Things To Do
in Lustenau

Lustenau sits on the Rhine near Lake Constance, blending Vorarlberg’s alpine heritage with river-meadow scenery. The town serves as a gateway to both mountains and lakes, offering a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Its heritage and modern touches show in green spaces, cultural venues, and easy public transport connections.

Visitors can enjoy hearty regional cuisine, scenic walks along the Rhine, and day trips to nearby Vorarlberg towns.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Riverside Stroll
morning
:

Begin your adventure with a leisurely breakfast at a cozy café overlooking the Rhine, savoring fresh breads and regional jams. After settling into your hotel, take a gentle stroll along the tree-lined promenade to soak in the serene river views. Notice the mix of Swiss and Austrian architecture twinkling in the morning light as you wander.

afternoon
:

Head to the local tourist office to pick up maps and brochures, then meander through the pedestrian-friendly town center to admire pastel façades and charming fountains. Stop at a riverside biergarten for a traditional schnitzel paired with a crisp Vorarlberger beer. Spend time chatting with friendly locals to get insider tips for the rest of your stay.

evening
:

Enjoy a gourmet dinner at a riverside restaurant, sampling freshly caught trout from the Rhine. Take a twilight walk to the wooden footbridge that connects Austria and Switzerland for a magical sunset view. Unwind back at your accommodation with a glass of regional white wine, letting the gentle river breeze lull you into relaxation.

day 2
Market Morning and Textile History
morning
:

Rise early and head to the weekly market to explore stalls brimming with cheese, sausages, fresh produce and handcrafted souvenirs. Chat with friendly vendors as you sample Montafoner cheese and locally cured meats. Let the vibrant colors and aromas of the market awaken your senses.

afternoon
:

Visit the Lustenau Textile Museum to dive into the town’s rich weaving heritage and marvel at antique looms and intricate fabric patterns. Join a short workshop to try your hand at traditional cloth stamping or embroidery. Finish with a coffee break in the museum café, reflecting on the centuries-old craftsmanship.

evening
:

Dine at a quaint tavern where you can sip on a glass of regional wine and enjoy homemade apple strudel. Listen to live folk music if it’s available, letting the cheerful melodies set a festive mood. Cap off the evening with a leisurely riverside walk under the starlit sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$12-20
🚌Public transit day pass$5-12
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$90-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Picturesque Rhine valley location with easy access to mountains and lakes
  • Walkable town center and strong regional cuisine
  • Small town feel with limited nightlife options compared to larger cities
  • Seasonal tourism patterns around Lake Constance can affect crowds
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / I'm sorry

Places to Visit in Lustenau

Visit one of these nice places.

Rhine Promenade

Wide river views with gentle morning or golden-hour light; great for landscape and travel photography.

Market Square / Town Center

Historic façades and local life provide colorful street photography opportunities, especially during market days.

St. Peter and Paul Church Tower

A quiet architectural overlook and a vantage point over the town and surrounding meadows.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lustenau

Vorarlberg cuisine blends dairy richness with grain dishes and river-meadow produce. Expect hearty, comforting flavors, often featuring cheese, millet, apples, and seasonal vegetables; many dishes pair well with regional wines and local beers.

Lustenau Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Käsknöpfle

Cheese noodles in a rich, melted cheese sauce; a staple of Vorarlberg served in many local inns.

Must-Try!

Ribel (Millet Porridge)

A traditional millet-based dish, often served with apple compote or savory toppings.

Apfelstrudel

Classic Austrian apple pastry, a common dessert in town cafés and family-owned eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Lustenau Weekly Market

Seasonal farmers’ market in the town center offering local produce, cheese, bread, and seasonal specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lustenau experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm but moderated by lake breezes, winters are cool to cold with occasional snow, and spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Grüß Gott' or 'Guten Tag' in formal settings; handshake is common in introductions.

Punctuality

Timeliness is valued; plan arrivals and meetings accordingly, especially for appointments.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; typical urban precautions apply (watch your belongings in crowded places, especially near markets). Emergency numbers in Austria are 112 for general emergencies and 144 for medical emergencies. Keep important documents secure and be mindful of weather-related hazards during outdoor activities.

Tipping in Lustenau

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Austria, a tip of around 5-10% is customary if service charge isn’t included. You can round up the bill or leave a small amount for good service.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless; cash is always handy for smaller shops and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with refreshing lake breezes; excellent for outdoor markets, riverside strolls, and longer hiking days. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in some years.

Winter

Cool to cold with a chance of snow; charming for cozy cafés, indoor cultural venues, and winter hikes if conditions permit.

Spring

Mild and progressive greenery as flowers bloom along the Rhine; ideal for photography and outdoor strolls without peak heat.

Autumn

Brisk days with harvest flavors; great time to sample regional produce and enjoy quiet trails before winter.

Nightlife Guide

Lustenau at Night

Lustenau offers a relaxed nightlife scene with cozy bars, beer gardens, and riverside cafés. For more lively options, short trips to nearby Bodensee towns like Bregenz or Dornbirn provide additional venues and live music, especially on weekends. Most venues close by midnight, with a friendly, low-key atmosphere.

Hiking in Lustenau

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rhine Valley Meadow Trail

Scenic, mostly flat loop along the Rhine meadows suitable for easy hikes and long strolls.

Vorarlberg Alpine Trail

Hiking routes into nearby mountains with rewarding viewpoints and varied terrain.

Airports

How to reach Lustenau by plane.

St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)

Nearest regional airport; convenient for quick trips but smaller in scope.

Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH)

Regional airport offering several European connections; about 1.5-2 hours by road/train.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub with broad connectivity; typically a 1.5-2 hour rail or car journey from Lustenau.

Getting Around

Walkability

Lustenau has a compact, pedestrian-friendly center with good sidewalks and bike lanes; most attractions and cafés are within easy walking distance.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

A family-friendly town with parks, schools, and safe walking areas.

Commuters

Many residents commute to larger Vorarlberg towns for work, leveraging efficient rail connections.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing on Lake Constance

Popular water sport given the lake’s expansive waters and scenic surroundings.

Cycling

Extensive bike routes along the Rhine valley and into surrounding towns.

Hiking

Nearby Vorarlberg mountains offer alpine day hikes and panoramic views.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads are well maintained; public transport includes buses and regional trains. Expect light congestion around peak commuting times; the town center is partially car-restricted, encouraging walking and cycling.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lustenau.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most Vorarlberg inns offer cheese-based dishes and grain porridges; look for Käsknöpfle (without meat components) or vegetable sides, and ask for seasonal vegetables as a main course if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

High-quality healthcare is readily accessible in Lustenau and nearby Dornbirn or Bregenz, with doctors, clinics, and pharmacies available; Austrian healthcare system provides strong coverage for residents and travelers with appropriate insurance.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide