Dornbirn
Located in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, Dornbirn is the most populous municipality in the region. The Dornbirn district administrative seat is also located there. The city is an important hub for regional transportation and a major economic centre in the northern part of Austria’s westernmost federal state. 10th-largest city in Austria and the biggest without its own statute, Dornbirn has 51,222 residents as of January 1, 2023.
Thanks to the booming textile industry, Dornbirn’s importance started to increase in the late 19th century. Nestled between the Alpine Rhine and Arlberg, Dornbirn was driven by this industry to become the biggest municipality in the area. Since the late 20th century collapse of the local textile industry, trade, commerce, tourism, and medium-sized industrial firms have dominated the city’s economy.
It is nevertheless the biggest employment hub and a well-known business center in Vorarlberg notwithstanding the downturn. Since the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences was founded there in the 1990s, Dornbirn has developed into the state’s major university campus and a center for research and education.
Being close to Switzerland, Germany, and Liechtenstein, Dornbirn, the biggest city in Vorarlberg and the tenth-largest in Austria, is a well-liked tourist destination. At 2.8°C (37.0°F) and 1735 mm (68.3 inches) on average annually, the city has a chilly and temperate environment. It is encircled by magnificent mountains like as the Karren and Hoher Freschen and is endowed with the Dornbirner Ach river, which passes through the city and empties into Lake Constance.
Among the many sights in Dornbirn are the inatura – Erlebnis Naturschau, the Rappenlochschlucht, the Rolls-Royce Museum, the Dornbirner Marktplatz, and the Karren Dornbirn cable car. These sites exhibit the scientific education, historical architecture, technical innovation, and natural beauty of the city. Distinguished structures and sites include the renowned Kulturhaus, the picturesque Stadtgarten, the famous Red House, and St. Martin’s Church.
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Tourism In Dornbirn
Dornbirn welcomed 156,990 guests in 2017; of them, 294,870 stayed overnight. Surprisingly, over 87% of these visitors choose to stay in full-service hotels, inns, and guesthouses.Over last year, there were 4.8% more overnight stays.Owing to its pivotal position,
Dornbirn is a fantastic base from which to explore the neighbouring sights and activities. These include Vorarlberg, Switzerland, the entire Lake Constance region, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and portions of southwest Germany. With so many hotels already in the area, the little town is second in popularity for overnight stays in Vorarlberg, just after the state capital Bregenz.
This is remarkable since it is not inside the traditional winter sports zones. As far as the number of people employed in tourism-related businesses in Vorarlberg goes, Dornbirn now ranks higher than Lech am Arlberg.
Weather & Climate In Dornbirn
The foehn wind and its position in the Rhine Valley of Austria give Dornbirn pleasant weather conditions. Ten degrees Celsius is the average annual temperature; July has the maximum temperature of 19.3°C and January the lowest of 0.4°C. Extreme lows are uncommon and permafrost occurs frequently.
Nestled between USDA climatic zones 7b and 8a lies Dornbirn. Winters in the area are moderate; the first frost falls on November 6th and the last on April 14. From early May to mid-October, there is a 205-day frost-free season during which time temperatures stay above freezing. Nine of the fifty-two days in the summer are hot.
-17.9°C was the lowest recorded temperature and 36.8°C the highest. Significant yearly precipitation falls over Central Europe; for a number of years, the snow cover averages above 1,500 mm. Austrian valleys receive an average of around 1,800 hours of sunshine every day, which is less than in other regions of Austria.
Geography Of Dornbirn
At the base of Karren mountain, a member of the Bregenz Forest Mountain range on the edge of the Eastern Alps, in the Alpine Rhine Valley, Dornbirn is situated 437 meters above sea level. Its borders are those of Germany, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Eventually emptying into Lake Constance, the Dornbirner Ach river passes through town.
Across its 120.89 km2, 50.7% is wooded, 25.6% is built-up, 15.5% is agricultural, and 8.2% is alpine. The six districts of the town are Market, Hatlerdorf, Oberdorf, Haselstauden, Rohrbach and Schoren. Every district is unique, has a unique past, and some even have mayors and municipal administrations of their own.
Mountains and hills include the Karren (971 m), Bödele (1134 m), First (1249 m), Staufen (1456), and Hohe Kugel (1645 m) border Dornbirn. Along with breathtaking views, they provide outdoor pursuits including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and paragliding. Third-largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Constance, is also close to Dornbirn and provides water sports, fishing, boating, and tourism.
Demographics Of Dornbirn
Nestled at the base of Karren mountain, a member of the Bregenz Forest Mountain range on the edge of the Eastern Alps, Dornbirn is situated 437 meters above sea level in the Alpine Rhine Valley. Its borders are those of Liechtenstein, Germany, and Switzerland. Through town, the Dornbirner Ach river finally drains into Lake Constance.
On its 120.89 km2, 50.7% is wooded, 25.6% is built-up, 15.5% is agricultural, and 8.2% is alpine. Its six districts are Market, Hatlerdorf, Oberdorf, Haselstauden, Rohrbach, and Schoren. Every district is unique in character and past, and some even have mayors and municipal administrations of their own.
Mountains and hills include the Karren (971 m), Staufen (1456), First (1249 m), Hohe Kugel (1645 m), and Bödele (1134 m) border Dornbirn. These provide breathtaking views together with outdoor pursuits including paragliding, skiing, motorcycling, and hiking. Dornbirn also borders Lake Constance, the third-biggest lake in Central Europe, which provides boating, fishing, water sports, and tourism.
Economy Of Dornbirn
The economy of Dornbirn is vibrant and varied, based on a number of industries, commerce, services, tourism and education. Rich in history, the textile industry includes Zumtobel, Wolford, F.M. Hämmerle, and Getzner. Annually, the Dornbirn-GFC draws people and exhibitors from all over the world.
Leading manufacturers in the metal sector include Liebherr, Doppelmayr, Grass, and Meusburger; they create machinery, tools, components, and cars. A booming sector, electronics produces cutting-edge hardware, software, sensors, and lighting systems. Several food items are manufactured and distributed by the food sector, which includes well-known names like Rupp, Mohren, Ölz, and Pfanner.
Dornbirn has a significant business and retail complex as well. With so many schools, universities, and institutes, Dornbirn is a center for research and education as well. Notable colleges are Higher Technical College (HTL Dornbirn), Vorarlberg Institute of Technology (V-IT), and University of Applied Sciences Vorarlberg (FH Vorarlberg).
History Of Dornbirn
The Neolithic and Bronze Ages are whence the Rhine Valley, and especially Dornbirn, has its lengthy history. The community underwent a settlement procedure in the late 15th century after being first mentioned as Torrinpuirron in 895. It was under Habsburg authority from 1380 and fought in the Appenzell War from 1405 to 1408. But a horrific plague outbreak in 1628–1629 claimed one-third of the population.
After their 1647 invasion of Bregenz, the Swedes seized Dornbirn. The village resisted the counts of Ems’ annexation in 1655, and as a token of loyalty, it was awarded a coat of arms with a pear tree. In 1771 the people bought the whole village from the counts. Up to 1814, Dornbirn was a part of Bavaria.
The construction of the railway infrastructure in particular accelerated Dornbirn’s growth in the nineteenth century. Declared a city in 1901. Though the town suffered great casualties in both World Wars, French forces freed it in 1945. Economic and cultural activity has therefore grown.
Best Time To Visit Dornbirn
There are several seasons in which to visit the well-liked tourist site of Dornbirn.
Spring (March–May) is a time of moderate weather, flowering landscapes, and celebrations such the International Dance Festival, Spring Fair, and Easter Market. Warm weather, a thriving metropolis, and outdoor activities make summer (June–August) the busiest travel season.
Harvest season and colder temperatures are features of autumn (September–November). Worth seeing are the Stadtmuseum, St. Leopold Church, and the Rolls-Royce Museum. Additionally offered are festivals such as the Autumn Fair, Wine Festival, and Cheese Festival.
Winter (December–February) provides winter activities, a joyous attitude, and snowy landscape. Worth seeing attractions include the Ski Resort, Ice Skating Rink, and Christmas Market. Carnival, New Year’s Eve and the Advent Calendar are among the festivals and events.
Transportation in Dornbirn
There isn’t a commercial airport in Vorarlberg; the closest ones are at Altenrhein, Friedrichshafen, Memmingen, and Innsbruck. Several bus routes servicing the Vorarlberg Unterland and Bregenzerwald districts begin at the Dornbirn bus station, which is next to the train station. The bus system in the city is somewhat well-established.
Dornbirn is conveniently reachable by automobile via the A14 and L190 highways. Though hardly many foreign trains stop at the station, S-Bahn or regional express services to Feldkirch and Bregenz are often available. Every two hours, the Railjet service transports passengers to the airport or major rail station in Vienna. While the EC train offers early connections to Graz via Feldkirch, Nightjet train services provide sleeping carriages for Vienna.
Nine Stadtbus lines and many Landbus lines service the extensive public transit network in Dornbirn. The airport, downtown, and main train station all have taxis available. Along with auto rental businesses like Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar. Bike trails abound in Dornbirn, and there are several bike rental facilities.
Attractions & Landmarks In Dornbirn
Rich in natural and cultural legacy, Dornbirn is home to a number of sites and monuments. The most well-known, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and Lake Constance, is Karen Dornbirn Mountain. There is a restaurant at the top and cable cars and hiking paths are available for visitors.
An avalanche simulator, an earthquake station, and an outdoor water garden are just a few of the interactive natural history displays at the Inatura Natural History Museum. With paths and waterfalls that follow a river channel and provide breathtaking views of the water below, the Rappenlochschlucht is a magnificent natural attraction. With more than a thousand displays, including engines, accessories, and both classic and contemporary cars, the Rolls-Royce Museum is the biggest and most extensive museum devoted to the illustrious automobile company.
Offering both permanent and temporary exhibitions on the textile industry, railway, architecture, art, and folklore, the Stadtmuseum Dornbirn presents the history and culture of the city. Built in the 19th century in neo-Gothic design, the main church, St. Leopold Church, serves as a concert and event space as well.
Things To Do in Dornbirn
Among the things you really must visit in Dornbirn are the Karren Mountain, Rappenlochschlucht, and Dornbirn City Museum. While the ravine offers stunning vistas and historical value, the museum has displays on the cultural past of the city. There are no better sweeping views of the Alps and Dornbirn than from Karren Mountain.
Playful displays and science and nature are combined at Inatura Dornbirn, while the Spielboden Cultural Center presents a variety of performing arts. Walking paths and waterfalls abound in Ebnit, and the Karrenseilbahn Suspension Bridge gives a distinctive viewpoint of the surrounds. Along with outdoor pursuits like hiking and bicycling, the city serves up delicious food at the Brewery Fohrenburg and farmer’s market.
The history and culture of the city are highlighted at festivals and events like Montfortfest and the Dornbirn Autumn Fair. All preferences may be satisfied by the shopping, eating, and entertainment alternatives in the busy city center. All things considered, Dornbirn provides a singular fusion of entertainment, culture, and history for an unforgettable experience.
Health & Safety In Dornbirn
Dornbirn offers a good standard of living together with a low crime rate. Popular destination because of its well-equipped healthcare system, contemporary public transit system, and amiable populace. Museums, theaters, festivals and events are all part of Dornbirn’s varied cultural landscape. Situated close to Lake Constance and the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and Liechtenstein, the city has a picturesque surroundings. To guarantee their safety, visitors should, nonetheless, use common sense and safety precautions.
Pickpocketing and auto theft are examples of small-time crimes that can happen in busy tourist locations. Watch what you bring, don’t carry about a lot of cash, and lock your hotel room and automobile. Avoiding traffic jams, winding routes, and cold weather should help to prevent accidents on the roadways. Mountainous and rural environments are susceptible to natural calamities like avalanches, landslides, floods, and storms.
Austria and Dornbirn have been touched by the COVID-19 epidemic, hence precautions and rules must be followed. Additionally crucial are health monitoring, avoiding big events, and getting medical help.
Popular Places In Dornbirn
Inatura – Erlebnis Naturschau Dornbirn
Dornbirn - FAQ
What is the population of Dornbirn?
The population of Dornbirn in 2023 is estimated at 51,222, which makes it the largest city in Vorarlberg and the tenth-largest city in Austria. The population of the Dornbirn district, which also includes Hohenems and Lustenau, is 82,721.
What is the history of Dornbirn?
Dornbirn was first mentioned in 895 as ‘torrin puirron’, meaning the ‘settlement of Torro’, an Alemannic farmer. It became part of the Habsburg Monarchy in 1380 and a market town in 1793. It gained municipal status in 1901 and annexed the mountain village of Ebnit in 1932. It was heavily bombed during World War II and rebuilt afterwards. It developed into a major industrial and commercial centre in the post-war era.
What are the main attractions in Dornbirn?
Dornbirn offers a variety of attractions for visitors, such as:
- Karren mountain, which can be reached by a cable car and offers panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and Lake Constance.
- Rappenloch gorge, a scenic natural wonder with waterfalls and wooden walkways.
- Rolls-Royce Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the world, displaying over 1000 exhibits of the British car brand.
- Inatura Museum, an interactive natural history museum with exhibits on animals, plants, geology, and technology.
- Dornbirn Christmas market, a festive event with stalls, music, and lights in the town square.
How do you get to Dornbirn?
Dornbirn is well connected by road, rail, and air. It is located near the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and Liechtenstein, and can be reached by car via the A14 motorway. It has a railway station that is served by regional and international trains, such as the Railjet and the Eurocity. It is also close to the Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany and the St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport in Switzerland, which offer flights to various destinations in Europe.
What is the climate of Dornbirn?
Dornbirn has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 9.6 °C, with the warmest month being July (18.7 °C) and the coldest month being January (0.4 °C). The average annual precipitation is 1135 mm, with the wettest month being June (146 mm) and the driest month being February (69 mm). The city enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 1780 hours per year.
What are the best times to visit Dornbirn?
Dornbirn can be visited at any time of the year, depending on your preferences and activities. The spring and summer months (April to September) are ideal for hiking, biking, and sightseeing, as the weather is mild and sunny, and the nature is green and blooming. The autumn and winter months (October to March) are perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and enjoying the Christmas market, as the weather is cold and snowy, and the mountains are white and majestic.
What are the main events and festivals in Dornbirn?
Dornbirn hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its culture, heritage, and diversity. Some of the most notable ones are:
- Dornbirn Fair, a trade fair that takes place in September and attracts over 70,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors from various sectors and industries.
- Dornbirn Carnival, a traditional celebration that takes place in February and features parades, costumes, music, and parties.
- Dornbirn Jazz Festival, a musical event that takes place in May and showcases local and international jazz artists and bands.
- Dornbirn City Festival, a cultural event that takes place in June and offers concerts, performances, food, and fun for all ages.
- Dornbirn Autumn Festival, a harvest festival that takes place in October and features a farmers’ market, a craft market, a wine tasting, and a folk dance.
What are the main dishes and specialties of Dornbirn?
Dornbirn has a rich and diverse culinary scene, influenced by its location and history. Some of the main dishes and specialties of Dornbirn are:
- Käsknöpfle, a type of cheese dumplings served with fried onions and green salad.
- Riebel, a type of cornmeal porridge cooked with milk and butter, and eaten with apple sauce or cheese.
- Montafoner Sura Kees, a type of sour cheese made from skimmed milk and herbs, and eaten with bread or potatoes.
- Mostbröckli, a type of cured beef that is smoked and air-dried, and served with bread or salad.
- Kaiserschmarrn, a type of fluffy pancake that is torn into pieces and sprinkled with sugar and raisins, and served with apple sauce or plum jam.
What are some fun facts about Dornbirn?
Dornbirn is a city full of surprises and interesting facts. Here are some of them:
- Dornbirn is the birthplace of the famous architect Adolf Loos, who designed the Looshaus in Vienna and the Villa Müller in Prague.
- Dornbirn is home to the largest Rolls-Royce collection in the world, owned by the entrepreneur Franz Vonier, who started collecting the cars in 1959.
- Dornbirn is the site of the first cable car in Vorarlberg, which was built in 1929 and connected the town with the Karren mountain.
- Dornbirn is the headquarters of the Zumtobel Group, a global leader in lighting technology and design, founded by Walter Zumtobel in 1950.
- Dornbirn is the host of the World Gymnaestrada, a gymnastics festival that takes place every four years and attracts over 20,000 participants from over 50 countries.
