Lechweg River Trail

There is something immensely satisfying about following a river from start to finish. The Lechweg River Trail, straddling Austria and Germany, provides just such an opportunity. Along the way, walkers get a glimpse of the local communities for whom the Lech River is an important lifeline.

Additionally, the Lechweg is a spectacular alpine trail with constant vistas of the majestic Austrian Alps. There is plenty of “wow factor”.

The Lechweg has been certified as the first “leading Quality Trail” by the European Hiking Association. Such certification makes it a model for other European long distance hiking trails. This also means that the path is comprehensively way marked and very well maintained. You would struggle to get lost!

We walked the Lechweg in late June. The weather was mild with plenty of sunshine. Excitingly, the mountaintops were still adorned with snow which made for the classic alpine backdrop.

June is the time for farmers to harvest the hay, both manually and with mowers. The phrase “make hay while the sun shines” was literally on display.

Over the course of six days, the 125 kilometre Lechweg follows a series of panoramic mountainside and riverside paths.

Our first day involved a short bus ride from the Austrian ski resort of Lech am Arlberg to the river’s mountain source at tranquil Lake Formarinsee. From there we walked down through the lush Lech Valley, beside the pristine Lech River, back to Lech am Arlberg. Walkers quickly spread out along the route including a boisterous school group. 

Arriving back in Lech mid-afternoon, there was still time to take the popular Ruefikopfbahn cable car from Lech to Zurs. Zurs sits directly above the Lech township and offers extraordinary 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and valleys. It’s a “Top of the World” experience that is not to be missed.

Day two again concentrated on the Lech Valley but this time we hiked up to the higher pastures with the Lech River way below the track. The fields were ablaze with multi-coloured wildflowers. Grazing cows seemed well accustomed to walkers and simply chose to ignore us.

After the Lech Valley, we headed into the beautiful Lechtal Valley on day three. The village of Holzgau was an early highlight with its colourful painted buildings dating back to the late 1600s. These distinctive Baroque murals feature ornate faux facades and religious scenes.

Soon after we came across the awesome Holzgau suspension bridge which enables walkers to quickly cross the Hohenbach Canyon at a height of 105 metres. The bridge spans 200 metres making it one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Europe. The amazing aerial views of the valley afforded by the bridge crossing quickly countered any feelings of trepidation. However, for those with extreme acrophobia, there is an alternate route.

Later the same day, we found ourselves walking back at river level with the Lech running at a fiercely rapid rate. Unsurprisingly, kayaking and canoeing are popular pastimes in this area. On the outskirts of Elbigenalp, we were passed in a flash by a canoe full of laughing participants. Needless to say, we never caught up to them.

After Elbigenalp, the track leads towards the small village of Stanzach on day four. Soon after the town of Haselgehr, we hiked into the forested hills to see the mysterious Doser waterfall which disappears in November and begins to flow again in April each year.

Day five covered the section between Stanzach and Weissenbach. The Alps began to recede into the distance behind us and the Lech River widened with many river flats apparent. We soon headed into the Tiroler Nature Park where locals were picnicking, swimming and paddle boarding. Hikers are well catered for in this region with wonderful wooden ergonomic lounging benches beside the track. We decided to test one out and promptly fell fast asleep in the glorious sunshine.

Our last day on the Lechweg started with some tranquil forest walking before we reached the picturesque shores of Lake Alpsee in Bavaria. The fairytale structure of Hohenschwangau Castle loomed above the lake with a bevy of regal swans below. We then spotted the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle which is famous for inspiring the Cinderella Castle in Disneyland.

The Lechweg concluded on the outskirts of Fussen at the Lechfall waterfall. From the falls we hiked into Fussen and its well-preserved medieval Old Town. As we passed the historic Heritage Museum, serendipity struck and we were greeted by a trio of musicians playing their Alphorn mountain horns. We could not think of a better way to mark the conclusion of our Lechweg journey.

Cathy Henderson23 June 2024