
Dornbirn.
Vorarlberg's largest town, shaped by textile heritage and mountain trails.

Dornbirn is the largest town in Vorarlberg, set in the Rhine Valley at the foot of the Bregenzerwald mountains. Through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries it grew into one of Austria's leading centres for textile manufacturing, and that history still marks its streets, where former spinning mills and workers' housing stand near the old market square and the parish church of St Martin.
The Karren, a wooded peak rising above the town, opens onto views across the Rhine Valley toward Lake Constance and the mountains of eastern Switzerland. At its base, the inatura centre presents the region's geology, water and wildlife through interactive displays. South of the centre, the Rappenloch and Alploch gorges cut through pale limestone, where wooden walkways follow the Ach stream beneath steep rock walls.
The Rolls-Royce Museum, set in a former textile factory, displays vintage cars and traces the marque's history. The town also hosts the Dornbirner Messe, a long-running autumn trade fair that draws visitors from across the wider Lake Constance region, and its countryside rises quickly into orchards and forest trails toward the Bregenzerwald.
Things to do.
- 01Wine tasting tours at local vineyards
- 02Explore the Dornbirn Museum of Local History
- 03Visit the botanical garden for a relaxing stroll
- 04Hike in the nearby Bregenzerwald region
- 05Attend local food festivals showcasing Vorarlberg cuisine
Nearby attractions.
Monthly weather.
Nearby destinations.
9 kmBregenz
Cultural city on Lake Constance, famous for its floating stage opera festival.
15 kmRöthis
Village known for its regional wine production and scenic views.
15 kmLindau
Picturesque island town known for its historic lighthouse and vibrant harbor.
Turn a shortlist into a routed trip.
Drop the places you like into one list. The planner orders them by day and works out the distances.