Get Ready for SpringFind Walks & Hikes
3
moderate
Activities
  • Self Guided Walking
Accommodation
  • Hotel
  • Inn
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1140GBP

Overview

Trip Code: CHW

Trip highlights


  • Walk one of Europe’s last remaining wild river landscapes
  • Follow the turquoise Lech River from its alpine source to the Bavarian foothills
  • Encounter natural wonders like a disappearing waterfall and vast ibex colony
  • Enjoy time in charming alpine towns including Lech and Füssen
  • Take in views of King Ludwig’s famous castles along the way

This spectacular journey on foot along the Lechweg Trail follows the turquoise ribbon of the River Lech for approximately 125km, from its source at Lake Formarinsee near the alpine village of Lech am Arlberg in Austria to the Lechfall waterfall in Füssen, set in Germany’s Bavarian Alps. What sets the Lechweg apart is its moderate grading through an alpine landscape, offering big mountain views without technical trails or punishing climbs. With clear paths, sensible daily distances, and regular towns along the way, it delivers a rewarding sense of achievement that feels well earned. The trail winds through one of Europe’s last wild river landscapes, with ever-changing scenery that includes alpine meadows, forested valleys, rugged gorges, and rolling pastures. You’ll cross from Austria into Germany on foot, spot ibex high on the slopes, pass a seasonal disappearing waterfall, and take in sweeping views from a dramatic suspension bridge. With the sound of the river as your constant companion, you walk at your own pace, enjoying a real sense of achievement each day, with time to pause in small mountain villages or admire King Ludwig’s castles rising in the distance.

Countries:

Austria, Germany

Starting Point:

Lech Am Arlberg

Finishing Point:

Fussen


Make your own way to Lech am Arlberg and your centrally located hotel. Lech am Arlberg is a picturesque alpine village. Stroll its charming laneways lined with traditional wooden chalets, relax in a local café, or take the gondola up to panoramic viewpoints for breath taking mountain vistas. You can visit the small but fascinating Huber-Hus Museum to learn about alpine life. Two nights are spent in Lech am Arlberg.

Meals:  Nil

After a leisurely breakfast, a short bus ride takes you to the first stage of the Lechweg Path at the idyllic Lake Formarinsee at an altitude of about 1793m/5882ft. Enjoy the views over the sparkling mountain lake which was voted the most beautiful place in Austria in 2015, before you begin walking the Lechweg Trail along the Lech-riverside path. The alpine scenery and meadows will be invigorating as you make your way back to Lech am Arlberg. Walking: 14km/8.6mi, ascent/descent +50m/164ft, -500m/1640ft

Meals:  B

Enjoy a relaxed hike along the Lech Valley across green alpine meadows, past grazing cows and through shady forests. You are treated to magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the river Lech lying deep below. From Warth, take the local bus to Steeg or continue on foot. If choosing the longer walk, this section of the trail takes you along the Panorama Trail. Right at the beginning you cross the Krumbach river reaching the province of Tyrol. Past the Holzgauer Haus, you head up to Lechleiten, where the Panorama Trail begins. Far above the Lech, wonderful views open up into the Lech Valley and the magical turquoise of the river flashes in the depths.. Over numerous turns you descend onto a forest road to the river Lech. Along its banks you now hike through small hamlets to the village of Steeg. In Steeg stop in at the Dairy Sojer to collect your original "Lechweg Cheese". Walking to Warth: 11km/6.8mi, ascent/descent +300m/984ft, -300m/984ft Walking to Steeg: 26km/16mi, ascent/descent +500m/1640ft, -600m/1968ft

Meals:  B

A leisurely walk on the Jochweg-path beside the Lech riverside until you reach the beautiful village of Holzgau, which is characterised by its colourful painted houses. There a very special highlight awaits with the crossing of one of Europe’s longest and most spectacular pedestrian suspension bridges. You proceed across blooming meadows and forest paths to Elbigenalp, the geographic centre of the Lechtal-valley and heartland of the traditional wood craft. Walking: 18km/11.18mi, ascent/descent +380m/1246ft, -400m/1312ft

Meals:  B

A picturesque nature reserve leads you to Häselgehr, where we recommend you visit the lovely parish church with its opulent interior before continuing with the route uphill to the Doser waterfall. There are many legends and stories around this mysterious natural phenomenon. The waterfall is not known for its size, but according to tradition, the waterfall rises every year on April 23rd and closes again on November 11th. You then continue via a high-altitude path with fabulous views onto the 'wild river‘ before reaching Stanzach, a tranquil village situated amidst an amazing mountain world. Walking: 20km/12.4mi, ascent/descent +400m/1312ft, -550m/1804ft

Meals:  B

Today, the Lech River shows its wild side as you hike through a rugged riverscape toward Forchach. The trail passes the Lechzopf, a striking braided section of the river where multiple channels weave through gravel banks, creating one of the most natural stretches of the Lech Valley. Near Forchach, known for its traditional villages and river scenery, you cross a suspension bridge. Continuing over the Johannesbrücke, you walk through the protected wetlands and forest of the Moosberg Nature Reserve before reaching Weissenbach. After crossing the Rotlech River, the route follows gentle riverside paths to the quiet village of Höfen, nestled in the valley and surrounded by alpine peaks. Walking: 19km/11.8mi, ascent/descent +50m/164ft, -150m/492ft

Meals:  B

Walking along a panoramic trail with wide valley views, you reach the crystal-clear Frauensee, a mountain lake set high above the Reutte Valley basin. The trail then descends into the Pflacher Au, a protected riverside landscape known for its wetlands, birdlife, and peaceful walking paths. Continuing on, you reach Lechfall, the dramatic waterfall that marks the official end of the Lechweg Trail, where the Lech River plunges through a narrow gorge. From here, you walk on to the village of Pflach, before taking a short bus ride to the historic town of Füssen. Celebrate the end of your walk with with a stroll through the old town, a visit to one of its traditional beer gardens, or a relaxed dinner overlooking the river. Walking: 11km/6.83mi, ascent/descent +300m/984ft, -300m/984ft

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast. We recommend booking an extra night in Fussen if you wish explore this medieval old town and to visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles which are accessible from the town via shuttle bus transfers. Castle tickets must be booked well in advance.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts - generally buffet style and usually consisting of cereals, breads, spreads, meats, cheeses, fruit, tea, coffee and juice
  • Accommodation in 3 star hotels & inns
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information
  • Luggage transfer - limited to one bag weighing a maximum of 20kg per person
  • Welcome briefing
  • Lech & Guest Cards - reduction for cable cars, buses, entrance fees
  • One original "Lechweg Cheese" provided by the organic dairy Sojer in Steeg
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Lech am Alrberg and from Fussen
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Entrance fees, cable car and sightseeing fees and public transport used to shorten hikes
  • Excess luggage
  • Guide - this is a self guided tour
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Visitors tax - may be levied by hotels and payment is required locally
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Trail Surface


Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - This trip involves 6 days walking along a variety of walking paths along the river. The trip is graded moderate as the paths are well defined and generally clearly marked. Walking between 11-20km, a good level of fitness is required to fully enjoy the walk. There are a couple of spectacular suspension bridges to cross however if you don't have a head for heights there are alternative paths you can take. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.


Departure dates

Daily 13 Jun to 20 Sep

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 29 Jun to 23 Aug. Supplement applies to high season departures.

Priceper person from

£1140GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementGBP£260
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£280
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.

Videos

Walk The Lechweg Trail: Hike from the Austrian Alps to Bavaria