Fodor's Expert Review Upper Town

Just a short walk but a whole world away from the lakeside, Bregenz's Upper Town is its historical heart. Walk all the way up Maurachgasse to the Stadttor, complete with a scary mummified shark (supposedly caught in the Bodensee). Through the gate is Ehregutaplatz, a pretty market square flanked by remains of the ancient city wall and overlooked by Martinsturm, a tower with an enormous onion dome. Built in 1601, it was the first Baroque construction on the Bodensee, though the chapel below dates back even further; step inside to see 14th-century frescoes. From here, amble along Martinsgasse to Graf-Wilhelm-Strasse and the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall. This ornate, brightly shuttered, half-timber construction was completed in 1622. Behind here, on Eponastrasse, are the remnants of a wall fresco that depicts St. Christopher, St. Peter, and a kneeling abbot. Around the corner lies the 400-year-old castle Deuring Schlössle. This is now a private residence, but you can still admire its beautiful whitewashed facade. Better yet, head down the nearby Meissnerstiege passageway for a wider view of its majestic southwestern side. From here, you can also see the 16th century Beckenturm, named for bakers who were imprisoned here after short-changing their customers. READ LESS