Where Opposites Attract

This summer, it's the happy union of opposites and the resulting creation of  something new that makes the Austrian side of Lake Constance, or Bodensee, such a cultural holiday star.

Each year, the famous Bregenz Festival wows visitors with lavish opera productions atop the world's largest floating stage. This summer opera lovers await "André Chénier", by the Italian composer Umberto Giordano - a vivid historical drama and tale of human tragedy. The spectacular natural setting only adds to the drama.

Without the mountains, the backdrop of Lake Constance wouldn't be half as beautiful, and of course the view overlooking the lake is equally impressive. You can easily reach these stunning viewpoints by taking the Pfänderbahn cablecar from Bregenz or the Karren cablecar at Dornbirn to a spectacular mountain restaurant above the cliffs. Dornbirn is also home to the Rolls-Royce Museum, uniquely housing the world’s most impressive collection of Rolls-Royces in an old spinning mill built in 1862. Also well worth a trip is  the village of Feldkirch with its medieval character, Schattenburg Castle on the hill and the annual Feldkirch Festival.