Vorarlberg has an abundance of cultural options. Wherever it is you’re meeting or working from, right on your doorstep there’s everything from small exhibitions to large art houses. At times quirky, at times traditional, if you’re looking for a stylish programme, we’ve compiled all the best options for you below.

What looks like a bunker from the outside is an installation that’s part of a series of over 75 artworks around the world. The artist James Turrell started erecting Skyspaces in the 1970s, and his Skyspace in Lech symbolises the coming together of sky and earth – right in the middle of the high alpine landscape. To catch the best interplay of light, it’s best to get the timing just right: at sunrise or sunset. But even in between and in bad weather, the effects of this impressive dome area offer a highlight – in all senses of the word. 

If you’re meeting at one of Lech’s seminar hotels or attending an event at Lechwelten, you can dive into a world of culture almost immediately, in the shape of Antony Gormley’s 2010 work Horizon Field. These 100 “iron men” were each installed at exactly 2,039 metres above sea level, spread over an area of 150 m2. After the installation was dismantled in 2012, one iron man was left standing as an eternal reminder – you can visit it close to the Kriegeralpe. 

If you have some spare time in the Bregenzerwald during a conference, it’s certainly worth checking out some local culture. As a guest at Seminarhotel Gasthof Krone, for example, the Georunde Rindberg in Sibratsgfäll is basically around the corner. On a pleasant walk, you‘ll discover 13 art installations that symbolise the power of nature. Even closer by, in the centre of Hittisau, is the well-known Frauenmuseum Hittisau where exciting exhibitions, workshops, special tours and events regularly take place – check out their calendar.

In neighbouring Krumbach, a unique outdoor attraction awaits. Bus:Stop Krumbach is an art project which invited international artists to work on individualised bus stops. From glass pavilions to pillar formations, there’s a bit of everything to be found here on an entertaining walk through the village or, appropriately, on a hop-on-hop-off bus trip.

If you can’t get enough of seminar breaks in the fresh air, with Umgang Bregenzerwald you can discover many of the region’s villages and best attractions. These specially marked trails lead visitors through the villages, stories and cultural spots. For guests at Seminarhotel Tempel 74 the Rundgang Mellau is ideal, whereas from Seminarhaus Schtûbat it’s easy to discover the joys of Andelsbuch, and indeed there are similar ways to get to know more or less every Bregenzerwald village. 

Seminar hotels such as the Messmer and the Weisses Kreuz are enviably located in the centre of Bregenz, offering plentiful art and culture options for guests. First and foremost there’s Bregenz’s lakeside “cultural mile”, including the theatre, vorarlberg museum and KUB. As if this wasn’t enough, there are exciting meeting and event locations such as IRMHILD seminar room, the Bregenzer Salon, or the café-and-yoga space BAHI. One thing is for certain: in Bregenz it’s easy to put together a varied and exciting activity programme.

If you have a seminar further south in Götzis at Hotel am Garnmarkt or at Dornbirn‘s Fairmotel, you’re already within touching distance of the Schubertiade Quartier in Hohenems. Art and culture vultures should not miss out on a visit to its museums, galleries, and exhibitions, where you can follow in the footsteps of one of the region's most important festivals.

Of equal cultural significance is the Vorarlberger Museumswelt a little further southwards. No fewer than seven museums are united here under one roof - from tobacco and photography to a hunting museum. There’s something for everyone here, and its location in Frastanz is easily reachable from several Bodensee-Vorarlberg accommodation options. 

When you’re surrounded by far-reaching views and fresh mountain air, work is particularly productive. This makes the Kleinwalsertal, Montafon and Alpine regions ideal for successful seminars, conferences and workshops. Not only do they provide a tasteful setting for events of all kinds, but also cultural variety. For instance, there’s the Walser Kulturwege near the Ifen Seminar Hotel and Genuss- und Aktivhotels Sonnenburg. On this hike, you’ll encounter various views and stories - best accompanied by an audio guide. 

Walking, hiking and soaking up culture are also wonderful options in the Alpine region of Bludenz. If you’re at a meeting or seminar at places such as Villa Falkenhorst, Val Blu, Fohren Saal or Tschofen Seminar Hotel, the Muttersberg Alpine Art is a top tip. This open-air gallery exhibits artworks by seven renowned artists, including Alfred Graf and Marbod Fritsch, on a circular route. Meanwhile, guests at the Kreuz Seminar Hotel better pack their hiking boots and pay a visit to the interactive Klangraum.Stein, a themed trail with a unique soundscape designed by well-known acoustic artists such as John Cage.

A little further southwards is another unique project – the KunstRaumBerg at 2032m above sea level, which aims to see mountains themselves as works of art. Located at the Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, it’s a fabulous stage for a wide variety of art installations, such as "Der Wächter” by Prof. Herbert Albrecht, “Das Erdenlicht” by Miriam Prantl or “Die Signatur” by Gottfried Bechtold. Especially for those staying nearby at seminar locations in Montafon, this is a must-see. 

More cultural tips for all seasons:

Whenever you have a meeting in Vorarlberg, be sure to make a note of what’s going on - you can find the events calendar here.