On set in Vorarlberg

Stunning mountains, atmospheric villages, unique cultural settings – international film crews are always impressed by Vorarlberg’s landscape and on-camera potential. In the new James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’, the famous floating stage of the Bregenz Festival on Lake Constance forms the setting for a key scene as Bond runs into his first encounter with his antagonists in seven minutes of thrilling action in the Bregenz Festival Hall and on stage during a performance of the opera Tosca.

Director Marc Forster uniquely blends the opera performed on the lakeside stage into the film’s action, as the ‘show’ goes on amidst hair-raising gunfire. In the end, a wild chase through the Festival Hall is evocative of an apocalyptic silent film – punctuated by electrifying scenes from the opera. Forster successfully draws a parallel between the opera and the film action. Revenge is the central motive, both in ‘Quantum of Solace’ and in Puccini’s Tosca; Tosca’s murdering of Scarpia at the end of the Bregenz scene seems to spell out the film’s further course.

Apart from the floating stage on Lake Constance, the Bregenz Festival House was also used as a backdrop. It is a prime example of modern urban architecture in the region. Vorarlberg is known not only for its great scenic diversity, but also for its wealth of culture and outstanding works of contemporary architecture. The traditional feeling for natural building materials and sustainable handling of resources has been successfully combined with contemporary architecture.

Another outstanding example for architecture in Vorarlberg is the Panoramahaus in Dornbirn. It houses the 4 Points by Sheraton and the Home of Balance wellness and fitness centre. The Sky- Restaurant and the Sky- Bar which are located on the 11th floor of the Panoramahaus will welcome and spoil you with both hospitality and excellent cuisine. International as well as regional dishes are served and accompanied by a a range of wines. The unique view over the city and Lake Constance add to the experience and enhance the romantic atmosphere. The bistro ‘4 Point’ in the hotel lobby is the ideal place to sip a drink or have a snack. Perhaps these are just some of the reasons why the cast of James Bond stayed at the Panoramahaus.

For more information about Vorarlberg, log on to Vorarlberg.travel.