Vorarlberg - PICTURES

Vorarlberg is just a small province whose true size is revealed in its scenic diversity and wide range of leisure time activities. In short: it is a region for relaxing the body and soul.

Harmony is best described as a state of complete accord with oneself and one´s surroundings. In Vorarlberg, there is no defence against harmony, it is a natural condition. Relax and unwind. Alone, with your partner or your family. The best place to do so is in a meadow. And that´s exactly where harmony is.

Lake Constance, one of the largest lakes in Europe, forms the backdrop for one of the most prestigious music events in the world: the Bregenz Festival. Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca" will be performed from mid-July to mid-August 2008 on 26 nights on the world´s largest lakeside stage in Bregenz. And along with this world famous love story, a wonderful summer of culture and entertainment is awaiting you: from world-class artists invited to perform for the Schubertiade at enchanting spots in the Bregenzerwald to new and exciting exhibitions at the Kunsthaus and thought-provoking theatre. A summer of tradition and modernity. If you are planning to make cultural events part of your summer, let us send you the necessary information.

Vorarlberg has a specially soft spot for children. We want them to feel completely at home in their hotel, which means having plenty of room to play and enjoy themsleves. The Family Club affiliates undertake to provide special facilities, programmes and prices for families. About 200 events for children take place in July and August. The giant chocolate festival in Bludenz (mid-July) is the highlight of it all. In addition, there are afternoons of games and arts and crafts, sports and game festivals, adventure hikes, Indian villages and much more!

Water exerts a unique fascination. As one of Nature´s vital elemental forces, it has fashioned whole landscapes, forming gushing waterfalls, picturesque springs and streams, sombre gorges, and ponds and lakes. The inquisitive hiker will be able to seek out the secrets of water in the landscape, by following the Vorarlberg "Ways to Water".

There is no need to climb above the timberline just to view the world from a different perspective. A little hike, a friendly chat with a farmer or innkeeper, down in one of Vorarlberg´s many valleys, is enough. That´s where you find the most prescious thing in the world: inner peace.

Vorarlberg enjoys a world-wide reputation as a center for contemporary architecture. Open-minded decision-makers and both architects´ and builders´ understanding of a sensitive alpine landscape, as well as their ability to create a harmonius relationship between architecture and the local building traditions add new qualities to the picture of Vorarlberg.

There are also angels and crowns and 20 other wonderful names for traditional inns. Of course, time hasn´t stood still everywhere; otherwise we wouldn´t have restaurants boasting several chef´s hats or hotels with many stars. To put it another way: their culinary quality and diversity are exciting reasons for broadening your horizon. Welcome to Vorarlberg!

No less varied than the landscape of Vorarlberg is the range of sports and leisure-time activities available here: hiking, climbing, cycling, riding, swimming, yachting, windsurfing, tennis, fishing, ballooning, paragliding... or simply taking it easy. Four countries converge on Lake Constance, so Vorarlberg is an ideal starting-point for excursions by bus, ship or car.

Idylls aren´t everywhere, yet they can still be found in vorarlberg. Many a quick development is swept over here, yet the mountains, valleys and the lake remain constant features. How wonderful! Tradition is still alive and well here. Alive and well - in harmony with today.