How to Get to the Schubertiade: Travel Guide to Schwarzenberg & Hohenems
The Schubertiade, a world-renowned celebration of Franz Schubert and his contemporaries, unfolds each year in two very different Austrian venues: the tranquil village of Schwarzenberg in the Bregenzerwald mountains and the historic town of Hohenems in the Rhine valley. While that split location offers distinct atmospheres, it also complicates travel planning for first-time visitors, who must choose ahead of time which region to base themselves in.
This guide walks through every stage of the journey, from selecting a gateway airport to navigating the final stretch into the halls. Because the festival schedule and venue usage vary from year to year, make a habit of checking the official Schubertiade page when booking travel.
Choose Your Gateway Airport
For international visitors, Zurich, Munich, Innsbruck, and Friedrichshafen are the most practical airports, each with trade-offs. Zurich offers the most frequent long-haul connections and is about a two-hour train or drive from the festival region, while Munich is a valid alternative with slightly longer transfer times. Innsbruck is closer to the eastern Alps but requires more complex connections to Vorarlberg, and Friedrichshafen, on the German side of Lake Constance, is convenient mainly for self-drivers or those arriving on budget carriers.
No matter which airport you choose, verify current flight schedules and ground connections well in advance. Regional weather can affect small-airport operations in winter, so build in buffer time if you're flying on the day of a concert.
From Airport to Venue by Rail or Road
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) connects Zurich airport to Bregenz and Dornbirn with frequent Railjet services, and from there regional trains and buses reach the festival villages. For Hohenems, the railway station is directly below the Markus Sittikus Hall, making rail an excellent option. For Schwarzenberg, you'll alight at Schwarzenberg station in the valley and take a PostBus into the village, as the concert hall sits on a hillside above the valley floor.
Drivers face a trade-off: a rental car offers the flexibility to explore the Bregenzerwald at your own pace, but parking in Schwarzenberg is limited during festival weeks. If you fly into Zurich or Munich and drive, allow at least two hours for the journey, not counting border or traffic delays. For Hohenems, parking is easier to find near the hall, but plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Arriving at the Festival Venues
In Schwarzenberg, the Angelika Kauffmann Hall seats 600 in a timber building set among meadows, and the village is small enough that you can walk from most inns and pensions. Signage will guide you from the main street to the hall, a short stroll uphill. In Hohenems, the Markus Sittikus Hall sits adjacent to the Renaissance palace and is a level walk from the railway station, with marked pathways through the palace gardens.
If you plan to stay overnight in the region, choosing accommodation based on transport links can simplify your visit. Our guide on where to stay for schubertiade suggests hotels with shuttle access and walkable routes to the halls.
Local Transit and the Schubertiade Shuttle
For traveling between the two festival towns or from valley hotels, the region's public buses (Landbus) run regularly during the day, but frequencies drop in the evening. The Schubertiade Shuttle Service fills that gap, offering return journeys to central bus stops after the end of the first round of applause at concert close. You can buy tickets from your hotel, the local tourism office, or directly on the bus; no prior registration is needed.
The shuttle's bus stops are chosen for central locations, often near hotels and inns. Speaking with your hotel reception about the nearest stop saves you from wandering unfamiliar streets after dark.
Parking and Driving Tips
If you arrive by car, note that Schwarzenberg's parking areas fill quickly on concert days, especially for afternoon matinees. The village operates several designated lots; follow the 'P' signs and expect a short walk to the hall. In Hohenems, there are car parks near the Markus Sittikus Hall, but on busy days you may be directed to overflow spaces further out.
Consider using the train for at least one leg of your trip. Not only does it avoid parking stress, but the rail journey along Lake Constance offers scenic views. Remember that driving in the Bregenzerwald means narrow, winding roads in winter, so check snow conditions before setting out.
Late-Night Returns
Concerts typically end in the late evening, and public transport may have stopped running by then. That's where the Schubertiade Shuttle Service becomes essential for many visitors, as it waits until the first round of applause ends before departing, ensuring you can enjoy the full program without worry. The shuttle drops guests at central stops across the valley and Bregenzerwald.
If you're staying in a nearby village like Mellau, check with your hotel about shuttle timing and pick-up points. For those who prefer a car, consider designating a driver or using a local taxi service, as rideshare availability is sparse in rural areas.
Accessibility and Practical Considerations
Both main halls are designed to accommodate listeners with limited mobility, with accessible entrances and seating areas. If you need assistance reaching the venue, contact the festival office in advance to discuss options, including accessible shuttle seats where available.
The Schubertiade also welcomes families, but note that young children may find long concerts challenging. Check the official program for family-friendly events or consider babysitting services at your hotel.
Final Checklist
Before you go, confirm festival dates and concert schedules on the official website. Purchase your schubertiade tickets early, as many events sell out weeks ahead. If you plan to stay overnight, use our where-to-stay guide to find lodging that matches your transport strategy.
Finally, check the current travel information from Bregenzerwald Tourismus for road or weather updates. You'll also find useful local insights on our Schubertiade page, which links to tickets and accommodation.
Plan Your Visit
Getting to the Schubertiade is as much about the journey as the destination: whether you glide in on a Railjet or wind your way through Alpine passes, the arrival in Schwarzenberg or Hohenems sets the mood for sublime music-making. A little planning goes a long way.
Before you pack your bags, review the official transport pages and local tourism site for any seasonal changes. And don't forget to prepare for the musical marathon – check out our schubertiade packing list to ensure you have everything from formal wear to sturdy walking shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the Schubertiade festival be held?
The Schubertiade typically takes place in two venues in Vorarlberg, Austria: Schwarzenberg (Angelika Kauffmann Hall) and Hohenems (Markus Sittikus Hall). Dates change each year; for 2026 and 2027, confirm the current schedule on the official website.
How do I get from the airport to the Schubertiade?
Most visitors fly into Zurich, Munich, Innsbruck, or Friedrichshafen. From Zurich or Munich, take a train to Bregenz or Dornbirn, then connect to the festival venues by regional train or bus. Driving is also possible; allow at least two hours from Zurich or Munich, and check traffic and weather conditions.
Is there a shuttle to the Schubertiade?
Yes, the Schubertiade Shuttle Service operates during festival periods, offering round trips from central stops in the region to the venues. Buses leave after the first round of applause at the end of concerts. Tickets are available at hotels, the tourist office, or directly on the bus, with no prior reservation required.
Where do I park at the Schubertiade venues?
In Schwarzenberg, limited parking is available near the Angelika Kauffmann Hall; follow local signage and expect a short walk. Hohenems has car parks near the Markus Sittikus Hall, with overflow options on busy days. Arrive early to secure a spot, or consider using public transport or the shuttle.