When we visited the Bodensee for 7 days over Easter, I wanted to try and visit all three countries that border it. Staying in Southern Germany right on Lake Constance in Unteruhldingen meant we were quite far from Austria. However, we did manage to spend a morning visiting the Pfander cable car before heading to Lindau Island for the afternoon. If you are also planning on trying out the excellent Austrian cable car also known as the Pfanderbahn takes you to the top of the Pfänder. Then this post will give you everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Bregenz cable car.
What Is The Pfanderbahn
Another name for the Bregenz cable car the Pfanferbahn is located in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg. From the cable car station at the bottom, it takes visitors up to the summit of the Pfänder mountain. Although not the highest mountain we have been up in Austria it does offer an elevation of 1,064 meters. Providing panoramic views across Lake Constance and the rest of the Bodensee. As well as the alpine peaks of Austria. Operating throughout the year, make sure you are dressed appropriately when you visit.
The Pfanderbahn was originally built in 1927, although major renovations took place in 1995. The panoramic cabins were only added in 2001 giving an uninterrupted view on the way up the Pfänder in Bregnz. Its maximum speed is 6 metres per second, although we found the journey to be very calming. With a gondola capacity of 80 this means that it can take up to 600 passengers an hour. Useful if you are planning a visit in the busier months.
Where Is The Pfanderbahn Located & How To Get There?
Since it is such a central location it is easy to reach from the Austrian town of Bregenz. When we visited we did consider catching the train into Bregenz station since the Pfanderbahn is only a twenty-minute walk from the station. The station is well connected with other parts of Austria and this would probably be the most convenient if you are planning on using public transport. Public transport is recommended during the Summer months when the roads around Lake Constance and the Bodensee can become very busy.
Alternatively, if you do not want to walk from the train station you can take a city bus from the Bregenz train station or the downtown area to the Pfänderbahn. Look for buses that stop at “Pfänderbahn” – the bus stop is right in front of the valley station. The bus lines in Bregenz are operated by Stadtwerke Bregenz. More route information and to download the timetable here – Bregenz City Bus.
However, as we wanted to explore other areas of the Bodensee we ended up driving. The Pfander cable car station is signposted from the main road into the city centre. We arrived just as it opened on the basis I was not sure whether there would be sufficient parking. Despite visiting out of season. The car park is down a small road and there were still plenty of spaces when we arrived. However, by the time we left around lunchtime, it was full. This is known as the Parkplatz Pfänderbahn P6 and has 60 spaces although it didn’t feel like it.
You do need to pay and display. The address is – Steinbruchgasse 4 • 6900 Bregenz.
If this one is full when you visit then there is an additional car park Parkhaus Pfaenderbahn P15 which has 136 parking spaces. Please note that the parking garage entrance has a maximum height of 2.00m. You should use the address Schillerstraße 3 to find this car park.
Tickets For The Pfänder Cable Car
The Bregenz Cable Car operates throughout the year. However, it is worth checking to see if the weather has affected its running if you are visiting in the Winter. We technically just fell into the Summer schedule which is when they depart every half an hour during the week and even fifteen minutes at the weekends, from the starting point of the Valley Cable Car Station. On the Winter schedule departures can be hourly. So it is worth checking their website to see when they are running during your visit. Please note that the last ascent is thirty minutes before closing time, and the last descent is fifteen minutes before closing.
If you are planning on visiting in the Summer then arrive half an hour early to secure tickets at the ticket office. It is not possible to buy tickets for the Pfander Cable Car in advance via the website. There are various different types of tickets available. The full price list is on their website. Prices for a family ticket starting at 30€ and under 6s are free. So depending on the age of your children, it can be a very reasonable day out.
One trip on the cable car up and down is free if you have a Bodensee Plus Card. Read about our opinion on the Bodensee Plus Card (spoiler alert – we did not work with the tourist board on this).
Things To Do At The Pfanderbahn
Temporary Exhibitions
At the bottom of the Bregenz cable car, there are some temporary exhibitions. These showcase some of the history of the Pfänder Cable Car and show memorabilia from a bygone age. We did not spot this when we arrived, eager to get on the first Pfanderbahn out of the cable car station. Located underneath it is easy to spot when you exit.
Panoramic Views
Not only can you see views across the shores of Lake Constance on the way up. But once you reach the summit there is a special viewing platform. With one of those telescopes that allows you to target specific areas. Now when we first arrived at the top we were really surprised to find snow. As were everyone else in our cable car and even the staff. I think we must have got lucky, although we were not dressed for it. This did limit where we could go, as in case you are wondering trainers don’t really work on snow. Initially, when we first arrived we could see very little, however as the sun burnt off the nice views at the mountain station appeared.
Alpine Wildlife Park
Included in your ticket up the Pfänder is access to the wildlife park. Which is within easy walking distance of the mountain station. It showcases a range of typical alpine animals. Including wild boar and red deer. The boys were very interested in exploring although this was made more difficult by the snow!
Play Area
Next to the Alpine wildlife park, there is a small play area designed to keep the children busy while the parents enjoy the views. If it is like other Austrian Mountains that we have visited such as Ghost Mountain, Rosenalmbahn and Spieljoch Family Adventure Mountain. There will also be several different play trails.
Hiking Trails from the Pfander Cable Car
Unfortunately due to our lack of appropriate clothing, we did not get a chance to enjoy any of the hikes on offer. Although there are several well-marked walking trails for all skill levels. One of the most popular trails is the hike from the Pfänderbahn mountain station to the summit. This relatively easy path is about 1 km long and takes roughly 30 minutes to walk. It provides hikers with breathtaking vistas of the lake and the peaks of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Along the way, informational panels describe the flora and fauna of the region, making it an educational experience as well. It is possible to purchase a hiking map when you buy your tickets for 2€.
Food & Drink At Pfänder
When we visited although during Summer operation hours the restaurants were closed. Although there are a couple at the top. However, after about an hour or so the snack kiosk opened which is opposite the entrance to the cable car at the top of the Pfänder. There are several long benches outside and it is a nice place to stop and enjoy the views and the sunshine. As well as selling a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks. There is also a gift shop. They do take cards unlike some of the other tourist attractions we visited during our holiday.
Top Tips For A Visit to Pfander Bregenz
- Check the webcam on the website for a video clip of the visibility and weather at the top of the mountain.
- Double-check the time of the last cable car this should be indicated at the Valley cable car station at the entrance.
- Do not forget your suncream on a clear day it is easy to burn.
- You are going up a mountain so good footwear is a must regardless of the family nature of the hikes on offer. Perhaps this is a lesson we should have taken notice of on our visit.
We really enjoyed our trip on the Pfanderbahn and would definitely make it part of our itinerary if we were to visit again. Have you been up the Pfander Cable Car? Please let me know about your experiences in the comments below.
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