Bregenz, also known as The City by the Lake, is the capital of Vorarlberg, Austria's westernmost region. Situated on the eastern shores of Lake Constance and with a history spanning two millennia, the city is home to Austria's most important harbour and the world-famous Bregenz Festival. I was fortunate to attend two opera performances in Bregenz: Madame Butterfly and The Marksman or The Freeshooter. The Bregenz Festival is a must-see experience for all opera lovers, offering unforgettable performances and memorable evenings. Fancy going? Check out my guide to make the most of your musical trip.

What the Bregenz Opera Festival is about

The Bregenz Festival presents top-class operas in an open-air setting every summer. The festival is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking atmosphere and stunning scenic backdrop. It became an international event almost immediately after its inception, just one year after World War II in 1946, as people from Germany, Switzerland and France came to the festival. The inaugural performance was staged on two barges moored on Lake Constance: one served as the stage for Mozart’s early opera Bastien et Bastienne, while the other accommodated the orchestra. In a town without a theatre, starting a festival might have seemed eccentric. However, the innovative choice to use the lake – the loveliest part of the town – as the stage turned out to be a hugely successful solution. Since 1946, the Bregenz Festival has welcomed opera enthusiasts to the shores of Lake Constance every summer in July and August. One distinctive feature of the festival is its main opera production, performed on a large lakeside stage known as the Seebuhne. The audience sits in grandstands, which accommodate approximately 7,000 people, by the lakeside, while the artists perform on a massive floating stage typically adorned with an impressive set.

Latest performances

Typically, each opera is performed over two consecutive years. Some of the outstanding performances featured on the lake stage have included Carmen, La Bohème, Tosca, Turandot, Madame Butterfly and Rigoletto. Madame Butterfly was showcased in 2022 and 2023, with the 2023 run attracting approximately 179,000 attendees to the highly praised lake stage rendition of the opera composed by Giacomo Puccini. The Marksman or The Freeshooter (Freischutz) by Carl Maria von Weber was presented in 2024 and will return for another show in 2025. In 2024, a total of 193,431 people attended the 28 performances of Der Freischutz.

When to start planning your trip

I recommend starting your planning sooner rather than later. Tickets for the opera go on sale in October, so once you have yours, make sure to secure a hotel reservation as well. Purchase tickets through the festival website to ensure you access the best seats and more affordable hotel rates. If you are travelling by car, several accommodations in Bregenz and nearby villages, such as Hotel Schwarzler, offer packages that include both a hotel stay and opera tickets. If a performance is cancelled due to inclement weather, as it happened once in 2024, you will be entitled to a refund. To improve your chances of attending the performance, consider staying in Bregenz for two nights. If the event is cancelled on the first evening, you might still have another opportunity on the second.

What to bring to the opera performance

As this is an outdoor event, the weather may affect your experience. I suggest dressing in smart casual attire and bringing a jacket, blanket and seat cushion for added comfort and warmth. It is also a good idea to read the synopsis of the opera beforehand or bring a printed copy with you.

What else to do in Bregenz

Stroll along the lakeside promenade

Take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade and harbour, soaking in the maritime atmosphere while savouring delicious ice cream. One of the most picturesque spots on the promenade is the Sunset Steps at the Molo, where you can relax and take in a stunning view of the lively scene on Lake Constance.

Marvel at the bulbous St Martin's Tower

St Martin's Tower in Bregenz is a notable attraction that offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, city and lake. Inside the tower, visitors can explore a permanent display on the first floor and gain insight into Bregenz's history through special exhibitions in the former tower keeper's apartment.

Author:  Bohringer Friedrich, source Wikimedia Commons.

Address: Martinsgasse 3b

Admire Kunsthaus architecture

The Kunsthaus, a striking concrete cube encased in a glass facade, is complemented by the ever-changing reflections of light from the nearby lake. Since its opening in 1997, the Kunsthaus has been a popular destination for both art and architecture admirers. At the Kunsthaus, international artists exhibit their works in an environment where the minimalist design allows the art to take centre stage truly.

Address: Karl-Tizian-Platz, 6900 Bregenz AT

Visit Vorarlberg State Museum

The reconstruction of the Vorarlberg State Museum integrated modern materials like plastic bottles and earth plaster into the design while preserving the historic monument. Inside, thick earth plaster walls and untreated wooden floors create a natural ambience. This museum stands out from traditional state museums in both its content and aesthetic appeal.

Address: Kornmarktpl. 1

Take the cable car to the top of Pfander Mountain

The Pfanderbahn cable car ride provides a quick six-minute ride up Bregenz's local mountain, offering a spectacular view of the city along the way. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Constance and 240 Alpine peaks across Austria, Germany and Switzerland, making Pfander a renowned vantage point in the region. At an altitude of 1,064 metres above sea level, the mountain offers a range of activities to partake in throughout the year. The stunning views, fresh air and photo opportunities alone make a trip to Pfander worthwhile. For a leisurely stroll on the Pfander plateau, the Alpine Game Park, located next to the mountain station, is an excellent choice. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including ibexes and marmots, along a 30-minute circular path.

Go swimming

On a hot day, head to Strandbad Public Beach for a refreshing swim. If you stay at the JUFA Hotel, ask for a free entrance ticket.

If you have additional time, you might want to consider adding a visit to the Bregenz Opera Festival to your 6-day Lake Constance summer itinerary.

Where to stay

If you rely on public transportation, consider booking a hotel within walking distance of the opera stage. Grand Hotel Bregenz - MGallery or JUFA Hotel would be good choices.

JUFA Hotel

Set in a historic industrial building complex, JUFA Hotel exudes a unique charm. The spacious rooms with high ceilings are perfect for those who appreciate a roomy environment. Conveniently situated near Lake Constance and just 500 metres from the train station, the hotel offers easy access to various public pools and facilities, including Strandbad Public Beach and Bregenz Public Indoor Pool. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel also offers communal areas, playrooms, bicycle storage facilities, a café with an outdoor dining area and a playground for children. Check-in time is at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. 

Alternatively, guests can stay in Lindau, Germany, and take a boat to the festival from Lindau Harbour.

How to get to Bregenz

While Bregenz is in Austria, Vienna is approximately 600 kilometres away and can take around 8 hours to reach by public transportation. Two convenient travel options for reaching Bregenz are flying into Memmingen Airport in Germany or Zurich Airport in Switzerland. Memmingen Airport is 82 kilometres from Bregenz. From there, you can take a 10-minute bus ride to Memmingen station and then board the ECE96 Zurich train to Bregenz, arriving in about an hour. Zurich Airport is 120 kilometres from Bregenz, with the train journey taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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What did you think? Have you visited Bregenz Opera Festival? I would love to hear from you, so please add your comment below.

Author: Anita Sane

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