Things To Do
in Götzis

Götzis is a scenic town in Vorarlberg, Austria, nestled near Lake Constance and the Alpine foothills. It blends agrarian charm with a quiet, cosmopolitan vibe thanks to proximity to Dornbirn, Bregenz, and Feldkirch. The town preserves Vorarlberg’s distinctive architecture and a strong local culture, with easy access to hiking, cycling, and lake activities.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful, friendly atmosphere and use Götzis as a springboard to explore the wider lake region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploring Götzis
morning
:

Arrive in Götzis and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets, soaking in the stunning alpine architecture. Stop by a local café for a traditional Austrian breakfast featuring pastries and fresh coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the local church, Pfarrkirche Götzis, to admire its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. Spend some time at the nearby village park, enjoying a picnic while gazing at the surrounding mountains. Discover local shops and artisan boutiques for some unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run restaurant that serves authentic Vorarlberg cuisine. Relish a warm atmosphere filled with laughter and the sounds of local music while sampling regional specialties. End your day with a calming walk along the pedestrian promenade under the stars.

day 2
Hiking and Nature Exploration
morning
:

Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then embark on a hiking adventure in the stunning surroundings of the Vorarlberg region. Follow marked trails that lead you through lush forests and picturesque landscapes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and the stunning views of the Rhine Valley.

afternoon
:

After an invigorating morning, enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint. Post-lunch, visit the nearby Rappenlochschlucht gorge for an exhilarating walk across wooden footbridges and breathtaking waterfalls. Capture the essence of nature's beauty through photographs and peaceful moments.

evening
:

Return to Götzis for a relaxing dinner at a traditional Austrian tavern. Enjoy local wines paired with seasonal dishes, allowing the flavors to enhance your culinary experience. Wind down at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🧺Grocery staple (loaf of bread)$2-3
🏨One-bedroom apartment (city center, monthly)$900-1300
Gasoline (per liter)$1.4-1.8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Lake Constance and the Alps offers easy day trips.
  • High-quality healthcare and a safe, clean environment.
  • Limited nightlife within Götzis itself; more options in nearby towns.
  • Smaller town feel may mean fewer direct international flight options.
  • "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Danke / Vielen Dank" - Thank you
  • "Entschuldigung, wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Excuse me, where is the train station?

Places to Visit in Götzis

Visit one of these nice places.

Pfänder Summit Viewpoint

Panoramic views over Lake Constance and the Alpine panorama; great at sunrise or golden hour.

Rappenlochschlucht Gorge

Dramatic rock walls and river scenes ideal for moody landscape photography.

Kunsthaus Bregenz

Modern architecture along the lakefront, perfect for abstract and architectural shots.

Bodensee Lakefront at Bregenz

Harbor, boats, and mountains reflecting on the lake; especially picturesque at dusk.

Culinary Guide

Food in Götzis

Vorarlberg’s cuisine blends Alpine heartiness with fresh, regional produce. Expect dairy-rich dishes, nutty cheeses, and garden-fresh produce served with warmth and a touch of Alpine sophistication.

Götzis Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Käsknöpfle

Cheesy shepherd’s noodles topped with fried onions, a Vorarlberg staple you’ll find in many mountain inns.

Must-Try!

Ribel

Cornmeal porridge or mush commonly served with fatty pork or apples; a traditional countryside classic.

Käsespätzle

Egg noodles layered with cheese and crispy onions, a hearty, comforting dish popular in Vorarlberg.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Götzis Farmers’ Market

Weekly market offering fresh regional produce, dairy, breads, and local specialties.

Dornbirn Market

Larger nearby market with stalls for cheese, meats, pastries, and seasonal treats; a great spot to taste local produce.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a temperate climate with warm summers, cold winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year. Lake Constance moderates temperatures, making nights pleasant in summer and cooler in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite gesture is to say 'Grüß Gott' or 'Servus'; modest dress and punctuality are appreciated.

Mealtime Etiquette

Dinner table manners are relaxed but courteous; wait to begin until invited and say 'Guten Appetit'.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall very safe for travelers; common-sense precautions apply in crowds and around water and on hikes. Keep valuables secure, follow marked trails, and be aware of weather changes in the mountains.

Tipping in Götzis

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common; many places include a service charge, especially in touristy spots.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is still convenient, especially in markets and small cafes.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blossoming fruit trees, and plenty of freshwater rain; carry a light jacket and a rain layer.

Summer

Warm days by the lake, with chances of heat and afternoon storms; stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage; great for hikes around Lake Constance and in the hinterland; pack layers.

Winter

Cold, with snowy upland landscapes and cozy inns; nearby ski resorts (Damüls-Mellau, Lech) are accessible for day trips.

Nightlife Guide

Götzis at Night

Götzis offers a quiet, local nightlife scene with cozy bars and cafés; for livelier evenings, head to nearby Dornbirn or Bregenz which feature larger bars, live music venues, and lakeside nightlife during warmer months.

Hiking in Götzis

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Pfänder Summit Trail

Popular short hike with panoramic lake and mountain views; accessible from Pfänder cable car base.

Rappenlochschlucht Gorge

Stunning canyon walk near Dornbirn with dramatic rock formations.

Kummenberg and nearby alpine routes

Gentle to moderate hikes with forest scenery and alpine vistas.

Airports

How to reach Götzis by plane.

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Small regional airport about an hour or so by car from Götzis, convenient for connections to Swiss and Austrian destinations.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)

Lakeside airport about an hour from Götzis; good for connections to central Europe.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub about 2-2.5 hours by train or car; frequent international connections.

Memmingen Airport (FMM)

Smaller international airport within 1.5-2 hours by road/train; often used for budget flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Götzis is a compact town with a walkable center; for longer trips or mountain excursions, cycling or short drives to nearby towns are common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Austrian residents

Predominantly native Austrians with a mix of residents from nearby regions.

International residents

Small communities of residents from neighboring countries and international workers in Vorarlberg.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Popular in winter in the nearby Alps, with days trip options to Damüls-Mellau and Lech.

Cycling

Road cycling and lakeside cycling along the Bodensee and through Vorarlberg.

Hiking

Easy valley walks to challenging alpine hikes in the surrounding mountains.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in Vorarlberg is efficient, with trains and buses connecting Götzis to Dornbirn, Bregenz, and Feldkirch. Car travel is smooth on regional roads; winter driving can require snow chains on higher passes. Biking on designated lanes is common in towns, with parking available at many locations.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Götzis.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Vorarlberg dishes can be adapted; request cheese-heavy plates or vegetable sides, and ask for non-meat broths.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Austria has excellent healthcare; you’ll find clinics and general practitioners in Götzis and nearby Dornbirn or Feldkirch. Visitors typically rely on public health insurance or private care as applicable, and emergency services are reliable.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide