Lech offers a variety of experiences for a trip: the long-distance Lechweg trail, themed hiking trails, culture at the Huber-Hus and light art at Skyspace. If you are looking for accommodation, these differences can be a first indication of whether hiking, culture or winter sports will shape your days.
Hiking trails between the wild river and the Arlberg
The Lechweg runs for around 125 km from the source of the River Lech near Formarinsee in Lech am Arlberg to the Lechfall waterfall in Füssen. The route passes through one of Europe’s last wild river landscapes. This makes Lech the starting point for a long-distance hiking route whose described trail extends far beyond the village.
To reach Formarinsee, the Lech local bus runs to its last stop at Formarinalpe. From there, the lake is a 20-minute walk away. If this access route is part of your plans, it is advisable to check the timetable before setting off.
The Arlberg Trail connects Lech with ZĂĽrs, Stuben, St. Christoph and St. Anton. It comprises three stages and 40 km of hiking trails. A signposted circular hiking trail covering a total of 52 km is also listed; sections of it are completed by cable car. The figures for stages, hiking trails and the circular route help distinguish between the different distances; cable cars are explicitly part of the circular route description.
The Green Ring offers another route option: its third stage leads from Zug via the Kriegerhorn and Oberlech to Lech. The Gipslöcher nature reserve stretches across the fields of the Kriegeralpe. So, in addition to longer routes, there are individual, clearly named sections and nature themes to choose from.
Culture, local history and light art
The Lech Museum is housed in the Huber-Hus. The building dates from the late 16th century and gives visitors an insight into rural domestic and working life. The museum features a permanent exhibition and special exhibitions that address socially relevant contemporary issues. A visit therefore combines the history of the house with changing topics from the present day.
The history of Tannberg can also be placed in context: the Walser people arrived in the first half of the 14th century. The oldest documentary evidence of the Walser people in Tannberg is dated 11 March 1453. These two dates distinguish the early settlement from the later written record.
At Skyspace-Lech, the focus is on James Turrell’s light art concept. This specially created light art can be experienced only at sunrise and sunset, when the dome is open; conditions are weather-dependent. Tickets for tours and the shuttle to Skyspace-Lech are available online or in person at the tourist office in Lech. As booking arrangements may change, it is best to check the details in advance.
Themed trails, nature and winter
The Arlenzauberweg runs from the mountain station of the Lech-Oberlech cable car via Libellensee and past the flower meadows on Schlegelkopf to Rud-Alpe; it can also be walked in the opposite direction. More than 20 stations introduce visitors to the distinctive characteristics of animals and plants. The trail thus combines a specific route with information about the nature along the way.
The Green Riddle Ring is a family trail from Lech to Rud-Alpe. Visitors can use a riddle book to solve puzzles together along the way; check locally to see whether the book is available. Another cultural highlight can be found on the climb to Balmalp: the trail passes through the Legends Forest, with figures created during a sculpture symposium.
Lech Forest Swimming Pool is located between Lech and Zug in the Arlberg and is easy to reach by local bus or on foot. Facilities include a 25-metre sports pool, an aquafit pool with bubble loungers and massage jets, a children’s and baby pool, and a wide wave slide. The different pools and facilities offer specific options to consider if you would like to include a swimming pool in your plans alongside hikes.
For winter sports, the Lech ZĂĽrs ski area lists 300 km of ski runs. The distance may vary depending on how the ski area is defined.
Discover more destinations: ZĂĽrs, Oberlech, Gargellen, Nenzing, Brand, LorĂĽns, Schruns, Vandans.
For the main travel overview: Bludenz.
