Travel Story: Allgäu & Lechtal Alps

Amid breathtaking mountain views, marmots, and lush alpine greenery

After a hearty breakfast, I greet my brother and his girlfriend, who are arriving directly from Innsbruck and are already waiting for me with their hiking boots laced up. Together, we take the bus to our starting point in Spielmannsau. As soon as we step off, we can smell the fresh mountain air and start our first climb through the impressive Sperrbach gorge. With its lush greenery bathed in sunlight, it shows itself at its very best, and I take a short break to soak in the beautiful surroundings.

After our first successful climb, we can already spot the Kemptner Hut in the distance, and marmots accompany us on the final stretch to our well-deserved break. Along the way, cozy mountain huts invite us to stop, recharge, and enjoy the views. Stunning alpine panoramas and the peacefulness of nature are our constant companions.

Female hiker with backpack standing by a mountain stream in Sperrbachtobel gorge, surrounded by steep rock walls and green vegetation under blue sky.

The perfect blend of challenging hikes and breathtaking places

From the very first day, we realize that this tour truly lives up to its promise. Each stage has its own character, offering the perfect mix of ascents and descents. One of my highlights already comes on our hike to Steeg. You can spot it from afar: the Holzgau suspension bridge in the Lech Valley. Impressively, it spans the Höhenbach gorge, crossing 200 meters in length at a height of 110 meters. If you feel a bit uneasy on slightly swaying suspension bridges, you can easily bypass it without adding extra distance. Another highlight awaits on our hike to Lech. Right at the beginning, we head high up with the Galzig and Valluga cable cars to an altitude of 2,800 meters. From up there, you’re rewarded with impressive views of the Lechtal, Ötztal, and Allgäu Alps. After a demanding and steep descent, we can already spot the rather modest-looking Knoppigsee at first glance in the distance.

The closer we get, the more beautiful it becomes. Its turquoise, crystal-clear water captivates us, and we decide to take a short break to recharge before the next steep climb. My tip: I always recommend carrying hiking poles in your backpack, as they are especially helpful on challenging descents. At the end of each stage, charming little villages await us. Vorarlberg in particular captivates me. Both the beautiful village of Lech and Warth leave a lasting impression. Cozy restaurants and cafés invite us to stay and relax, and we receive a warm welcome everywhere. Especially in the evenings after a long day of hiking, we enjoy friendly conversations, great food, and a relaxed stroll through the villages.

Hiker crossing a suspension bridge in Holzgau with mountain peaks and forested slopes in the Allgäu and Lechtal Alps under blue sky.

Two hikers with backpacks standing on a mountain trail in the Allgäu Alps, viewing a panoramic vista of peaks and valleys under blue sky.

Hiker with blue backpack overlooking Almajurtal valley with Fallesinbach stream, surrounded by forested slopes and rocky peaks in the Allgäu Alps.

Blue hiking backpack resting on a mountain trail with green alpine meadows and rocky peaks of the Allgäu Alps under clear blue sky.

Between hospitality & Alpine cuisine

What should never be missing on a hike? Exactly, a well-deserved stop at a mountain hut. Every morning at breakfast, we study our route book with tips on the recommended hut. High up in the mountains, they invite you to refuel and enjoy the peace and quiet. The Kemptner Hut in the Allgäu, on our stage to Steeg, is visible from afar, and we look forward to a hearty snack. The spacious terrace gives you a warm welcome, and we soak up the sunshine while enjoying pleasant conversations with the staff and fellow hikers.

On our hike to St. Anton, passing curious cows, donkeys, and horses, the Leutkircher Hut greets us. After this steep ascent, we have earned something sweet and browse the selection of cakes. The homemade apple strudel with vanilla sauce comes highly recommended to recharge our energy for the descent.

Two dessert plates on a wooden table with apple strudel and chocolate cake, set against Allgäu and Lechtal Alps mountain landscape.

Perfect weather on the queen stage

The weather is on our side, and we set off each day under glorious sunshine. Blue skies, warm rays of sun, and the gentle sound of flowing streams accompany us along the way. On our third hike, the so-called queen stage from St. Anton to Lech, the Arlberg Trail awaits us. Today, we tackle it in the opposite direction. First steeply downhill, then a challenging climb back up. Our reward is breathtaking mountain scenery. It is always worth turning around from time to time to truly take in the views.

On the final stretch from the Stuttgarter Hut to the Rüfikopf cable car, we pass a large and friendly flock of sheep that seem so taken with us that they follow us for a while. We continue through flower-filled meadows toward the cable car, surrounded by the scent of summer and fresh mountain air. The ride down takes us to the village of Lech, where we end this demanding day in a relaxed way at a cozy pizzeria.

Two hikers standing on rocky terrain at Valluga, viewing jagged mountain peaks of the Allgäu and Lechtal Alps under clear blue sky.

Turquoise Knoppigsee lake surrounded by green alpine meadows and dramatic rocky peaks in the Allgäu Alps under a clear blue sky.

Female hiker with blue backpack overlooking Knoppigsee lake in the Allgäu-Lechtal Alps, with rocky peaks and green alpine meadows.

Three smiling hikers inside a Valluga cable car gondola with mountain views through windows. Blue sky and rocky peaks visible in background.

Female hiker with blue backpack walking on mountain trail through flowering meadow in Allgäu Alps with rocky peaks and blue sky.

A leisurely start to the final stage

After a generous breakfast at our hotel in Lech, I look forward to a more relaxed day. The idyllic hike to Warth offers a welcome balance to the more demanding stages. Since today’s route is only 11 km with minimal elevation gain, we take our time and enjoy the beautiful trails along the mountain slopes and through high-altitude forests. Here, my brother cannot resist jumping into the cool river, a refreshing break on this warm summer day. Once in Warth, we spend the rest of the day by the small lake on the edge of the village, enjoying a peaceful picnic.

On the final day of hiking, we set off well rested after a balanced breakfast, making our way back to Oberstdorf. From the hotel, the route climbs up along the panoramic trail toward the Bavarian border. Of course, we take the obligatory photo at the border marker to capture this achievement. Back in Oberstdorf, we reflect on the journey and feel proud to have completed this beautiful and challenging hiking adventure.

Female hiker with backpack and walking poles standing in green alpine meadow, facing mountain peaks in the Allgäu Alps under blue sky.

Rocky hiking trail through green alpine meadows with mountain peaks in the Allgäu Alps under blue sky with white clouds.

My conclusion:

Anyone who loves the mountains and sees challenging stages as an exciting goal will, like me, quickly fall in love with this tour. However, a head for heights, sure-footedness, and a good basic level of fitness are essential. Expect stunning mountain scenery, demanding ascents and descents, and warm hospitality, both in the mountain huts and the overnight stops. The Allgäu and Lechtal Alps will remain a very fond memory, and I am already looking forward to my next tour.

My favorite spot:

After a challenging descent on the Arlberg Trail, I catch sight of it from afar, Lake Knoppigsee. Tucked away in the midst of an impressive mountain landscape, it feels almost hidden. I sit down on a rock right by the shore and gaze into the turquoise, crystal-clear water. Absolute silence surrounds me. It is the perfect place to switch off, let my thoughts wander, and simply be present in the moment.

The color of the water truly fascinates me, and I feel grateful to share this moment with my brother and his girlfriend. What a beautiful experience.

Hiker with blue backpack sitting on rock by turquoise alpine lake in Allgäu and Lechtal Alps, surrounded by dramatic rocky peaks and green slopes.