Holidays to Lech

Lech might be famous for its swish ski scene, but in summer it inspires explorers to enjoy the spectacular mountains of the Arlberg at a walking pace

Lech, in the western reaches of Austria, is awash with see-and-be-seen skiers in winter. In summer, however, it’s a place transformed. The melting snows reveal jewel-green slopes and a village filled with gourmet restaurants and boutiques – plus summer cable cars and buses that open up several hundred kilometres’ worth of hiking and cycling paths. Walking holidays in Lech dive into this pretty picture of rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, meadows and forests, while also offering plenty for families with a penchant for adventure.

350 kilometres of Alpine trails

Lech is a great base for exploring the mountainous Arlberg on foot and by bike. Tour mountain huts, seek out summits, and ramble wildflower meadows and woodland paths that start in the centre of Lech. The Arlberg Trail is a long-distance path created in 2021 to connect the five Arlberg villages of Lech, St. Anton, St. Christoph, Zürs and Stuben. The Lechweg Trail is another classic, following one of the wildest river landscapes in Europe. One section goes through Lech and close to the river’s source at Formarinsee Lake – once voted the most beautiful place in the country by Austrian TV viewers.

From Walser roots to the Lech of luxury

Boutique shops, luxury hotels, spas and chic restaurants stock the streets of Lech. It can all feel a long way from the village’s modest farming roots. But look a little closer, and you’ll find traditional restaurants offering hearty mountain recipes too, from Wiener schnitzel to kaiserschmarr'n – caramelised pancakes with rum-soaked raisins. You can get more of a flavour of Lech’s history in the Huber House Museum, as well as the 14th-century church of St. Nicholas, where a stern grey exterior hides away a delightfully OTT rococo interior.

Explore on summer lifts

Walkers and cyclists can take advantage of up to five ski lifts that open for the summer. Rüfikopfbahn climbs over 2,000 metres to the plateau of Lech Zürs, the first leg of the Green Ring (that’s the summer edition of the legendary White Ring ski circuit). Meanwhile, the Bergbahn Oberlech heads to a plateau renowned for its sunny hills, turquoise lakes, mountain huts and the Skyspace art installation, where you can watch the changing sky in a Space Age bunker.

Lech Forest Pool and the Green Riddle Ring

Lech Forest Pool lays out lanes, loungers, waterslides, playgrounds and and an ice cream kiosk amongst green lawns and the shady pines of the forest. In summer, kids’ alpine activity clubs transform children into mini mountaineers with forest camps and wildlife walks. Elsewhere, the Green Riddle Ring follows the Green Ring – but with a bonus round of puzzles to be cracked at each stop.

Why book a summer holiday in Lech with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Lech’s best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Lech include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Use of all operating lifts & walkers' buses with included Lech Summer Card from approx. 24 June (valid day after arrival)

Hotels in Lech

  • from£1199pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4.5 Rating

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  • 57 rooms
Lounge - Hotel Der Berghof - Austria - Lech

Trendy and laid-back, but meticulously run. The luxurious Hotel Berghof is just above Lech village centre, close to the Rüfikopf cable car. The central location means adventure is easy, the spa is an oasis of indulgence, and food is five-star.

  • from£1939pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    5 Rating

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  • 50 rooms
Hotel Arlberg St Anton Deluxe_Doppelzimmer.jpg

Overlooking the rushing waters of the River Lech and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Rüfikopf mountains. Hotel Arlberg's location is perfect - directly opposite the Rüfikopf lift. The award-winning spa and luxurious touches guarantee an exceedingly comfortable stay.

  • from£1329pp
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    4.5 Rating

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  • 58 rooms
Hotel Austria Lech exterior and gardens.jpg

A short walk from the town centre and within easy reach of the lifts is Hotel Austria. Traditional and cosy in style, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Try fresh produce, regional cuisine, and al fresco dining on the terrace. Admire mountain views from the spa, and enjoy lazy afternoons on the terrace.

  • from£1249pp
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    3 Rating

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  • 26 rooms
Hotel Haldenhof, Lech, Austria - Bar-lounge area.jpg

Hotel Haldenhof sits next to the River Lech, a short walk from the village centre. Decorated with hunting memorabilia and in English country house style, it's a cosy and comfortable retreat. Enjoy quiet drinks on the sunny terrace, and a little R&R in the lovely ‘Hofbädle Spa’.

  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

Hotel Gotthard Gesamtansicht Detail Web (1)

The Hotel Gotthard has been family run for over 75 years, and has a fantastic location in the centre of Lech. Enjoy homemade breads and pastries from the hotel bakery, or sample some of their own beer - it's easy to enjoy your time at this hotel. There's a large spa which is perfect for a spot of relaxation and fantastic children's facilities making it a great hotel for all the family.

Things To Do

Holidays in Lech offer a variety of excellent activities: there are several quaint shops and cafés plus an excellent outdoor swimming pool surrounded by pine forests and lawns. The unspoilt beauty of the area, with pretty lakes dotted around rugged terrain is unique to the region and is ideal for rambling as well as more adventurous hiking. Also unique is the Lech Summer Card, which gives all guests in Lech use of all chairlifts, cable-cars and buses in the area throughout their stay, as well as a full programme of guided walks and many other attractions.

Other things to do in and around Lech

  • 350 kilometres of walking trails
  • Shops, Boutiques & cafes
  • 5 cable-cars & chairlifts in the valley
  • Selection of guided & themed walks
  • Special hikers’ buses
  • Good biking tracks with FREE bike hire available from most hotels
  • Forest swimming pool
  • Golf-course and golf-academy
  • Crazy golf
  • Museums
  • Tennis, squash & badminton courts
  • River rafting
  • Open-air brass band concerts and folklore evenings.

Lech Summer Card (from around 24th June)

The Lech Summer Card is included in the cost of your holiday and is provided by your hotel upon arrival. It is valid from the day after your arrival and gives you:

  • Use of all open chairlifts and cable-cars in Lech
  • Use of local hikers' buses (not including tolls)
  • Use of the forest swimming pool
  • Guided walks and E-bike tours
  • Entrance to the Zugertal Valley
  • Supervised daily kids' club and activity programme (from 3rd Jul)
  • Entrance to some local museums
  • Discount at various partners and much more

Lift and cable-car approx. opening times 

  • Rüfikopf in Lech (normally open 24 Jun - 03 Oct)
  • Bergbahn Oberlech in Lech (normally open 24 Jun - 03 Oct)
  • Petersbodenbahn in Lech (normally open 24 Jun - 03 Oct)
  • Seekopfbahn in Zürs (normally open 01 Jul - 02 Oct)
  • Steffisalp-Express in Warth (normally open 24 Jun - 03 Oct)

Lech Summer Card inclusions and lift opening times are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

Walking

A true walker's paradise, Lech's 350km of marked hiking paths range from flower-filled meadows, riverside and woodland paths starting from the village centre, to remote high alpine routes up to beautiful lakes and rugged peaks. There are plenty of rustic mountain alms, as well as designated picnic areas, and a great sense of travel as paths
link through local hamlets and over into different valleys.

Getting Around | An excellent network of hikers' buses and lifts enable walks to be shortened or lengthened as you wish. All operating lifts and hiker's buses are included with the Lech Summer Card.

POPULAR WALKS

Zug River Stroll- enjoy a relaxing stroll along the impressive river Zug. See local places of interest such as the fishing lake, where the water is so clear you can watch the trout swim and Lech's forest swimming pool. With unique scenery, such as ancient rock formations, forests and glacially-sculpted mountains.

Zursersee - the route begins from the nearby town of Zurs, and ascends up to the scenic lake Zurs. Nestled in a high mountain bowl, you get superb panoramic views over the colourful Lech Valley.

Tannberg Trail - discover the tale of the Arlberg's first settlers, the ancient Walser people. This incredible walk will take you on beautiful riverside paths and up onto the green hills with breathtaking views across the valley.

Guided Walks

Guided walks are offered through the Lech Active Card, including themed herbal and history walks and a twilight hike.

Hotel Guided Walks | Hotel Austria, Hotel Arlberg and Hotel Berghof offer free guided walks with their own professional mountain guides. Subject to change at short notice.

Good to know

Walking trails: 350km of walking trails with great lift network

Terrain: Mountainous terrain with dramatic peaks and dense forests

Best time to go: end of June to mid September

Recommended for: Walkers of all abilities, families, nature, activities

Fly into: Innsbruck (approx. 2 hours)

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours by coach

Rep service: In resort (rep is based in St. Anton but visits Lech)

Resort card: Lech Summer Card included for all hotels

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