A unique nature experience awaits you on our hiking tour along the Lechweg: you accompany the glistening Lech for around 125 kilometres from its source near the Formarinsee lake in Lech am Arlberg in Austria, through one of the last wild river landscapes in Europe, to the Lech Falls in Füssen in the Bavarian Allgäu.
On your way, you will not only discover the untamed and rugged beauty of the cross-border Alpine regions, you will also hike through one of the largest ibex colonies in Europe and marvel at a waterfall that magically dries up and springs anew every year. You cross a spectacular pedestrian suspension bridge and marvel at King Ludwig's castles. The magical turquoise colour of the Lech and its thunderous roar are your constant companions.
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 the stupendous view onto the sparkling mountain lake before you proceed via the Lech-riverside path back amidst the mountain world to Lech am Arlberg.
Initially you walk high above the river through idyllic farmland and across lush mountain meadows before fascinating views deep down into the wild Lech-ravine present themselves. The route ascends gently through the high-altitude forest to the Walser-village Warth, where a natural bathing lake and the highest situated Alpine dairy and butchery invite for a rest. Onwards you proceed across the stream Krumbach to Gehren and now find yourselves on Tyrolean soil. Enjoy the marvellous views into the Lechtal-valley.
Leisurely on the Jochweg-path always along 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. From Elbingenalp you go by bus to your today's stage destination Elmen.
Take the bus to Häselgehr, where you should visit the worth seeing parish church with its magnificent interior, before continuing your way up to the Doser waterfall. There are many legends and stories around this mysterious nature phenomenon. Via an high-altitude path with fabulous views onto the ‚wild river‘ you reach Stanzach, a tranquil village situated amidst an amazing mountain world.
Today the river Lech presents itself once more from its wildest side: you hike across a rugged river landscape, past the Lechzopf to Forchach, where another suspension bridge taunts brave hikers to cross over. Across the Johannesbrücke-bridge and through the Moosberg-nature reserve you hike to Weissenbach, cross the river Rotlech and via gentle riverside paths reach the quiet little village of Höfen. From Höfen we go by bus to Füssen.
At the end of your hiking week you explore the famous royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, which can be seen from afar. Worth seeing are the magnificent Byzantine throne room, the Romanesque grotto and the medieval singers hall. Then you walk around the deep blue Lake Alpsee situated at the foot of the castles. An idyllic route leads you on forest paths. Again and again you are rewarded with impressive views onto the glistening lake and the castles.
ca. 2 h
ca. 5 km
130 m
130 m
Day
8
Departure or extension
Tour character
You walk on easy, well-maintained hiking paths, forest paths and partially also on forest- and gravel roads. For all daily tours a good basic fitness level is required. You always have the option to comfortably cut longer tours short by taking the bus any time. In some parts of the tours some surefootedness is necessary, if required the spectacular suspension bridges can be easily bypassed.
1 Lech Card (reductions for cable cars, entrance fees etc.)
4 guest cards for all other hiking days of the holiday (reduced entrances, free bus rides etc.)
1 original „Lechweg-cheese“, provided by the organic dairy Sojer in Steeg
Carefully elaborated route description
Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
App for Navigation and GPS-data
Service hotline
Note:
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Reservation fee of CHF 20.- per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)
Travel by public transport, approx. EUR 15 per person
Admission to royal castles, approx. EUR 18 per person (note: admission to Neuschwanstein Castle only possible with valid ticket)
Optional:
Return transfer by minibus to Lech, costs CHF 79 per person, CHF 29 per dog (only SAT/SUN), reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance.
Information
Arrival/Parking/Departure:
By train to St. Anton am Arlberg and by bus to Lech am Arlberg.
Innsbruck or Munich airport.
Car parking: limited number of hotel parking spaces available free of charge, no reservation possible. Public covered car park near the hotel, cost approx. CHF 10 per day.
Return journey from Füssen by bus to Lech am Arlberg, duration approx. 3 hours (2x change).
Other important information:
The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.
Travel cancellation insurance, including travel interruption insurance is recommended.
In the middle of the natural landscape of the well-known mountain region Arlberg lies the stylish Hotel Sonnblick.
Hotel Sonnblick Lech am Arlberg
★★★★
In the middle of the natural landscape of the well-known mountain region Arlberg lies the stylish Hotel Sonnblick. A high level of rest and relaxation awaits you in the family-run hotel. In addition to culinary delights accompanied by selected wines, you will find comfortably modern furnished rooms and the Sonnblick SPA - a small but fine wellness area. A perfect hotel for your hiking week along the Lech.
The Lechquell Hotel Post is always up to date and yet traditional, with a lot of commitment and passion, familiar and friendly.
Lechquell Hotel Post Steeg
★★★★
The Lechquell Hotel Post is always up to date and yet traditional, with a lot of commitment and passion, familiar and friendly. Situated in the picturesque location amidst the Lechtal Alps you can recharge your batteries in the extensive spa area. In the rustic tavern you can enjoy excellent Austrian cuisine and end the evening with a exquisite glass of wine.
The Lechquell Hotel Post is always up to date and yet traditional, with a lot of commitment and passion, familiar and friendly.
Hotel Lechzeit Elmen
★★★★
The Lechquell Hotel Post is always up to date and yet traditional, with a lot of commitment and passion, familiar and friendly. Situated in the picturesque location amidst the Lechtal Alps you can recharge your batteries in the extensive spa area. In the rustic tavern you can enjoy excellent Austrian cuisine and end the evening with a exquisite glass of wine.
This family-run hotel is in a quiet location not far from the river Lech.
Hotel Föhrenhof Stanzach
★★★S
This family-run hotel is in a quiet location not far from the river Lech. The newly renovated wellness oasis impresses with a lot of comfort that invites you to relax. In the new junior suites on the 3rd floor, the panorama of nature lies at your feet. In addition to the modern alpine design and the warm colours, the natural oak wood furnishings create a cozy atmosphere. In the evening you can review your impressions in the cosy dining room or the beautiful sun terrace.
Tradition meets modernity: Hotel Sonne welcomes you in the old Town Füssen.
Hotel Sonne Füssen
★★★★
Tradition meets modernity: beautifully situated in the old town of Füssen, Hotel Sonne welcomes you. Spacious rooms with an individual design invite you to relax. The wellness area resembles an oriental oasis with many lovely international details. In the restaurant you will be enchanted with regional specialities such as Allgäu cheese and Black Forest ham.