Economy of Bregenz

A vibrant economy, a varied cultural scene, and breathtaking natural surroundings are all features of Bregenz. The city provides many of leisure and entertainment alternatives for tourists to enjoy and acts as a center for creativity and innovation. Bregenz offers both its citizens and tourists a unique charm together with a good standard of living.

Austria’s westernmost federal state, Vorarlberg, has its capital in Bregenz. It is likewise a major regional economic center. The city is on the eastern edge of Lake Constance, the third-biggest freshwater lake in Central Europe. Some 30,000 people live there. With a rich and varied past that dates back to prehistoric times, Bregenz was once home to ancient Celtic tribes. It became a Roman camp in due course, then a medieval town, and finally a Habsburg seat. Renowned for its cultural activities, Bregenz hosts the Bregenzer Festspiele, an annual summer music festival. Opera performances at this event are especially well-known; they are held on a special floating stage on the lake.

Small companies working in the commerce, industrial, and services sectors are what power Bregenz’s economy. Among the well-known industries in Bregenz are those of textile manufacture, fittings manufacture, glass processing, and machine building. Furthermore, Bregenz acts as a major center for retail, insurance, and banking in the area. The village has the good fortune to have a large hydroelectric plant nearby that powers the whole community. Bregenz has a handy harbor on Lake Constance with good rail and road links. Because the harbor offers cruise ship services, tourists may easily see other towns and nations around the lake. Bregenz gains from tourism as well; its scenic setting, historical sites, and cultural events attract tourists, which is another major source of revenue for the city. With an average visitor stay of 1.8 nights, Bregenz saw over 386,000 overnight stays in 2018.

Bregenz is a town that skillfully combines business and pleasure, culture and environment, tradition and modernity. The place provides a wonderful experience for people to enjoy the breathtaking lake and mountain views, the charm of the old town, and the modern architectural styles.

Economic sectors

Small firms operating in the services, commerce, and industry sectors predominate in Bregenz’s varied and dynamic economy. Major Bregenz economic sectors include:

Textile industry: Leading global producer of upscale hosiery, lingerie, and apparel, Wolford AG, is based in Bregenz. Wolford was established in 1950, and Bregenz houses its major manufacturing facility and headquarters. Of the approximately 1,200 persons Wolford employs globally, 600 are situated in Bregenz. Wolford is renowned for its creative designs, premium goods, and environmentally friendly operations.Furthermore supporting the Bregenz Festival and other local events culturally is Wolford.
Fittings manufacturing: Julius Blum GmbH, a family-run business, manufactures furniture fittings including hinges, lift systems, and drawer runners in Bregenz. With more than 8,000 workers and 32 companies spread across 40 countries, Julius Blum was established in 1952 and has since become a world leader in its industry. About 5,500 people work at Julius Blum’s primary manufacturing and research sites in Bregenz. Julius Blum is renowned for its social responsibilities, creative ideas, and premium products.Julius Blum also backs local sports, culture, and education.
Glass processing: The family-run Glas Marte GmbH is based in Bregenz and specialises in the processing and refining of glass. Founded in 1930, Glas Marte has grown to become a top provider of glass goods for industry, interior design, and architecture. At its headquarters and primary manufacturing facility in Bregenz, Glas Marte employs roughly 340 people. Glas Marte is renowned for its environmentally friendly, bespoke solutions, and premium goods. Glas Marte is a partner of the modern art museum Kunsthaus Bregenz as well.
Machine construction: Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, a family-run business and the top producer of ski lifts, cable cars, and ropeways worldwide, is headquartered in Bregenz. Established in 1892, Doppelmayr has put more than 15,000 systems in 96 countries. Of the approximately 3,000 individuals Doppelmayr employs globally, 1,200 are situated in Bregenz. Kundenzufriedenheit, innovative technology, and high-quality goods are Doppelmayr’s forte. A cable car that links Bregenz with the Pfänder mountain is another project Doppelmayr sponsors, the Pfänderbahn.

Together with being a tourist destination with winter and summer sports facilities and cultural events, Bregenz is also a regional hub for banking, insurance, and retail commerce. The small size organization, global focus, and close links to the local community and culture define Bregenz’s economy. Town of Bregenz promotes social welfare and economic growth.

Tourism and culture

Bregenz is a town with a vibrant tourism and culture sector, which contributes to its economic development and social welfare. Some of the main aspects of Bregenz’s tourism and culture are:

Bregenz Festival: The Bregenz Festival is the most famous and popular cultural event in Bregenz, which attracts hundreds of thousands of guests every year. The festival, which started in 1946, features opera performances on a floating stage on Lake Constance, as well as concerts, theater, and exhibitions in various venues. The festival is known for its spectacular stage designs, high-quality productions, and innovative programs. The festival also generates significant economic benefits for the region, such as employment, income, and tax revenues. According to a study by the University of Innsbruck, the festival generated a total economic impact of 68.3 million euros in 2018, and supported 1,100 jobs in Vorarlberg.
Kunsthaus Bregenz: The Kunsthaus Bregenz is a museum of contemporary art, designed by the Swiss architect Peter Zumthor and opened in 1997. The museum is a striking example of modern architecture, with a glass facade that reflects the changing light and weather conditions. The museum hosts four exhibitions per year, featuring works by renowned international artists, as well as educational programs, events, and publications. The museum also collaborates with the Glas Marte company, a local glass processing firm, to create innovative glass products for the museum and the artists. The museum attracts about 52,000 visitors per year, and is a partner of the Bregenz Festival.
Vorarlberg Museum: The Vorarlberg Museum is a regional museum that showcases the history, culture, and nature of Vorarlberg, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum, which was renovated and reopened in 2013, has a collection of over 160,000 objects, ranging from archaeological finds, artworks, crafts, textiles, to natural specimens. The museum also offers interactive exhibits, multimedia installations, and special exhibitions, as well as guided tours, workshops, and lectures. The museum attracts about 48,000 visitors per year, and is a partner of the Bregenz Festival.
Vorarlberg State Theater: The Vorarlberg State Theater is the main theater in Bregenz, which offers a diverse program of drama, musical, dance, and children’s theater. The theater, which was founded in 1945, has a capacity of 500 seats, and a modern stage technology. The theater also cooperates with other cultural institutions, such as the Bregenz Festival, the Kunsthaus Bregenz, and the Vorarlberg Museum, to create interdisciplinary projects and events. The theater hosts 358 events per year, with a total of 51,614 spectators.
Lake Constance Cruises: The Lake Constance Cruises are a popular tourist attraction, which offer scenic and relaxing trips on the lake, as well as connections to other towns and countries around the lake, such as Switzerland and Germany. The cruises are operated by the Vorarlberg Lines, a company that has a fleet of 13 ships, including the MS Sonnenkönigin, the largest and most modern ship on the lake. The cruises also offer special events, such as musical, culinary, and themed cruises, as well as charter services. The cruises transport 560,453 passengers per year.
Pfänder Cable Car: The Pfänder Cable Car is a cable car that connects Bregenz with the Pfänder mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the lake and the Alps, as well as hiking trails, a wildlife park, and a restaurant. The cable car, which was built in 1927 and modernized in 2003, has a capacity of 80 people per cabin, and a travel time of 6 minutes. The cable car also hosts special events, such as sunrise and sunset rides, concerts, and exhibitions. The cable car transports 768,176 passengers per year.

Bregenz’s tourism and culture sector is a key factor for its economic development and social welfare, as it provides income, employment, and tax revenues, as well as enhances the quality of life, the attractiveness, and the identity of the town. Bregenz is a town that celebrates its tourism and culture sector as a source of pride and joy.

Infrastructure

Bregenz is a town with a well-developed infrastructure that supports its economic activities and enhances its quality of life. Some of the main aspects of Bregenz’s infrastructure are:

Transportation: Bregenz is well-connected by road and rail, both within Austria and with neighboring countries. It has a railway station that offers regional and international services, including the Arlberg railway that crosses the Alps. It also has a harbour on Lake Constance, which provides cruise ship services and connects Bregenz with other towns and countries around the lake, such as Switzerland and Germany. Bregenz has a network of public buses and bicycles that serve the local population and tourists. Bregenz is also close to several airports, such as Friedrichshafen in Germany, Altenrhein in Switzerland, and Innsbruck in Austria.
Energy: Bregenz is served by a large hydropower plant nearby, which provides electricity for the area. The plant is located on the Rhine river, which forms the border between Austria and Switzerland. The plant has a capacity of 456 MW and produces about 2.5 billion kWh of electricity per year. The plant is also a tourist attraction, as it offers guided tours and a museum. Bregenz also promotes the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and biomass.
Water and sanitation: Bregenz has a modern and efficient water supply and sanitation system, which ensures the quality and safety of drinking water and wastewater treatment. The water supply is mainly sourced from groundwater wells and springs in the nearby mountains, which are protected from pollution and overexploitation. The water is treated and distributed through a network of pipes and reservoirs. The wastewater is collected and treated in a sewage treatment plant, which uses biological and chemical processes to remove pollutants and pathogens. The treated wastewater is then discharged into the lake or the river, in compliance with environmental standards.
Communication: Bregenz has a high-speed and reliable communication infrastructure, which enables the exchange of information and data among businesses, institutions, and individuals. Bregenz has access to broadband internet, mobile phone networks, and digital television. Bregenz also has a local newspaper, the Vorarlberger Nachrichten, which covers the news and events of the region. Bregenz also hosts several radio stations, such as Antenne Vorarlberg, Radio Proton, and Radio Maria.

Transportation

Bregenz is a town with a well-developed transportation infrastructure that supports its economic activities and enhances its quality of life. Some of the main aspects of Bregenz’s transportation are:

Road and rail: Bregenz is well-connected by road and rail, both within Austria and with neighboring countries. It has a railway station that offers regional and international services, including the Arlberg railway that crosses the Alps. The station is part of the ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways, which operates passenger and freight trains throughout the country and beyond. The station also has a bus terminal, which connects Bregenz with other towns and cities in Vorarlberg and nearby regions. Bregenz is also accessible by car, as it is located near the A14 motorway, which runs along the Rhine valley and links Bregenz with Switzerland and Germany. Bregenz has several parking facilities, including a multi-story car park near the railway station.
Harbour and lake: Bregenz has a harbour on Lake Constance, which provides cruise ship services and connects Bregenz with other towns and countries around the lake, such as Switzerland and Germany. The harbour is operated by the Vorarlberg Lines, a company that has a fleet of 13 ships, including the MS Sonnenkönigin, the largest and most modern ship on the lake. The harbour also has a marina, which offers berths for private boats and yachts. The harbour is a popular tourist attraction, as it offers scenic and relaxing trips on the lake, as well as connections to other cultural and natural sites, such as the island of Mainau, the Rhine Falls, and the Zeppelin Museum. The harbour is also a venue for events, such as musical, culinary, and themed cruises, as well as charter services.
Public buses and bicycles: Bregenz has a network of public buses that serve the local population and tourists. The buses are operated by the Landbus Unterland, a public transport company that covers the lower Rhine valley and the Lake Constance region. The buses run on regular schedules and routes, and offer low fares and discounts for students, seniors, and groups. The buses also have bike racks, which allow passengers to take their bicycles with them. Bregenz also has a bicycle rental system, called nextbike, which offers bikes for short-term use. The bikes can be rented and returned at various stations around the town, using a smartphone app or a hotline. The bikes are a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the town and its surroundings.
Airports: Bregenz is close to several airports, which offer domestic and international flights. The nearest airport is Friedrichshafen in Germany, which is about 40 km away from Bregenz. The airport has connections to major European cities, such as Berlin, London, and Paris, as well as seasonal charter flights to holiday destinations, such as Mallorca, Antalya, and Hurghada. The airport also has a ferry service to Romanshorn in Switzerland, which allows passengers to reach Bregenz by boat. Another nearby airport is Altenrhein in Switzerland, which is about 25 km away from Bregenz. The airport has flights to Vienna and Cologne, as well as charter flights to Mediterranean and Balkan countries. The airport also has a bus service to Bregenz. A third option is Innsbruck in Austria, which is about 200 km away from Bregenz. The airport has flights to major European hubs, such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Zurich, as well as seasonal flights to ski resorts, such as Salzburg, Munich, and Milan. The airport also has a train service to Bregenz, via the Arlberg railway.

Education

Bregenz holds a prominent position as an educational hub within the state of Vorarlberg. It serves as the primary location for schools in the Bregenz district, making it a significant educational center in the region.In Bregenz, there were a total of 14 kindergartens with a student population of 9,175. Out of these students, 2,125 attended general secondary schools (AHS) while 4,645 were enrolled in vocational secondary schools (BHS) as of January 2003.

Bregenz, the state capital, has six municipal elementary schools.In addition, there is a private elementary school in Marienberg, as well as an elementary school at the Bregenz Weidach school, which operates as a special needs school.Bregenz has a total of three municipal middle schools and four high schools. The high schools include the lower levels of the two federal high schools, Blumenstrasse and Gallusstrasse, as well as the private high schools Mehrerau and Sacré-Coeur Riedenburg.There are two middle vocational schools that are located within the private Marienberg business school. These schools include a one-year business school and a business school.Furthermore, it is worth noting that the three state vocational schools in Bregenz are considered part of middle school education. However, it is important to mention that this education is completed simultaneously with apprenticeship training.

Furthermore, Bregenz holds significant importance as a hub for educational institutions, hosting numerous higher schools that extend beyond the city’s boundaries.In addition to the aforementioned upper levels of the four high schools, there are also several vocational higher schools available.The Federal Commercial Academy and Federal Commercial School Bregenz is the largest school in Bregenz, closely followed by the Higher Technical Federal Training and Research Institute Bregenz.In addition, there are two private schools in this area: the higher educational institutions for economic professions in Marienberg and Riedenburg.In addition to the educational opportunities mentioned, there is also a school in Bregenz that offers programs in general health and nursing.

The Vorarlberg State Library is situated in Bregenz and serves as both the scientific regional library for Vorarlberg and the city library. It consists of two branches, namely the city branch and the Vorkloster branch.

One of the significant cultural institutions in Bregenz is the Bregenz Music School, which consists of the main building, Villa Liebenstein, and the Grunental branch.Currently, there are approximately 1,300 music students being instructed by a group of approximately 50 teachers.Every year, a variety of concerts and performances are held, with some of the most notable ones being “Music in the Park” and the final concert.

The Bregenz Adult Education Center provides a wide range of over 500 courses annually.

Since October 2016, the Sigmund Freud Private University of Bodensee (SFU Bodensee) in Bregenz has been offering courses in psychology, law, psychotherapy sciences, and art therapy. These programs are taught in collaboration with the Sigmund Freud Private University of Vienna.

Public Health and Safety

Bregenz is a town with a high level of public health and safety, which reflects its economic development and social welfare. Some of the main aspects of Bregenz’s public health and safety are:

Healthcare system: Bregenz has a public healthcare system called the Gesundheitskasse (GKK), which provides comprehensive coverage to all residents, including foreigners. Public hospitals in Bregenz are generally well-equipped and staffed with qualified professionals, making them suitable for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. Public hospitals in Bregenz offer a high standard of care, and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Austria. However, some expats may prefer to use private hospitals for more personalized care and shorter waiting times. Private hospitals in Bregenz are also well-regarded and recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries, offering a comfortable and modern environment for patients.
Public health policies: Bregenz follows the public health policies of Austria, which aim to prevent and reduce health inequalities, promote healthy lifestyles, and protect the population from communicable and non-communicable diseases. Some of the public health policies implemented in Bregenz include fiscal, regulation, education, preventative treatment and screening interventions, targeting various public health domains, such as tobacco, alcohol, food and nutrition, reproductive health services, the control of infectious diseases, the environment and workplace regulations. According to a study by Thomson et al. (2018), some of these public health policies have been effective in reducing health inequalities in high-income countries, such as food subsidy programmes, immunisations, and workplace regulations.
Emergency services: Bregenz has ambulance services available for emergencies. To call for an ambulance, dial 144. Ambulance response times are generally quick, but delays may occur in certain situations or during peak hours. Bregenz also has fire and police services, which can be reached by dialing 122 and 133, respectively. Fire and police services are responsible for ensuring public safety and security, as well as responding to fires, accidents, crimes, and other incidents. Bregenz has a low crime rate and a high level of social cohesion, making it a safe and peaceful place to live and visit.
Health insurance companies: Bregenz has several health insurance companies that offer private health insurance plans to individuals and groups. Private health insurance plans can supplement or replace the public health insurance coverage, depending on the preferences and needs of the customers. Private health insurance plans can offer more benefits, such as faster access to specialists, wider choice of providers, and higher reimbursement rates. However, private health insurance plans can also be more expensive, less comprehensive, and more selective than public health insurance plans. Popular private health insurers in Bregenz include Wiener Städtische, UNIQA, and Generali. Expats and digital nomads may choose to use these local insurance providers or opt for specialized expat health insurance providers, depending on their preferences and requirements.