Bregenz is a city that packs a punch for travelers seeking engaging and authentic tours. Its compact size and stunning surroundings make it perfect for exploring through a variety of activities — whether you prefer discovering the city on your own, hiking in the nearby mountains, or taking to the water on Lake Constance. We especially appreciate how some tours, like the Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour, combine sightseeing with interactive fun, providing a fresh way to experience the city without the pressure of a large group or rigid schedule. Others, such as the Lake Constance boat tour, showcase the region’s natural beauty from a different perspective, offering both relaxation and excitement.
If you’re looking to get active, the Snowshoe tour Ifen/Gottesacker Allgäu Kleinwalsertal presents a fantastic way to enjoy Austria’s winter landscape, even for beginners. Or, if you want a local’s view of Bregenz, the Surprise tour of Bregenz guided by a local offers personalized insights and top tips. With options ranging from self-guided adventures to guided hikes and water sports, Bregenz truly has something for every type of traveler. Below, we’ve rounded up the top six tours, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
At number 1 on our list, this self-guided scavenger hunt transforms exploring Bregenz into a fun puzzle-solving adventure. For just over $6 per person, you’ll use your smartphone to solve riddles that lead you to major sights and hidden corners of the city. It’s perfect for independent travelers or families who want a flexible tour that combines sightseeing with interactive gameplay.
The tour takes about 2 hours, allowing you to pace yourself and explore at your leisure. It’s available in both German and English, making it accessible for international visitors. Reviewers praise it as an “impressive way to learn about Bregenz” and highlight how playing through the app made discovering the city “a lot more fun.” This tour is ideal if you prefer a low-cost, engaging experience that offers a different perspective from traditional guided tours.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for solo travelers, families, or anyone who loves a bit of brainteasing while exploring. It’s a budget-friendly way to see all the highlights—and some hidden gems.
2. Snowshoe Tour Ifen/Gottesacker Allgäu Kleinwalsertal
Number 2 on our list is the all-day snowshoe tour through the Kleinwalsertal and Gottesacker Plateau. For around 4.5 hours, you’ll trek across snow-covered landscapes that offer some of the most breathtaking winter scenery in Austria. This tour is equally suited for beginners as it includes snowshoes, poles, and safety equipment—meaning you don’t need prior experience to join.
Led by a certified local guide, you’ll enjoy the quiet beauty of the Gottesacker Plateau, with panoramic views that make every step worth it. Expect to encounter pure nature and remarkable landscapes, along with potential wildlife sightings. Reviewers note that the guide is knowledgeable, and the equipment provided makes it accessible even for novices. The tour combines physical activity with scenic serenity, perfect for those who want to combine outdoor fun with sightseeing.
Bottom line: A standout winter experience for those who want to explore Austria’s snowy beauty without needing advanced mountaineering skills. It’s a peaceful, scenic adventure that’s value-packed, especially considering the included gear and expert guidance.
3. Bregenz: Hiking
Number 3 offers a guided hike with a local on Bregenz’s local mountain. This 3-hour trek takes you through the hills surrounding the city, providing impressive views of the Rhine Valley, the Bregenz Forest, and Lake Constance. Whether you’re into nature, photography, or just a good walk, this tour delivers scenery that’s as rewarding as it is accessible.
The guide shares local insights and points out wildlife, plants, and historical features along the trail. The highlight is the combination of exercise and fresh air, ending with panoramic vistas that are perfect for memorable photos. The tour is especially suitable for those wanting a manageable outdoor experience that doesn’t require technical skills.
While specific reviews aren’t provided, the focus on local insights and scenic views makes this a solid choice for travelers who enjoy guided walks and want to learn more about the area’s natural environment. Plus, the possibility of combining this with a ride on the Pfähnderbahn cable car or exploring gastronomy options enhances the experience.
Bottom line: Excellent for outdoor lovers and those seeking a relaxed yet scenic hike with a local touch. It’s an affordable and straightforward way to enjoy Bregenz’s natural landscape.
4. Lake Constance: Fun & Speed on the Water – Boat Tour with Skipper
Number 4 is the exciting boat ride on Lake Constance, operated by the Cleopatra boat. This experience offers a 45-minute to 2-hour window of action and relaxation on the water. You can choose to get pulled behind a Mesle Tube at speeds up to 40 km/h or simply enjoy the tranquil bays of Lake Constance, watching the sunset.
Starting from Kleinboothafen Rorschach, the boat tour includes activities like swimming, snorkeling, and Banana boat rides—perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adrenaline and leisure. The boat is equipped with safety gear, ensuring a secure experience whether you’re flying across the water or floating peacefully in a bay.
Reviewers mention that the tour offers pure adrenaline and stunning scenery, and the flexible duration allows you to tailor the experience to your mood. It’s best suited for active travelers who want to combine watersports with sightseeing.
Bottom line: For those craving a high-energy, water-based adventure, this boat tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially good for families or groups looking for fun on Lake Constance.
5. Surprise Tour of Bregenz Guided by a Local
Number 5 on our list is a personalized 90-minute surprise tour led by a local guide. You’ll discover Bregenz through their eyes, exploring the city’s most impressive spots and hearing stories you won’t find in guidebooks. It’s a flexible experience, tailored to your interests and pace.
This tour offers more than just sightseeing; you’ll get top tips on bars, cafes, and restaurants, plus insights into Seekapelle’s history. The local guide’s perspective helps deepen your understanding of Bregenz’s charm and character. With a cost of $158 per person, it’s a more exclusive experience, suitable for travelers wanting a private, intimate introduction to the city.
Reviewers describe the tour as “a wonderful way to see Bregenz from a local’s perspective,” and note that the photos and tips provided made their trip more memorable. It’s ideal if you prefer personalized attention and want a behind-the-scenes look at Bregenz’s best.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an intimate, customized experience with insider tips and local stories that bring the city to life.
6. LVS Training for Winter Sports Enthusiasts (Avalanche Camp)
Rounding out the list is the Avalanche Safety Training, designed for winter sports lovers who want to learn how to stay safe in avalanche-prone conditions. This one-day course in the Bregenzerwald provides practical skills like interpreting avalanche reports, using transceivers, shovels, and probes, along with risk management techniques.
Led by experienced mountain guides, the training covers snow profile analysis and rescue procedures—crucial skills for backcountry skiing or snowboarding. While this is more of an educational experience than a sightseeing tour, it’s invaluable for those planning to venture off-piste or into remote winter terrain.
Reviews are not specified, but the focus on safety and risk management makes it particularly appealing for winter sports enthusiasts who want to add a layer of competence and confidence to their trip. It’s a full-day commitment but a worthwhile investment if winter adventure is on your agenda.
Bottom line: An essential course for winter thrill-seekers eager to learn avalanche safety skills and confidently enjoy Austria’s snowy backcountry.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Bregenz
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience excites you most. For a budget-friendly, interactive city exploration, the Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour is hard to beat. If outdoor adventures appeal, the Snowshoe Tour offers stunning winter vistas with beginner-friendly gear and guides.
For a personalized city experience, the Surprise Tour provides insider tips and local insights, while the guided hike is great for those wanting a scenic walk with nature and panoramic views.
If you’re craving water fun, the Lake Constance boat tour delivers excitement on the water, and for winter sports enthusiasts, the avalanche training helps you stay safe in snowy terrain.
Booking early is advisable, especially for guided or limited-capacity tours. Think about the season—summer hikes and boat rides are best from late spring to early fall, while snowshoeing is ideal in winter.
Final Thoughts
Bregenz offers a diverse selection of tours tailored to different interests and activity levels. If you want a fun, budget-friendly city adventure, the self-guided scavenger hunt is a perfect choice. For adventurers and outdoor lovers, the snowshoe tour and guided hikes are excellent options that reveal Austria’s stunning landscapes. Those seeking a more personalized and insider experience will find the surprise guided tour a rewarding way to discover the city through a local’s eyes.
No matter which you pick, each tour promises an authentic, enjoyable way to experience Bregenz beyond just passing through. To make the most of your trip, book early and tailor your selections to your interests and pace. All these options ensure you’ll leave with memorable stories—and maybe some new favorite spots—ready for your next visit.
