Stage Description

The six- to eight-day hiking tour begins in Lech am Arlberg on the Lechweg at an altitude of approximately 1,793 meters. A first detour along the goods path to Formarinsee is already worthwhile: it reveals a stunning panorama overlooking the lake. The path continues from Steeg to Holzgau, passing by an impressive waterfall. From Stanzach, the Lechweg leads you along the gravel banks, a characteristic wild river landscape of the Lech that invites you to linger.

Stage 1: Formarinsee – Lech
Elevation gain/loss: 100/520 meters, Duration: 5 hours, Length: 14.5 kilometers
From the romantically situated Formarinsee (1,793 meters), the first stage follows the Formarinbach along various viewpoints until reaching Lech am Arlberg. Especially in spring, you can observe how some springs emerge directly beside the path in the source area of the Lech.

Stage 2: Lech – Lechleiten

Elevation gain/loss: 738/644 meters, Duration: 5 hours, Length: 14.4 kilometers
This stage of the Lechweg takes you from Lech into the fascinating gorge landscape of the wild river. Between Lech and Warth, you will hike slightly above the Lech gorge towards Grenztobel, marking the boundary between the two municipalities. After Warth, you will finally cross the state border between Vorarlberg and Tyrol before arriving in Lechleiten.

Stage 3: Lechleiten – Steeg

Elevation gain/loss: 334/749 meters, Duration: 3.5 hours, Length: 11 kilometers
This stage leads you down to the Lech via several serpentine paths. The panoramic path to Steeg takes you past numerous photo opportunities and viewpoints. Time and again, you can see the Lech flowing in its natural riverbed below you. Enjoy the idyllic trail through meadows and over smaller bridges.

Stage 4: Steeg – Holzgau
Elevation gain/loss: 40/45 meters, Duration: 1.5 hours, Length: 5 kilometers
The hike from Steeg to Holzgau is relatively short, but it offers some highlights. At the wild and romantic waterfall, a Kneipp facility invites you to dip your feet, while in Holzgau, the houses impress with colorful, traditional frescoes from the late Baroque period.

Stage 5: Holzgau – Bach
Elevation gain/loss: 423/463 meters, Duration: 4 hours, Length: 10 kilometers
On this stage, you will hike partly on wooden walkways over the scenic gem Schigge towards Bach. You also have a choice: cross the Höhenbach gorge on Austria's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, or hike through the Höhenbachtal past the Simms waterfall to the stage destination.

Stage 6: Bach - Elbigenalp
Elevation gain/loss: 16/29 meters, Duration: 1 hour, Length: 3 kilometers
This section along the Lech takes you leisurely from Bach to Elbigenalp, situated in the geographical center of the Lechtal. Elbigenalp is also the birthplace of the legendary Geierwally, Anna Steiner-Knittel, and a stronghold of Tyrolean wood carving. To reach the town center, you will need to briefly leave the Lechweg.

Stage 7: Elbigenalp – Häselgehr
Elevation gain/loss: 93/135 meters, Duration: 2 hours, Length: 7 kilometers
From Elbigenalp, the Lechweg leads you back to the Lech. From there, you will walk along the wild river and cross a bridge to the right towards Grießerau. Follow a path until you reach the village of Grießerau. You will first walk on a dirt road through a small floodplain forest, and then continue along the Lech to the outdoor swimming pool in Häselgehr. A small artificial stream with sulfurous water flows through the bathing area.

Stage 8: Häselgehr – Elmen
Elevation gain/loss: 164/129 meters, Duration: 2.5 hours, Length: 5 kilometers
From Häselgehr, the Lechweg continues to the hamlet of Luxnach. Here, you will find the Doser waterfall. The waterfall dries up on St. Martin's Day (November 11) and re-emerges on St. George's Day (April 23). According to a legend, a dragon is responsible for this, as it opens and closes the creek at the appropriate times. Your hike will take you along the castle path and then continue on the panoramic path towards Elmen.

Stage 9: Elmen – Vorderhornbach
Elevation gain/loss: 195/291 meters, Duration: 2.5 hours, Length: 5 kilometers
On your hiking trail through the Lechtal, you will encounter a beech mixed forest for the first time just before Vorderhornbach. To your left, you will hike up the Lechweg to the former mountain station of the Vorderhornbach ski lift. From here, you have a wonderful panoramic view of Vorderhornbach and the Lechtal. Relax and enjoy the stunning vista. You can even spot the Lechzopf from up there. A path will lead you down to Vorderhornbach. Here, the natural swimming pool Badino invites you to linger. You can relax in chlorine-free water here. A jumping rock, a play stream, and Tarzan's vine offer special bathing fun. The mild climate gives the place Vorderhornbach the nickname "Meran of the Lechtal."

Stage 10: Vorderhornbach – Stanzach
Elevation gain/loss: 3/33 meters, Duration: 1 hour, Length: 3 kilometers
This section leads from Vorderhornbach to Stanzach. Just before the Lech bridge, still in Vorderhornbach, a path diverges towards Baichlstein. In 45 minutes, you will reach a wonderful viewpoint with a fantastic view of Vorderhornbach and downstream towards the Lechzopf.

Stage 11: Stanzach – Forchach
Elevation gain/loss: 6/31 meters, Duration: 2 hours, Length: 5.5 kilometers
On this stage from Stanzach to Forchach, the Lech and its riverbed once again change character. From Stanzach, the Lechweg takes you along the gravel banks, a characteristic wild river landscape of the Lech. Birdwatchers should especially plan extra time for this section of the Lechweg, as the gravel banks are home to breeding grounds for species such as the river sandpiper or the river plover.

Stage 12: Forchach – Weißenbach am Lech
Elevation gain/loss: 20/70 meters, Duration: 1.5 hours, Length: 6.5 kilometers
This section leads from Forchach to Weißenbach am Lech. The ecological peculiarities of the Moosberg should not be missed along this stage: here, dry and wet spots alternate within a small area. Additionally, the open meadows at the foot of the mountain provide a perfect habitat for ground-nesting birds such as the corncrake and the skylark.

Stage 13: Weißenbach am Lech – Wängle
Elevation gain/loss: 173/119 meters, Duration: 3 hours, Length: 9.5 kilometers
In the first part of this stage, you will traverse the Rotlech gorge before reaching the idyllic Riedener See. Shortly thereafter, you will have to choose between two route options: would you prefer to visit the Ehrenberg Castle World, or follow the Lech towards Wängle?

Stage 14: Wängle – Pflach
Elevation gain/loss: 275/380 meters, Duration: 3 hours, Length: 9.5 kilometers
On this stage from Wängle to Pflach, enjoy the tranquil beauty of Frauensee, the wild nature of the Lech, and the vibrant market life in Reutte. This section offers something for everyone – from viewpoints and wildlife observations to relaxation in the thermal baths.

Stage 15: Pflach – Füssen
Elevation gain/loss: 722/760 meters, Duration: 5 hours, Length: 15 kilometers
The final stage of the Lechweg is also one of the longest. You will leave the Lech along forest paths on this stage and hike towards Sternschanze, a fortification of the Ehrenberg Castle World. Just before reaching the Alpsee, you will leave Austria and enter Germany. Here, the Lechweg continues along the Alpenrosenweg towards Kalvarienberg and further to Füssen.