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Lechweg

One of the last wild river landscapes in Europe

125 Kilometer (78 miles)

From Lech am Arlberg to Füssen

1,793 meters

Highest point

Mid-June to early October

Best travel time

2 countries

Hiking through Austria and Germany

Course and route

The Lechweg is a long-distance hiking trail stretching about 125 kilometers (78 miles), from the source of the Lech near the Formarinsee in Vorarlberg all the way to Füssen in the Allgäu. Following the river’s course, it leads through a wide variety of landscapes – from the peaceful Lechtal Alps to deep gorges, broad river meadows, and the gentle hills of the Allgäu.

Eurohike offers several ways to experience the Lechweg: a leisurely 10-day tour, a more ambitious 8-day hike from Lech am Arlberg to Füssen, or a shorter version starting in Steg. Along the route from Vorarlberg through Tyrol and into Bavaria, you’ll encounter historic suspension footbridges near Holzgau, blooming meadows and forest paths around Elbigenalp, as well as striking natural landmarks like the Lechfall in Füssen. The trail also passes through the Tiroler Lech Nature Park, one of the most species-rich protected areas in the Alps. Hiking the Lechweg calls for good basic fitness and sturdy footwear.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

Fragen und Antworten zum Wandern am Lechweg

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The Lechweg Path stretches from Vorarlberg and Tyrol to the Bavarian Allgäu.

The Lechweg Path falls under our category hiking. The routes lead on good hiking paths and forest roads. With a good basic level of fitness and surefootedness, our hiking tours on the Lechweg Path is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience in nature.

The best time to travel for a hiking tour on the Lechweg Path is from June to September.

The Lechweg Path is 125 kilometres long.

The route on our hiking tours on the Lechweg Path varies depending on the duration of the individual hiking holiday – here is a brief overview:

On the daily stages of our hiking tours on the Lechweg Path, you cover between 11 and 20 kilometres of hiking per day. Note: The longer daily stages can be shortened at any time by bus.

On our hiking tours on the Lechweg Path you will stay in cosy hotels and guesthouses.

On our walking holiday Lechweg-Path with Charm you can expect even more comfort in the selected accommodation with that certain something in the best location.

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

The Most Beautiful Places along the Lechweg Path

Formarinsee

Right at the start, you’ll discover a true highlight: the sparkling Formarinsee. Located in the source area of the Lech River, it captivates visitors with an incredibly scenic panorama. Nestled among countless mountain peaks, this high-altitude lake at 1,793 meters (5,883 feet) offers a particularly striking photo opportunity.

Coast Lake Formarin

Spectacular Suspension Bridge

Thrill and breathtaking views await: along the Lechweg, you’ll cross the spectacular suspension bridge over the Höhenbach Gorge. Measuring 200 meters (656 feet) long and 110 meters (361 feet) high, it is Austria’s longest suspension footbridge.

Holzgau suspension bridge in the midst of nature

Doser Waterfall

Shrouded in legends and myths, the Doser Waterfall is active only from April 23 to November 11 each year; outside this period, the waterfall disappears entirely. Folklore tells of a dragon awakening from its winter slumber in spring to open the spring, while scientists attribute the phenomenon to an underground lake whose overflow is triggered by melting snow.

The small Doser waterfall

Neuschwanstein Castle

The world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle is a highlight at the end of the Lechweg, perched like a fairy-tale above the Pöllat Gorge – a fitting finale for hikers following in the footsteps of the legendary King Ludwig II. Its romantic, storybook appearance – with towers, battlements, and a dreamy setting in the Bavarian Alps – famously inspired Walt Disney.

View of Neuschwanstein Castle

Rüfikopf

Take the cable car up to Rüfikopf, where at 2,350 meters (7,710 feet) you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The panoramic restaurant invites you to relax and sample regional specialties.

View of the Rüfikopf

Lechfall

The Lechfall near Füssen provides a spectacular finale to the Lechweg. Cascading over a massive, artificially created drop, the turquoise-green river plunges with impressive force, creating a captivating natural spectacle – the perfect last highlight at the end of a varied hiking adventure.

Lechfall

The Most scenic Stages of the Lechweg Path

↔ 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) | ↗ 50 meters | ↘ 50 meters

In the morning, a transfer takes you to the idyllic Formarinsee, where the Lechweg begins at around 1,793 meters (5,883 feet). Take in the stunning views of the sparkling alpine lake before following the Lech River trail back through the impressive mountain landscape to Lech am Arlberg.

↔ 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) | ↗ 300 meters | ↘ 300 meters

The route first climbs high above the Lech, passing picturesque farmland and blooming alpine meadows, before revealing spectacular views of the wild Lech Gorge. The trail then gently ascends through light high-altitude forest to the Walser village of Warth, where an idyllic natural swimming lake and the highest-altitude dairy and butcher shop in Vorarlberg invite a relaxing, indulgent break.

↔ 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) | ↗ 200 meters | ↘ 600 meters

The trail continues over the Krumbach to Gehren, bringing you into Tyrol. From there, the path climbs to Lechleiten, where the panoramic trail begins. Enjoy magnificent views over the Lech Valley, with glimpses of the river’s magical turquoise waters far below. Winding down through numerous switchbacks past small hamlets, the trail eventually leads to the charming village of Steeg.

↔ 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) | ↗ 380 meters | ↘ 400 meters

This stage offers a leisurely walk along the Jochweg, following the Lech River to the picturesque village of Holzgau, where beautifully painted houses showcase the traditional local architecture. A true highlight awaits here: crossing one of Europe’s longest and most spectacular suspension footbridges. The route then continues over blooming meadows and shady forest paths to Elbigenalp, the geographic heart of the Lech Valley and a center of traditional woodcarving.

↔ 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) | ↗ 400 meters | ↘ 550 meters

The sixth day of hiking begins with a touch of mystique. The Doser Waterfall in the lower Lech Valley, a natural monument steeped in legends and myths, can only be admired from April 23 to November 11; the rest of the year, not a drop of water flows here. The trail then follows a high-altitude path with breathtaking views of the wild river before reaching Stanzach, a tranquil village nestled in a picturesque mountain setting.

↔ 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) | ↗ 50 meters | ↘ 150 meters 

Today’s stage showcases the Lech at its wildest. You’ll traverse a dramatic, rugged river landscape, following the meandering Lechzopf to Forchach, where another suspension footbridge beckons adventurous hikers to cross. The route continues over the Johannes Bridge and through the idyllic Moosberg Nature Reserve to Weissenbach. After crossing the Rotlech, gentle riverside paths guide you to the peaceful village of Höfen.

↔ 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) | ↗ 300 meters | ↘ 300 meters

Following the panoramic trail, you’ll reach a breathtaking viewpoint at the Costaries Chapel. Passing the sparkling Frauensee, the route leads into the Pflach meadows. Here, the “Vogelturm,” a roughly 20-meter (66-foot) wooden observation tower, offers stunning 360-degree views over the species-rich wetlands along the river. In Pflach, the Lech feels almost within reach.

↔ 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) | ↗ 50 meters | ↘ 150 meters 

On the final day, you’ll make your way to Füssen, passing the Alpsee in Bavaria and catching distant views of the two castles, Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. This stunning Eurohike tour concludes at the spectacular Lechfall near Füssen.

Top Reasons to Explore the Lechweg Path

Feel the Power of the Water

Follow one of Europe’s last wild river landscapes, complete with spectacular waterfalls.

Delicious Cheese Specialties

Taste the original “Lechweg Cheese,” crafted with care and high-quality ingredients.

Suspension Bridges & Castles

Discover numerous highlights along the route.

Diverse Habitat

The river shapes the local flora and fauna, home to many breeding birds, Europe’s largest ibex colony, and wild orchids.

Quality Trail

The first cross-border long-distance trail to earn the “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” award, meeting the European Ramblers’ Association’s strict criteria.

Travel stories on the Lechweg Path

Lechweg Path: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

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Team Eurobike & Eurohike

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

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Accommodations with feel-good factor

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Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

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Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.

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