8 days, 10 days
Duration
Moderate
Difficulty
Austria, Germany
Location
July-September
Availability

  Hike the Lechweg trail through one of the last wild river landscapes in Europe

 Follow the turquoise Lech river from its source high in the mountains to the Lechfall in Füssen

  Cross the Höhenbachtal gorge on Austria’s most spectacular suspension bridge

  Stay in picturesque and traditional mountain villages

  Discover the fairytale-like royal castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein in Füssen


Hike the Lechweg from Lake Formarinsee to Füssen

This trip offers an exceptional long-distance hike along the Lechweg trail through one of Europe‘s last wild river landscapes.

The Lechweg trail was opened in 2012 and was the first border-crossing long-distance hiking trail to be awarded “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” certification by the European Hiking Association.

You follow the turquoise river Lech from its source near Lake Formarinsee in the Austrian Vorarlberg Alps all the way to the roaring Lechfall waterfall in Füssen, Germany. Along the way, you explore the untamed and rugged beauty of these Alpine regions, as well as discovering one of Europe’s largest ibex colonies and a mysterious waterfall which, as if by magic, disappears each year and rises anew. You walk across a spectacular suspension bridge and marvel at King Ludwig II’s castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. The thundering roar of the river Lech is your constant companion.

This trip can be done as an 8-day or 10-day walking holiday. See the ‘itinerary’ tab for details.

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS From €879 per person sharing*

*Discounts available for children sharing with 2 adults.
*A high-season supplement will apply from 01/07 to 25/08.
*A single supplement charge will apply for solo walkers.

10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS From €1,139 per person sharing*

*Discounts available for children sharing with 2 adults.
*A high-season supplement will apply from 01/07 to 25/08.
*A single supplement charge will apply for solo walkers.

ACCOMMODATION

In beautiful 3***/4**** hotels and inns. All rooms with private facilities. The standard hotels of this trip are listed below. If any are unavailable, we will book an alternative hotel of a similar standard.
MEALS Breakfast is included each morning. Picnic lunches can be ordered on site from the hotels for an additional charge. You can have dinner at your hotel or at restaurants in the towns and villages along the way.
AVAILABILITY You can start on any day, subject to availability, between June 15th and September 22nd.
INCLUDED
7/9 x nights in selected 3*/4* hotels & inns
7/9 x breakfasts
Luggage transportation from hotel to hotel while you walk
Lech Card (reductions for cable cars, entrance fees etc.)
1 x original ‘Lechweg-cheese’, from organic dairy Sojer in Steeg
Detailed info pack with maps and route notes (1x per room)
Dedicated App for GPS navigation
Service hotline
NOT INCLUDED
Flights & travel insurance
Lunches & dinners
Transport to Lech am Arlberg and from Füssen
Optional public transportation to shorten the daily walks
Local tourist taxes
Any other items not mentioned in the program
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Additional nights before, during or after the walk
Single room supplement
Return transfer by minibus to Lech
DISCOUNT FOR DIGITAL ROUTE BOOK Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room (let us know at the time of booking if you would like to do this).
DIFFICULTY / TERRAIN The difficulty level of this tour is rated as moderate overall. You walk on easy, well-maintained hiking paths, forest trails and partially also on gravel paths. A good basic fitness level is required, although there are many options to cut longer tours short by taking the local bus. On some sections some surefootedness is required. If you are not so keen on heights the spectacular suspension bridges can be easily bypassed.
WALKING WITH A DOG It is possible to book this hiking tour accompanied by your dog. We are happy to request dog-friendly accommodation for you (route may vary). Please ask us for a quote and let us know the size and breed of dog.

Please note: Additional costs for your dog (e.g. for public transport or in the accommodations) are not included in the tour price and have to be paid on site.

1

Day 1: Arrival in Lech am Arlberg

The picture-postcard mountain village of Lech (1450m) is a past recipient of Europe’s most beautiful village award. It can be reached by bus from Langen am Arlberg (25 mins), which has train connections to Innsbruck and Zurich.

Overnight: Lech am Arlberg (Hotel Lärchenhof or similar)

2

Day 2: Lake Formarinsee circular walk

Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 50 m | Descent: 500 m | 4½ hrs approx.

In the morning, the hiking bus takes you to the idyllic Lake Formarinsee, where the Lechweg-path starts at an altitude of about 1793 metres. Enjoy wonderful views over the sparkling mountain lake set amidst the northern Limestone Alps of Austria’s Vorarlberg province. You then follow the Lech-riverside path back to Lech am Arlberg. Keep your eyes peeled for ibex as you walk!

Overnight: Lech am Arlberg (Hotel Lärchenhof or similar)

3

Day 3: Lech am Arlberg to Steeg

Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 400 m | 5 hrs approx.

Today’s walk initially leads you high above the river through idyllic farmland and across lush mountain meadows. You will soon enjoy views over the deep and wild Lechschlucht gorge below. The route ascends gently through the high-altitude forest to the Walser-village Warth, which is home to a natural bathing lake and the highest-located dairy in the Alps.

You continue across the Krumbach stream, which marks the border between the Vorarlberg and Tyrol regions. Enjoy the marvellous views over the Lechtal-valley and the glistening turquoise river as you make your way to the pretty village of Steeg.

Overnight: Steeg/surroundings (Kräuterhotel Der Stern or similar)

4

Day 4: Steeg to Elbigenalp

Distance: 18 km | Ascent: 380 m | Descent: 400 m | 5 hrs approx.

A leisurely walk along the Lech riverside this morning takes you to the beautiful village of Holzgau, which is characterised by its colourful painted houses. The highlight of today’s route is the spectacular Holzgauer bridge; Austria’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge – 200 m long and 110 m above the ground*! You then proceed across blooming meadows and forest paths to Elbigenalp, the geographic centre of the Lechtal-valley and heart of the area’s traditional wood craft.

*Hikers without a good head for heights can take an alternative trail to Elbigenalp.

Overnight: Elbigenalp (Traditionsgasthof Stern or similar)

5

Day 5: Elbigenalp to Stanzach

Distance: 20 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 550 m | 5½ hrs approx.

The first part of today’s route takes you through a picturesque nature reserve to Häselgehr, where we highly recommend you visit the lovely parish church with its opulent interior. From here, you ascend to the Doser-waterfall, which is known for its mysterious behaviour. There are many legends and stories around this strange natural phenomenon, which disappears every November before reappearing again in April. This area is also famous for its flora and fauna, with many wild-growing orchids and butterflies.

Via an high-altitude path with fabulous views over the ‘wild river‘, you eventually reach the tranquil and picturesque village of Stanzach.

Overnight: Stanzach (Hotel Föhrenhof or similar)

6

Day 6: Stanzach to Höfen

Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 50 m | Descent: 150 m | 5 hrs approx.

Today you hike along the wide Lech riverbed to Forchach. Here, brave hikers have the opportunity to cross another suspension bridge before continuing along the trail. You cross the Johannesbrücke-bridge and continue through the Moosberg-nature reserve to Weissenbach. Here, you cross the river Rotlech and then follow gentle riverside paths to the quiet little village of Höfen.

Overnight: Höfen/surroundings (Die Lilie or similar)

7

Day 7: Höfen to Füssen

Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 450 m | 5½ hrs approx.

Yet another panoramic path this morning takes you to a beautiful viewpoint situated high up at the Costaries Chapel. Continuing past the glistening Lake Frauensee, you enter the birdwatching paradise of the Pflacher Au. The 20-metre-high bird tower offers wonderful views over the surrounding wetlands. Shortly after this you leave the river Lech and walk uphill through meadows and forests. You cross the border from Austria into Germany just before the beautiful lake Alpsee. Soon you will get your first glimpse of Ludwig II’s magnificent fantasy castles Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein! The impressive Lechfall-waterfall finally marks the end of the Lechweg-path.

You will spend your final night in Füssen, Bavaria’s highest town on the banks of the Lech.

Overnight: Füssen (Hotel Hirsch or similar)

8

Day 8: Departure or extension

Your walking holiday on the Lechweg comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us. We would be happy to book an extra night in Füssen for you, if you wish to have more time to explore the castles and beautiful surroundings.

Please note that walking distances are approximate and may vary depending on accommodation.

1

Day 1: Arrival in Lech am Arlberg

The picture-postcard mountain village of Lech (1450m) is a past recipient of Europe’s most beautiful village award. It can be reached by bus from Langen am Arlberg (25 mins), which has train connections to Innsbruck and Zurich.

Overnight: Lech am Arlberg (Hotel Lärchenhof or similar)

2

Day 2: Lake Formarinsee circular walk

Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 50 m | Descent: 500 m | 4½ hrs approx.

In the morning, the hiking bus takes you to the idyllic Lake Formarinsee, where the Lechweg-path starts at an altitude of about 1793 metres. Enjoy wonderful views over the sparkling mountain lake set amidst the northern Limestone Alps of Austria’s Vorarlberg province. You then follow the Lech-riverside path back to Lech am Arlberg. Keep your eyes peeled for ibex as you walk!

Overnight: Lech am Arlberg (Hotel Lärchenhof or similar)

3

Day 3: Lech am Arlberg to Warth

Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 300 m | 4 hrs approx.

Today’s walk initially leads you high above the river through idyllic farmland and across lush mountain meadows. You will soon enjoy views over the deep and wild Lechschlucht gorge below. The route ascends gently through the high-altitude forest to the Walser-village Warth, which is home to a natural bathing lake and the highest-located dairy in the Alps. You can enjoy a tasting at the local cheesemaker’s.

Overnight: Warth/surroundings (Lech Valley Lodge or similar)

4

Day 4: Warth to Steeg

Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 600 m | 4½ hrs approx.

You begin by crossing the Krumbach stream, which marks the border between the Vorarlberg and Tyrol regions. Your route leads you uphill to Lechleiten, from where you follow a wonderfully panoramic path. Enjoy the marvellous views over the Lechtal-valley and the glistening turquoise river far below.

The meandering path leads you downhill once again to the riverbank and then through small mountain hamlets all the way to the pretty village of Steeg.

Overnight: Steeg/surroundings (Kräuterhotel Der Stern or similar)

5

Day 5: Steeg to Elbigenalp

Distance: 18 km | Ascent: 380 m | Descent: 400 m | 5 hrs approx.

A leisurely walk along the Lech riverside this morning takes you to the beautiful village of Holzgau, which is characterised by its colourful painted houses. The highlight of today’s route is the spectacular Holzgauer bridge; Austria’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge – 200 m long and 110 m above the ground*! You then proceed across blooming meadows and forest paths to Elbigenalp, the geographic centre of the Lechtal-valley and heart of the area’s traditional wood craft.

*Hikers without a good head for heights can take an alternative trail to Elbigenalp.

Overnight: Elbigenalp (Traditionsgasthof Stern or similar)

6

Day 6: Elbigenalp to Stanzach

Distance: 20 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 550 m | 5½ hrs approx.

The first part of today’s route takes you through a picturesque nature reserve to Häselgehr, where we highly recommend you visit the lovely parish church with its opulent interior. From here, you ascend to the Doser-waterfall, which is known for its mysterious behaviour. There are many legends and stories around this strange natural phenomenon, which disappears every November before reappearing again in April. This area is also famous for its flora and fauna, with many wild-growing orchids and butterflies.

Via an high-altitude path with fabulous views over the ‘wild river‘, you eventually reach the tranquil and picturesque village of Stanzach.

Overnight: Stanzach (Hotel Föhrenhof or similar)

7

Day 7: Stanzach to Höfen

Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 50 m | Descent: 150 m | 5 hrs approx.

Today you hike along the wide Lech riverbed to Forchach. Here, brave hikers have the opportunity to cross another suspension bridge before continuing along the trail. You cross the Johannesbrücke-bridge and continue through the Moosberg-nature reserve to Weissenbach. Here, you cross the river Rotlech and then follow gentle riverside paths to the quiet little village of Höfen.

Overnight: Höfen/surroundings (Die Lilie or similar)

8

Day 8: Höfen to Pflach

Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 300 m | 4 hrs approx.

Yet another panoramic path this morning takes you to a beautiful viewpoint situated high up at the Costaries Chapel. Continuing past the glistening Lake Frauensee, you enter the birdwatching paradise of the Pflacher Au. The 20-metre-high bird tower offers wonderful views over the surrounding wetlands.

Overnight: Pflach (Gasthof zum Schwanen or similar)

9

Day 9: Pflach to Füssen

Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 450 m | 5 hrs approx.

Your final walking stage takes you across the border from Austria into Germany. You first leave the river Lech and walk uphill through meadows and forests. You cross the border into Bavaria just before the beautiful lake Alpsee. Soon you will get your first glimpse of Ludwig II’s magnificent fantasy castles Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein! The impressive Lechfall-waterfall finally marks the end of the Lechweg-path.

You will spend your final night in Füssen, Bavaria’s highest town on the banks of the Lech.

Overnight: Füssen (Hotel Hirsch or similar)

10

Day 10: Departure or extension

Your walking holiday on the Lechweg comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us. We would be happy to book an extra night in Füssen for you, if you wish to have more time to explore the castles and beautiful surroundings.

Please note that walking distances are approximate and may vary depending on accommodation.


Getting to Lech am Arlberg

  The best airports to fly to are Innsbruck or Zurich.
/
  • From Innsbruck you first travel by train to Langen am Arlberg / St. Anton am Arlberg (1hr 30 mins /1 hrs) and by bus to Lech am Arlberg (25/30 mins approx.).
  • From Zurich by train to St. Anton am Arlberg (2 hrs 20 mins) then by bus to Lech (30 mins).

For timetables and tickets, please see SBB.

If travelling by car, there are a limited number of spaces available free of charge. However it is not possible to reserve the parking spaces in advance. There is also a public covered car park near the hotel, cost approx. EUR 20 per week.

Departure from Füssen

/ Füssen to Innsbruck takes approx. 2½ hrs by bus, with change in Reutte. To Zurich takes 5 hrs approx. by train with change in Buchloe. Train to Munich airport takes 2 hrs 45 mins approx.

Return journey from Füssen to Lech am Arlberg by bus, duration approx. 3 hours (1x change of bus).

Lechweg Lechfall Füssen
Overview of the Arlberg and lake Formarinsee
Formarinsee
Following the Lech river in its early stages
Boardwalk along the Lech River
Alpine flowers along the Lechweg
Hiking along the Lechweg
St. Jakobus am Simmel chapel, Warth
The Lechweg is well signposted throughout
Waterfall on the Lechweg
Cross the Höhenbachtal gorge on Austria’s most spectacular suspension bridge
Crossing the Hohenbachtal suspension bridge
Suspension bridge on the Lechweg
Hiking on the Lechweg path above Holzgau
The turquoise Lech river in Forchach
Alpine meadow and village along the Lechweg
Hiking along the turquoise Lech River
View to Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwandstein castle, Füssen
End of the trail at the roaring Lechfall in Füssen
The Lech Ravine in Füssen
Ascending on the Golgotha
The Golgotha above Füssen
Enjoying the view from the Golgotha
Hohe Schloss Füssen

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