The most western Province of Austria is Vorarlberg, a land of mountain
villages, lakes, deep valleys and meadowlands. In autumn, one of the most
beautiful spots is the plain of the Rhine Valley, near Dornbirn. This region is
Switzerland in miniature and there are things to do year-round. The three
biggest attractions are the ski slopes that rival Switzerland's, Lake Constance
and the lush forests of the Bregenzerwald. The region's two best-known tourist
centres are Lech and Zürs, which are very expensive, but prices in the rest
of the province are quite reasonable.
The mountains of Vorarlberg make for great skiing and slopes are linked
together offering miles and miles of trails. The Bregenz Forest, in the northern
part of the Vorarlberg alpine range, has every bit as much charm and character
as the Black Forest.
Two annual special events take place in Vorarlberg during the summer: the
Music Festival at Hohenems, in the second half of June, focusing on the works of
Franz Schubert and the Bregenz operas presented on a large floating stage on
Lake Constance.