Are there food options for vegetarians and vegans?

If you'd like to eat a vegetarian meal, it's usually available at most accommodations. Vegan options are harder to find in huts, but we'll let you know about them in advance so you can plan accordingly.

We do not demand that you have insurance before booking, but it is advisable to do. Joining the Austrian Alpine Club gets you covered in case anything unexpected happens to you on your way.

What kind of accommodation do the mountain huts provide?

Mountain huts are not luxurious, but they are cozy and comfortable. You will not lack a warm bed, delicious meals, and toilets. They offer private rooms and dormitories, so you should be prepared to book enough time in advance if you do not want to share a room with other people. Read more about the Austrian mountain huts .

The Lech River Trail

10 days / 9 nights

1/9

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Follow the Lech River from its spring at Lake Formarinsee, crossing into Germany, and experience the unique blend of Austrian and Bavarian culture.

Starting point

Lech am Arlberg

Finish point

Füssen

Season

From June to September

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Follow the Lech River from its spring at Lake Formarinsee, crossing into Germany, and experience the unique blend of Austrian and Bavarian culture.

Starting point

Lech am Arlberg

Finish point

Füssen

Season

From June to September

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Follow the flow of the Lech River through one of Europe's last untamed river valleys
Cross Austria's longest suspension bridge at Holzgau, 200 meters above the ground
Walk through charming alpine villages like Elbigenalp, Lech am Arlberg and Warth
Hike through tranquil meadows and river paths, encountering colonies of ibex
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Reutte Nature Park
Finish your journey in Bavaria's highest town, Füssen

Itinerary of the trip

Upon arriving in Lech am Arlberg, you will find yourself in one of Austria’s most famous alpine villages, known for its traditional charm and stunning alpine surroundings. Located at an altitude of 1444 meters in the Vorarlberg region, Lech is a renowned destination for winter sports and summer hiking. After settling into your accommodation, you may wish to explore the village, which is home to the Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus, a 14th-century church that stands as one of the main landmarks of Lech.

Accommodation

Hotel Sandhof

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Your day begins with a bus transfer to the picturesque Lake Formarinsee, set at an altitude of 1793 meters, surrounded by the northern Limestone Alps in the Vorarlberg province. This lake is the starting point of the Lechweg Trail. After looping Formarinsee, you'll follow the Lechweg path alongside the Formarinbach stream, descending gently towards the village of Lech am Arlberg. The trail offers a pleasant and varied hike with opportunities to spot local wildlife such as ibex along the way. The journey takes you through serene alpine meadows and past riverside views.

Hiking

18 km and 220 m of elevation gain / 650 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Sandhof

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The hike ahead leads from Lech am Arlberg into the untouched river landscapes of the region, crossing through alpine meadows and farmland. You'll gently ascend, passing above the dramatic Lechschlucht Gorge. The path then winds towards the Grenztobel Gorge, which marks the border between Lech am Arlberg and Warth. Once you reach Warth, nestled high in the mountains, you can explore the village and perhaps visit a local cheese factory for a tasting. Warth is home to the highest-located dairy in the Alps and a natural bathing lake.

Hiking

10 km and 400 m of elevation gain / 350 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Walserstube

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today’s route starts by crossing the Krumbach stream, which marks the boundary between the regions of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. The trail ascends toward Lechleiten, where a panoramic path opens up, offering impressive views over the Lechtal Valley and the turquoise river winding far below. As you continue, the trail meanders downhill, leading you back to the riverbank. The path then takes you through a series of small alpine hamlets before reaching the charming village of Steeg.

Hiking

15 km and 300 m of elevation gain / 670 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Landhaus Moosbrugger

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today’s hike begins along the Jochweg path, following the Lech River toward the picturesque village of Holzgau, known for its traditional houses adorned with colorful frescoes. The highlight of the day is the crossing of the Hängebrücke Holzgau, Austria's highest and longest pedestrian suspension bridge, which spans 200 meters in length and rises 110 meters above the ground of Höhenbach Gorge. The trail then continues over peaceful alpine meadows and through lush forest paths, eventually arriving in Bach. The final stretch of the day leads along the river to Elbigenalp.

Hiking

16 km and 270 m of elevation gain / 340 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Haus Walch

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today, you'll begin by passing through a scenic nature reserve, leading toward the charming village of Häselgehr in the Upper Lechtal Valley. This village is home to a beautiful parish church. From Häselgehr, the route takes you to the Doser Waterfall, a fascinating natural phenomenon known for disappearing every November and reappearing each April, with local legends surrounding its mysterious cycles. The hike continues on a high-altitude trail with sweeping views of the Lech River, eventually descending into the tranquil village of Stanzach.

Hiking

20.5 km and 400 m of elevation gain / 500 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Ferienwohnung Sonja

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

You'll start along the wide, rugged riverbed of the Lech, heading towards Forchach. Along the way, you’ll pass the Lechzopf, a braided section of the river renowned for its natural beauty. Brave hikers can take on another thrilling suspension bridge at Johannesbrücke. Continuing through the Moosberg Nature Reserve, you'll arrive at Weissenbach am Lech, a protected area within the Tyrolean Lech Nature Park. From here, you cross the River Rotlech before following gentle paths along the river to reach the peaceful village of Höfen.

Hiking

20.5 km and 100 m of elevation gain / 160 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Gästehaus am Hahnenkamm

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today's stage begins with a scenic ascent to Costarieskapelle, a charming chapel perched at 1170m, offering a panoramic viewpoint over Reutte. From here, the trail leads towards the tranquil Lake Frauensee, its clear waters reflecting the nearby forested hills. The route continues through the rich wetland landscapes of the Pflacher Au, a birdwatcher's haven. You can take in the sweeping views of the wetlands from the 20-meter-high wooden bird-watching tower. Finally, the day's walk concludes in the village of Pflach.

Hiking

11 km and 350 m of elevation gain / 400 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Alpenmotel Säuling

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The final day takes you away from the banks of the Lech and through woodlands towards the historic ruins of Sternschanze, part of the former fortifications of Ehrenberg Castle. As you ascend, the trail crosses meadows and forests, leading you into Bavaria in Germany. From the trail, you will soon catch sight of the famous castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. The journey concludes at the Lechfall, an impressive waterfall that marks the official end of the Lechweg. For a short finale, you follow the Alpenrose trail towards Kalvarienberg before arriving at Füssen.

Hiking

16 km and 520 m of elevation gain / 560 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Hirsch

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

After completing the Lech River Trail, your departure will be from Füssen. Situated at 800 meters above sea level, Füssen is Bavaria’s highest town, renowned for its proximity to the iconic Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, which you may spot during your final hiking stage. Füssen has a rich history, with the medieval Hohes Schloss (High Castle) dominating the skyline. The town also boasts the Benediktinerkloster St. Mang, a former Benedictine monastery with impressive Baroque architecture. After your stay, any private transfer arrangements can be coordinated to facilitate your onward journey.

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

9 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 45-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings
Down jacket
Gloves
Shade hat/cap

Warm headwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Sleeping liner
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Small first aid kit

The Lech River Trail takes you through one of the last wild river landscapes in Europe, following the flow of the Lech River from its pristine source near Lake Formarinsee in the Austrian Alps, through the verdant Lechtal Valley, and into Bavaria.

This journey introduces hikers to a mesmerizing combination of tranquil riverside paths, alpine meadows, and quaint Austrian villages in the heart of the Vorarlberg region. The entire trail, stretching roughly 125 kilometers, winds mostly downhill across gentle slopes, offering moderately paced walking.

The natural beauty of the Lech River Trail is defined by the unspoiled, wild nature of the Lechtal Valley and the cultural richness of its alpine villages. The route meanders past picturesque lakes, ancient forests, and dramatic gorges like the Holzgau Suspension Bridge, where you'll cross a jaw-dropping 200-meter expanse high above the gorge floor.

This multi-day hike offers incredible views at every turn, including glimpses of the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountain ranges and the sparkling waters of the Lech below. A downhill path provides a relatively easy long-distance trek suitable for hikers of varying fitness levels.

Along the way, you'll encounter traditional Tyrolean villages, such as Lech am Arlberg, Warth, and Holzgau, each offering its own charm, from alpine architecture to opportunities to sample local cuisine.

Our services ensure a seamless experience on the trail, offering comfortable accommodations, detailed route maps, GPS navigation, and customer support. For added convenience, we arrange for luggage transfers so you can solely focus on the journey without the burden of carrying heavy gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

The hiking season usually lasts from mid-June to late September. It depends on the snow conditions in the higher sections of the Alps, as lots of hiking routes go over high mountain passes. You should check the current situation if you are visiting in early summer, especially for Stubai High Trail, as large parts of the route run above 2000 meters of elevation.

The huts close their doors once the season ends as well, so you cannot plan any multi-day tours outside this time window.

You can read more about the hiking season in Austria here.

We've rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 — with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult.

The difficulty level of a tour tells you how fit you need to be and how much hiking is involved. Most of our tours are appropriate for people who are regularly active and can hike for about five to seven hours per day.

Technical difficulty means how skilled you need to be to hike on the path. Level 1 means the trail is smooth and wide (like a gravel road), while 5 means the surface is uneven and exposed, and you have to use your hands to help yourself move forward. In practice, that means that the higher the level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

You should book your tour as soon as possible, as many accommodations along the trail fill up quickly. That way, you can ensure that you have a place to stay.

In case of an injury, it is best to call the local emergency services. You might find yourself in the wilderness, unable to continue without worsening your situation.

Do not worry too much, though. You will be hiking along popular trails, so you will not get stranded even if something happens.

On the other hand, if you feel too tired to continue hiking, you can always stop in any of the towns and villages along the way and use public transport to get to where you want to be in Austria.

Most huts along our hut-to-hut hikes are equipped with showers, but they might be a matter of whether there has been any rainfall lately. Do not expect too much, as mountain huts are not luxurious hotels.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+15

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer · 1 year ago

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Claudia Ossa

Verified customer · 2 years ago

9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all. Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!

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Ann Swainson

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.

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Robert Backlund

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Our Guide Luka was amazing! And the three-day hike was a Memory for life, really beautiful. Cant recommend it enough.

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Rebecca Lawson

Verified customer · 10 months ago

Our 3 day hike had to be rearranged 2/2 weather, so a one day hike was arranged for us. We appreciated the concern about weather and conditions. Our hike was with Matevz, who was a great guide. Very helpful and knowledgable. Would definitely recommend and will be back for a longer hike one day!

Nicole Cocks

Verified customer · 10 months ago

This trip was organized with every detail considered. Our accommodation, most meals and routes were planned each day which is perfect when the region is unknown and you have not completed a multi-day hike before. We had a great time!