© TVB Reutte - Robert Eder
© TVB Reutte - Robert Eder
© TVB Lechtal / Irene Ascher
© TVB Lechtal / Irene Ascher
© TVB Lechtal / Irene Ascher
© TVB Lechtal / Irene Ascher
© TVB Reutte - Robert Eder
© TVB Reutte - Robert Eder
© Naturparkregion Lechtal-Reutte
© Naturparkregion Lechtal-Reutte
Elbigenalp in Lech Valley, © Tirol Werbung/Katleen Johne
Elbigenalp in Lech Valley, © Tirol Werbung/Katleen Johne
Lech River, © Tirol Werbung/Dominik Gigler
Lech River, © Tirol Werbung/Dominik Gigler
Ehrenberg Castle Ensemble near Reutte, © Tirol Werbung/Bernhard Aichner
Ehrenberg Castle Ensemble near Reutte, © Tirol Werbung/Bernhard Aichner
Lech River Banks at Forchach, © Tirol Werbung/Verena Kathrein
Lech River Banks at Forchach, © Tirol Werbung/Verena Kathrein
The Suspension Bridge at Holzgau, © Tirol Werbung/Peter Neusser
The Suspension Bridge at Holzgau, © Tirol Werbung/Peter Neusser

Lech Cycle Path

Enjoy the captivating sights and sounds of nature when cycling on the 52-kilometer long Lech Cycle Path, along Europe's last untamed river. The beautiful route winds from Reutte to Steeg, where Kaiserbach Brook empties into Lech River. This awesome 4-day tour allows you to appreciate the stunning natural scenery, not forgetting some good food and friendly accommodations en route. With about four hours of riding, the Lech Cycle Path makes for delightful and easy day rides.

Lech River is one of the Alps’ last untamed rivers with sceneries that are sometimes pristine and natural, then wild and yet again gentle; and filled with legendary stories waiting to be discovered. You’ll cycle past vast shingle banks, across some of Europe’s most beautiful riverside woods, and along lush and verdant meadows.

  • The spectacular 200 meter-long Holzgau Suspension Bridge crosses Höhenbach Canyon at an incredible 105 meters above ground. It is the highest, longest and most spectacular suspension bridge in all of Austria.
  • As of spring 2015, these bragging rights will pass to the “highline179“. With a length of 403 meters and a height of 110 meters, it will be the highest suspension bridge in the world. The “highline179” will be a legitimate connector between remarkable Ehrenberg Castle Ensemble and Fort Claudia near Reutte and will be fully accessible year-round.
  • For the daring who like a little thrill every now and then, the new “Wally Blitz” Alpine Coaster in Elbigenalp is ready to oblige: Hop on a sled and cruise down an exhilarating, twisting, turning track down and feel the rush of the 200 meter vertical drop. The elevated track winds you through more than 900 meters of 25 bends and hair-pin curves and 4 jumps at speeds up to 40 kph. Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery as the lift system whisks you to the top of the track.
  • Elbigenalp is the main village of Lechtal Valley. It has become famous for its wood carving school where the works of the pupils are also exhibited and where interested ones can join classes.
  • Nature Park Tiroler Lech has blue ribbon rainbow and river trout fishing.
  • Only a few kilometers off the Lech Cycle Path, you can take a refreshing dip in magnifcient mountain lakes, Plansee, Heiterwangersee and Urisee.
  • Many inns and restaurants whip up delectable and authentic Tirol dishes along the route.

Open interactive map

Starting point

Reutte

Finishing point

Steeg

Mountain chain

Lechtal Alps

Length

52 km

Riding time

4h

Features

  • Circular route
  • Handicap-accessible
  • Route with e-bike charging station

Difficulty rating

medium

Altitude

1,120m 840m

Elevation uphill 620m
Vertical metres downhill 350m

Fitness level

Technique

Best time of year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun

Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

* These are approximate values and recommendations. Please take your personal fitness level, technical ability and the current weather conditions into account. Tirol Werbung cannot guarantee that the information provided is correct and accepts no liability.

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Trail description

Day 1: Reutte – Vorderhornbach
Distance: 24 Kilometers | Total Riding Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

The first section of the Lech Path takes you from Reutte/Lechaschau via Höfen and Weißenbach to Vorderhornbach. A short ride follows the Federal Road before emerging onto a specially designated riverside cycle path that follows the Lech River through sunny and enchanting pinewood. On your way you’ll pass many areas of awesome natural beauty: Weißenbachsee Lake, a gorgeous spruce forest with amazing views of the jagged peaks of Hornbach Mountain Range, the suspension bridge and the rushing waterfall at Forchach, and the wide open pastures of Errachau with tamarisk bushes, limestone fens and rough pastures.

Day 2: Vorderhornbach – Häselgehr
Distance: 10 Kilometers | Total Riding Time: 45 Minutes

The second day ride is easier and shorter, with numerous trailside inns and restaurants in Martinau, Klimm and Häselgehr. It winds along the foot of mighty Klimmspitze Peak where you will pass a game feeding area. Following the Lech River upstream, the river tapers off more and more and you can capture stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery. On your way, you’ll pass by Pfeilspitze Peak with its soaring tussock slopes, the rugged cliffs of Rotwand Face, Lichtspitze Summit and the Dolomite Pinnacles of Hornbach Range, Bschlabs Valley and Hahntennjoch high mountain pass road. The destination end of this day ride is the village of Häselgehr, where Emperor Maximilian used to hunt stags in the early 16th century.

Day 3: Häselgehr – Bach
Distance: 12 Kilometers | Total Riding Time: 45 Minutes

The third day route is rated easy and takes you through Elbigenalp, the main village of Lechtal Valley. It has become famous for its wood carving school and is home to the legendary “Geierwally”, an important figure in Tirolese vernacular literature and play. Theater performances are staged here each summer on the spectacular outdoor stage in Bernhard Gorge. Elbigenalp is as well the former holiday retreat of Queen Mother Maria of Bavaria. Its delightful outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. 

Day 3: Bach – Steeg
Distance: 10 Kilometers | Total Riding Time: 45 Minutes

The last day is an easy ride again and takes you to the picturesque village of Holzgau, deemed as the 'Pearl of Lechtal Valley'. This lovely place is the home of former Austrian skier Peppi Strobl and is famous for the distinctive art of wall-painting that adorns many of its homes. A short detour to nearby Höhenbach Canyon with famous Simms Waterfall is strongly recommended. The route passes the end of pristine Sulzltal Valley and crosses the wild Lech River on bridges various times. In Dickenau, Kaiserbach Brook empties into Lech River. Eventually, you will reach the destination end of the Lech Cycle Path, the village of Steeg.

Places along the route

Arrival date

How to get here by plane, train, bus or car.

Ihr Ziel: Lech Cycle Path (47.4928,10.71796)

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