The Lech River Trail

Upon arriving in Lech am Arlberg, you will find yourself in one of Austria’s most famous alpine villages, known for its traditional charm and stunning alpine surroundings. Located at an altitude of 1444 meters in the Vorarlberg region, Lech is a renowned destination for winter sports and summer hiking. After settling into your accommodation, you may wish to explore the village, which is home to the Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus, a 14th-century church that stands as one of the main landmarks of Lech.

Your day begins with a bus transfer to the picturesque Lake Formarinsee, set at an altitude of 1793 meters, surrounded by the northern Limestone Alps in the Vorarlberg province. This lake is the starting point of the Lechweg Trail. After looping Formarinsee, you'll follow the Lechweg path alongside the Formarinbach stream, descending gently towards the village of Lech am Arlberg. The trail offers a pleasant and varied hike with opportunities to spot local wildlife such as ibex along the way. The journey takes you through serene alpine meadows and past riverside views.

The hike ahead leads from Lech am Arlberg into the untouched river landscapes of the region, crossing through alpine meadows and farmland. You'll gently ascend, passing above the dramatic Lechschlucht Gorge. The path then winds towards the Grenztobel Gorge, which marks the border between Lech am Arlberg and Warth. Once you reach Warth, nestled high in the mountains, you can explore the village and perhaps visit a local cheese factory for a tasting. Warth is home to the highest-located dairy in the Alps and a natural bathing lake.

Today’s route starts by crossing the Krumbach stream, which marks the boundary between the regions of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. The trail ascends toward Lechleiten, where a panoramic path opens up, offering impressive views over the Lechtal Valley and the turquoise river winding far below. As you continue, the trail meanders downhill, leading you back to the riverbank. The path then takes you through a series of small alpine hamlets before reaching the charming village of Steeg.

Today’s hike begins along the Jochweg path, following the Lech River toward the picturesque village of Holzgau, known for its traditional houses adorned with colorful frescoes. The highlight of the day is the crossing of the Hängebrücke Holzgau, Austria's highest and longest pedestrian suspension bridge, which spans 200 meters in length and rises 110 meters above the ground of Höhenbach Gorge. The trail then continues over peaceful alpine meadows and through lush forest paths, eventually arriving in Bach. The final stretch of the day leads along the river to Elbigenalp.

Today, you'll begin by passing through a scenic nature reserve, leading toward the charming village of Häselgehr in the Upper Lechtal Valley. This village is home to a beautiful parish church. From Häselgehr, the route takes you to the Doser Waterfall, a fascinating natural phenomenon known for disappearing every November and reappearing each April, with local legends surrounding its mysterious cycles. The hike continues on a high-altitude trail with sweeping views of the Lech River, eventually descending into the tranquil village of Stanzach.

You'll start along the wide, rugged riverbed of the Lech, heading towards Forchach. Along the way, you’ll pass the Lechzopf, a braided section of the river renowned for its natural beauty. Brave hikers can take on another thrilling suspension bridge at Johannesbrücke. Continuing through the Moosberg Nature Reserve, you'll arrive at Weissenbach am Lech, a protected area within the Tyrolean Lech Nature Park. From here, you cross the River Rotlech before following gentle paths along the river to reach the peaceful village of Höfen.

Today's stage begins with a scenic ascent to Costarieskapelle, a charming chapel perched at 1170m, offering a panoramic viewpoint over Reutte. From here, the trail leads towards the tranquil Lake Frauensee, its clear waters reflecting the nearby forested hills. The route continues through the rich wetland landscapes of the Pflacher Au, a birdwatcher's haven. You can take in the sweeping views of the wetlands from the 20-meter-high wooden bird-watching tower. Finally, the day's walk concludes in the village of Pflach.

The final day takes you away from the banks of the Lech and through woodlands towards the historic ruins of Sternschanze, part of the former fortifications of Ehrenberg Castle. As you ascend, the trail crosses meadows and forests, leading you into Bavaria in Germany. From the trail, you will soon catch sight of the famous castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. The journey concludes at the Lechfall, an impressive waterfall that marks the official end of the Lechweg. For a short finale, you follow the Alpenrose trail towards Kalvarienberg before arriving at Füssen.

After completing the Lech River Trail, your departure will be from Füssen. Situated at 800 meters above sea level, Füssen is Bavaria’s highest town, renowned for its proximity to the iconic Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, which you may spot during your final hiking stage. Füssen has a rich history, with the medieval Hohes Schloss (High Castle) dominating the skyline. The town also boasts the Benediktinerkloster St. Mang, a former Benedictine monastery with impressive Baroque architecture. After your stay, any private transfer arrangements can be coordinated to facilitate your onward journey.