Things To Do
in Hohenems
Hohenems is a historic town in Vorarlberg, Austria, nestled in the Rhine Valley near the Swiss border. Its well-preserved old town centers around a castle and a compact medieval core full of arcaded houses and quaint courtyards. The town blends Alpine heritage with Jewish historical sites, museums, and easy access to Lake Constance and the surrounding mountains.
It serves as a cozy base for exploring the Vorarlberg region, with short trips to Dornbirn, Bregenz, and nearby hiking trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Schloss Hohenems, where you can admire the panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. Take a leisurely stroll through the castle gardens, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Grab a coffee at a nearby café and enjoy a traditional Austrian pastry to kick off your morning.
In the afternoon, navigate through the charming streets of the Hohenems town center, discovering unique boutiques and local artisans. Enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant offering regional specialties, such as Vorarlberg cheese. Afterward, visit the Jewish Museum Hohenems to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area.
As the sun sets, savor a delightful dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Rhine Valley, where you can relish local wine. Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the river, reflecting on the day. End your evening at a local bar, indulging in Austrian craft beers or a glass of schnapps.
Begin your day with a scenic train ride to Bregenz, the capital of Vorarlberg, where the stunning Lake Constance awaits. Upon arrival, explore the lakeside promenade and take a moment to appreciate the beautiful backdrop of the Pfänder Mountain. Dig into a hearty breakfast at a lakeside café before venturing into the day's adventures.
After breakfast, take the cable car to Pfänder Mountain for breathtaking views and a short hike in nature. Afterward, return to Bregenz for lunch at a traditional Austrian tavern known for its wiener schnitzel. Spend the afternoon exploring the famous floating stage and the quaint streets of the old town.
As evening approaches, unwind with a leisurely dinner at a lakeside restaurant, soaking in the sunset over Lake Constance. Consider catching a performance at the esteemed Bregenz Festival, renowned for its operatic events during the summer months. Conclude your day with a pleasant stroll along the lake, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍝Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-5 |
| 🧀Local cheese or snack | $6-12 |
| 🚆One-way public transit ticket | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact and walkable historic core
- Rich cultural heritage including Jewish history
- Proximity to Lake Constance and the Alps for day trips
- Charming seasonal markets and gemütlichkeit (coziness)
- Limited nightlife and shopping options for a larger city experience
- Some attractions require car or bus trips to reach
- Weather can be variable; winter travel may require warm clothing
- "Grüß Gott" - Hello
- "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?
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please/You're welcome
Places to Visit in Hohenems
Visit one of these nice places.
Arcaded houses, narrow lanes and the market square provide classic postcard-worthy scenes.
The hilltop palace with ornate facades and surrounding greenery creates a striking backdrop for photography.
Historic Jewish Quarter and its quiet streets offer atmospheric shots of culture and history.
Vantage points in the surrounding hills give sweeping views toward Lake Constance on clear days.
Food in Hohenems
Hohenems Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Dumplings or noodles baked with melted cheese, a comforting Vorarlberg staple.
Must-Try!
A selection of local cheeses served with bread, pickles and seasonal accompaniments.
Fried pastry dough sprinkled with sugar, a festive Vorarlberg treat.
A traditional barley-based grain dish served as a savory or slightly sweet side.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and local delicacies.
Seasonal stalls in nearby Bodensee towns with lake fish, pastries and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Punctuality is appreciated in both business and social settings.
Say Grüß Gott or Guten Tag; use Bitte and Danke as courtesy language.
Be mindful of residential quiet hours in the evenings and on Sundays.
Safety
Tipping in Hohenems
Ensure a smooth experience
In Austria, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common.
Cash and debit/credit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are popular; ATMs are readily available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming meadows; bring a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
Warm, sunny days ideal for lakeside walks and outdoor dining; occasional rain showers occur.
Comfortable temperatures and harvest flavors; great time for markets and hillside hikes.
Cold with possible snowfall; cozy cafés, winter markets, and nearby ski options in the region.
Hohenems at Night
Hiking in Hohenems
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible hikes in the Rätikon mountains with views toward Lake Constance.
Gentle forest paths and hillside routes suitable for a half-day excursion.
Scenic circuits that combine waterfront scenery with gentle ascents in nearby hills.
Airports
How to reach Hohenems by plane.
Small regional airport near Lake Constance; convenient for short trips to Switzerland and nearby regions.
Regional airport with European connections; accessible by road or train from Vorarlberg.
Major international hub about 2 hours by train from Hohenems; broad global connections.
Smaller airport with a selection of European routes; useful for budget travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily native Austrians with strong Alpine cultural roots.
A mix of local families and workers commuting to larger towns nearby.
International visitors drawn to Lake Constance and Alpine scenery.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nearby Vorarlberg resorts offer extensive alpine runs during the winter.
Road and mountain biking along the Rhine Valley and into the Vorarlberg countryside.
Water sports and sailing on the Bodensee during warm months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hohenems.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetarian options such as Käseknöpfle, vegetable soups, and salads; inform staff about any allergies and request meat-free adaptions.