Lechweg - Sportive Variant
8 Days from the Source to the Waterfall💦⛰️
Experience the Lechweg in a compact and sportive variant, in just 8 days and without missing out on the scenic highlights. From the turquoise-blue Lake Formarin in Vorarlberg to Füssen in Bavaria, the last wild river in the Alps accompanies you on a journey of around 125 kilometers full of nature moments and freedom🥾🌿. Lush green alpine meadows, spectacular viewpoints, idyllic mountain villages, and, as a highlight, the impressive suspension bridge of Holzgau make this hiking trip an unforgettable experience🌉✨.
In contrast to the classic 10-day tour, the 8-day sportive tour bypasses two longer transitions, specifically the section between Warth and Steeg as well as the section from Pflach to Füssen. Both distances can comfortably be covered by bus🚌. However, those who wish to conquer every kilometer on foot can, of course, choose to hike these stages fully if desired🚶♂️🚶♀️.
Füssen awaits you at the finish line, where the Lech flows into the Forggensee and the fairy-tale castle Neuschwanstein gleams in the distance🏰💙. A magical conclusion to an intensive and compact hiking week.
Arrival in Lech am Arlberg
Your journey begins with your arrival in Lech am Arlberg.
By Train: Travel to the Langen am Arlberg train station and then take bus line 750 to Lech. Alight at the Rüfiplatz stop. The bus journey takes approximately 23 minutes.
By Car: Either drive directly to Lech and park at the hotel (please arrange this in advance) or park your car in Füssen and continue your journey from there by bus.
After checking into the hotel, depending on your arrival time, you will receive the Lech Card. Afterwards, you can take the Rüfikopf cable car up to the panoramic Rüfikopf mountain🏔️. Whether you opt for a short hike, relaxed enjoyment of the view, or Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) at the panoramic restaurant, the perfect start to your break is guaranteed.
Hotel (example): Hotel Lärchenhof
From Lake Formarin (Formarinsee) to Lech am Arlberg
In the morning, you take the hiking bus line 707 from Rüfiplatz to Lake Formarin, conveniently included with the Lech Card. The Lechweg begins at its source at the top. A short detour to the lake is definitely worthwhile, as the shimmering turquoise-blue water against the backdrop of the Lechtal Alps is an unforgettable sight🌄. The trail continues to the Formarin Alpine Pasture and past the Ibex Monument. With a bit of luck, you might observe wild ibex here in their natural habitat🦌. The young waterways of the Lech accompany you downhill across wide alpine meadows, past footbridges, clear streams, and impressive rock formations.
After a break at the idyllic fish pond in the district of Zug, you can use the Zugbergbahn cable car to the Balmalp with your Lech Card. The panoramic view up there is spectacular. Back in Lech, if the weather is warm, a short stop at the forest swimming pool is worthwhile for a refreshment💦. The stage covers around 14 kilometers and takes about 5 hours of walking time, connecting nature enjoyment, alpine tranquility, and impressive views in a compelling way.
Hotel (example): Hotel Lärchenhof
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Lech am Arlberg to Walchen (Steeg)
Today you hike downhill from Lech am Arlberg along the young Lech river towards Warth. The path leads along nature trails, through meadows and light forests, accompanied by the sound of the water and beautiful mountain panoramas⛰️.
The official hiking section of the sportive tour ends in Warth. From here, you can comfortably continue by bus towards Steeg🚌. Depending on your personal assessment, you can alight in Prenten or Steeg and walk the remaining distance leisurely along the Lech river to Walchen🚶♂️🚶♀️. Those who wish to complete the entire distance on foot can, of course, cover the full 30-plus kilometers walking.
Once you arrive in Walchen, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the Lech Valley and have the opportunity to end the day in a relaxed manner. A beautiful view of the surrounding mountains accompanies you into your well-deserved rest.
Hotel (example): Styroler Hof
distance
climb
descent
duration
Optional bypass via Lechleiten (additional)
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Walchen (Steeg) to Elbigenalp
Today you continue your hike directly on the banks of the Lech in Walchen and follow the river downstream through a wonderfully open landscape. The path is pleasantly flat and leads across wide meadows, small forest passages, and broad gravel paths. Time and again, magnificent views of the Lech Valley and the surrounding peaks open up⛰️.
Several rest areas along the way invite you to take a break and enjoy the tranquility of the wild river. There are also places to stop for refreshments near Häselgehr, ideal for a little snack in between🍽️. On the last section to Elbigenalp, the valley widens slightly again and the path leads through the traditional heart of the Lech Valley. In Elbigenalp, the birthplace of the famous "Geierwally" (Vulture Wally), you can feel the close connection between nature and culture—perfect for ending your hiking day in a relaxed manner✨.
Elbigenalp offers several guesthouses and cafés, as well as shops for minor purchases. An ideal place to recharge your batteries for the next stage.
Hotel (example): Hotel Stern
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Elbigenalp to Stanzach
Today the Lechweg leads further downstream from Elbigenalp through the heart of the Tiroler Lech Nature Park. The path is predominantly flat and very pleasant, characterized by extensive gravel banks, light forests, and the turquoise water of the Lech, which accompanies you throughout the day🌊.
Several beautiful spots for resting and enjoying the scenery await you along the route. The view of the distinctive peaks around the Lech Valley is particularly impressive here, appearing especially close and powerful⛰️. Guesthouses along the way invite you to stop for a break, ideal for a little refreshment.
Shortly before Stanzach, the landscape becomes even quieter, the valley opens up wide, and the path leads across idyllic river meadows to your destination for the day. Stanzach is a cozy, traditional village and a perfect place to end your hiking day in a relaxed manner. If you still have energy, you can cool your feet in the clear water on the riverbank💦.
Hotel (example): Hotel Föhrenhof
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Stanzach to Höfen
Today you follow the Lech further downstream towards Reutte. From Stanzach, the path leads through a quiet river landscape with wide gravel banks, light forests, and repeated beautiful views of the Lech Valley and the surrounding mountains⛰️.
You hike along easily passable paths through the valley, sometimes directly on the banks of the Lech, sometimes across pleasant meadows and forest roads. Several rest areas along the way invite you to take a break, where you can enjoy the silence and the rushing sound of the wild river💧.
As you continue, you approach the Reutte area and finally your destination for the day, Höfen. The landscape widens somewhat, the valley opens up, and you can sense how the Lech is slowly transitioning from an alpine wild river into a broader valley river. Upon arrival in Höfen, you can end the day in a relaxed manner, for example, with dinner at a guesthouse or a short stroll through the village🍽️.
Hotel (example): Die Lilie
distance
climb
descent
duration
From Höfen to Füssen
Today you hike from Höfen to Pflach, following a pleasant path through the open valley landscape of the Tiroler Lech Valley. The route runs along easily passable paths and forest roads, accompanied by beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the wide river landscape⛰️. This stage of the sportive tour ends in Pflach.
From Pflach, you can conveniently continue by bus to Füssen, ideal for a relaxed arrival and a calm conclusion to the journey🚌. However, those who wish to walk every step of the way and still feel fit can continue hiking the section from Pflach to Füssen. This route does not run directly along the river but uses well-maintained paths along the German-Austrian border and then continues into the urban area of Füssen🚶♂️🚶♀️.
The Lechweg finally ends at the Lechfall in Füssen, where the Lech plunges roaring into the narrow gorge, impressively displaying its power one last time🌊. A symbolic place to look back on the past days full of nature moments, freedom, and far-reaching views.
Hotel (example): Hotel Sonne
distance
climb
descent
duration
Optional onward hike to Füssen (additional)
distance
climb
descent
duration
Departure or extension
After eventful hiking days along the Lech river, it's time today to say goodbye or continue the journey a little further. If you have enough time, enjoy the charming old town of Füssen one more time, stroll through the winding alleys, or visit the famous royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau—a fitting conclusion to your hike.
Should you want to experience the special atmosphere by the river for longer, there is the option to continue your route on the Lech Adventure Trail (Lech-Erlebnisweg) all the way to Landsberg am Lech. Alternatively, the King Ludwig Trail (König-Ludwig-Weg) invites you on a cultural-historical extension to Starnberg. Hike in the footsteps of the Bavarian fairytale king through dreamlike pre-alpine landscapes.
No matter what you decide, the Lech and its stories will surely accompany you further in your thoughts for a while.
Day 1
Arrival in Lech am Arlberg
Your journey begins with your arrival in Lech am Arlberg.
By Train: Travel to the Langen am Arlberg train station and then take bus line 750 to Lech. Alight at the Rüfiplatz stop. The bus journey takes approximately 23 minutes.
By Car: Either drive directly to Lech and park at the hotel (please arrange this in advance) or park your car in Füssen and continue your journey from there by bus.
After checking into the hotel, depending on your arrival time, you will receive the Lech Card. Afterwards, you can take the Rüfikopf cable car up to the panoramic Rüfikopf mountain🏔️. Whether you opt for a short hike, relaxed enjoyment of the view, or Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) at the panoramic restaurant, the perfect start to your break is guaranteed.
Hotel (example): Hotel Lärchenhof
Day 2
From Lake Formarin (Formarinsee) to Lech am Arlberg
In the morning, you take the hiking bus line 707 from Rüfiplatz to Lake Formarin, conveniently included with the Lech Card. The Lechweg begins at its source at the top. A short detour to the lake is definitely worthwhile, as the shimmering turquoise-blue water against the backdrop of the Lechtal Alps is an unforgettable sight🌄. The trail continues to the Formarin Alpine Pasture and past the Ibex Monument. With a bit of luck, you might observe wild ibex here in their natural habitat🦌. The young waterways of the Lech accompany you downhill across wide alpine meadows, past footbridges, clear streams, and impressive rock formations.
After a break at the idyllic fish pond in the district of Zug, you can use the Zugbergbahn cable car to the Balmalp with your Lech Card. The panoramic view up there is spectacular. Back in Lech, if the weather is warm, a short stop at the forest swimming pool is worthwhile for a refreshment💦. The stage covers around 14 kilometers and takes about 5 hours of walking time, connecting nature enjoyment, alpine tranquility, and impressive views in a compelling way.
Hotel (example): Hotel Lärchenhof
distance
climb
descent
duration
Day 3
From Lech am Arlberg to Walchen (Steeg)
Today you hike downhill from Lech am Arlberg along the young Lech river towards Warth. The path leads along nature trails, through meadows and light forests, accompanied by the sound of the water and beautiful mountain panoramas⛰️.
The official hiking section of the sportive tour ends in Warth. From here, you can comfortably continue by bus towards Steeg🚌. Depending on your personal assessment, you can alight in Prenten or Steeg and walk the remaining distance leisurely along the Lech river to Walchen🚶♂️🚶♀️. Those who wish to complete the entire distance on foot can, of course, cover the full 30-plus kilometers walking.
Once you arrive in Walchen, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the Lech Valley and have the opportunity to end the day in a relaxed manner. A beautiful view of the surrounding mountains accompanies you into your well-deserved rest.
Hotel (example): Styroler Hof
distance
climb
descent
duration
Optional bypass via Lechleiten (additional)
distance
climb
descent
duration
Day 4
From Walchen (Steeg) to Elbigenalp
Today you continue your hike directly on the banks of the Lech in Walchen and follow the river downstream through a wonderfully open landscape. The path is pleasantly flat and leads across wide meadows, small forest passages, and broad gravel paths. Time and again, magnificent views of the Lech Valley and the surrounding peaks open up⛰️.
Several rest areas along the way invite you to take a break and enjoy the tranquility of the wild river. There are also places to stop for refreshments near Häselgehr, ideal for a little snack in between🍽️. On the last section to Elbigenalp, the valley widens slightly again and the path leads through the traditional heart of the Lech Valley. In Elbigenalp, the birthplace of the famous "Geierwally" (Vulture Wally), you can feel the close connection between nature and culture—perfect for ending your hiking day in a relaxed manner✨.
Elbigenalp offers several guesthouses and cafés, as well as shops for minor purchases. An ideal place to recharge your batteries for the next stage.
Hotel (example): Hotel Stern
distance
climb
descent
duration
Day 5
From Elbigenalp to Stanzach
Today the Lechweg leads further downstream from Elbigenalp through the heart of the Tiroler Lech Nature Park. The path is predominantly flat and very pleasant, characterized by extensive gravel banks, light forests, and the turquoise water of the Lech, which accompanies you throughout the day🌊.
Several beautiful spots for resting and enjoying the scenery await you along the route. The view of the distinctive peaks around the Lech Valley is particularly impressive here, appearing especially close and powerful⛰️. Guesthouses along the way invite you to stop for a break, ideal for a little refreshment.
Shortly before Stanzach, the landscape becomes even quieter, the valley opens up wide, and the path leads across idyllic river meadows to your destination for the day. Stanzach is a cozy, traditional village and a perfect place to end your hiking day in a relaxed manner. If you still have energy, you can cool your feet in the clear water on the riverbank💦.
Hotel (example): Hotel Föhrenhof
distance
climb
descent
duration
Day 6
From Stanzach to Höfen
Today you follow the Lech further downstream towards Reutte. From Stanzach, the path leads through a quiet river landscape with wide gravel banks, light forests, and repeated beautiful views of the Lech Valley and the surrounding mountains⛰️.
You hike along easily passable paths through the valley, sometimes directly on the banks of the Lech, sometimes across pleasant meadows and forest roads. Several rest areas along the way invite you to take a break, where you can enjoy the silence and the rushing sound of the wild river💧.
As you continue, you approach the Reutte area and finally your destination for the day, Höfen. The landscape widens somewhat, the valley opens up, and you can sense how the Lech is slowly transitioning from an alpine wild river into a broader valley river. Upon arrival in Höfen, you can end the day in a relaxed manner, for example, with dinner at a guesthouse or a short stroll through the village🍽️.
Hotel (example): Die Lilie
distance
climb
descent
duration
Day 7
From Höfen to Füssen
Today you hike from Höfen to Pflach, following a pleasant path through the open valley landscape of the Tiroler Lech Valley. The route runs along easily passable paths and forest roads, accompanied by beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the wide river landscape⛰️. This stage of the sportive tour ends in Pflach.
From Pflach, you can conveniently continue by bus to Füssen, ideal for a relaxed arrival and a calm conclusion to the journey🚌. However, those who wish to walk every step of the way and still feel fit can continue hiking the section from Pflach to Füssen. This route does not run directly along the river but uses well-maintained paths along the German-Austrian border and then continues into the urban area of Füssen🚶♂️🚶♀️.
The Lechweg finally ends at the Lechfall in Füssen, where the Lech plunges roaring into the narrow gorge, impressively displaying its power one last time🌊. A symbolic place to look back on the past days full of nature moments, freedom, and far-reaching views.
Hotel (example): Hotel Sonne
distance
climb
descent
duration
Optional onward hike to Füssen (additional)
distance
climb
descent
duration
Day 8
Departure or extension
After eventful hiking days along the Lech river, it's time today to say goodbye or continue the journey a little further. If you have enough time, enjoy the charming old town of Füssen one more time, stroll through the winding alleys, or visit the famous royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau—a fitting conclusion to your hike.
Should you want to experience the special atmosphere by the river for longer, there is the option to continue your route on the Lech Adventure Trail (Lech-Erlebnisweg) all the way to Landsberg am Lech. Alternatively, the King Ludwig Trail (König-Ludwig-Weg) invites you on a cultural-historical extension to Starnberg. Hike in the footsteps of the Bavarian fairytale king through dreamlike pre-alpine landscapes.
No matter what you decide, the Lech and its stories will surely accompany you further in your thoughts for a while.
Requirements for hikers
The Lechweg follows various hiking trails, forest paths, and roads, and mostly runs through forests along the Lech river. On individual sections, particularly on the first stage from Lake Formarin, narrow paths lead over rocky passages and ledges, where some sure-footedness is required. It can be slippery in places when it rains. Overall, the Lechweg is technically easy and can be managed well with a good basic level of fitness. Along the way, there are always opportunities to continue by bus if your stamina starts to wane. You can also find a bench at every opportunity to linger and rest.
Summary
- Total approx. 125 km over 6 hiking days
- 7 nights
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Lech Card for 2 days
- Bus ride to Lake Formarin
- Rüfikopf cable car ride
- Travel documents and GPS data
- Service hotline
- 859,- € pro Person im Doppelzimmer
- €1,095 single room
Facts about the Lech
- The Lech is one of the last largely untouched wild rivers of the Alps
- The total length is approx. 256 kilometres
- Source at Lake Formarin (Vorarlberg) at 1,793 metres above sea level
- Empties into the Danube near Marxheim (Bavaria)
- The Tyrolean Lechtal has a population of about 5,000 inhabitants between Steeg and Forchach
- Over 70 larger and smaller tributaries
- The Lechweg is a long-distance hiking trail awarded the 'Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe' certification
- The average discharge is around 114 cubic meters per second
Climate in the Lech Valley
The climate along the Lechweg ranges from alpine to subalpine and varies significantly depending on the altitude. At the source near Lake Formarin at almost 1,800 m, it is noticeably cooler and fresher, while the lower Lech Valley and Füssen already have milder, pre-alpine conditions. Summers are mostly pleasantly warm, with average temperatures between 15°C and 25°C in the valley. At higher altitudes, it can be cool and windy even in summer. Rain occurs regularly throughout the year, especially in July and August when short afternoon thunderstorms often form. After rain, paths can become slippery in places. The best time for a hike is from June to early October, when the trails are largely snow-free and temperatures are pleasant.
Cuisine along the Lechweg
Along the Lechweg, Tyrolean-Alpine cuisine and traditional Allgäu home cooking combine to create a real delight for hikers. In the inns (Gasthöfe) and alpine huts (Almen), regional products are highly valued: cheese from the Lech Valley, fresh trout from the Lech river, game specialties, as well as homemade dumplings (Knödel), Kasspatz'n (cheese noodles), or Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake dessert) are on the menu almost everywhere. In the Allgäu region, traditional cheese dairies, sweet apple fritters (Apfelküchle), or a cool wheat beer await you at the end of a stage. Whether a rustic mountain hut or a cozy inn in the valley, the Lechweg can not only be hiked but also tasted.
