Dornbirn is found right on the banks of the River Rhine, one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. There are two ways you can see the river from Dornbirn, driving alongside it or cruising up it.
Good roads follow the valley for miles whilst the many castles are probably best seen from a boat on the river. You can take a cruise lasting up to a week or join the many day cruises. If you want to do the former, hand in your Dornbirn hire car near the embarkation point and pick up another when you disembark!
Dornbirn Mini Guide
Where is Dornbirn?
At the Rhine Valley, in juxtaposition with the borders of three countries in central Europe, lays the immensely diverse city of Dornbirn. A place where urban flare meets mountain panorama and trendy town intertwines with a strong Austrian village community feel.
How to get There?
The nearest flight is into Hohenems Airport. Alternative routes include cruising up the A14 Rheintal autobahn and important connections from eastern and western Austria to Dornbirn railway station.
What's to Entertain?
There's so much to do, summarised as: shopping, skiing, socialising, sporting and surprising! This is a place where sporting events, trade fairs and exhibitions, concerts and farmer’s markets co-exist effortlessly. The quaint Market Square is in keeping with the imagery of festive winter fairs and perhaps more surprisingly bursts into life in summer as the "in place" to meet.
Dornbirn's great for a spot of retail therapy with over 220 shops in the city centre and a 60-shop mall a short distance outside.
What if I Don't Like Shopping and Socialising?
How about an alpine village, a mountain, or a gorge? Take the cable car up Karren mountain, walk to the stunning Appenloch and Raploch Gorges, or visit a museum to enjoy art, city archives, history of printing and more. Sports fans might visit the Messestadion, home to RHC Dornbirn ice hockey team.
What About Food?
Dornbirn is renowned for great fare, from gastronomic delights to taste-bud tingling local dishes. Choose from a variety of awarded restaurants, traditional wine taverns, inns, pizzerias, restaurants, cafes and more. For a panoramic treat, take the mountain railway to the Karren restaurant with stunning views over the valley, lake and across into Switzerland.
How Best to get About?
Dornbirn has good city bus links and sits at the junction of several regional bus lines. Good transport connections lead to Lake Constance, up into the alps, or further across to neighbouring Switzerland, Germany or Lichtenstein. With so much to do, hiring a car is great for getting out and about. Pick up your Rhino hire car from one of several convenient places, details confirmed when booking.
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