Bregenz, Austria with boat on Lake Constance to Lindau

Whew, this day trip could easily be a relaxing overnight, or even weekend! Because our elderly cat is sick, I signed up for a bunch of day trips from Stuttgart instead of a typical overnight(s) vacation. This one sounded great on paper, but I’d highly recommend that you stay overnight if you can.

We took a bus from Stuttgart to Bregenz, Austria in just over 2.5 hours. A cable car up the hill has spectacular reviews and a walking path along the large enclosures for wild animals such as mountain goats, boar, and massive deer. During the summer there is a restaurant open, but even amidst the snow, plenty of people were walking up the hill and along the paths. City folks, please note that light gloves and earmuffs do not cut it in the snowy cold!

There are two markets in Bregenz along with all the usual stores, cafes, and restaurants. The upper market included local crafters with clever and beautiful items for sale, plus Santa was driving a two-horse carriage around the old town. Roasted chestnuts were yummy! The architecture was stunning. This is worth the short but steep incline on foot.

The main market closer to the lake had all the typical stalls, along with smoked-on-the-spot salmon sandwiches. The stand with the cute mugs didn’t have cocoa, and the cocoa stand had only paper cups (what???), but the mug stand was happy to let me put a deposit on an empty mug and walk it over to the neighboring cocoa stand. Not the best cocoa in Europe, but way better than American cocoa.

There are a number of boat ferries/tours on the Bodensee, known also as Lake Constance. The short ride from Bregenz to Lindau was decked out during December with several tables of intricately designed nativity scenes and a short model train display. After our return, another ship was sailing with a fondue dinner experience! Yes, please!

When we arrived in Lindau, the harbor front market was already packed to the gills with people. This particular packaged tour offered us 15 minutes at this market before the last ship returned to Bregenz. I will never understand why anyone thought this was a good idea (the detailed schedule was not publicized ahead of time). After walking 7 minutes through the crowds into the market, it was time to turn around, unlike the folks who missed the boat and had to figure out the train back to the bus. I wish I had known about the train option, because after the boat, we had another hour in Bregenz before the bus left. I’d have rather spent that hour in Lindau and on the short train ride.

However, during the hour between the boat ride and the bus home, I discovered a terrific tapas restaurant with good food! I look forward to returning to the “Bodensee” area!