The last great wild river in the Alps carves out its own path. Gravel banks, gorges, alluvial forests, waterfalls - on the Lechweg trail you immerse yourself in a natural landscape that hardly exists today.
The Lechtweg is a leisurely long-distance hiking trail with eight stages, from the source of the Lech in Vorarlberg through the Tyrolean Lechtal valley to Füssen in Bavaria. The route is easy to moderately difficult, mainly in the valley close to the river banks without major differences in altitude. Therefore well suited for families with children who enjoy hiking. There are always elevated viewpoints with panoramic views of the wild river and its gorges, wide gravel banks, alluvial forests and the striking, many-armed "Lechzopf". You can start and end the tour practically anywhere; the towns along the Lechweg are all connected to the bus network. If you wish, you can book optional luggage transport.
The Lechweg River Trail stretches for around 125 km through one of Europe’s last remaining wild river landscapes, leading from the high mountains down to the Alpine foothills. It follows the Lech from its source near Lake Formarinsee at 1.793 m in Lech am Arlberg to the Lechfall waterfall in Füssen at around 800 m. As a Leading Quality Trail, it connects five regions across two countries: from Lech Zürs and Warth-Schröcken in the Austrian province of Vorarlberg, through the Tyrolean Lech Valley and the Reutte Nature Park Region, to the southern Allgäu region in Germany.
Along the way, hikers can experience a unique natural and cultural landscape, one of Europe’s largest ibex colonies, impressive waterfalls, a spectacular suspension bridge and Bavaria’s royal castles. The turquoise waters of the Lech shape one of Central Europe’s most species-rich habitats, home to numerous breeding bird species and wild-growing orchids.
Whether completed in seven days, at a more leisurely pace over eight, or at a relaxed pace over ten days, the Lechweg River Trail can be adapted to individual fitness levels and can also be walked in the opposite direction. The route is considered moderate and does not require alpine experience, although some steeper sections should not be underestimated. Thanks to its good public transport connections, individual stages can be shortened by bus if required.
For those who want to discover even more of the landscapes and stories along the Lech, the trail can be extended with nine Lech Loops. These varied half-day and full-day walks are accessible directly from the Lechweg River Trail and offer additional opportunities to explore the unique landscape.
The Lechweg River Trail is well connected to the local public transport network.
Hiking bus from mid/late June to early October, the hiking bus runs along the entire Lechweg River Trail: Bus connections
Information about parking facilities can be found here: Arrival/Parking
