From the Pfänder via Gebhardsberg to Bregenz
A panoramic hike from the Pfänderbahn's mountain station through the Fluh district of Bregenz and the Buchwaldweg to the Gebhardsberg restauarant. Then via the city forest to the medieval upper town of Bregenz and back to the valley station.
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.
Directions
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).
Suggestions, hints
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.
Best season
Equipment
Light hiking shoes with profiled soles and hiking poles
Drinks and protection from the rain should not be forgotten.
Public transport
By train to Bregenz, then with the No. 1 city bus (runs daily) to the Pfänderbahn’s valley station.