An economic boom once attracted the textile industry and today many local estates bare witness to era of the “textile barons.” Today, the city is predominantly home to trade and electronics companies.
A visit to the city often begins at the architecturally attractive town square. The building styles present here span three-and-a-half centuries. The dark red Rheintalhaus, which was built in 1639, (aka the ‘red house’) is a prime example of the Baroque period. The St. Martin parish church, which is located next door, was built in 1839/40 and to the right is the Lugar Haus, constructed in German ‘Heimat style’ with towers, oriels and half-timber walls. Contrast this with the more art-nouveau-style buildings and offices from the 1960s, as well as the glass-fronted Bertolini Haus constructed in this century.
Events
- The Kulturhaus and the “Spielboden” are event locations for concerts, cabaret and theatre.
- The ‘Conrad Sohm’ club is well known amongst music fans.
- The large market at the town square is also a popular meeting point on Saturdays.
- The Martini market (November) and the Christmas market during Advent both have long traditions.
- Exhibitions on various topics take place throughout the year in the modern exhibition centre.
Worth seeing and visiting
- The interactive nature-discovery exhibition inatura with Science Center is the most visited museum in the region.
- Expensive Rolls-Royce cars, many of which were owned by famous personalities, are on display at the Rolls-Royce Museum in the “Gütle” district.
- Dornbirn is home of the “Mohrenbrauerei” brewery.The museum provides insights into the world of Mohrenbräu beer.
- The Rappenlochschlucht gorge leads visitors through an impressive natural spectacle on a well maintained trail.
- The rugged “Karren” mountain, which is served by a cable car, is an excellent vantage point with a panorama restaurant.
Tip: Dornbirn is easy reach by bus from Guest Card Bregenzerwald & Großes Walsertal can travel for free with the Bregenzerwald guest card.
