The Lechweg trail – a long-distance hiking trail in eight stages connecting two countries
The Lechweg trai has been the first to be awarded the title ‘Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe’ by the European Ramblers’ Association and stretches for around 125 kilometres from Lake Formarin near Lech am Arlberg to Füssen in the Allgäu.
The trail runs alongside the River Lech and links diverse landscapes with the towns, stories and traditions of the three regions. Along the way, the Lech can be experienced from different perspectives as it transforms from a mountain stream into a broad river.
Mountain landscapes, forests, meadows, riverbanks and villages alternate along the route. The Lechweg thus offers a wealth of impressions and allows visitors to experience the unique features of the landscape along the river in a variety of ways.
The Lechweg trail's course and stages
The Lechweg trail takes walkers from the high mountains down to the low-lying Alpine foothills. Whilst many sections are a gentle descent, there are also some minor ascents and, at times, steeper stretches of the trail to tackle.
The Lech – from a mountain stream to a wide river
This varied hiking route begins at Formarinsee, where the River Lech has its source. Situated at an altitude of around 1,800 metres, this mountain lake is fed by numerous streams flowing down from the surrounding slopes and rock faces. In 2015, Formarinsee was voted ‘Austria’s most beautiful place’.
From here, the Lechweg trail follows the course of the river. As you walk, you can see how the Lech develops from a small mountain stream into a wide river.
Quaint villages along the trail
From Formarinsee, the route leads downhill through alpine meadows and mountain forests to Lech am Arlberg – the destination of the first stage of the walking route. From there, the path leads through Warth, Lechleiten and Steeg. Holzgau is known for its Baroque-style painted houses and numerous statues of saints. The façades characterise the townscape and offer insights into the history and traditions of the Lech Valley.
Austria's longest pedestrian suspension bridge
The next section of the trail boasts a special highlight: the 200-metre-long and over 100-metre-high suspension bridge near Holzgau spans the Höhenbach Gorge. Even experienced walkers can expect an adrenaline rush here. Those who do not wish to cross the bridge can take an alternative route through the gorge.
From there, the footpath leads up the slopes of the Schigge to Elbigenalp, the village of the Geierwally. From this point onwards, the Lech becomes increasingly wide. The river winds its way through the gravel banks of the Lech riverbed to the Lech Falls near Füssen in the Allgäu. The Bavarian royal castles provide a special finale to the Lech Trail.
Pension Daniel, your stage finish
Pension Daniel in Lech could be a stopover on your long-distance hike. Another option is to stay at Pension Daniel in the Arlberg region and hike individual sections of the Lechweg or other tours on a day-by-day basis. Other outdoor activities , such as mountain biking, are also available.
Send us your no-obligation enquiry and secure your room at Pension Daniel for your preferred dates.