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This spectacular journey on foot along the Lechweg Trail follows the turquoise ribbon of the River Lech for approximately 125km, from its source at Lake Formarinsee near the alpine village of Lech am Arlberg in Austria to the Lechfall waterfall in Füssen, set in Germany’s Bavarian Alps. What sets the Lechweg apart is its moderate grading through an alpine landscape, offering big mountain views without technical trails or punishing climbs. With clear paths, sensible daily distances, and regular towns along the way, it delivers a rewarding sense of achievement that feels well earned. The trail winds through one of Europe’s last wild river landscapes, with ever-changing scenery that includes alpine meadows, forested valleys, rugged gorges, and rolling pastures. You’ll cross from Austria into Germany on foot, spot ibex high on the slopes, pass a seasonal disappearing waterfall, and take in sweeping views from a dramatic suspension bridge. With the sound of the river as your constant companion, you walk at your own pace, enjoying a real sense of achievement each day, with time to pause in small mountain villages or admire King Ludwig’s castles rising in the distance.
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Day 1
Arrive in Lech am Arlberg
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. This afternoon you will meet our local representative who will go through the tour with you. Two nights are spent in Lech am Arlberg.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Bus to Lake Formarinsee, walk to Lech am Arlberg (4.5hrs)
After 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 walking around 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. Pack your swimwear as you pass by the local pool located on the lake on your way back to your accommodation. If you have time this afternoon, you may wish to take the Rufikopf cable car (included in the Lech Card) to the mountain top which provides a panoramic viewing platform and scenic walking trails. Walking: 14km/8.6mi, ascent/descent +50m/164ft, -500m/1640ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Continue on foot to Warth and bus to Steeg (4hrs)
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. Directly at the entrance to the village, is the Seebachsee natural swimming lake and the highest alpine dairy and butcher's shop selling lunchtime meals give you a chance to rest and savour todays walk. 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
Day 4
Walk to Elbigenalp (5hrs)
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. A little further on, you have the opportunity to take the Jochelspitzbahn cable car (included in the Lech card) up to 1800m for a unique view of the route you have already travelled. You may choose to stop here for lunch. You then continue across blooming meadows and forest paths to Elbigenalp, the geographic centre of the Lechtal-valley and heartland of traditional wood craft. Walking: 18km/11.18mi, ascent/descent +380m/1246ft, -400m/1312ft
Day 5
Continue onto Stanzach (5.5hrs)
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. Pack your swimwear as there are opportunities to cool down along the way. Walking: 20km/12.4mi, ascent/descent +400m/1312ft, -550m/1804ft
Day 6
Walk to Hofen (5hrs)
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. Take the opportunity to cool off or rest by the quarry pond 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
Day 7
Follow a panoramic trail to Pflach, bus or walk to Fussen (4-9hrs)
Walking along a panoramic trail with wide valley views, you reach the crystal-clear Frauensee, a mountain lake set high above the Reutte Valley basinwhere you can stop for a swim or lunch. The trail then descends into the Pflacher Au, a protected riverside landscape known for its wetlands, birdlife, and peaceful walking paths. From here you can catch the bus to Fussen or continue walking. The last stage of your hike takes you across the border into Germany and the historic market town of Fussen. Walk along forest and woodland paths. As you make your way down towards the Alpsee where you will be able to cool off in the lake and see Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein castles come into view. Walk around the lake and make your way to the the Lechfall waterfall which marks the end of the trail. 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 to Pflach: 11km/6.8mi, ascent/descent +300m/984ft, -300m/984ft Walking to Fussen: 26km/16.15mi, ascent/descent +700m/2296ft, -750m/2460ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
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.
What's included
What's not included
Stay in welcoming 3-star alpine hotels and traditional inns with ensuite bathrooms that reflect the region’s character and charm. These handpicked accommodations offer warm hospitality, location and character.
You walk on easy, well-maintained hiking and forest trails. At times you will also be walking on gravel or stony paths.
GRADE 3 - This trip involves 6 days walking along a variety of walking paths along the river. The trip is graded moderate as the paths are well defined and generally clearly marked. Walking between 11-20km, a good level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the walk. There are a couple of spectacular suspension bridges to cross however if you don't have a head for heights there are alternative paths you can take. On days 3 & 7 if you choose to walk the whole section and not utilise the buses, these days would be graded 4 - moderate to challenging due to the length of the walks. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate to Challenging
14Days
Moderate