaurants and hotels.

The starting point in Hittisau can be reached from Bregenz with bus 25 or from Dornbirn with bus 41. From the endpoint in Au/Argeneau, you can take the bus 40 to Dornbirn. This makes it easy to enjoy Bregenzerwald’s wonderful landscapes with public transport. You can easily plan your arrival and departure here: fahrplan.vmobil.at.