From the Pfänder via Gebhardsberg to Bregenz

The Pfänderbahn in Bregenz takes hikers up to the Pfänder (1064 m) in just six minutes. This is where one of the Lake Constance region’s most beautiful vantage points with its magnificent panoramic view over Lake Constance, the Rhine Valley, the Swiss mountains and the Bregenzerwald may be enjoyed.The descent (620 m) follows wide hiking trails, mostly in shady woods. Information boards providing details about the forest nature trail are to be found between the Fluh district and the regional library. A detour to the castle ruins of Hohenbregenz with its pilgrimage church of St. Gebhard at the Gebhardsberg restaurant is recommended. There is a vantage point behind the church that presents a view across the Rhine Valley to the Swiss mountains. A great vista of Lake Constance, with Rhine delta and the island of Lindau may also be enjoyed from below the restaurant. The trail takes walkers through the city forest to the medieval upper town of Bregenz where the Martinsturm (tower) stands as the landmark of the capital of Vorarlberg.

From the north via the A14 to the Lochau-Hörbranz exit, then through Lochau towards Bregenz along the lake to the first roundabout in Bregenz, it’s a left turn there. Turn left again after 200 metres and then turn right into the Pfänderbahn car park.

From the south via the A14 to the exit for Bregenz, then through the City Tunnel to Bregenz. Turn right after the tunnel and follow the road past the railway station up to the roundabout, then take the 2nd exit slightly uphill, turn left after 200 metres and then immediately right into the Pfänderbahn car park.

By train to Bregenz, then with the No. 1 city bus (runs daily) to the Pfänderbahn’s valley station.

www.vmobil.at

Pfänderbahn parking lot

An asphalt road leads from the mountain station (1025 m) to the Gasthof Pfänderdohle (975 m) (which is an inn) and then crosses into a wide forest path that after a good hour takes walkers to the Bregenz / Fluh district (770 m). The walk continues directly along the road for approximately 300 metres until the trail branches off again to the left after the Wanderparkplatz (car park for walkers). The Buchwaldweg (part of the forest nature trail) commences after the route crosses a small dry valley and leads on towards Gebhardsberg (part of the Road to Santiago, look out for scallop symbols). A path shortly before the parking lot leads to the castle ruins of Hohenbregenz and to the pilgrimage church (575 m). A staircase in the inn leads to the lower viewing platform. The path then continues along part of the forest nature trail to the regional library (455 m). The route to the medieval upper town (‘Oberstadt’) is signposted from there. The signs for the ‘Pfänderbahn’ take walkers back to the starting point at the Pfänderbahn’s valley station (425 m).

Light hiking shoes with profiled soles and hiking poles

Drinks and protection from the rain should not be forgotten.

It is, of course, possible to take the route in the opposite direction. The return trip to the valley may then be made from a height of 600 metres with the Pfänderbahn, which would consequently be more gentle on the knees.

Please note the Pfänderbahn’s operating times.

https://www.pfaenderbahn.at/de/