Bregenz to Lindau Drive: Lakeside Scenery & Hidden Gems

The drive from Bregenz, Austria, to Lindau, Germany, covers just 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) along the eastern shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee). Despite its short length, the route is packed with history—the two cities were once connected by a Roman road, and today the B31 (Bundesstraße 31) hugs the coastline almost continuously. You'll cross the border at the Pfänder tunnel exit (A14/E43) and then follow the B31 through the small town of Lochau, with the lake on your left and the Pfänder mountain rising to your right. The drive takes about 15-20 minutes without traffic, but plan for at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the stops.

This route is a microcosm of the Bodensee region: alpine foothills, medieval architecture, vineyard terraces, and a lively promenade culture. The question is it worth driving Bregenz to Lindau is easily answered: yes, because the journey itself is the destination. But the real value lies in the details—which turnoffs to take, which lakeside cafés to linger at, and how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Our guide follows the principles outlined in how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to ensure you don't miss anything.

The B31 has no hard shoulders in many sections, meaning breakdowns can be hazardous. Two designated rest areas exist: the Lochau Rastplatz (with portable toilets) and the Lindau Rastanlage (with a kiosk and picnic tables). For fatigue management, the short drive means you can easily stop at any lakeside bench. However, if you're continuing further, consider a longer break at the Pfänderbahn valley station, where you can walk or take the cable car up.

The route is highly suitable for families: the Lochau leisure center (Schwimmbad Lochau) has a water play area, and Lindau's island is traffic-free and stroller-friendly. For pet-friendly framework, dogs are allowed on leashes on the promenades and in most outdoor cafés; the Lindau island offers a designated dog beach near the old lighthouse. Infrastructure safety is excellent—well-lit at night, with clear signage in German and English. Hidden off-route spots include the Reutin Castle ruins (accessible via a short hike from Lochau) and the Seebühne Bregenz, a floating stage used for opera performances (visible from the road without a ticket).

• Family stop: Spielplatz am Seepark Lindau (playground with lake view)
• Pet stop: Hundestrand Lindau (free dog beach, year-round)
• Rest area: Rastplatz Lochau (free, basic facilities)
• Hidden gem: Reutin Castle ruins (walk from Lochau church, 20 min)

The dominant natural feature is Lake Constance itself—a vast, deep-blue freshwater lake with the Swiss Alps visible on clear days. The Pfänder mountain (1,064 m) rises behind Bregenz, offering panoramic views via cable car. Along the B31, you'll pass through the Lochau wetland area, a protected bird sanctuary with reed beds and quiet walking paths. The lakefront is lined with small public beaches, swimming platforms, and promenades.

For culinary infrastructure, the route is dotted with lakeside restaurants serving fresh fish (Felchen, a local whitefish) and regional wines from the Bregenzerwald vineyards. At the Gasthof Schäfle in Lochau, try the Käsespätzle with a glass of Müller-Thurgau. In Lindau, the harbor promenade is lined with cafés offering Bodensee specialty cakes (Bodensee-Linzer Torte) and coffee. Local commerce includes artisanal cheese shops, souvenir stores selling Lindau's iconic lion statues, and weekly farmers' markets (Saturday morning in Lindau, Wednesday in Bregenz).

• Must-try dish: Felchen filet with boiled potatoes and horseradish cream
• Best lake view: Seepromenade in Lochau (free public access)
• Local wine: Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir) from the Bodensee region
• Souvenir tip: Lindau's wooden toy boats from Spielzeugschiff am Hafen

The B31 is a well-maintained two-lane road with a speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph) through most of the stretch, reducing to 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas. The border between Austria and Germany is open and marked only by signs; no passport control exists under Schengen rules. However, if you're coming from outside the EU, ensure your vehicle has a valid vignette for Austrian highways (the A14 requires one), though the B31 itself is toll-free.

Parking in Lindau is limited on the island; use the Parkhaus am Hafen or Parkplatz Inselhalle (€2-3 per hour). In Bregenz, the Festspielhaus parking garage is convenient for exploring the city. Fuel stations are sparse along the B31 itself; fill up in Bregenz at the OMV or Shell stations near the A14 exit. Electric vehicle charging points are available at the Lindau island car parks and at the Bregenz festival area. The question how long to drive Bregenz to Lindau depends on stops, but the pure driving time is under 20 minutes.

• Best fuel stop: OMV Bregenz (Kaiserstraße 1) before departure
• Toll note: No toll on B31, but Austrian highway vignette needed for A14 approach
• Border crossing: Schengen area, no customs; but carry ID documents
• Charging: EnBW chargers at Lindau Inselhalle