The Lechweg Trail Hike - Austrian Alps to Bavaria

Make your own way to Lech am Arlberg and your centrally located hotel. Lech am Arlberg is a picturesque alpine village. Stroll its charming laneways lined with traditional wooden chalets, relax in a local café, or take the gondola up to panoramic viewpoints for breath taking mountain vistas. You can visit the small but fascinating Huber-Hus Museum to learn about alpine life. Two nights are spent in Lech am Arlberg.

After a leisurely breakfast, a short bus ride takes you to the first stage of the Lechweg Path at the idyllic Lake Formarinsee at an altitude of about 1793m/5882ft. Enjoy the views over the sparkling mountain lake which was voted the most beautiful place in Austria in 2015, before you begin walking the Lechweg Trail along the Lech-riverside path. The alpine scenery and meadows will be invigorating as you make your way back to Lech am Arlberg. Walking: 14km/8.6mi, ascent/descent +50m/164ft, -500m/1640ft

Enjoy a relaxed hike along the Lech Valley across green alpine meadows, past grazing cows and through shady forests. You are treated to magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the river Lech lying deep below. From Warth, take the local bus to Steeg or continue on foot. If choosing the longer walk, this section of the trail takes you along the Panorama Trail. Right at the beginning you cross the Krumbach river reaching the province of Tyrol. Past the Holzgauer Haus, you head up to Lechleiten, where the Panorama Trail begins. Far above the Lech, wonderful views open up into the Lech Valley and the magical turquoise of the river flashes in the depths.. Over numerous turns you descend onto a forest road to the river Lech. Along its banks you now hike through small hamlets to the village of Steeg. In Steeg stop in at the Dairy Sojer to collect your original "Lechweg Cheese". Walking to Warth: 11km/6.8mi, ascent/descent +300m/984ft, -300m/984ft Walking to Steeg: 26km/16mi, ascent/descent +500m/1640ft, -600m/1968ft

A leisurely walk on the Jochweg-path beside the Lech riverside until you reach the beautiful village of Holzgau, which is characterised by its colourful painted houses. There a very special highlight awaits with the crossing of one of Europe’s longest and most spectacular pedestrian suspension bridges. You proceed across blooming meadows and forest paths to Elbigenalp, the geographic centre of the Lechtal-valley and heartland of the traditional wood craft. Walking: 18km/11.18mi, ascent/descent +380m/1246ft, -400m/1312ft

A picturesque nature reserve leads you to Häselgehr, where we recommend you visit the lovely parish church with its opulent interior before continuing with the route uphill to the Doser waterfall. There are many legends and stories around this mysterious natural phenomenon. The waterfall is not known for its size, but according to tradition, the waterfall rises every year on April 23rd and closes again on November 11th. You then continue via a high-altitude path with fabulous views onto the 'wild river‘ before reaching Stanzach, a tranquil village situated amidst an amazing mountain world. Walking: 20km/12.4mi, ascent/descent +400m/1312ft, -550m/1804ft

Today, the Lech River shows its wild side as you hike through a rugged riverscape toward Forchach. The trail passes the Lechzopf, a striking braided section of the river where multiple channels weave through gravel banks, creating one of the most natural stretches of the Lech Valley. Near Forchach, known for its traditional villages and river scenery, you cross a suspension bridge. Continuing over the Johannesbrücke, you walk through the protected wetlands and forest of the Moosberg Nature Reserve before reaching Weissenbach. After crossing the Rotlech River, the route follows gentle riverside paths to the quiet village of Höfen, nestled in the valley and surrounded by alpine peaks. Walking: 19km/11.8mi, ascent/descent +50m/164ft, -150m/492ft

Walking along a panoramic trail with wide valley views, you reach the crystal-clear Frauensee, a mountain lake set high above the Reutte Valley basin. The trail then descends into the Pflacher Au, a protected riverside landscape known for its wetlands, birdlife, and peaceful walking paths. Continuing on, you reach Lechfall, the dramatic waterfall that marks the official end of the Lechweg Trail, where the Lech River plunges through a narrow gorge. From here, you walk on to the village of Pflach, before taking a short bus ride to the historic town of Füssen. Celebrate the end of your walk with with a stroll through the old town, a visit to one of its traditional beer gardens, or a relaxed dinner overlooking the river. Walking: 11km/6.83mi, ascent/descent +300m/984ft, -300m/984ft

Trip concludes after breakfast. We recommend booking an extra night in Fussen if you wish explore this medieval old town and to visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles which are accessible from the town via shuttle bus transfers. Castle tickets must be booked well in advance.