Lech am Arlberg (1444 m) is a village in Vorarlberg in Austria. This alpine town is considered one of the most posh ski holiday destinations in Europe.
However, in summer, Lech is far more low-key, attracting families of hikers and loyal retirees.
We love Lech in summer. It’s idyllic, romantic, and very approachable. Everything is within easy walking distance.
The River Lech runs through the center of the village in storybook fashion. And, the solitary Omeshorn creates the perfect mountain backdrop.
Cradled between the Lechquellen Mountains and the Lechtal Alps, Lech am Arlberg is a stellar base for hiking.
Overall, we find that the hiking is accessible, leisurely, and incredibly scenic. Surprisingly, the ski infrastructure doesn’t detract from the hiking experience.
Lech is also a perfect destination for anyone traveling with public transit. A system of cableways and hiking buses make getting to/from trailheads very easy.
This is one of the few places in the Austrian Alps where you actually don’t need a car. And, that’s saying something.
- Purchase a Lech Card (at the tourist office or in your hotel) in order to save money on cableways and regional buses during your stay.
- Visit Lech am Arlberg in July, August, or September. The summer season is very short. Most hotels and all summer transit and cableways will close by end of September/beginning of October.
- Must-Do Hikes: Hike from Formarinsee to Spullersee, Spuller Schafberg Peak Hike
- Mountain pasture safety rules & tips: While hiking in this region, you’ll encounter many mountain pastures with free-roaming cattle. Keep a safe distance from cattle. Learn more safety tips in Visiting the Alps in Summer.
- Essential Gear: Black Diamond Hiking Poles, sun protection (Cat 4 sunglasses like these Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses , hiking hat, sun lotion), sturdy hiking boots.
- Where to Stay: Lech Hostel (budget), Hotel Garni Schneider (midrange), Hotel Auenhof (4-star superior), or Hotel Der Berghof (luxury)
- Road Trip Inspiration: Visit Lech am Arlberg on this 2 Week Austria Road Trip
- Recommended Trail Map: WK 5504 Arlberg 1:35 000 (Freytag + Berndt)
Lech am Arlberg Hiking Map
Lech am Arlberg Buses and Cableways
Most hikes in Lech am Arlberg require either a bus, or a cableway, or both.
We recommend purchasing a Lech Card if you plan on staying in Lech more than 1 day.
This card gives you free access to the following local buses (“Ortsbus Lech”) and cableways:
Regional Summer Buses
Bus Line 1: Rüfiplatz – Stubenbach
Bus Line 2: Rüfiplatz – Zug
Bus Line 3: Lech – Warth – Saloberlifte
Bus Line 4: Zürs – Lech – Oberlech
Bus Line 6: Rüfiplatz – Spullersee
Bus Line 7: Rüfiplatz – Formarinsee
You can download current bus timetables on the Lech-Zürs Local Bus page.
Summer Cableways
Lech – Oberlech Cable Car
Lech – Rüfikopf Cable Car
Oberlech – Petersboden Chairlift
Seekopfbahn – Zürsersee lake Chairlift (closed on Mondays)
Steffisalp-Express
For operating times and dates, read Summer Cable Cars in Lech.
Trail Signage and Waymarks in Vorarlberg
In Vorarlberg, trail markers are marked differently than in other regions in Austria. They are similar to the signs in Switzerland and Allgäu Alps in Germany.
Yellow-White Trails | Easy
White-Red-White Trails | Moderate
White-Blue-White Trails | Difficult (Alpine)
When reading trail signs, you may encounter the following phrases:
- nur für Geübte – Only for experienced
- ungesicherter Steig – Unprotected route (no fixed cables, etc…)
- Hütte – Mountain hut
- Alpe – Mountain pasture. In other parts of Austria, alpine pastures are usually called Almen (Alm: singular).
- Spitze – Peak
- Grat – ridge
- Bach – Stream
- Tal – Valley
- See – Lake
- Achtung Weidevieh – Attention: grazing cattle
Lech am Arlberg Hiking Trails
1. Formarinsee to Spullersee Hiking Trail
The day hike from Lake Formarinsee to Lake Spullersee showcases some of the most enchanting areas of the Lechquellen Mountains.
Starting at the Freiburger hut at Formarinsee, trail 601 ascends across wildflower-carpeted slopes and alpine pastures to Steinernes Meer (“Stone Sea”), an impressive karst landscape.
After traversing the Stone Sea, you’ll continue your ascent to the Gehrengrat mountain ridge.
Next, you’ll descend along the ridge towards the Dalaaser Schütz high alpine valley. The trail leads easily down the valley to the Spullersee reservoir.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Lake Formarinsee
Ending Point | Lake Spullersee
Distance | 11.4 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 4:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 637 meters
Elevation Loss | 673 meters
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Learn More: Formarinsee to Spullersee Trail Guide
2. Rüfikopf – Stuttgarter Hut – Zürs Hiking Trail
This blissfully easy hike begins at the Rüfikopf cable car mountain station in the Lechtal Alps. The Rüfikopf cable car valley station is located in the very center of Lech village.
From here, you’ll hike to the Stuttgarter mountain hut via the Ochsengümple valley and the Rauhekopfscharte saddle.
The hike continues downhill to the Pazieltal valley and ultimately to the village of Zürs.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Rüfikopfbahn cable car mountain station
Ending Point | Zürs
Distance | 10.6 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 3:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 314 meters
Elevation Loss | 931 meters
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate
Learn More: Stuttgarter Hut Day Hike
3. Oberlech – Göppinger Hütte Hike
This rewarding day hike leads from Petersboden (accessible by cable car and chairlift from Lech) to Göppinger Hut on the Gamsboden Plateau in the Lechquellen Mountains.
The trail first ascends to Butzensee, a mountain lake at the foot of Mohnenfluh.
From the Butzen saddle, you’ll continue ascending a beautiful karst landscape to the Butzenspitze peak ridge. The trail continues easily across scree slopes to the Göppinger Hut.
After lunch at the hut, you can descend to Gasthaus Älpele in Zugertal Valley.
Though this hike traverses a high-alpine environment, it’s not technically difficult. There are only a few steep passages, which require extra attention.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Petersboden Chairlift mountain station
Ending Point | Gasthaus Älpele
Distance | 13.3 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 5 hours
Elevation Gain | 776 meters
Elevation Loss | 1138 meters
Difficulty | Moderate – Moderately-Difficult
Learn More: Oberlech – Göppinger Hut – Gasthaus Älpele Day Hike
4. Spuller Schafberg Peak Hike
Spuller Schafberg (2679 m) is a popular summit in the Lechquellen Mountains.
The trail to the peak starts at Ravensburger Hütte, which is a 45-minute walk from Lake Spullersee.
The best part of this hike is the long ridge trail leading up to the summit. It’s particularly enjoyable on the way down. Views extend to the Rätikon, Silvretta, and Verwall ranges.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Lake Spullersee
Ending Point | Zug
Distance | 12.3 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 6 hours
Elevation Gain | 980 meters
Elevation Loss | 1291 meters
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Learn More: Spuller Schafberg Peak Hike
5. Lechweg Stage 1 Hiking Trail
The Lechweg is a long-distance hiking trail along the River Lech. The first stage of the Lechweg is from Lake Formarinsee to Lech am Arlberg.
Many hikers report that Stage 1 is the most beautiful part of the whole trail.
From Lake Formarinsee (accessible by bus), a gentle and easy hiking path leads down the Zugertal Valley along gurgling streams.
You’ll cross alpine pastures and pockets of forest, and walk along sturdy boardwalks on the edge of the river.
It’s a magical trail, perfect for families with children and anyone else who wants a relaxing day in nature.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Lake Formarinsee
Ending Point | Lech am Arlberg
Distance | 14.1 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 3:30 – 4 hours
Elevation Gain | 2 meters
Elevation Loss | 430 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Where to Stay in Lech am Arlberg in Summer
We recommend staying in the village center of Lech am Arlberg.
You can also stay in Oberlech (“Upper Lech”), but it’s more convenient to stay directly in Lech.
Oberlech is popular in winter, because of the ski-in ski-out hotels.
Read Next: Best Hotels in Lech am Arlberg
Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Lech
Budget | Lech Hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation in Lech am Arlberg, offering clean and cozy single, double, and triple rooms. Guests have access to a shared kitchen and shared lounge. Bathrooms are shared as well. The room rate is unbeatable.
Midrange | Hotel Garni Schneider is a top-rated, affordable bed and breakfast, situated next to Rüfikopfbahn in the center of Lech. Bedrooms are nicely decorated, spotless, and comfortable. Guests also have access to a wellness area (Finnish sauna, steam bath, Kneipp basins, and relaxation room) and free private parking.
Look for accommodation in Lech am Arlberg.
Boutique and Luxury Hotels in Lech
Luxury | Hotel Arlberg Lech is a top-rated, upscale hotel in the very heart of Lech village. Stay here for their award-winning spa and wellness area, an oasis comprising a heated pool, 6 saunas, a cold plunge pool, ladies-only area, and hydrotherapy showers. Half board available.
Hotel Auenhof
Hotel Auenhof is a family-run, 4-star superior hotel in Lech am Arlberg. Located directly on the River Lech and facing Omeshorn, this welcoming hotel boasts romantic alpine views as well as a central location.
The family and staff work side-by-side to ensure that every guest is well looked after. During our stay, it became quickly apparent that many of the guests were return visitors, loyal to the hotel and very fond of the staff.
There’s absolutely no artifice here. It’s one of the most genuine and welcoming hotels we’ve ever stayed in.
Each evening, a decadent 5-course dinner is served. We were blown away by the bold creativity, delightful presentation, and astounding flavors of each course. From the creme goat cheese topped with beetroot, cherry and chocolate to the chorizo and corn cappuccino, each dish is both fanciful and delicious. Kudos to Chef Matthias Fiebig and his team.
More things we loved about our stay:
- Central Location. It’s a 5-minute walk to Rüfiplatz, the main bus stop in Lech am Arlberg and the Rüfikopf cable car valley station.
- Mountain views of Omeshorn.
- Extremely comfortable bed and premium down bedding.
- Wellness area. The spa area encompasses a tea bar, indoor pool, salt steam sauna, Finnish sauna, herb sauna, Infrared Cabins, Laconium, waterbeds, and a new, modern silent area.
- Spa bag with towels, bathrobe and sauna towels.
- Complimentary afternoon snack is served between 2:30 and 5:00 pm
Der Berghof
Der Berghof is an elegant, 4-star superior hotel in the center of Lech am Arlberg.
Each bedroom is uniquely designed with premium materials and furnished with extraordinary attention to detail. As guests, we were enamored by the jewel-toned color palette, the soft lighting, the velvet furniture, the down bedding, the wool carpet, and the bathroom fixtures. It’s clear that no expense was spared in the concept and creation of these gorgeous bedrooms.
Apart from the aesthetics, rooms at Der Berghof are soundproof and extremely comfortable. Guests are treated to a welcome fruit basket and the local, natural cosmetic line Resa Wants.
The hotel’s wellness area encompasses a bio sauna (50-65 °C), Finnish sauna (70°C and 90°C), schwitzstube (90°C und 100°C), steam bath (42°C), infrared cabin, cold water basin (8-10 °C), foot bath, and relaxation room. We loved the spa’s easy-to-navigate layout and modern saunas.
The wellness experience is further enhanced by the readily available salt exfoliant pastes (for the steam bath), bath salt (for the footbath), and the tea bar with snacks (nuts, dried and fresh fruit).
Guests can look forward to a rich and healthy breakfast buffet (included in the room rate) featuring sliced cheese and meats, spreads (hummus, liptauer, etc…), eggs and bacon, breads and delicious croissants, homemade jams, muesli and yogurt, a juice bar and a premium loose leaf tea bar.
More Hikes around Lech am Arlberg
Lechtal Alps:
Rätikon Alps:
Silvretta Alps:
Austria Trip Planning Essentials
Use our Austria Travel Guide and Austria blog archive to plan a unique and memorable trip to Austria.
When to Visit Austria
We recommend visiting Austria between June and October for hiking and between December and March for skiing and winter adventuring.
Summer Travel | Summer in Austria
Autumn Travel | Autumn in Austria
Winter Travel | Winter in Austria, Salzburg in December, Vienna in December, Vienna in January, Skiing in Schladming
Getting around Austria
Austria has an excellent public transit system. We’ve used it extensively to travel throughout the country. We highly recommend using transit if you’re visiting cities (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, etc…), and/or doing hut-to-hut hikes.
Some areas like Mayrhofen, Schladming and Lech am Arlberg have wonderful seasonal transit systems in place (e.g. summer hiking buses). However, if you’re not visiting during the high season, bus frequencies are significantly reduced and it’s far easier to get around with your own vehicle.
If you’re planning on visiting multiple destinations across Austria, we recommend renting a car.
Use these road trip itineraries for trip planning inspiration:
Start in Vienna | 2 Week Austria Road Trip
Start in Salzburg, or Munich | 1 Week Austria Road Trip
Start in Munich | 10-Day Bavarian Alps & Tyrolean Alps Road Trip
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
If you’re driving into Austria from a neighboring country, don’t forget to purchase a vignette at/near the border.
Hiking in Austria
Where to Hike in Austria
Read Austrian Alps Hiking Destinations for an overview of where to hike in Austria, with tips on specific trails and where to stay. Also check out Best Day Hikes in Austria and these region-specific hiking guides:
Tyrol | Innsbruck Hikes, Lake Achensee Hikes
Salzburg | Salzburg Hikes, Filzmoos Hikes
Styria | Schladming Hikes
Vorarlberg | Vorarlberg Hikes, Lech am Arlberg Hikes
Lower Austria | Vienna Mountains Hikes
Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria
Austria is a premier hut-to-hut and long-distance hiking destination. The quality of the mountain huts are superb. We particularly love the high-alpine trails, which are called Höhenwege in German. We’ve summarized our favorite multi-day hikes in Trekking Austria. If you’re new to hut hiking, read this in-depth guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in Austria.
What to See & Do in Austria
1. Visit a gorge like the Liechtenstein Gorge in Salzburg, or Wolfsklamm Gorge in Tyrol.
2. Bathe in the thermal pools of an Austrian Therme like Aqua Dome in Tyrol
3. Stay in a thermal spa hotel like Rogner Bad Blumau in Styria, EurothermenResort Bad Ischl in Upper Austria, or the Aqua Dome Hotel in Tyrol.
4. Hike to a mountain lake like Lake Tappenkarsee in Salzburg or Lake Drachensee in Tyrol.
5. Go Wine Tasting in South Styria.
6. Marvel at the culture, music, and architecture of Vienna.
7. Eat heartwarming mountain food in an Almhütte at Grosser Ahornboden in Tyrol, or Ursprungalm in Styria.
8. Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Hohe Tauern National Park.
9. Visit the castles, monasteries, and wine taverns of the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Watch a Krampus Run: Krampus Parade in December.
Austrian Hotels
- Best Hotels in the Austrian Alps
- Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel in Tyrol
- Seehotel Einwaller in Pertisau, Lake Achensee, Tyrol
- Wellness Hotel Theresa, Zillertal, Tirol
- Hotel Eder in Maria Alm, Salzburg
- Aqua Dome Hotel, Tirol
