lechweg service booklet

Service Booklet, your guide

An easy long-distance trail

through the Alps and one of the

last remaining wild river landscapes

in Europe – journey to yourself.

Important telephone numbers for emergencies or difficulties:

Emergency/Rescue in Germany 112

Emergency/Rescue in Austria 144

Fire Department in Germany 112

Fire Department in Austria 122

Police in Germany 110

Police in Austria 133

Mountain Rescue in Germany 112

Mountain Rescue in Austria 140

[email protected]

www.lechweg.com

Vorarlberg Tirol

Bayern

D

A

Simmswasserfall

KneippanlageErlebnisbad

Naturbadesee

FischteichWaldschwimmbadKneippanlage

Wasserfall

Lechquellgebiet

Lechschlucht

Formarinsee

HöhenbachschluchtJöchl-spitz-bahn

Geierwally-Open-Air Stage

Naturkäserei

Naturklettergarten

Alpe Formarin

Älpele

Steinbockdenkmal

Teschen-

Elbigenalp

Steeg

HolzgauWarth

Lech am Arlberg

Zug

berger Alpe

Fußgängerhängebrücke

MünchenD

ACH

I

Stuttgart

Memmingen

Füssen

Lecham Arlberg

Chur

Reutte

Bozen

InnsbruckSt. Gallen

Bodensee

The Lechweg in the leading role, the water as its companion, the

mountain peaks as the setting: for the first time, the Lechweg

long-distance trail opens this alpine region into a relaxed walking

experience.

From the spring to the falls, one of the last wild river landscapes

offers stages to pause and wind down.

Lech

Tirol

Bayern

D

A

Johannes Bridge

FuessenLechfall

Forchach Hanging Bridge

Hahnenkamm

CostariesChapel

Lech »Braid«

Natural Adventure Pool

Outdoor Swimming Pool

Outdoor Swimming Area

Rieden Lake

Castle WorldsEhrenberg

Neuschwanstein Castle/Hohenschwangau Castle

DoserWaterfall

Jöchl-spitz-bahn

Panoramic ViewBaichlstein

Geierwally-Open-Air Stage

Weissenbach

Stanzach

Forchach

Vorderhornbach

Elmen

Haeselgehr

Elbigenalp

Forggensee

Alpsee

Bird-watching Tower Pflacher Au

Frauensee

Reutte

Bach

MunichD

ACH

I

Memmingen

Fuessen

Lecham Arlberg

Chur

Reutte

Bozen

InnsbruckSt. Gallen

Lake Constance

Das neue Tragesystem X Vent Zero sorgt für maximale Belüftung bei minimalem Kontakt mit dem Rücken. Mehr Infos auf www.tatonka.com

CONTENTs

Editorial Toni Knittel: The »Bluatschink«

Trail song: »Along the Lech«

Lech Bike Trail: from Steeg to Fuessen

From the spring to the falls

Travel directions: by air/train/car/public transport

Baggage transfer: Lechweg Shuttle

Guest cards: Lech Card, Lechtal Aktiv Card,

Aktiv Card and KoenigsCard

Signage/Amenities/Degree of difficulty

Three regions: Arlberg, Naturpark Region

Lechtal-Reutte and Allgaeu

Naturpark Tiroler Lech: Conduct/Tours

Suggested Stages/Advice

Sections/Stages

Walking tips: Trail/Weather/Season

Walking tips: Equipment/Backpack/Clothing

Walking tips: Footwear/Buying guide

Lechweg certification/holiday package

Hosts: Information

Hosts: Hotels, guesthouses, apartments,

farmsteads

Dining/Eating on the Lechweg

Frequently asked questions

Imprint

Important numbers/overview map

Pictograms/Legend/scale

2

4

5

6

8

1 1

1 2

14

1 6

1 8

20

2 2

56

5 7

60

62

64

66

103

106

107

108

inside cover

EDITOrIAL TONI KNITTEL

The »Bluatschink« on the Lechweg

Here in the Alps we have many climbing trails and high-

mountain hiking routes. But it is not about a strolling ramble,

but about athletic challenges, mostly to be overcome by ex-

perienced persons. And throughout Europe there are sensational

trails on which you can relax while walking through unique

landscapes. On the Lechweg however, both are combined: easy

rambling and experiencing magnificent mountain scenery in

one. You walk through three provinces in two different coun-

tries. That is great. The Lech river is the symbol for these borders

– then it knows no borders. It has been the link between these

two regions for centuries. Through the Lechweg now, these

have grown closer together.

The Lech river has been my life-long companion. It provides

me with my very first childhood memories and also delivers

many ideas for my artistic career. In my recent past, it has

been a source of great strength to me.

In my witty yet critical songs sung in the Lech Valley dialect,

I have tried, with the use of the »Bluatschink« (a kind of im-

aginary water creature), to raise awareness and get peoples'

attention about the impeding threat of plans to build a power

plant in one of the last natural river systems of the Alps.

2 | 3

As I walked the Lechweg in stages for the first time in the Fall

2009, one of my most important projects in the past years was

failing - we had to declare bankruptcy on the »Knight ruediger

Musical«. All of a sudden, I didn't just enjoy the walk along the

Lech river; I needed it badly. On the one hand, it was wonder-

ful to be able to release my thoughts in the peace and quiet.

On the other hand, many of my worries were relativized in

light of this grand river. It had flowed in this riverbed for mil-

lions of years. It had carved the landscape into centuries' old

history all of which can be read if you go through it with open

eyes. It still constantly sings a soughing and intoxicating mel-

ody which so pervades the entire valley. suddenly, many of my

problems were put into perspective, and in an instant, I was

again that carefree young boy, sitting on a boulder, and skip-

ping rocks across the water's surface.

Henceforth, the melody and lyrics to my song »Along the Lech«

flowed by themselves.

»Bluatschink« Toni Knittel,

Singer/Songwriter from the Tyrolean Lech Valley

. Wenn er wia a kloanes Kind

ganz oba am Berg no über d‘Felsa springt,

da siecht ma ihm dia Kraft it o,

dia er scho kurz drauf hat!

Spater in der tiafa Schlucht,

da hörsch du ihn tosa und du spürsch dia Wucht,

mit der er scho seit so viel Jahr

sei Tal in da Felsa grabt.

Und i geah mit ihm mit –

kann lesa, was sei Wasser in die Landschaft schreibt.


weil er mir mit sei‘m scheana Tal a Hoamat geit!

REF: Am Lech entlang kann i mi ganz oafach treiba lassa.

Am Lech entlang – dia Gedanka fliaßa frei wia s’Wasser!

Am Lech entlang geah i Schritt für Schritt

von der Quelle to zum Fall.

Am Lech entlang spür i Schritt für Schritt

so viel Wunder überall!

Am Lech entlang!

. Wenn er seinen Kampf dann gwinnt,

auf oamal ganz, ganz ruhig aus da Felsa rinnt,

ja, dann wird des Tal so weit! Dia Berg, sie macha Platz!

Wo heind bunta Wiesa sei,

und Dörfer wia Perla findesch nach der Reih,

da hat der Mensch die Fassung gmacht,

mittadrinn strahlt der Fluss als Schatz!


geah an sei‘m Ufer, hör des Liad, des er mir singt!


tragt der Weg mi heacher, hör i, wia des Tal mitklingt!

M +T: Toni Knittel/Interpret BLUATSCHINK

THE TrAIL sONG

4 | 5

Along the Lech

The Lech Bike Trail

For those who wish to experience the breathtaking

landscape along Lechweg trail a second time, they can

choose to go by bicycle. In some parts, the Lech Bike

Trail runs parallel to the long-distance walking trail.

The tour begins in steeg and ends in Fuessen after 64

kilometres. One can enter the trail anywhere along the

stretch.

The Lech Bike Trail mostly runs away from the roads

on partly asphalted and gravel ground. It mainly runs

downhill. The route allows for enjoyable biking with

many views oft he wild river landscape and mountains.

The Lech Bike Trail is therefore also suited for families.

On the go, one runs into the Lechweg wanderer resting

at the designated rest or BBQ areas, and so one may

exchange a few tips. A biking map is available in all

tourist offices in the Lech Valley and in the Naturpark

region reutte.

WHO AND WHAT DOEs THE LECHWEG sTAND FOr?

The Lechweg from the spring to the falls

Easy long-distance walking through an alpine region which

is simultaneously one of the last wild river landscapes in Eu-

rope: the Lechweg offers an extraordinary nature experience,

from the inhabitants molded by their landscape and the truly

mythical stories.

The wanderer accompanies the Lech for almost 125 kilometers.

From its spring near the Formarinsee in the Austrian state of

Vorarlberg to the Lechfall in Fuessen in the Allgaeu. The Lech-

weg leads past one of the largest colonies of alpine ibex in

Europe, past a waterfall which magically springs anew after

running dry every year, flowing under the longest-suspension

swing bridge in Austria, and finally leading up to the royal cas-

tles of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

The trail connects three regions and two countries with their

traditions and histories. From the Arlberg region through the

Tyrolean Naturparkregion Lechtal-reutte up to the southern

Allgaeu. The Lech has formed all three regions for centuries.

From the romans and their Alpine crossings, the »schwaben-

kinder« (swabian children) up to the »Floessern« (raftsmen). In

each of these histories the Lech had played a meaningful role.

The magical turquiose river shaped the flora and fauna. Many

breeding birds and wild-growing Orchids make it one of the

most species-rich habitats in Central Europe. In order to pro-

tect one of the last remaining wild river landscapes in Europe,

the Naturpark Tiroler Lech was initiated.

6 | 7

The European Hiking Association tested the cross-border Lech-

weg along very strict criteria. They certified the long-distance

trail as a first Leading Quality Trail. The Lechweg is thus a model

for long-distance trails all over Europe.

What does it mean to ramble on the Lechweg?

The Lechweg is easy long-distance walking through an alpine

region. Yet this does not mean that rambling is necessarily an

easy stroll. Every long-distance trail sets some demands for

the physical condition of the wanderer. After all, there are mul-

tiple stages back to back which need to be overcome.

If, therefore we speak of an easy long-distance trail through

the Alps, then it is in contrast to other alpine trails and climbs

with more demanding elevation profile. When compared to

them, the Lechweg makes a moderate claim. For those who

are comfortable on the long-distance trails of the German Mit-

telgebirge, they are equally served on the Lechweg, for that is

its advantage: it leads through the impressive high-mountain

landscape into the alpine foothills- without climbs and steep

passages. This means that previous alpine experience is not

necessary – but you should still always be aware of the specifics

of the Alps, such as the rapid weather change for example.

Nevertheless, the Lechweg can be planned individually to suit

each person‘s condition (see suggested stages on page 20).

Calculate enough resting periods, enjoy a massage at the end

of the day, and feel free to shorten a segment by taking the

public bus if your legs get too tired.

We wish you a wonderful experience on your Lechweg ramble.

Yours,

Werbegemeinschaft Lech-Wege:

Lech Zuers GmbH

Warth Schroecken Tourismus

Tourismusverband Lechtal

Tourismusverband Naturpark Region Reutte

Fuessen Tourism and Marketing

Arrival by airplane

The closest airports are the Allgaeu Airport in Memmingen,

Friedrichshafen Airport, Innsbruck Airport or Munich Airport.

The Lechweg-shuttle by sTM service comfortably transfers

you from each airport to Lech am Arlberg. Transportation for

up to 8 persons (up to 20 persons) costs € 260 (€ 310) from

Allgaeu Airport, € 240 (€ 290), from Innsbruck Airport and € 360

(€ 480) from Munich Airport. For more information or booking,

contact our partner sTM service, Oberdorf 51, A-6652 Elbigen-

alp, telephone +43 676 6366825, [email protected],

www.stm-service.at.

Arrival by train

Fuessen in the Allgaeu is connected to the German National

railway (DBB) system. From most major cities ICE trains arrive

on an hourly schedule with only one change in Augsburg or

Munich. Information regarding train travel on the Austrian

National railway (OEBB) is available around the clock online

at www.oebb.at or per telephone +43 5 1717, or on the German

National railway at www.bahn.de or per telephone +49 1 80

5996633. From the station at Fuessen, regularly scheduled

buses run to Lech am Arlberg.

8 | 9

MunichD

ACH

I

Stuttgart

Memmingen

Fuessen

Lecham Arlberg

Chur

Reutte

Bozen

InnsbruckSt. Gallen

Lake Constance

Arrival

start your rambling

holiday without

stress: Travel to Lech

am Arlberg the night

before and acquaint

yourself with the mun-

dane alpine village

before starting out

on the first stage the

next day.

The Lechweg-shuttle by sTM service can also pick you up from

Fuessen train station. The price for the transfer to Lech am Arl-

berg for up to 8 persons (up to 20 persons) is € 130 (€ 180). For

more information or booking, contact our partner sTM service,

Oberdorf 51, A-6652 Elbigenalp, telephone +43 676 6366825,

[email protected], www.stm-service.at.

Lech am Arlberg is not directly situated on the Austrian rail-

way grid. The arrival is via the train station Langen am Arlberg

or st. Anton am Arlberg with a distance of ca. 17 kilometers.

There is a regular taxi and bus connection to Lech am Arlberg,

Transfer time is ca. 20 minutes, online reservations under

www.taxi-lech.at or www.taxi-zuers.com.

Arrival by automobile

It is possible to arrive at either the starting point Lech am Arl-

berg or the ending point Fuessen in Allgaeu. You can leave your

car in either location for the duration of your ramble.

From the North, the Autobahn A7 and the state road B17 (ro-

mantic road) and the A96/B16 lead directly to Fuessen. To reach

Lech am Arlberg from Fuessen, take the Autobahn A7 through

the border tunnel and onto the state road B179 to reutte. From

here the Country road L198 leads directly to Lech. Please note

the road closings between Warth and Lech until well into the

spring.

Lech am Arlberg can be reached from Bregenz over the Bregenz

Forest on the L 200. You can als use the rheintalautobahn A14,

through the Klostertal s16, on the L197 and finally on the L198

over the Flexenpass to Lech. Coming from the Tyrolean Inn Val-

ley, take the Autobahn A12 and s16 to st. Anton am Arlberg and

then on to the L197 and L198.

Innsbruck

Please be aware that there is a compulsory toll vignette (sticker)

on Austrian Autobahns.

Parking lots: Lech am Arlberg: the Anger underground garage

(hours 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, free of charge in summer) is located

in the town centre, near the Lechweg and bus stations. Fuessen:

P5 – Parkgarage City/sparkassenhaus (€ 20,- per week, tickets

under www.apcoa.de or Mon.–sat. directly in parking garage),

P2 – Eissport Centre – BLZ Arena (free of charge). P5 is in the town

centre, P2 on outskirts. Bus 71 runs to city centre/bus station

Fuessen.

There is a wander portal with free parking and wander friendly

entry onto the Lechweg in Warth next to the Tourist Office, in

steeg next to the Gemeindeamt (town hall), in Holzgau behind

the Gemeindeamt, in Elbigenalp below the schnitzschule (wood

carving school), in stanzach behind sport Fredy and in Pflach

near the bird watching tower.

Public Transportation

The Lechweg is connected to the public transit system. Detailed

schedules are found under www.vvt.at or in the respective Tourist

Offices. From the end of June to the beginning of October, the

local town »Wanderbus« commutes between Lech am Arlberg and

the Formarinsee from the post office station in Lech. Bus con-

nections between Warth and Lech am Arlberg are only available

starting in mid-June. Lech am Arlberg to reutte is serviced by Bus-

line 4268, between reutte and Fuessen it is Busline 74 and 4258.

Arrival/Baggage Transfer

10 | 11

Baggage Transfer

rambling on the Lechweg is most enjoyable without a heavy

burden upon your shoulders. The Lechweg-shuttle by sTM

service transports your baggage to your next accommodation.

It is recommended that you book this transport before you

arrive for your walking holiday directly with the company sTM

service: Oberdorf 51, A-6652 Elbigenalp, tel. +43 676 6366825,

[email protected], www.stm-service.at. A direct booking

is possible up to two days before the actual transport is needed.

If you wish to transfer your baggage on short notice, your

accommodation can assist you with organising a transport.

Your hosts will tell you where you can stow your baggage

for pick-up. They will be tagged with nametags. Please enter

your name, mobile phone number, or the phone number of

your next accommodation and location. Attach the nametag

to your baggage so that it is easily visible. Drivers are only

able to deliver baggage which has been paid for and has a

clear destination.

Baggage Pick-up and Delivery on the Lechweg

The latest pick-up at Lech am Arlberg and Warth is 8:30 AM,

from steeg at 9:00 AM. By the latest at 4:00 PM, the baggage

is at its next destination. The transport per stage and piece

of baggage costs € 5.50 with 2-days notice. Please note that

each piece of baggage may have a maximum weight of 20 kg.

Eventual excess baggage will be charged accordingly. Please

pay for the total number of bags and stages ahead of time to

the sTM service by bank transfer: sTM service, BANK: raiffei-

senbank Oberlechtal (Austria), Account Nr. 15.354, BLZ 36220,

IBAN AT11 3622 0000 0001 5354, BIC rZTIAT22220

so go ahead, travel only with a light daypack and enjoy the

landscape along the Lechweg.

The Lechweg connects three regions: the Arlberg region, the

Tyrolean Naturpark region Lechtal-reutte and the Allgaeu with

its royal Castles. Various guest cards are offered in these regions,

which are also interesting for Lechweg hikers. Please be aware

that there is no unified single Lechweg-card! Hosts who accept

the guest card in their region, can be recognized with their re-

spective pictogram in the accommodation directory:

Lech Card

The Lech Card is the recreational ticket for Lech, Warth and sur-

rounding areas. It is available with a one night stay from the

host or at the Lech Zuers Tourism Office. Especailly interesting

for Lechweg wanderers: All cable railways and chair lifts, and

the use of local town and wander buses are included (from

spullersee and Formarinsee up to the Hochtannbergpass, the

regional line #40 to Hochkrumbach as well as the regional line

#91/92 between Lech and Zuers – the toll fee is not included).

Also included in this offer is the Waldschwimmbad with rock

island, waterslide and numerous other services. In Warth it-

self you receive the card (valid from end of June to begin of

October) from your host beginning with a 2 nights-stay.

www.lech-zuers.at/lech-im-sommer/lech-card/

Lechtal Aktiv Card

The Lechtal Aktiv Card is valid throughout the Lech Valley. It is

included in the accommodation price from the hosts who have

the respective pictogram. Alternatively, the card is available for

Guest Cards/Discounts

12 | 13

28 € per person (valid for 7 days) from the Tourist Offices. It

is valid from May 30th to October 20th, 2013 beginning on the

second day of your stay. It is also interesting for a Lechweg

wanderer: with the Lechtal Aktiv Card, the Wanderbus can be

used without charge throughout the entire Naturpark region,

as well as cable cars and railways.

www.lechtal.at/ferienregion-lechtal/lechtal-cardsommerkarte/

lechtal-aktivcard.html

Aktiv Card in the Naturpark Region Reutte

Every guest, who stays overnight in the Naturpark region

reutte, receives the Aktiv Card from their host. Included free

of charge is the use oft he regional buses. A DVD of the Natur-

park region reutte is included, as well as numerous discounts

in the Alpentherme Ehrenberg, the Castle Worlds Ehrenberg

and the reutte mountain cable car, or for guided hikes, raft-

ing, etc.

www.reutte.com

FuessenCard and KoenigsCard

Beginning with one nights accommodation, all guests in

Fuessen receive the FuessenCard from their host. Free of charge

are the train rides between Fuessen – Kaufbeuren and Pfronten

– Kempten and public transportation in the municipalities

of Fuessen (incl. Hopfen am see and Weissensee), Hopferau,

Eisenberg, Nesselwang, Pfronten, rieden am Forggensee, ross-

haupten, rueckholz, schwangau, seeg, Halblech and Lechbruck

am see. Important for Lechweg wanderers: The bus ride Fuessen

–reutte is not yet included! some other hosts in Fuessen offer

the KoenigsCard with over 200 regional inclusive services like

cable railways, swimming pools, museums and recreational

attractions.

www.koenigscard.com/

www.fuessen.de/service/fuessencard.html

Detailed information on the service of the guest cards can be

gotten at the respective Tourism Offices.

Signage/Amenities/Degree of difficulty

The »L« points the way

The prominent »L« is the symbol of the Lechweg. A white »L«

on a black background indicated the way. You will find the »L«

on the signposts and on trees and rocks along the path. The

distance between the symbols is usually no more than 250

metres. Arrows below the »L« point in the right direction at

crossings. A red »L« in brackets points out short cuts or worth-

while alternatives. Please pay attention to the time desig-

nation. Details can be found in the specific stage description

on page 20. Thes »L« in blue with a line on top and bottom,

indicates you are on an entry point to the Lechweg, because

the Lechweg does not always lead directly through the town

centre.

Rest and Repose

The Lechweg-bench is the prominent piece of furniture along

the trail. Over 60 times it invites you to take a break. The Lech-

weg-bench is made from weather-resistant alpine larch lumber,

is massive and yet carefully crafted; comfortable and unique.

Numerous resting areas with a combination of bench and table

and also loungers are the perfect spot to have a snack and to

relax. Designated barbecue areas along the Lech river are also

available.

14 | 15

Degree of difficulty

At the beginning of every stage description in this booklet

there is a level of difficulty category. This is in accordance with

the guidelines of the European rambler’s Association and de-

lineates the following:

easy walking trail, valley trail, footpath:

➜ predominently wide and with little incline

➜ no passages with a danger of falling

➜ no previous or particular skill or ability in

hiking is required

➜ suitable for all ramblers, also for beginners

demanding walking trail, easy mountain path,

respectively:

➜ ordinary paths that can be narrow and steep

➜ generally no passages with a danger of falling

➜ require basic skills in hiking

➜ for walkers, beginners included, with moderate

physical condition

The three regions: the Arlberg area, the Naturpark Region

Lechtal-Reutte and the Allgaeu

The two communities Lech am Arlberg and Warth belong to

two different municipalities, yet connect the Austrian states

of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. This region has a population of about

1,600 inhabitants. Both towns are a popular tourist destina-

tions both in summer and winter. The region Lech Zuers am

Arlberg is known as the birthplace of alpine skiing. The ski area

Warth-schroecken is one of the snowiest ski resorts in Europe,

with an average eleven metres of new snow annually. start-

ing in the 2013/2014 winter season, the ski resorts of Warth-

schröcken and Lech-Zuers are connected by a cable car. The

Walser, a folk who settled here in the 13th and 14th century, took

great influence on this region. Typically Walser is demonstrated

not only in the traditionally bound and secular character of

the decendents, but also in the grandious natural backdrop.

Even today you can see the traces left behind on the Tannberg

theme-trail: a gripping, multi-faceted, and not simply histori-

cal tour, on which you can experience the historical highlights

and numerous natural wonders.

The Naturpark region Lechtal-reutte reaches from steeg to

the national border at Pinswang. In large parts of the park, you

come across extraordinary wild river landscapes. The native-

ness of the Lech river was the reason for proclaiming the area

as a natural preserve. It belongs to the European network of

protected areas called »Natura 2000«. The Lech river and its

wetlands are home to unusually numerous rare animal and

plant species. For example the species of orchid »Lady slipper«,

the German tamarisk – also known as Myricaria germanica –

or the spotted rattle grasshopper. At Hoefen the valley basin

16 | 17

reutte appears. This stage captivates through its bathing lakes

and 400 kilometer trail network, on which you can hike in the

mountains, go for a walk or ride a mountain bike. A visit to the

alpine flower garden or the barefoot trail on the Hahnenkamm

Mountain and the Castle Worlds of Ehrenberg, with its museum

»On the Knight's Trail«, are an absolute must. For some rest and

relaxation, stop by the new Alpentherme Ehrenberg spa with

its swimming and sauna facilities.

Fuessen is situated at the foot of the Allgaeu Alps. It borders

on the Tyrol and is Bavaria's highest city at 800 metres altitude.

The municipality is made up of the City of Fuessen, Bad Faulen-

bach, Hopfen am see and Weissensee. Fuessen is classified as

the birthplace of European lute and violin-making. It is located

along the roman road, Via Claudia Augusta, and was a favorite

place of Emperor Maximilian I.

Aside from the cultural highlights, Fuessen has specialised

itself in medical and healthcare tourism and has numerous

certifications (City of Fuessen: Kneipp therapy resort; Bad Fau-

lenbach: Moor healing bath, Kneipp therapy resort; Hopfen am

see: Kneipp therapy resort, climatic health resort; Weissensee:

climatic health resort). About 200 kilometres of walking trails

and mountain bike trails await the active vacationer. A boat

ride on the Forggensee provides a wonderful view of the royal

Castles and of the magnificent panoramic vista of the Allgaeu,

Lechtal and Ammergau Alps.

The Lechweg connects people in one Europe of regions.

Naturpark Tiroler Lech

The Naturpark Tiroler Lech extends between the Lech Valley

Alps in the southeast and the Allgaeu Alps in the northwest.

Around 41 square kilometres are preserved land: the wild river,

its adjacent wetlands, parts of mountain forests and the main

tributaries. The »Tyrolean Lech Nature Park« is as such, the

largest contiguous protected valley area in Tyrol.The natural

environment and its biodiversity are influenced by the Lech.

In 2000, the Lech river joined to the European network of pro-

tected areas called »Natura 2000«. Four years later, the state

of Tyrol certified this region as a nature reserve with the title

»Naturpark«. Natural and cultural landscapes should therefore

retain their character.

The landscape around the wild river Lech is striking in its

uniqueness and originality. We kindly ask you to make a con-

tribution to the preservation and protection of the Naturpark

Tiroler Lech and the entire region.

• Please take your rubbish with you instead of leaving it in

nature. A small plastic bag for waste belongs in every back-

pack.

• Please do not pick flowers, shrubs, or take any animals, etc.,

with you that you encounter on the trail. This insures that

not only subsequent hikers will be able to enjoy the same

beautiful sights, but will also protect the flora and fauna.

18 | 19

• Do not start any fires! There are specified grilling areas

along the Lechweg.

• stay on marked trails and paths. This provides security

and also protects the vegetation.

• Keep your pet on a leash in order to avoid disturbing wild

animals.

• Take consideration of those hikers around you and of the

wild animals by not making excess noise.

• Do not camp in the middle of the nature park. Public

campgrounds are located in reutte and Haeselgehr.

»Lechweg-Escorts« with Naturpark Guides

»Beginners« welcome! No experience needed!

For everyone who wants to ramble and explore! The Lechweg

leads, for a majority of its route, through the Naturpark Tiroler

Lech. The Naturpark Guides escort you from stanzach to Forchach

through the heart of the Naturpark. Along the gravel banks and

in the alluvial forest there is a lot to discover. You may know some

of the animals and plant life, yet some you will never have seen

before. Learn more about the uniqueness of the wild river land-

scape in an entertaining manner. You have never seen it in this

way: Precision binoculars by swarovski make impressive nature

experiences possible. Our Naturpark Guides make these availa-

ble free of charge during the nature walk!

When: Every Tuesday in July, August

and sept., 9:00 AM – ca. 11:00 AM

Start: stanzach, Tourism Office

End: Forchach, Cafe alte Muehle

Route Distance: ca. 4 km

Registration: In July and August

without registration, in september

registration by 4:00 PM the day

before, direct booking at Naturpark

Tiroler Lech (Tel. +43 676 885087941,

info@naturpark-tiroler lech.at).

Price: Adults € 8.-

Youth (15 –18 years) € 4.-

Children up to 15 years free

(Guests of all official Natur-

park Hosts are free of charge)

Suggested Stages and Tips

Suggested Stages

The Lechweg represents easy long-distance walking through

an alpine region. It begins at 1,793 metres aboove sea level in

the vicinity of the Formarinsee and ends at about 800 metres

above sea level in Fuessen. The Lechweg passes through high

mountains regions and reaches into the alpine foothills. A

major portion of the trail has a slight incline. Yet sometimes

there are steeper passages to surmount. Depending on your

physical condition and individual travel plans, three different

tour variants are offered:

• The Athletic (six days): suitable for the experienced

long-distance walker in very good physical condition.

starts near the Formarinsee – Lech (14 km) – steeg

(25 km) – Elbigenalp (17½ km) – stanzach (21 km) – Waengle

(21½ km) – Fuessen (24 km)

• The Classic (seven days): suitable for the long-distance

walker in good physical condition. starts near the

Formarinsee – Lech (14 km) – Gehren/Lechleiten (14 km)

– Holzgau (16 km) – Elbigenalp (12½ km) – stanzach (21 km)

– Waengle (21½ km) – Fuessen (24 km)

• The Unhurried (eight days): suitable for anyone who

likes walking. starts near the Formarinsee – Lech (14 km)

– Warth (10 km) – steeg (15 km) – Bach (15½ km) – Elmen/

Vorderhornbach (21½ km) – Weissenbach (15½ km) – Pflach

(18½ km) – Fuessen (14½ km)

20 | 21

Stage Tips

Scale Lechweg-map detail

N

OW

s

Choose your individual stage goal depending on your condition and

ambition on the table below.. All stage destinations have adequate

accommodations.

time Leg KM ELV ELV alloted

Formarinsee – Lech 14 km 195 Elv 629 Elv 5 h

Lech – Warth/Lechleiten 14½ km 733 Elv 635 Elv 5 h

Warth/Lechleiten – Steeg 1 1 km 295 Elv 7 1 1 Elv 4 h

Steeg – Holzgau 5 km 130 Elv 140 Elv 1 ½ h

Holzgau – Bach 9½ km 7 34 Elv 7 78 Elv 4 h

Bach – Elbigenalp 3 km 16 Elv 40 Elv 1 h

Elbigenalp – Haeselgehr 7 km 1 37 Elv 1 73 Elv 3 h

Haeselgehr – Elmen 5 km 309 Elv 274 Elv 2 h

Elmen – Vorderhornbach 6 km 297 Elv 361 Elv 2½ h

Vorderhornbach – Stanzach 3 km 43 Elv 79 Elv 1 h

Stanzach – Forchach 5½ km 40 Elv 65 Elv 2 h

Forchach – Weissenbach 7 km 1 15 Elv 14 1 Elv 2 h

Weissenbach – Waengle 9 km 1 73 Elv 119 Elv 3 h

Waengle – Pflach 9½ km 381 Elv 485 Elv 3 h

Pflach – Fuessen 15 km 722 Elv 760 Elv 5 h

Entire route 123 kilometres, elv=elevation (in metres), h=hours, all rounded-off.

2,5 km

5 km

0kmscale 1:62.500 (4cm 10km)

(8cm 10km) ( pp. 21, 25 –51)

( pp. 23, 53)

0kmscale 1:125.000

5 km

10 km

# 1FOrMArINsEE – LECH AM ArLBErG

route Bus stop Formarinsee – steinbock (Ibex) Monument – Zug – Lech am Arlberg

length 14 km

duration ca. 5 hours (easy mountain path)

publ.transp. Wanderbus between Lech am Arlberg and Formarinsee (toll-road) (see summer schedule for Wanderbus Lech)

sights/ Formarinsee – Alpe Formarin – steinbock (Ibex) Monu attractions ment – Lecher Pflanzgarten – Zug – Waldschwimmbad (pool) – Kneipp basin

information Lech Zuers Tourismus GmbH (Dorf 2, A-6764 Lech am Arlberg, telephone +43 5583 2161-0)

On the Formarinsee

Over wooden planks along the young Lech River

1350

1500

1650

1800

1950

2 4 6 8 10 12

m

km

Formarinsee Lech am Arlberg 14 km – 195 m – 629 m

22 | 23

The »Wanderbus« takes you from the Post Office station in

Lech to the bus stop »Formarinsee«, the last station. The Lech-

weg starts here at 1,793 metres above sea level.

A first short detour on the »Gueterweg« to the Formarinsee is

well worth it: a beautiful panorama opens up with a view over

the lake. After a u-turn you head back to the bus stop. Take

the short way along the street to the Alpe Formarin. There a

meadow path forks to the right and leads you past the Stein-

bock (Ibex) Monument, which reminds us of the resettlement

of these animals into the wild in 1958. One of the largest ibex

colonies in Europe lives here.

In the spring after the snowmelts you can, in the Lech source

area, see a few springs emerge right next to the trail. After

about an hour's march across mountain pastures and past

weathered limestone boulders, the Formarinbach (stream)

escorts you. Pretty soon it joins the waters of the Spullerbach

to form into the young Lech river. Farther down valley the

Lechweg passes the Aelpele, until you reach the locality of

Zug. At the fishpond, fresh fish are caught and grilled. Now

follow the Lech riverbank path to Lech am Arlberg crossing

the Tannberg parcel.

LECH AM ArLBErG

sights/ st. Nikolaus church (both old and new) – old court attractions of the Walser on the Tannberg – Museum Huber Hus – ruefikopfaussicht (reachable with the ruefikopfbahn)

information Lech Zuers Tourismus GmbH (Dorf 2, A-6764 Lech am Arlberg, telephone +43 5583 2161-0)

View of Lech

Resting benches near Lech

24 | 25

The Lech, a wild river, turquoise green, full of irrepressible

momentum, gave the town its name. Known first as »Licca«

it appeared in historical sources in the 8th century as »Lecha«.

The rushing, gravel-filled Lech characterizes the entire region

and also the center of the town of Lech.

Lech is located at 1,450 meters above sea level and in 2004 was

named »Europe's most beautiful village« for its development

in harmony with nature. The approximately 1,600 inhabitants

of Lech and Zuers are proud of their areas.

No buildings interfere here with the Alpine image. True to the

motto »Better less, but of the highest quality«, Lech serves as

an energy model region for sustainable economies. Each and

every faucet and fountain in Lech is fed by spring water. The

Huber Hus Museum represents the historical and cultural

center of the community. Before the 280 km of slopes and

180 km of variants open in the cradle of alpine skiing, the in-

habitants of Lech devote themselves to new thoughts at the

traditional Philosophicum in september.

# 2LECH AM ArLBErG –WArTH/LECHLEITEN

route Lech am Arlberg – stubenbach – Kuhschwab – Warth – Gehren – Lechleiten length 14½ km


publ.transp. Bus 4268, Bus 40a, »Wanderbus« Lech-Warth Line #3

sights/ Natural swimming hole in Warth – town centre Warth attractions with »Walserhus« and st. sebastian Church – »Waelder Metzge« (butcher) – hanging footbridge across the Krumbach – climbing wall »schrofenwies« information Warth-schroecken Tourism, Warth Office (A-6767 Warth, telephone +43 5583 3515-0)

1200

1350

1500

1650

1800

2 4 6 8 10 12 14

m

km

Lech am Arlberg Lechleiten 14½ km – 733 m – 635 m

Swimming hole Warth

Hanging foot-bridge across the Krumbach

26 | 27

From the eastern locality Stubenbach, the Lech river snakes

through a fascinating ravine formation which is not always

visible from the trail. Through stubenbach the trail lies above

the Lech chasm to the Grenztobel – the border between the

communities Lech and Warth. You cross several small moun-

tain streams. The sharp left fork leads to a rest and dining

possibility, the Bodenalpe. Otherwise the forested path always

heads above the Lech river to a wooden bridge, which is se-

cured with steel cables.

The trail goes uphill through the wood Hoehenwald to the

Walser village of Warth. right at the town entrance, a natural

swimming pond and the highest situated cheese factory and

butcher of Vorarlberg, the »Waelder Metzge«, invite you to

have a break. The Walserhus and st. sebastian Church bear

witness to the Walser craftmens' skills. More fun: wildwater

swimming in the Lech river with experienced guides from

the Alpinschule Widderstein (www.alpinschulewidderstein.

com, [email protected], Tel. +43 660 2149207).

A small swing bridge over the Krumbach stream leads to Gehren and now you are on Tyrolean soil. right near the trail in the

section of steeg named Lechleiten, there is a natural climbing

crag »schrofenwies« with over 31 tours for beginners to ad-

vanced climbers.

# 3WArTH/LECHLEITEN –sTEEG

route Lechleiten – Panorama Trail – steeg length 11 km


publ.transp. Bus 4268

sights/ Naturkaeserei sojer – swimming pool Aqua Novaattractions information Tourism Office steeg and Kaisers (A-6655 steeg, telephone +43 5633 5308)

1050

1200

1350

1500

1650

2 4 6 8 10 12 14

m

km

Lechleiten steeg 11 km – 295 m – 711 m

Cheese-maker Sojer

View from Warth to Lechleiten at foot of Biberkopf

28 | 29

Your route leads you over the »Panorama Trail« in the direction

of Steeg. Far above the Lech river, spectacular vistas open up

into the Lech Valley. Again and again, the magical turquiose

color of the river flashes from the deep. several switchbacks

lead down to the Lech river. Along the riverside you reach the

town of Steeg. Have a break at the cheese factory Naturkaeserei

sojer or in the award-winning restaurant »Postwirt«.The Hotel

Post is a member of the association »Naturparkwirten« (Nature

Park Hosts). Eight restaurants have joined together for the pur-

pose of preparing and serving meals made from high-quality

Austrian products and ingredients. And afterwards, you can

release built-up muscle aches in the »Erlebnisbad Aqua Nova«

swimming pool.

One of the first Tyrolean female physicians comes from steeg.

Anna Maria Dengel was born here on March 16th, 1892. she

studied in Ireland and finished her medical degree in 1919. As

a young doctor she founded a congregation of sisterhood mis-

sionary physicians, whose activities today still reach from the

counseling of youth, the ailing, the aged and prison populations

up to projects helping AIDs patients.

# 4sTEEG –HOLZGAu

route steeg – Holzgau

length 5 km

duration ca. 1 ½ hours (easy trail)


sights/ Waterfall and Kneipp basin – frescoes – parish church attractions Maria Himmelfahrt – st. sebastian Chapel – brewery

information Tourism Office Holzgau (A-6654 Holzgau, telephone +43 5633 5356)

750

900

1050

1200

1350

1 2 3 4 5

m

km

steeg Holzgau 5 km – 130 m – 140 m

Brigde overWaterfall

Frescoes in Holzgau

30 | 31

From steeg to Holzgau you begin on a field path in direction

Haegerau. At the wildly romantic waterfall a Kneipp basin in-

vites you to get into the water and stay a while. Along the

»Jochweg«, the ramble continues on to Holzgau.

Here Lueftlmalereien (Frescoes) from the late Baroque decorate

numerous facades and bear witness to the wealth of foregone

times. They emulate architectural elements and show the house

patron saint or the house mark or symbol. Also biblical scenes

or motives from the farming life and hunting are presented.

The architecture of the »Dengeles Hauses« is worth seeing as

is the parish church Maria Himmelfahrt with its altar paintings

by Johann Jakob Zeiler and Joseph Keller. In the sebastian

Chapel of 1497, frescoes from the founding era are preserved.

In the brewery you can stop along the way for a freshly draught

beer and taste test. The Hotel Neue Post located right on the

town square, has made Tyrolean tourism history. Innsbrucker

Hans Fessler – student of Clemens Holzmeister – was responsible

for its architecture. Both belonged to a circle of architects who

substantially coined international tourism architecture in the

period between the World Wars.

# 5HOLZGAu –BACH

route Holzgau – Hoehenbachtal – schigge – stockach – Bach

length 9½ km

duration ca. 4 hours (demanding mountain trail)


sights/ Hoehenbachschlucht – simms Waterfall – suspension attractions footbridge – Joechelspitzbahn (chairlift)/Mountain Hay Museum – Modertal Waterfall

information Tourism Office Lechtal (untergiblen 23, A-6652 Elbigen- alp, telephone +43 5634 5315)

900

1050

1200

1350

1500

1 3 42 5 6 7 8 9

m

km

Holzgau Bach 9½ km – 734 m – 778 m

Pedestrian suspen-sion bridge over the Hoehenbach-schlucht

Joechelspitzbahn

32 | 33

For those who are not dizzy, the Lechweg takes you over the

longest and probably most spectacular suspension footbridge

in Austria. 200.5 metres long and 110 metres high, it crosses

the Hoehenbachschlucht (gorge). For those who get dizzy, you

can also walk into the Hoehenbachtal valley path, past the

Simms Waterfall to the rest station Café uta. From there the

trail leads up to the »schigge«.

For part of the way you walk on wooden planks across the

landscape jewel schigge, in direction Bach. shortly before the

»Bengler Wald« (wood), the trail heads to the base station of

the chairlift Joechelspitzbahn. Taking the ride up, at the peak

station of the Joechelspitze you find the Lechtal Bergheumuse-

um (mountain hay museum). It documents the very laborious

work, and desolate conditions under which the Tyrolean

mountain farmers had to once survive.

Make your way from the Bengler Wood to a short detour to-

wards »seesumpf« to the mythical Modertal Waterfall. At see-

sumpf on the right-hand side, the path again leads into the

wood. After a short while, you arrive at a small chapel. From

there the path leads down to the village of Bach. Between

Bach and Elbigenalp there is also an outdoor swimming area

with three heated pools.

# 6BACH –ELBIGENALP

route Bach – Obergiblen – untergiblen – Elbigenalp

length 3 km

duration ca. 1 stunde (easy trail)


sights/ Geierwally Open-Air stage – Dengelhaus – st. Nikolaus attractions Church – Martin‘s Chapel – wood-carving school – Lech- taler Haussegen Distillery


750

900

1050

1200

1350

½ 1 1 ½ 2 2 ½ 3

m

km

Bach Elbigenalp 3 km – 16 m – 40 m

On the Lech shore

Geierwally Open-air Stage

34 | 35

Directly along the Lech river‘s shore the Lechweg takes you

from Bach to Elbigenalp. You march three kilometers on an

easy trail. To get to the centre of Elbigenalp, you must leave

the Lechweg.

Elbigenalp is geographically the center of the Lech Valley and

is in the middle between Reutte and Lech am Arlberg. It is

the village of Queen Marie, mother of King Ludwig II of Bava-

ria, who spent much time here. Elbigenalp – birthplace of the

legendary Geierwally, Anna stainer-Knittel, and stronghold of

the art of wood-carving. There are a number of schools, among

them, the College for Arts and Crafts, sculpture, Gilding and

sign-making. On the open-air stage »Geierwally«, plays and

concerts are performed which have a connection to the Lech

Valley. In the restaurant »Zur Geierwally«, an exhibit can be

seen on the life of Anna stainer-Knittel.

The parish church of st. Nikolaus with its rich artistic treas-

ures is worth a visit. right next to it is the oldest chapel in the

valley, the Martin Chapel with its Ossuary. Here you see the

»Dance of Death« painted by Johann Anton Falger, who used

the Fuessen »Dance of Death« in the Anna Chapel as a model.

# 7ELBIGENALP –HAEsELGEHr

route Elbigenalp – Koeglen – Griessau – Haeselgehr

length 7 km

duration ca. 3 hours (easy trail)


sights/ Biotope near Koeglen – st. Martin Church – outdoor attractions swimming pool – herbal path – mineral spring Otterbach


750

900

1050

1200

1350

1 2 3 4 5 6

m

km

Elbigenalp Haeselgehr 7 km – 137 m – 173 m

Wading insulferous water (outdoor poolHaeselgehr)

Lech River be-tween Elbigenalp and Haeselgehr

36 | 37

From the centre of Elbigenalp it goes back to the Lech river. The

Lechweg now ambles along the river. shortly before reaching

Koeglen you reach a small biotope. At Koeglen you cross the

Lechtal country road and walk on forest and wooded paths to

a leg with a wonderful panoramic view.

At the altitude of Griessau you again cross the road and walk

on a farm lane through a small lowland forest and thereafter

along the Lech river to the outdoor swimming pool in Haeselgehr.

A little artifical creek with sulferous water runs through the

facility.

In Haeselgehr, the parish church st. Martin awaits you with

a rarity: it is decorated in a pure Nazarene style. The walls of

the nave are, to an extent, coated in sheet brass. Contours of

saints are engraved and painted over colorfully in these sheets.

For those who may wish to take part of the route on the water,

they can sign-up in Haeselgehr at the »Wildwater sport Lech-

tal – Fun rafting and Canyoning« outfit. Contact: Tel. +43 5634

6304, www.fun-rafting.at

# 8HAEsELGEHr –ELMEN

route Haeselgehr – Luxnach – Klimm – Elmen

length 5 km



sights/ Doser Waterfall – Klimm bridge* – parish church Elmen*attractionsinformation Tourism Office stanzach (stanzach 6, A-6642 stanzach, telephone +43 5632 6605)

750

900

1050

1200

1350

1 2 3 4

m

km

Haeselgehr Elmen 5 km – 309 m – 274m

View fromPanoramawegover Elmen

Doser Waterfall

38 | 39

From Haeselgehr, the Lechweg leads on to the »Weiler Lux-nach«. Here you will find the Doser waterfall. Its water comes

from a grotto and had previously driven a mill. The waterfall

dries up on st. Martin's Day (November 11th) and springs back

on st. George's Day (April 23rd). According to legend, a dragon

is responsible for this – it lets the stream flow and dissapear

at the right times.

Your trek takes you to the Purweg and then on to the pano-

rama trail towards Elmen. A break from rambling is offered in

»Klimm«, at the rest stop »Zur Gemuetlichkeit« (is not located

on Lechweg). To get to the centre of Elmen, you must leave the

Lechweg. The 15th century parish church in Elmen is worth a

visit. Like in Elbigenalp, there is also a »dance of death« by

Johann Anton Falger right here in the cemetery chapel.

From August 22 to 23, 2005 a terrible storm struck the region.

The flood waters of the Lech river created a wider riverbed in

Elmen and wiped out the Klimm bridge. It thus, upon rebuild-

ing, had to be extended in length.

# 9ELMEN –VOrDErHOrNBACH

route Elmen – Martinau – Vorderhornbach

length 6 km

duration ca. 2½ hours (easy mountain path)


sights/ Church zum Hl. Joseph in Martinau* – Natural Adventure attractions Pool Badino*

information Tourism Office stanzach (stanzach 6, A-6642 stanzach, telephone +43 5632 6605)

750

900

1050

1200

1350

1 2 3 4 5 6

m

km

Elmen Vorderhornbach 6 km – 297 m – 361m

View from the Panoramaweg onto the Lech River near Elmen

View down from old skilift toVorderhornbach

40 | 41

From the centre of Elmen you go back to »Klimm« and from

there back up to the Lechweg. On the trail through the Lech

Valley, you for the first time run into a beech forest shortly

before reaching Vorderhornbach.

Before you hike down to the small hamlet of Martinau, a short

detour to the old ski lift can be taken. From here you have a

wonderful panoramic view of Vorderhornbach and the Lech

Valley.

From Martinau, follow the »Krackweg« to Vorderhornbach.

There you can enjoy the natural adventure pool Badino. Here

you can relax in natural, chlorine-free water. A rock to jump

from, a creek to play in, and a Tarzan vine to swing from, all

provide a special bathing experience.

The mild climate of Vorderhornbach gives it the name »Merano

of the Lech Valley«. up until the 1960s rye was harvested here.

# 10VOrDErHOrNBACH –sTANZACH

route Vorderhornbach – stanzach

length 3 km

duration ca. 1 stunde (easy trail)


sights/ Baichlstein* with view of Lech »braid« – st. Michael Parish attractions Church

information Tourism Office stanzach (stanzach 6, A-6642 stanzach, telephone +43 5632 6605)

600

750

900

1050

1200

½ 1 1 ½ 2 2 ½ 3

m

km

Vorderhornbach stanzach 3 km – 43 m – 79m

View back towardVorderhornbach

View of the »Lechzopf«from Baichlstein

42 | 43

You pass Vorderhornbach and walk on a farm lane to the Lech

bridge. Here you cross the river and walk along the embank-

ment to Stanzach.

shortly before the Lech bridge, still on the Vorderhornbach

side, a short detour off the road on the left-hand side takes you

up to the Baichlstein. After about a forty-five minute walk, you

reach a lookout point with a great panoramic view of Vorder-

hornbach and onto the Lech »braid«, a magnificent riverbank

formation, downstream. This distinctive landscape goes back

to old groynes, which were once built by the former inhabitants

to secure the embankment.

In Stanzach be sure to visit the st. Michael parish church,

built in 1660 in a Nazarene style. In 1774 it burned down, the

reconstruction took place between 1775 and 1780. It was last

renovated from 1976 to 1984. The artist, Johann Jakob Zeiler

from reutte, designed the high altar painting of st. Michael.

Please note that Stanzach is the last opportunity to buy

groceries. The next supermarket is located in Weissenbach.

# 11sTANZACH –FOrCHACH

route stanzach – Forchach

length 5½ km



sights/ Wild river landscape – Forchach hanging bridgeattractionsinformation Tourism Office stanzach (stanzach 6, A-6642 stanzach, telephone +43 5632 6605)

600

750

900

1050

1200

1 2 3 4 5

m

km

stanzach Forchach 5½ km – 40 m – 65m

Forchachhanging bridge

Buildingstone men

44 | 45

Welcome to the »wild river«. The Lechweg now leads you along

the gravel banks through the characteristic wild river land-

scape. Take the time to build stone sculptures, have a refresh-

ment on one of the driftwood logs, or stop for a snack at a

designated picnic area.

Just before reaching Forchach, a forest lane branches off to

the »Café Alte Muehle«. simply follow the signs.

The Lechweg leads on the left side along to the Forchach hang-

ing bridge. The walking trail does not lead over the bridge, yet

a trip across it is worth it. You have a spectacular view onto

the wild Lech river from this 75 metre-long swing bridge,

erected in 1906.

We recommend that birdwatchers stay longer on this segment

of the Lech river. The gravel enbankments offer the best con-

ditions for viewing many species of breeding birds, such as

the sandpiper or the little ringed plover. Guided tours from

Nature Park rangers are held every Tuesday from 9:00AM to

11:00AM in July, August and september (see page 19).

# 12FOrCHACH –WEIssENBACH

route Forchach – Weissenbach

length 7 km



sights/ Johannes Bridge – man-made Lake – Moosberg – Kneipp attractions basin

information Tourism Board Office Naturpark region reutte (Kirch- platz 3, A-6671 Weissenbach, telephone +43 5678 5303)

600

750

900

1050

1200

1 2 3 4 5 6

m

km

Forchach Weissenbach 7 km – 115 m – 141m

Lech River near Forchach

Sheep on the Moosberg near Weissenbach

46 | 47

Continuing along the riverbank you reach the Johannes Bridge.

The first bridge here was built in the mid-19th century. Those

who crossed then had to pay a toll.

The ramble climbs on past the man-made quarry lake. This rest

area sets the stage for a cook-out and a break. After, you cross

the main country road, leaving the Lech river for a bit.

At the foot of the Moosberg mountain the Lechweg leads to

Weissenbach. At Weissenbach, there is a Kneipp basin to refresh

your tired feet and legs.

The Moosberg is a very special ecological area. It provides a

small-scale mosaic of dry and wet spots. The wide-open meadows

and pastures at the foot of the slope offer ground-nesting birds,

such as the whinchat and skylark, an ideal habitat. The grazing

of sheep keeps the landscape open and thus contributes to the

conservation of biological diversity.

# 13WEIssENBACH –WAENGLE

route Weissenbach – rieden – Ehenbichl – Hoefen – Waengle – (reutte )

length 9 km



sights/ rieden Lake – Gasthof Kreuz – Castle Worlds Ehrenberg* – attractions Hahnenkamm

information Hoefen (Hauptstrasse 24, A-6604 Hoefen, Tel. +43 5672 64937)

600

750

900

1050

1200

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

m

km

Weissenbach Waengle 9 km – 173 m – 119m

View from the Schlosskopf

48 | 49

From the center of the Weissenbach, the Lechweg leads back

to the river and to the outlet of the rotlech ravine. From here

it is on to Rieden, where Lake Rieden poses an idyllic hideaway.

Hidden in the forest, it offers some rare natural treasures. In the

hamlet of rieden the Gasthof Kreuz has been serving Tyrolean

hospitality for over 250 years. The outdoor seating in the garden

is especially inviting.

You have two paths to choose from for your route. Through the

Klausen Forest, you reach to the Fortress »schlosskopf«. It offers

a breathtaking panorama. The Castle Worlds Ehrenberg is testi-

mony to over two thousand years of European history. In the

museum »On the Knight's Trail« you can dip into the past. Beginn-

ing July 2013, a new natural history exhibition about the Lech

river will be on display. The descent is down towards Ehenbichl.

For those who do not want to visit the Castle Worlds, follow the

marked trail at the riverside to Ehenbichl.

From Ehenbichl you walk over the bridge to Hoefen, located at

the foot of the Hahnenkamm Mountain. From here, the reutte

cable car takes you up to the mountains. On the path between

Hoefen and Waengle there is a plant garden in a small wood.

# 14WAENGLE –PFLACH

route Waengle – Costaries chapel – Frauensee – Pflach – (reutte )

length 9½ km

duration ca. 3 hours (demanding trail)


sights/ Costaries chapel – Frauensee – town centre reutte* –attractions Heritage Museum Gruenes Haus* – Alpentherme Ehren- berg sPA* – bird-watching tower Pflach

information Tourism Board Naturpark region reutte (untermarkt 34, A-6600 reutte, telephone +43 5672 62336)

600

750

900

1050

1200

m

km

Waengle Pflach 9½ km – 381 m – 485m

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

View of the Frauensee

Bird-watching towerPflacher Au

50 | 51

From Waengle the Lechweg of leads you at first over the High

Panorama Trail. From there, a climb leads up to the Costaries

chapel. The short climb is worth it – a wonderful panoramic view

of the reutte basin awaits you. Continue towards the small

lake, the Frauensee. At 150 meters long and 120 meters wide,

the lake appears almost inconspicuous. right on the Frauensee,

you can stop for some refreshment. Then the path leads down

to Hinterbichl. You cross the river via the footbridge and walk

through the Pflacher Au. It is known for its extraordinary birdlife.

The wild river stretches of the Lech river with gravel banks offer

teriffic conditions. In the vicinity of the Innovation Center you

find the bird-watching tower. An educational trail about birdlife

begins here.

To get to the center of Reutte, you must leave the Lechweg

beyond the footbridge. Follow the signs. The district's main

town offers many shopping opportunities. The Alpentherme

Ehrenberg spa invites you to relax. stroll through the reutte

lower market with its colorful old mansions. The museum in

the »Gruenes Haus« is worth a visit.

# 15PFLACH –FuEssEN

route Pflach – Kniepass – sternschanze – Oberpins- wang – Alpsee – swan Lake – Kalvarienberg – Lechfall – Fuessen

length 15 km



sights/ sternschanze – Alpsee – Marie Monument – museum attractions of the Bavarian Kings* – royal Castles – Kalvarienberg – Lechfall – Forest Nature Centre Ziegelwies*

information Fuessen Tourism and Marketing (Kaiser-Maximilian- Platz 1, D-87629 Fuessen, telephone +49 8362 9385-0)

600

750

900

1050

1200

m

km

Pflach Fuessen 15 km – 722m – 760m

2 4 6 8 10 12 14

Alpsee near Hohenschwangau

Lechfall near Fuessen

52 | 53

On this last stretch, you leave the Lech river and walk on forest

paths and lanes over the Kniepass to the sternschanze (star-

shaped entrenchment). It is as part of the fortification remains

of the Castle Worlds Ehrenberg. Here a beautiful view of Ober-pinswang can be taken in.

Follow in the footsteps of King Ludwig II. Leave the Lechweg

at Unterpinswang and stop in at the Gutshof schluxen. King

Ludwig II was a frequent guest here. From the schluxen, take

the Fuerstenstrasse back to the Lechweg. After a stretch on

forested roads, the Lechweg leads on wooded paths toward

a lake, the Alpsee, and onto Bavarian soil. You walk past the

Israelite, an elongated, slightly overhanging rock face. soon the

Alpsee flashes through the leaves of trees. Enjoy the wonderful

view of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein Castles shortly

thereafter. Follow the Alpsee trail past the Marie Monument.

If your legs are tired from walking, on the other bank, the café

and restaurant »Alpenrose am see« awaits you. Afterwards, you

go above the Swan Lake on the Alpenrosenweg to the Kalvarien-

berg. Climb the last ascent of the Lechweg. The view makes up

for the effort: Over the rooves of Fuessen, the view extends

far into the Alpine foothills with its many lakes, or back to the

castles and the Tyrol. Now you descend to the Lechfall – the

terminal point of the Lechweg Trail.

FuEssEN

sights/ Fuessen City Museum (with Anna Chapel and Dance attractions of Death) – Baroque Basilica st. Mang – High Castle with Municipal Art Gallery and state Painting Collection – Forggensee with boat tours – Heilig Geist Infirmary Church – st. sebastian cemetary – Franciscan monastery with st. stephan’s Church – st. Nikolaus Creche Church – Festspielhaus (festival hall)

information Fuessen Tourism and Marketing (Kaiser-Maximilian- Platz 1, D-87629 Fuessen, telephone +49 8362 9385-0)

View from the Kalvarien-berg to Fuessen

Neuschwanstein Castle with the Alpsee

54 | 55

surrounded by impressive mountain peaks, but also by gentle

hills, the city of Fuessen lies at 800 meters above sea level. It

is the hub of the Allgaeu hiking trail network. This is where the

»romantic road«, the »Maximilianweg«, the »Via Alpina« and

the »Via Claudia Augusta« meet. Around 200 kilometres of

hiking trails lead to more than ten lakes, to the royal Castles,

to the Forggensee boat tours, to dairies and also breweries.

Fuessen can look back on more than 700 years of history.

The medieval streets of the old town, the city walls and many

Baroque churches invite you to stroll and marvel.

In 1562, the first European lute-making guild was established

in Fuessen – the town became the cradle of commercial lute

and violin instrument-making. Today, the Fuessen City Museum

houses one of Europe's finest collections of historical lutes

and violins. Also worth seeing in the museum is the Fuessen

»Dance of Death« by Jakob Hiebeler. Above the old town the

High Castle towers with its late-medieval illusionary trompe

l'oeil paintings in the courtyard. The former summer residence

of the prince bishops of Augsburg now holds a Bavarian State

Painting Collection and the Municipal Art Gallery.

Walking tips

The Trail

rambling is not a sprint! Do not begin the legs too fast. sweat-

ing is OK, but do not get out of breath. If you are able to hold

a conversation comfortably while walking, then you have found

an appropriate pace. Walking should relax you! A mobile phone

helps in an emergency: dial 144 for emergency assistance, the

European emergency number is 112 and mountain rescue is 140.

The Weather

Do not start any leg if thunderstorms or a storm has been

forecast. Also if poor weather sets in, the trail segments can be

shortened by taking the public transportation. In the category

»Attractions«, you can find alternative things to do on rainy

days on the stages.

The Walking Season

The Lechweg starts at 1,793 meters above sea level. The entire

trail can only be walked between the end of June and the be-

ginning of October. Whoever wants to begin sooner may choose

an abbreviated variant from steeg to Fuessen. Here the hiking

season begins in May.

56 | 57

The right gear for the Lech Trail –

Tips by outdoor-specialist Tatonka

Equipment list for a multi-day hike on the Lechweg:

■ Hiking backpack with back circulation

■ Rain poncho

■ Rain gear and rain pants (functional clothing/SPF Block)

■ Comfortable seasonal clothing

■ Hiking shoes or hiking boots

■ Trekking poles

■ Sunglasses and retainer

■ Sun hat or cap

■ Fleece pullover (even in summer!)

■ Extra pair of socks

■ Provisions (at least a snack or granola bar)

■ Drink bottle or drinking system

■ Sunscreen

■ First-aid kit

■ Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, creams,

etc. personal use)

■ Medications

■ Hygiene items

■ Toilet paper, Kleenex

■ Towel

■ Slippers or sandals

■ Sleepwear

■ Mobile phone

■ evtl. map »Lechweg«1/Wanderfuehrer »Der Lechweg«2

(available at the Tourism Information/Offices)

■ Pocket knife

■ Photo ID, currency

➜ and do not forget the Lechweg-Service Booklet

Maps/Literature

1 Wanderkarte »Lechweg«, 1:25.000, Public Press, ISBN 978-3-89920-728-6, € 6,95

2 Wanderfuehrer »Der Lechweg«, Christel Blankenstein, 128 S., Berg & Tal Verlag, ISBN 978-3-939499-37-4, € 14,90

Information about backpacks:

A walking backpack normally has a packing volume of 20 to 30

liters, suited for a one to two day tour. It should have good carrying

strap system, which ideally supports your back. A good walking

backpack should have side pockets for things that you need to access

quickly (food, water bottle, hat, etc.). An integrated rain shell is

advantageous as is a bracket for your hiking poles. For your safety

we recommend a shoulder strap with a whistle and a flashlight

holder. For men we recommend the model Leon 38 for the Lechweg.

The equivalent women's model is Jaca 36. Both backpack models

are best suited for multiple stage tours with a packing volume of

38 or 36 liters, respectively. The proven X Lite Vario strap carrying

system with lumbar pad; has the option to adjust the shoulder

straps to varying lengths at the onset, is strengthened with two

crossed GFK-tubing which efficiently redistributes the load onto

the ergonomically-shaped hip belt.

Information about clothing:

Hikiing apparel should be chosen according to the season. In

any case, a comfortable fit is very important. This guarantees

maximum freedom of motion. Functional undergarments are

recommended, since you can break out in a sweat while walking

too. Remember that the weather in the mountains can change

quickly. Take along long trousers, a warm fleece and rain shell

even in summer. Because of their breathability, special functional

sportswear instead of simple rain clothes is recommended. Having

a second pair of socks in the backpack is never a bad idea (one

could get wet feet sometimes...).

58 | 59

Additional tips:

Trekking poles offer secure footing on mountainous terrain!

Take along sufficient energy food (granola bar, dextrose, choco-

late, trail mix) and liquids!

Regardless of the season, always bring sunscreen, and because

of the strong UV rays in the mountains, take sunglasses along!

In case of an emergency, take your mobile phone with you!

Strap System

Shoulder Strap

Side Pockets

integrated Rain Shell

Hiking PoleBracket

Shoulder Straps

Hip Belt

Getting the perfect footwear:

This is how long-distance walking becomes a joy –

Tips from hiking footwear expert LOWA

In order to search for, and find the perfect hiking boot which can

provide pain-free walking on long-distance trails like the 125 km

Lechweg, one needs some know-how.

The hiking footwear fits, when the shaft surrounds the foot like a

second skin. Yet at the same time, it should not pinch. Your toes

need room: they should not bump against the front nor top. Test

this necessary free motion also while going uphill and downhill –

specialty shops often offer »test parcours«, which simulate walking

on the terrain. Additionally, walk slanted to make certain your foot

does not slide around in the shoe.

The fit around the heel in the footwear is especially important.

If the heel room of the hiking footwear is too wide, your foot will

slide up when rolling over or standing on uneven terrain. This can

lead to painful chafing. Therefore, test very consciously if the heel

sits tight in the shoe.

The walker should also carefully inspect the lacing: it is very impor-

tant in uneven terrain. Optimal support are provided by laces which

reach almost to the tow cap. It is recommended that you readjust

the lacing after ten minutes of wearing the footwear, because the

shoe only fits correctly after it has been worn a while.

60 | 61

Useful tips for purchasing hiking boots:

➜ When: Do not buy your hiking boots just before the ramble!

Shoes need to be broken in in order to insure absolute foot

comfort. Wear your shoes at least four weeks on short walks

before the hike.

➜ How: Test various models and do not go for the first pair that

seems to fit. Make no compromises!

➜ Extra Tip: Go shopping for your hiking shoes during the after-

noon, During the day, your foot swells, making it a better time

to test footwear.

Heel box: If too big the foot slips back and up in the shoe – which can cause chafing. Laces: Good hiking footwear

is offered (i.e. at LOWA) invarious lacing sizes.

Shaft: It needs to support the ankle and at the same time remain flexible enough to allow for free motion.

Inner side: The shaft isadditionally padded on the inside, in order to fixate the foot and to avoid any pressure spots.

Lechweg Certification

The Lechweg has been awarded the quali-

ty award »Leading Quality Trails – Best of

Europe« as excellent long-distance trail by

the European ramblers Association (ErA).

The new European evaluation system has

been adding to the content of established

quality trails »Wanderbares Deutschland« for years, yet sets

even higher requirements for a hiking trail. Criteria need to be

met in relation to short 4 km-long section, daily stages, and the

overall length of the route. Thus the »Leading Quality Trails –

Best of Europe« have strict limits for asphalted or street seg-

ments, they must be contiguous, user-friendly, and signpos-

ted and offer a diversified course. The most important further

developments relate to the daily stages. Safety according to

national regulations plays a significant role. Also hiker-friendly

entry points, including parking areas, and the accessibility

to public transportation must be guaranteed.The level of diffi-

culty of the trail is designated by the categories set by the ErA,

which are based on those of the Alpenvereine (Alpine Associa-

tions). One new criteria is »paths with implemented safety

measures«, paying due respect to the demands of trails in alpine

regions.

The required information headboards at the start and end

point of the long-distance trail, which need to be in at least

two languages, are also new.

62 | 63

GuT uNTErGEKOMMEN

You can book the Lechweg as a

package holiday with our partner,

Wikinger Tours.

Itinerary

1. Day: Welcome to the Lech Valley!

2. Day: Formarinsee & Lech source region

3. Day: From Lech am Arlberg to Steeg

4. Day: To Elbigenalp

5. Day: Orchids and butterflies

6. Day: Intact river landscapes

7. Day: To the Lech falls

8. Day: Departure from the Allgaeu or extension in Fuessen

Included travel services:

➜ 7 nights accommodations in rooms with toilet,

bathtub and/or shower

➜ 5 x half-board

➜ 2 x breakfast buffet only (in Stanzach and Fuessen)

➜ baggage transportation

➜ detailled trail descriptions

➜ maps with marked routes

➜ tourist taxes

Excluded services:

➜ SPA and wellness treatments

Dates: Arrival on any day of the week possible

Price per person with a min. of 2 persons

Single Room Double

29.June – 12.July 2013 €690 €595

13.July – 13.Sept. 2013 €710 €625

(Single supplement € 40.-)

Additional nights are bookable at all points.

Please mention at time of booking.

Contact and Information:Wikinger reisen, Koelner strasse 20, D-58135 Hagen

telephone: +49 2331 904804, Fax: +49 2331 904891

[email protected], www.wikinger-reisen.de

64 | 65

Excellent Ramblers‘ Hospitality

On the following pages, we introduce the Lechweg hosts. They

have been tested according to quality criteria and are oriented

to the special needs of the rambler. Before and after every stage,

they are your competent contact person, adviser and helper.

Every guesthouse has an employee who is familiar with the

Lechweg and the regional route, knows how to get you back

on the Lechweg, and offer you maps. Current public bus sched-

ules or suggested routes for walks can also be obtained at

your accommodation. Information on things like weather

forecasts or notification of accessibility of the trail is available

on the notice board in most guest houses.

Booking inquiries can be made at all hosts simply per letter,

phone call, fax and internet or e-mail – even for only one night.

Assistance with baggage transfer or shuttle service to the

start or endpoint of the stages are offered for a fee. In the event

of small inconveniences along the way, your hosts are equipped

with a limited hikers‘ pharmacy or can also offer the chance

for you to launder and dry your gear.

Tip: Don’t want to pack your luggage or change your accom-

modation location daily? Then simply book a home base

accommodation and use the public bus service to get to your

stage starting point. This makes your travel plans easier while

saving you money along the way.

The listing of the 112 Lechweg-Partner enterprises ensues in

different categories: For one they are arranged according to

the course of the route – from Lech am Arlberg as starting point

to Fuessen in the Allgaeu as end point. They are also listed ac-

cording to their classification. Please be aware that these are

different in Germany and Austria, respectively: In Germany

stars are the quality symbol for all accommodations regardless

of type. In Austria hotels and guesthouses are also classified

into categories with stars. Private apartments and rooms, on

the other hand, are given an Edelweiss symbol, farmsteads

have daisies. Generally, the more stars, edelweiss or daisies an

accommodation has, the more amenities and services it offers.

Camping along the Lechweg: Camping along the Lechweg is

possible at camp and caravan sites in Haeselgehr, reutte and

Fuessen. Because the public bus services along the route are

so good, these places can be used as a home base and you can

return to them after your day’s walk. Camping in undesignated

areas is illegal, as is the case in many European countries.

Information about the host section: Local tourist taxes are

not included in the given prices. Information can be obtained

at the respective tourism organisations. The price shown is

per person, based on double occupancy, including breakfast,

in hotels and guesthouses. There is a single supplement in most

cases. Prices for apartments are usually independent of number

of occupants, otherwise it is noted. Please note that in most

cases no breakfast is included in an apartment booking. The

prices range »from… to…« and take into account the season

and room category; for more information contact the host

directly.

some hosts offer a shuttle transfer (short stretch) free of charge

to the starting point of the next stage, or from the end of the

stage to the accommodation. Look for the following pictogram:

Romantik Hotel, Dorf 13A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/[email protected]

Die Krone von LechCategory:

Distance to Lechweg 300 mNumber of rooms 53

Price per person per night (DBL + breakf.)€ 120.– to 215.–

LECH AM ArLBErG

66 | 67

Omesberg 287A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/23 [email protected]

Hotel AustriaCategory: S

Distance to Lechweg 300 mNumber of rooms/apts 33/25


Price/night for an apartment (4 Pers.)€ 95.– to 192.–

Dorf 11A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/22 [email protected]

Hotel Gasthof PostCategory:



Hotel der BerghofCategory: S




Hotel GotthardCategory: S



Omesberg 119A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/3 56 [email protected]


Hotel AuroraCategory:



68 | 69

Oberlech 151A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/23 [email protected]

Tannberg 347A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/244 [email protected]


Hotel BurgwaldCategory:

Distance to Lechweg 1,3 kmNumber of rooms/apts 17/3

Price per person per night (DBL + breakf.)€ 51,60 to 58,60

Price per night for an apartment€ 75,60

Haldenhof Hotel-PensionCategory:



Hotel Pension RoggalCategory:



LECH AM ArLBErG

Zug 5A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/3 43 [email protected]

Zug 525A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/[email protected]

Rote Wand Hotel & GasthofCategory:


Price per person per night (DBL + All incl.)€ 139.– to 143.–

Hotel Garni StaefeliCategory:



Price per night for an apartment€ 60.– to 90.–


Hotel Theodul / Hus HoeriliCategory:




70 | 71


Anger 284A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/24 [email protected]


Hotel BergheimCategory:




Hotel KristallCategory:



Hotel LaerchenhofCategory:



LECH AM ArLBErG


Zug 309A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/3 [email protected]

Hotel LechCategory:



Pension AlwinCategory:



Strass 326A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/[email protected]

Haus BuersteggCategory:



Oberlech 531A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/30 [email protected]

Omesberg 438A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/3 66 [email protected]

Pension BergmaehderCategory:




Apartmenthaus BraunarlCategory:

Distance to Lechweg 0 mNumber of apartments 12


72 | 73

Dorf 447A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/[email protected]

Hotel Garni LavendelCategory:



LECH AM ArLBErG


Strass 402A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/2 1 1 [email protected]

Pension DanielCategory:



Pension HasenfluhCategory:



Oberlech 341A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/26 1 [email protected]

Pension MichaelaCategory:

Distance to Lechweg 2,3 kmNumber of rooms 9


Dorf 1 15A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/29 [email protected]

Anger 1 45A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/24 [email protected]

Omesberg 17 1A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/3 80 [email protected]

Pension SchneiderCategory:

Distance to Lechweg 700 mNumber of rooms 1 1


S´Edelweiss Category:



Haus Wallis Category:

Distance to Lechweg 1 70 mNumber of rooms/apts 9/9



74 | 75

LECH AM ArLBErG


Dorf 1 58A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/29 [email protected]

Strass 654, A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/3 09 77 oderMobil +43 664/7 82 96 [email protected]

Appart AltanaCategory:



Pension Walserheim Category:



Appartements Haus Dr. Muxel Category: 4 Edelweiss



Bregenzerwaldstrasse 53A-6767 Warthtelephone +43 55 83/35 [email protected]

Nr. 55A-6767 Warthtelephone +43 55 83/26 [email protected]

Wellnesshotel Warther HofCategory: S



Price/night for an apartment (5 Pers.)€ 150.–

Boutique Hotel LechtalerhofCategory:



Tannberg 235A-6764 Lech am Arlbergtelephone +43 55 83/20 [email protected]

Chalet Anna MariaCategory:




76 | 77

LECH AM ArLBErG – WArTH

Hochkrumbach 5A-6767 Warthtelephone +43 55 83/42 [email protected]

Familienhotel JaegeralpeCategory:

Distance to Lechweg 3 kmNumber of rooms 43


Bregenzerwaldstrasse 36A-6767 Warthtelephone +43 55 83/[email protected]

Sporthotel SteffisalpCategory:


Price per person per night (DBL + breakf.)€ 77.–

Alpin Garni WarthCategory:




Nr. 56A-6767 Warthtelephone +43 55 83/27 [email protected]

Nr. 66A-6767 Warthtelephone +43 664/3 89 43 [email protected]

Haus Sabine Category: 4 Edelweiss




Gasthof Tyrol Category:



Gehren 1A-6767 Warth-Gehrentelephone +43 55 83/36 [email protected]

78 | 79

WArTH

Gasthaus Walserstube Category:




Bregenzerwaldstrasse 60A-6767 Warthtelephone +43 55 83/[email protected]

Gehren 5A-6767 Warth-Gehrentelephone +43 55 83/[email protected]

Gehrnerhof Urlaub am Bauernhof

Category: 4 Margeriten




Berggasthaus AlpenroseCategory:



Gasthof HolzgauerhausCategory:



Lechleiten 15 aA-6767 Warth-Lechleitentelephone +43 55 83/36 [email protected]

Lechleiten 7A-6767 Warth-Lechleitentelephone +43 55 83/35 [email protected]

80 | 81

sTEEG

Walchen 46A-6655 Steegtelephone +43 56 33/52 [email protected]

Hotel TannenhofCategory:



Haegerau 11A-6655 Steegtelephone +43 56 33/56 [email protected]

Gasthof Schwarzer AdlerCategory:



Nr. 17A-6655 Steegtelephone +43 56 33/53 [email protected]

Hotel Post SteegCategory:



Hinterellenbogen 11aA-6655 Steegtelephone +43 56 33/56 1 [email protected]

LaerchenhofCategory: 3 Edelweiss




Dickenau 14A-6655 Steegtelephone +43 56 33/56 [email protected]

»Der Stern« Kraeuterhotel & Wirtshaus

Category:



Gaestehaus WiesenruhCategory: 4 Edelweiss



Buckgasse 19A-6655 Steegtelephone +43 56 33/[email protected]

sTEEG – HOLZGAu

82 | 83

Haegerau 34aA-6655 Steegtelephone +43 56 33/2 00 [email protected]

Haegerau 40eA-6655 Steegtelephone +43 676/6 0550 [email protected]

Familie PfefferkornCategory: 3 Edelweiss




Ferienwohnung JasminCategory: 4 Edelweiss

Distance to Lechweg 1,2 kmNumber of apartments 1


Nr. 10, A-6655 Steegtelephone +43 56 33/57 62Mobil +43 680/3 22 68 [email protected]

Haus LechblickCategory: 3 Edelweiss



Lechtaler Strasse 114A-6654 Holzgautelephone +43 56 33/52 [email protected]

Wohlfuehlhotel Berg HeilCategory: S



Price/person/night (DBL+ half-board)€ 48.– to 54.–

Nr. 47A-6654 Holzgautelephone +43 56 33/52 [email protected]

Hotel Neue PostCategory: /


Price per person per night (DBL + breakf.)€ 41,50 to 45.–


Hotel Ober-LechtalerhofCategory: S





Gasthof BaerenCategory:



Ferienschloessl HarmonieCategory:



Price/night for an apartment (2 –4 Pers.)€ 52.– to 107.–

Nr. 38A-6654 Holzgautelephone +43 56 33/2 00 [email protected]

Winkl 122A-6654 Holzgautelephone +43 56 33/54 [email protected]

Hotel WinklerhofCategory:



84 | 85

HOLZGAu


Pension AlpenperleCategory:





Pension BirkenhofCategory:





Landhaus MarionCategory:




Schoenau 14A-6654 Holzgautelephone +43 56 33/52 [email protected]

Nr. 24a, A-6654 Holzgautelephone +43 56 33/51 05Mobil +43 664/6 41 42 [email protected]

Hof WalchCategory: 3 Edelweiss



Price per night for an apartment€ 37,50 to 42,50

Gaestehaus HuberCategory: 3 Margeriten




Duernau 7A-6654 Holzgautelephone +43 676/6 36 93 [email protected]

LaerchenhofCategory: 3 Edelweiss


Price per night for an apartment€ 25.–

86 | 87

HOLZGAu – BACH

Oberbach 44A-6653 Bachtelephone +43 56 34/63 [email protected]

Hotel PostCategory: S



Unterbach 10A-6653 Bachtelephone +43 56 34/63 [email protected]

Hotel AlpenblickCategory:



Am Dorfplatz 43A-6653 Bachtelephone +43 56 34/63 [email protected]

Wanderhotel Gruener BaumCategory:



Unterbach 27aA-6653 Bachtelephone +43 56 34/65 [email protected]

Haus am WaldrandCategory: 3 Edelweiss

Distance to Lechweg 1 kmNumber of rooms/apts 4/4



Stockach 21A-6653 Bachtelephone +43 6 76/9 60 44 [email protected]

Trudis HoamatCategory: 2 Edelweiss



Untergiblen 2 1A-6652 Elbigenalptelephone +43 56 34/[email protected]

Alpenrose Wellness- u. Familienhotel

Category: S



Price/person/night (DBL+ half-board)€ 99.– to 143.–

88 | 89

BACH – ELBIGENALP

Nr. 7A-6652 Elbigenalptelephone +43 56 34/62 [email protected]

Hotel-Gasthof-SternCategory:



Untergiblen 26A-6652 Elbigenalptelephone +43 56 34/62 [email protected]

Hotel PanoramaCategory:



Nr. 12A-6652 Elbigenalptelephone +43 6 64/73 72 13 [email protected]

Haus WalchCategory: 3 Edelweiss



Price per night for an apartment€ 55,80 to 58,80

Nr. 108A-6644 Elmentelephone +43 6 64/73 70 53 [email protected]

Casa GenovevaCategory: 3 Edelweiss



Nr. 45A-6644 Elmentelephone +43 56 35/2 [email protected]

Landgasthof KaiserkroneCategory:



Griessau 12A-6651 Haeselgehrtelephone +43 56 34/62 [email protected]

Haus AlpinaCategory: 4 Edelweiss



90 | 91

HAEsELGEHr – ELMEN – VOrDErHOrNBACH – sTANZACH

Nr. 39A-6645 Vorderhornbachtelephone +43 56 32/2 [email protected]

Gasthof RoseCategory:



Nr. 2 1A-6645 Vorderhornbachtelephone +43 56 32/3 [email protected]

Bauernhof/Haus ScheiberCategory: 2 Edelweiss




Nr. 114A-6642 Stanzachtelephone +43 56 32/3 [email protected]

Hotel Foehrenhof Category:




Pension WaldhofCategory:



Nr. 100A-6642 Stanzachtelephone +43 56 32/66 [email protected]

Nr. 112, A-6642 Stanzachtelephone +43 56 32/3 03Mobil +43 664/1 53 00 [email protected]/falger

Haus FalgerCategory: 3 Edelweiss



Ferienhotel DoblerCategory:


Price per person per night (DBL + breakf.)€ 35.–

Sommer 24A-6671 Weissenbachtelephone +43 56 78/52 [email protected]

92 | 93

sTANZACH – WEIssENBACH – EHENBICHL

Schaefflershof 4A-6671 Weissenbachtelephone +43 56 78/52 [email protected]

Oberbach 14A-6671 Weissenbachtelephone +43 56 78/52 [email protected]

Naturparkhotel FlorenceCategory:




Hotel Goldenes LammCategory:



Reuttenerstrasse 1A-6600 Ehenbichltelephone +43 56 72/6 25 [email protected]

Hotel MaximilianCategory:



Unterried 7A-6600 Ehenbichltelephone +43 56 72/6 [email protected]

GintherhofCategory: 4 Margeriten




Bergbahnstrasse 14A-6604 Hoefentelephone +43 56 72/2 10 [email protected]

Feriendorf am HahnenkammCategory:



Alte Bundesstrasse 19A-6604 Hoefentelephone +43 56 72/6 32 [email protected]

Landgasthof LilieCategory:


Price per person per night (DBL + breakf.)€ 43.– to 51,50

94 | 95

EHENBICHL – HOEFEN – WAENGLE

Dorfstrasse 24A-6610 Waengletelephone +43 56 72/6 23 7 [email protected]

Hotel Gasthof KroellCategory:



Holz 8A-6610 Waengletelephone +43 56 72/6 22 [email protected]

Hotel TalhofCategory:



Hinterbichl 12A-6610 Waengle-Hinterbichltelephone +43 56 72/6 38 [email protected]

Ferienhotel TannenhofCategory:



Hotel Goldene RoseCategory:



Dorfstrasse 2A-6600 Lechaschautelephone +43 56 72/6 24 [email protected]

Romantik KroneCategory:



Waengler Strasse 6A-6600 Lechaschautelephone +43 56 72/6 23 [email protected]

96 | 97

WAENGLE – LECHAsCHAu – rEuTTE – PFLACH – PINsWANG

Dorfstrasse 1 1A-6610 Waengletelephone +43 6 76/6 26 49 [email protected]

AlpenhofCategory: 3 Edelweiss




Hotel-Gasthof zum SchwanenCategory:



Fuessener Strasse 2A-6600 Pflachtelephone +43 56 72/6 20 [email protected]

Untermarkt 26A-6600 Reuttetelephone +43 56 72/6 23 [email protected]

Hotel zum MohrenCategory:



Unterpinswang 24A-6600 Pinswangtelephone +43 56 77/8 [email protected]

Gutshof zum SchluxenCategory:



Bahnhofstrasse 1 –3D-87629 Fuessentelephone +49 83 62/9 [email protected]

Luitpoldpark-HotelCategory:



Enzensbergstrasse 5D-87629 Fuessen-Hopfen am Seetelephone +49 83 62/9 [email protected]

Biohotel Eggensberger med.well

Category:



98 | 99

FuEssEN

Prinzregentenplatz 2–4D-87629 Fuessentelephone +49 83 62/93 01 [email protected]

Hotel SchlosskroneCategory: S


Price per person per night (DBL + breakf.)€ 50.– to 110,50

Weidachstrasse 74D-87629 Fuessentelephone +49 83 62/9 14 [email protected]

Hotel SommerCategory:



Saeulingstrasse 3D-87629 Fuessentelephone +49 83 62/9 12 [email protected]

Hotel FilserCategory: S



Am Anger 3D-87629 Fuessen-Bad Faulenbachtelephone +49 83 62/9 13 [email protected]

Vitalhotel WiedemannCategory: S




Ritterstrasse 6D-87629 Fuessentelephone +49 83 62/9 16 [email protected]

Altstadt-Hotel »Zum Hechten«Category:



Alatseestrasse 38D-87629 Fuessentelephone +49 83 62/9 10 [email protected]

Ruchti s Hotel & Restaurant Category:



100 | 101

FuEssEN

Schwaerzerweg 6D-87629 Fuessen-Bad Faulenbachtelephone +49 83 62/9 13 [email protected]

Hotel Jakob garniCategory:



Price/night for an apartment (2 Pers.)€ 90.–

DreimaederlhausCategory: G



Pfrontener Strasse 43D-87629 Fuessen-Weissenseetelephone +49 83 62/9 19 [email protected]

Ziegelwiesstrasse 15D-87629 Fuessentelephone +49 83 62/[email protected]

Gaestehaus KieserCategory: G



Rossmoos 4D-87629 Fuessen-Weissenseetelephone +49 83 63/16 [email protected]

Berghof SichlerCategory: P




Benkener Weg 9D-87629 Fuessen-Weissenseetelephone +49 83 63/7 31 [email protected]

Ferienhof »Am Holderbusch«Category: F



Steigmuehlenweg 14bD-87629 Fuessen-Weissenseetelephone +49 83 62/3 79 [email protected]

Haus HildebrandtCategory: F



102 | 103

FuEssEN

Burgweg 1D-87629 Fuessen-Hopfen am Seetelephone +49 83 62/47 [email protected]

Ferienwohnungen KellerCategory: F /



# 1Bus stop Formarinsee – Ibex Monument –Zug – Lech am Arlberg

# 2Lech am Arlberg – stubenbach – Kuh-schwab – Warth – Gehren – Lechleiten

DINING/EATING ON THE LECHWEG

Open fromJuly to septemberfrom 8:00AM–6:00PM

Open daily 12:00PM–2:00PM and 7:00PM–11:00PM(Meals served until 9:00PM)

Open 1. July to mid-september 2013 from 12:00PM–1:30PMand 6:30PM–8:30PMnot directly on Lechweg

Terrace with view of »Biber-kopf« Open daily from 10:00AM–10:00PM

Open 5. July to mid-October2013 from 8:00AM–10:00PMClosed Tuesday

regional and seasonal speci-alities by the »Genusswirt«! Tip: Walser Mountain Breakfast (every Thursday) at the mountain hut »Hochalp«, open daily warm meals served til 9:00PM, open from 26. June to 13. October 2013not directly on Lechweg

»Bauernkoscht«, (farmstead cooking) »Bauernjause«upon request, open from Juneto October 11:00AM – 5:30PMClosed Monday and Tuesday

Open 1. June to 13. October 2013daily from 8:00AM – 10:00AM,12:00PM – 2:00PM and 6:00PM–8:00PM

Allerlei-GenussraumA-6764 Lech, Zug 503telephone +43 664/5398274www.staefeli.at

Hotel Arlberg – Die StubeA-6764 Lech, Tannberg 187telephone +43 5583/21340www.arlberghotel.at

Hotel ElisabethA-6764 Lech, Nr. 285telephone +43 5583/2330www.hotelelisabeth.com

Dorfcafé A-6767 Warth, Nr. 48telephone +43 5583/36 15

Gasthaus Walserstube A-6767 Warth, Bregenzerwaldstr. 60telephone +43 5583/3557www.walserstube.at

Wanderhotel Jaegeralpe A-6767 Warth, Hochkrumbach 5telephone +43 5583/4250www.jaegeralpe.at

Lisl s TerrasseneinkehrA-6767 Warth-Gehren, Gehren 5telephone +43 5583/3602www.gehrnerhof.at

Gasthof TyrolA-6767 Warth-Gehren, Gehren 1telephone +43 5583/3609www.gasthof-tyrol.com

Open mid-May to mid-October from 7:00AM–midnight

Afternoon light menu on theterrace at 2:00PM

Open 15. May to 26.October 2013 from 10:00AM –midnight(begin mid-september,closed Wednesday)

Open mid-May to mid-October 10:00AM – 10:00PMClosed Tuesday

Open 10:00AM –midnightClosed Tuesday

Open dailyClosed Monday and Tuesday

Gasthof Baeren A-6654 Holzgau, Nr. 56telephone +43 5633/5217www.holzgau.net

Pension BirkenhofA-6654 Holzgau, Nr. 59atelephone +43 5633/5217 oder 5234www.holzgau.net

Pension Holzgauerhof A-6654 Holzgau, Nr. 66telephone +43 5633/5250www.holzgauerhof.at

Hotel Gasthof Post A-6652 Elbigenalp, Dorf 41btelephone +43 5634/6205www.hotel-post.biz

Landgasthof Kaiserkrone A-6644 Elmen, Nr. 45telephone +43 5635/210www.gasthof-kaiserkrone.at

Pizzeria-Restaurant Dobler A-6671 Weissenbach, Sommer 24telephone +43 5678/5254www.hotel-dobler.at

104 | 105

»Genuss am Berg«, open12. Juli to 29. september 2013, daily 12:00PM–midnightClosed Wednesday

Gasthof HolzgauerhausA-6767 Warth-Lechleiten, Lechleiten 7telephone +43 5583/3513www.holzgauerhaus.at

steeg – Holzgau

# 4

Bach – Obergiblen – untergiblen – Elbigenalp

# 6

Haeselgehr – Luxnach – Klimm – Elmen

# 8

Forchach – Weissenbach

# 12

Open daily9:00AM – 11:00PMClosed Monday and Tuesday

Open Tuesday to sunday from 10:00AM – 11:00PM, Warm meals from 11:00AM – 9:00PMProvisions available, closed Monday except on public holidays

Gasthof Kreuz A-6671 Rieden, Nr. 4telephone +43 5678/5202www.gasthof-kreuz-tirol.at

Geniesserrestaurant SennerlandA-6604 Hoefen, Hauptstrasse 26telephone +43 5672/72400www.sennerland.at

Open from 10:00AM – 10:00PMClosed Tuesday

Open at 10:00AMClosed Monday

Hotel Fruehlingsgarten D-87629 Fuessen, Alatseestrasse 8telephone +49 8362/91730www.hotel-fruehlingsgarten.de

Haus Hopfensee D-87629 Fuessen, Hoehenstrasse 14telephone +49 8362/6752www.haus-hopfensee.de

# 13Weissenbach – rieden – Ehenbichl – Hoefen – Waengle – (reutte )

# 15Pflach – Kniepass – sternschanze – Oberpinswang – Alpsee – schwansee – Kalvarienberg – Lechfall – Fuessen

# 14Waengle – Costaries chapel – Frauensee – Pflach – (reutte )

Open daily 10:00AM – 10:00PMClosed Thursday

Open dailyWarm meals served all daynot directly on Lechweg

FrauenseestubeA-6610 Waengle, Dorfstrasse 8telephone +43 676/[email protected]

Hotel zum MohrenA-6600 Reutte, Untermarkt 26telephone +43 5672/62345www.hotel-mohren.at

106 | 107

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book accommodation in advance or can I spontaneously find one?

Basically, you are on the safe side, if you pre-book your accommodation. The local tourist offices are happy to help with the search. Especially in July and August it is high season in all places at along the Lechweg. If it is important to you that your accommodation has certain standard amenities and is close to or directly on the route, we recommend book-ing in advance.

Can the complete Lechweg be hiked in May?

The Lechweg is only walkable in its entire length from the end of June to the beginning of October. Before that you can expect to cross remain-ing snow patches on the stages Formarinsee to Warth. In addition, the accommodations in Lech and Warth only open at the start of the season. The public bus, which takes you to the Formarinsee, also begins its runs at the end of June. We recommend the abbreviated version from steeg to Fuessen in May.

Is it possible to walk the Lechweg in opposite direction from Fuessen to Lech?

The trail marking and signage is in accordance with the guidelines of the European ramblers‘ Association throughout and in both directions. so if you prefer to go sportingly uphill and into the Alps, you can walk the Lechweg from the falls to the source.

How long does it take by bus from Fuessen to Lech am Arlberg and on to the Formarinsee?

The bus ride from Fuessen to Lech with a short stop in reutte takes just under three hours. The Wanderbus from the post office in Lech runs to the Formarinsee every hour; the trip takes about 40 minutes.

How do I get at the end of the walk back to my car?

From Fuessen, you can take the bus line 74 or 4258 to reutte and the line 4268 continues on to Lech. At the station in reutte, you have to change once. The entire trip will cost around € 15.- per person. Please note that the last bus from Fuessen to Lech departs around 2:00PM. Both lines run in the opposite direction as well.

Where can I park my car?

In Lech am Arlberg you can park in the Anger underground garage free of charge. In Fuessen, park for free at the Eissport Centre (P2) or in the Parkgarage City (P5) for a fee of € 20.- per week. Further information can be found on p. 10.

Imprint

All of the offers and information

published here are based on

information from each host/

vendor. No guarantee can be

made for their correctness.

Concept/Design/Photo Montage:

designgruppe koop, Rueckholz

Text:

Antonia Gemein

Printing and Processing:

BULU Buchdruckerei Lustenau

Photography:

Naturpark Region Lechtal-Reutte/

Robert Eder, Runimation

Gerhard Eisenschink

Helmut Hein

Franz Rauter

Guenther Standl

Toni Vorauer

Werbegemeinschaft Lech-Wege

Climate neutral printing

on FSC-certified paper

Date: June 2013

Free transfer service

Guest card included

Non-smoking rooms

Internet/WLAN

Washing machine/dryer/laundry service

Dogs permitted

Massage

Swimming pool

Sauna/steam bath

Restaurant

EC cards accepted

Credit cards accepted

Leg

end

Lec

hw

eg S

tag

es/H

ost

Sec

tio

n

Parseierpitze 3036

Namlosbach

Stanzach town in the Lech Valley/Lech source area

Street in town, forest/farming road

Previous/further Lechweg route

Strating point/Goal Lechweg Section

Actual Lechweg section

Country road

Main road (with underpass/tunnel)

Highway or two-lane motorway

Train tracks (with underpass/tunnel)

Mountain cable car (summertime)

River/stream (with lake)

Bus station/stop Lechweg-Partner (host)

not directly on Lechweg *

town outside of the Lech Valley/Lech source area

mountain with elevation in metres

Attraction

river, stream, lake, spring, pool, Kneipp basin,

or waterfall

Imst

Cheesemaker

Tourist information

(long-term) parking

Sporting good/shoe store

Doctor

Pharmacy

Grocer store

Dining

LA_548_AZ_ICHBINLOWA_Julia_87x190+3 1 03.02.12 12:47

[email protected]

www.lechweg.com

FOr INQuIrIEs FOr AusTrIA:

Lech Zuers Tourismus GmbH

Dorf 2, A-6764 Lech am Arlberg

telephone +43 5583 2161-0

www.lech-zuers.at

Tourismus Warth-schroecken

A-6767 Warth

telephone +43 5583 3515-0

www.warth-schroecken.com

Lechtal Tourismus

untergiblen 23, A-6652 Elbigenalp

telephone +43 5634 5315

www.lechtal.at

Tourismusverband Naturparkregion reutte

untermarkt 34, A-6600 reutte

telephone +43 5672 62336

www.reutte.com

FOr INQuIrIEs FOr GErMANY:

Fuessen Tourismus und Marketing

Kaiser-Maximilian-Platz 1, D-87629 Fuessen

telephone +49 8362 9385-0

www.fuessen.de

COOrDINATION:

Verein Werbegemeinschaft Lech-Wege

untergiblen 23

A-6652 Elbigenalp

lechweg service booklet

Documents