Where is Dornbirn located?

Dornbirn town center with church and historic buildings

Dornbirn is located in the Rhine Valley in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, directly at the foot of the Bregenzerwald at an altitude of around 437 m - and with around 50,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the state and the tenth largest in Austria. First mentioned in 895 as Torrinpuirron, Dornbirn developed into an important industrial town in the 19th century and is now characterized by trade, innovation and culture. In the Vorarlberg dialect, Dornbirn is affectionately known as "Dårnbi̊ra" - typical of the Alemannic language area, which is more reminiscent of Swiss German.

What's going on in Dornbirn?

Dornbirn is not only the economic heart of Vorarlberg, but also a lively cultural city with a varied annual program. In summer, "SommErleben" creates a festival atmosphere: from June to September, the city center becomes a stage with concerts, themed markets, open-air cinema and culinary delights. Music lovers can look forward to the traditional Origano Festival and the Dynamo Festival, which brings pop, indie and R'n'B to the stages of the Spielboden in spring. In the fall, the GUSTAV - Salon for Consumer Culture, an elegant trade fair for design, indulgence and lifestyle, delights visitors. A highlight of the year is the bonfire in Kehlegg, a centuries-old custom that drives away the winter. The program is complemented by the Dornbirn trade fair, which regularly brings international exhibitions to the Rhine Valley. Dornbirn thus combines modern vibrancy, culture and tradition - and delights visitors all year round.

What can you do in Dornbirn?

Wooden footbridge through the Alploch gorge near Dornbirn with waterfall and rocks

Dornbirn offers an exciting mix of nature, culture and urban flair. One highlight is the Rappenloch and Alploch gorges, which impress with their spectacular rock faces and bridges and are among the largest gorges in Central Europe. The Karren cable car takes you up Dornbirn's 976-metre-high local mountain - a panoramic restaurant and the famous "Karren-Kanzel" footbridge with sweeping views over the Rhine Valley, Lake Constance and the Swiss mountains await you at the top. Technology fans can discover the Dornbirn City Museum, beer lovers can immerse themselves in the art of brewing at the Mohrenbräu Beer Experience, and families can experience nature and science up close at Inatura - Erlebnis Naturschau . In the city center, boutiques, cafés and weekly markets entice visitors to take a stroll. Thanks to its proximity to Lake Constance and the Bregenzerwald, Dornbirn is also an ideal starting point for excursions in the region.

What is the weather like in Dornbirn?

Dornbirn is located in the Rhine Valley and is characterized by a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and often sunny, ideal for hikes in the Bregenzerwald or excursions to Lake Constance. Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and colorful nature - perfect conditions for walks and bike tours. In winter, the proximity to the mountains ensures cool, snowy days that attract winter sports fans to the surrounding ski resorts. Experience Dornbirn in time-lapse with the webcam at ORF Landesstudio Vorarlberg and watch the exciting play of clouds over the provincial capital.