Walking in Lech

Walking Trails:
350km

Terrain:
Mountainous terrain with dramatic peaks and dense forests

Lech at a glance

  • German
  • Euro (EUR)
  • Birmingham Int. (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester Int. (MAN)

Travel included to Lech

Depart on: Saturday or Wednesday 

Fly into: Innsbruck

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours by coach

Included in your walking holiday to Lech

  • Lech Summer Card

  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Austria
  • Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday

  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation

Walking in Lech

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
350km
Terrain:
Mountainous terrain with dramatic peaks and dense forests

A true walker's paradise, Lech's 350 kilometres 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. Seek out summits, and ramble along wildflower meadows and woodland paths that start in the centre of town - stopping off at a rustic mountain hut or two along the way. 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. 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.

Guided walks are offered through the Lech Summer Card.

Walking for families is second to none in Lech. With riverbank paths, easy hiking routes and countless trails, there is always a new adventure waiting. Ever wondered what the purpose of an ant colony is? Or why some plants are beneficial to humans? The Arlenzauberweg has 20 fun stations along its route, highlighting different characteristics of plants and animals in an interesting way. When you reach the Rud-Alpe mountain restaurant there's a play area and tree house, along with panoramic views and regional food to tuck into.

Or, treat the children to something different, and head to the local supermarket and stock up before you set off for lunch in the mountains. Lech has many barbecue spots provided with wood and seating, ideal for your own personal fresh lunch in a remote location. Grill some sausages for fuel in preparation for a lovely afternoon family walk.

Lech's Green Riddle Ring

Grab your workbook and set off on a detective journey. Get creative and let the youngster's imagination solve the interactive puzzles. Expect lots of riddles along your mini trek from Lech to Rud-Alpe, where a fun water playground awaits the little ones.

Our favourite self-guided walks in Lech

  • Grade: Easy 
  • Distance: 3.25km (one way), 6.5km (circular) 
  • Walking time: 45 minutes one way 
  • Terrain: Good paths 

This gentle riverside walk follows the Lech River through open meadows and shady woodland to the village of Zug. You’ll pass a crystal-clear fishing lake, a forest pool and wide mountain views along the way. The trail has a light incline, making it suitable for most walkers. Enjoy a stop at the Fischteich restaurant before either retracing your steps or hopping on the bus back to Lech. 

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate 
  • Distance: 4km 
  • Walking time: 1.5 hours 
  • Terrain: Gravel road/track 

Explore the nature reserve of ‘Gipslöcher,’ or Gypsum Holes, home to over 1,000 dolines. This geological wonder offers a peaceful, scenic walk. Start with a ride on the Oberlech cable car, a short hop on the Petersboden chairlift, then follow the path through the karst terrain. The route is dotted with info boards explaining the geology—if you have data on your phone it’s a good idea to download a translation app so you can learn about the rock formations along the way. 

  • Grade: Challenging 
  • Distance: 8km 
  • Walking time: 4 hours 
  • Terrain: Good terrain, turning into a narrow alpine trail 

A rewarding alpine hike with rewarding 360° views from the peak. From the top of the Petersboden chairlift, the trail leads past Kriegeralpe hut before climbing steeply to the saddle and summit. The final stretch follows a narrow path requiring sure footing, but the panoramic views from the top—stretching to Lake Constance on a clear day—make the effort worthwhile. 

Our accommodations in Lech

Discover Lech

  • Treat yourself to gourmet food in award-winning restaurants
  • Walk a section of the Lechweg trail to the beautiful Formarinsee mountain lake
  • Take a refreshing dip in Lech's forest swimming pool

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. Summer 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. You can get 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.

Walkers and cyclists can take advantage of up to six 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.

Explore the canyon on a guided canyoning tour, jump into pools and slide natural slides, or try some outdoor climbing. If the weather doesn't play ball, head to sport.park.lech where you can climb indoors, or have a game of tennis, badminton or bowling.

Spend your evenings relaxing in the great outdoors with traditional events like the open-air brass band concerts and folklore evenings. Enjoy the sunsets with the sounds of the valley, a comforting beverage and remarkable company.  

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.

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. With the highest per capita ratio of award-winning restaurants, there's good reason this little gem is nicknamed the gourmet village. But look a little closer, and you’ll find traditional restaurants offering hearty Austrian recipes too. The good food continues into the mountains where you can refuel with Wiener schnitzel or kaiserschmarr'n (caramelised pancakes with rum-soaked raisins) in a rustic mountain hut.

Lech has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.

Lifts

There are five lifts that you have access to with the included Lech Summer Card, which is provided locally.

  • Rüfikopf in Lech (normally open 12 Jun - 06 Oct)
  • Bergbahn Oberlech in Lech (normally open 12 Jun - 06 Oct)
  • Petersbodenbahn in Lech (normally open 12 Jun - 06 Oct)
  • Seekopfbahn in Zürs (normally open 28 Jun – 22 Sep)
  • Steffisalp-Express in Warth (normally open 21 Jun - 13 Oct)
  • Zugerbergbahn in Zug (new for Summer 24, normally open 28 Jun - 1 Sep)

Subject to change.

Hiker's Bus

In the Lech Valley the Regiobus runs between Lech am Arlberg and the nature park region Reutte. This service is included free of charge as part of your Lech Summer Card, however any tolls will be payable locally at an additional charge. The Lechtaler Wanderbus is excellent for reaching starting points and routes slightly further away from your accommodation. Certain hiking bus lines have a bike trailer too, charged at around €5.00 per bike.

The Lech Card is included for all guests (from around 21st June) and offers excellent opportunities to explore the area. 

It is given to you on arrival and is valid from the next day, with many benefits, including:

  • Use of all open chairlifts and cable-cars in Lech
    • Rüfikopf in Lech
    • Bergbahn Oberlech in Lech
    • Petersbodenbahn in Lech
    • Seekopfbahn in Zürs
    • Steffisalp-Express in Warth
  • Use of local hikers' buses (not including tolls)
  • Use of the forest swimming pool
  • Guided walks
  • Guided e-bike tour (rental not included)
  • Entrance to the Zugertal Valley
  • Children's programme (from 3rd Jul)
  • Discount at various partners and much more

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

Travel to Lech

Travel by air

Flights to Innsbruck depart on Saturdays or Wednesdays  between 21 Jun - 6 Sep 25 and 20 Jun - 12 Sep 26

Fly from:

  • London Gatwick (Wednesday or Saturday), Manchester (Saturday only), Birmingham (Saturday only) or Edinburgh (Saturday only)

Transfer time:

  • Approx. 2 hours by coach from Innsbruck

Please be aware transfer times may vary depending on weather conditions and volume of traffic, especially during peak season.

Things to do in Lech

Take a bike and explore the region at your own pace. Whether you prefer a slow cycle down paved paths, or an adrenaline inducing decent on uneven tracks, mountain biking and e-biking in Lech offers something for everyone; there are interactive biking maps too so exploring is easy. Confident riders looking for an adrenaline rush will love the Burgwald Biketrail next to the Petersboden lift - it's an exhilarating downhill ride with wooden berms, jumps and drops. Lots of our hotels have free bike hire too.

Head over to the 19-hectare, nine-hole golf course in Lech Zürs and explore Austria highest range. Surrounded by natural scenery, various inclines and a variety of terrain makes this a one-of-a-kind, unique experience. If you're new to golf, then the driving range and golfing school is fantastic for learning a new sport; and what better place to do it than in the breath-taking mountains.  

Are you up for an adventure? Head to the wild Lech River for some white-water rafting. Starting with calm waters that develop into rolling rapids, the valley is the perfect match if you're seeking an adventure. Ideal for warm summer days, you're sure to cool down as you make you way down the clear blue river - hold on tight and brave the ride. 

Lech Forest Pool Slide

Nestled right in the middle of nature, you will discover the spacious forest pool between Lech and Zug. Relax on a nice summer's day with an ice cream from the kiosk, which also serves cold drinks and snacks - great for an energy boost after a game of beach volleyball. There's a sports pool with diving area, an aquafit pool, bubble loungers and splash showers - fun for the whole family, there is even a giant family slide.

Image: (copyright Daniel Zangerl Lech Zürs Tourismus)

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