Things To Do
in Lochau
Lochau am Bodensee is a quiet lakeside town on the western shore of Lake Constance, just a short distance from Bregenz. It blends peaceful residential streets with scenic water views and easy access to Alpine scenery. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring Vorarlberg’s lake culture, cycling routes, and nearby vineyards.
In summer, the promenade and lake connections come alive, while winters offer cozy cafés and slow-paced evenings by the water.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Austrian pastries and coffee. After your meal, stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the historic center, admiring the beautiful architecture and quaint shops. Don’t miss the iconic Church of St. Nicholas, where you can spend some time absorbing the serene atmosphere.
After lunch at a lakeside restaurant, visit the nearby Bregenz Festival House, famous for its floating stage on Lake Constance. Explore the exhibits and learn about the history of this unique venue and the annual festival it hosts. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the lake promenade, taking in the stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains.
As the sun sets, head to a local tavern for dinner, where you can taste authentic Austrian dishes, such as Wiener Schnitzel. Following dinner, enjoy a quiet evening stroll along the lake, watching the reflections of the colorful sunset dance on the water. Wrap up the night by sipping a glass of local wine at a nearby bar while listening to live traditional music.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then pack a picnic to enjoy by Lake Constance. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun while watching sailboats glide across the water. If you're feeling adventurous, rent a paddleboat to explore the lake more intimately.
After a delightful picnic lunch on the beach, take part in various water sports like windsurfing or kayaking, with equipment available for rent nearby. The warm waters of the lake are perfect for a refreshing swim, so don’t hesitate to dive in! Spend the afternoon basking in the sun or playing beach volleyball with locals and fellow tourists.
As evening approaches, find a cozy lakeside restaurant for dinner, where you can relish fresh fish caught from the lake. Enjoy the picturesque views as the sky shifts to hues of orange and purple, reflecting off the water. End the day with a leisurely walk along the shore, taking in the beautiful scenery and the tranquil sounds of the lake.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $3-5 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $5-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-180 |
| 🎟️Museum / attraction entry | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Picturesque lake setting with easy access to the Alps
- Strong transport links to Bregenz and Dornbirn
- Relaxed pace and beautiful nature trails
- Limited nightlife within Lochau itself
- Some services concentrated in nearby towns like Bregenz
- Can be busy in peak summer on the lakefront
- "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Lochau
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic shots of Lake Constance framed by the Alps, accessible via the Pfänderbahn or a scenic hike.
Gentle waterline shots, boats, and the sparkling lake reflecting the town and surrounding mountains.
Golden-hour photography of the harbor and, if the Seebühne is active, dramatic lake-going reflections.
From Lochau or nearby marinas, boat trips offer dynamic compositions of water, shoreline, and distant Alps.
Food in Lochau
Lochau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cheesy egg-noodles topped with caramelized onions; a Vorarlberg staple traditionally shared in inns and family restaurants around Lochau and nearby towns.
Must-Try!
Cornmeal porridge often served with milk, fruit compotes, or roasted onions; a simple, comforting dish found in traditional Vorarlberg eateries.
Pan-seared lake trout caught from Lake Constance, typically served with potatoes and fresh herbs, highlighting the lake’s produce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in nearby Bregenz offering fresh regional produce, cheeses, seafood from the Bodensee, and ready-to-eat bites: great for a quick lunch or picnic ingredients.
Seasonal vendors along the Lochau and Bregenz lakefront offering snacks, pastries, and fresh fruit with views over the water.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use greetings like Grüß Gott or Guten Morgen; be punctual for meetings and reservations; keep noise moderate in residential areas, especially evening.
Austria values orderly queues and polite conversation; maintain polite tone in public spaces and restaurants.
Safety
Tipping in Lochau
Ensure a smooth experience
In Austria, rounding up or leaving about 5–10% for good service is customary if not included. Check the receipt for service charges; if included, a smaller tip is acceptable.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; most places accept contactless payments; ATMs are common in Bregenz and Lochau for cash needs.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (often 20–28°C or higher), long daylight hours, lake activities like swimming and boating; occasional thunderstorms; outdoor concerts and markets thrive.
Milder temperatures with colorful foliage along the hills; grape harvest season in nearby vineyards; fewer crowds, but pleasant for walking and photography.
Cold and crisp with light snowfall possible; shorter days; indoor culture scenes in Bregenz; Christmas markets nearby add festive charm.
Mild, fresh air with blooming trees and gardens; ideal for hiking and biking along the lake; rain showers can occur, so bring a light shell.
Lochau at Night
Hiking in Lochau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular route from the Pfänderbahn station to the summit area with sweeping lake and Alpine views.
Several comforting lakeside segments ideal for relaxed walks and short hikes with water scenery.
Nearby river and forest paths offering diverse nature experiences and quieter scenery.
Airports
How to reach Lochau by plane.
Closest major regional airport about 40–60 minutes by car; good connections to German and Austrian cities.
Small regional airport nearby, convenient for regional travel; transfers to the lake area are straightforward.
Major international hub about 2–2.5 hours by road and rail; wide international connections.
A bit farther but a major option for international travel; several hours by train or car via Vorarlberg.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, retirees, and professionals living in Lochau and nearby towns.
Residents from Germany and Switzerland who work in Vorarlberg or on the lake’s shores.
Peak summer draws families and hikers to the lakefront and nearby trails.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lake Constance is a popular sailing and windsurfing destination with rental centers along the shore.
Bodenseeradweg and lakefront paths attract cyclists of all levels.
Short well-marked trails around Pfänder and along the lakeside offer panoramic views.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lochau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian Vorarlberg options like Käsknöpfle without meat, dumplings with seasonal vegetables, and hearty vegetable plates; inform staff of any dairy or egg preferences.