Bregenz

Bregenz, city in western Austria, capital of Vorarlberg Province. The city is situated to the north of the Alps and lies on the shore of Lake Constance, around 3 km (2 mi) from the border with Germany. The province’s oldest city, Bregenz became the capital and administrative centre in 1907. Industry in the city includes textiles, electrical goods, chemicals, and machinery. A large hydro-power plant is located on the outskirts of the city.

Places of interest in Bregenz include the Museum of Fine Art, the Gothic church of St Gallus (1097, reconstructed in 1738), and Martin’s Tower, a Baroque structure overlooking Lake Constance. A performing arts festival, featuring operas and musical recitals, attracts thousands of visitors and has been held in the city each summer since 1946. The Bregenzwald, a mixed fir and beech forest that lies to the south of the city, is popular with walkers. Population 27,200 (2006 estimate).