logo Lechweg

About the Lechweg

Alps
country
Austria, Germany
length
125 km(78 mi)
Type of trail
Long-distance
difficulty

Difficulty is highly personal. Be aware of the weather conditions as bad weather turns easier trails in difficult trails especially in the mountains.

Moderate
accommodation

Lodging means a mix of hotels, hostels or AirBnB’s.

Lodging, Camping
Elevation gain
4320 m(14173 ft)
terrain
Mountains, Forest
remoteness
None of the time
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The Lechweg trail is a 125 km hike that begins near Formarinsee Lake in Vorarlberg, Austria, and ends at the Lechfall in Füssen im Allgäu. The trail takes you through five regions across two countries, each rich in traditions and stories shaped by the river Lech over centuries.

As you hike, you’ll encounter one of Europe’s largest ibex colonies and cross Austria’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The trail also will take you past Bavarian royal castles, so it’s a great blend of nature and historical landmarks. The Lechweg has earned the “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe” designation, meeting high standards for trail format, safety, signage, and overall experience.

women in blue smiling at camera
Editor

Katie Mitchell

After a whirlwind of 8 years on the road (and trail!), Katie has hiked the Camino Frances, the Peaks of the Balkans, the Fisherman’s Trail, and extensively in the United States. She is an avid trail runner and now lives in Colorado where she plays in the mountains in her free time. You can follow her adventures on Instagram.

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The Trail

The trail is divided into 15 sections, which means you can plan your hike according to your preferences and abilities. Unlike more challenging alpine hikes, the Lechweg is moderately difficult and you won’t need extensive alpine experience. This makes it a great trail for newbies and experienced hikers alike.

Along the way, you’ll witness a waterfall that mysteriously dries up annually, only to flow again, and follow paths once walked by Romans during their alpine crossings. The river’s influence extends beyond human history, as it has created a habitat that supports one of the widest ranges of species in Central Europe. As you walk, you’ll become part of the connection between the river Lech and the landscapes and cultures it has shaped.

Stages

Recommended 7-stage itinerary

Stage 1:

Formariensee – Lech a. Arlberg, 14.4 km | 8.9 mi

Stage 2:

Lech a. Arlberg – Warth / Lechleiten, 10.7 km / 14.2 km | 6.7 mi / 8.8 mi

Stage 3:

Warth / Lechleiten – Holzgau, 21.8 km / 16.8 km | 13.5 mi / 10.4 mi

Stage 4:

Holzgau – Elbigenalp, 13.4 km | 8.3 mi

Stage 5:

Elbigenalp – Stanzach, 19.7 km | 12.2 mi

Stage 6:

Stanzach – Wängle, 20.9 km | 13 mi

Stage 7:

Wängle – Füssen im Allgäu, 24.8 km | 15.4 mi

Accommodations

You will stay at hotels along the Lechweg. The accommodations are comfortable and should be booked in advance. Camping along the Lechweg is possible at camp and caravan sites in Häselgehr, Reutte, and Füssen. 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.

Lodging per stage

Stage 1:

Lech

Stage 2:

Warth

Stage 3:

Lechtal

Stage 4:

Wängle

Stage 5:

Füssen

Best time of the year

The best time of the year to hike the Lechweg is in summer from June 20th until the end of October. As you’re hiking in the mountains, be aware that there might be snowfields in early summer and there might be early snowfalls in late summer and early autumn. Generally, the hiking season in the European Alps is limited to the summer months when the weather is milder and the snow has melted, making the trails accessible.

Keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can change rapidly, and it’s important to be prepared for all conditions, including rain. Always check trail conditions and local weather forecasts before starting your hike each day.

Safety & Gear

For hiking the Lechweg, you need good hiking shoes, hiking poles if necessary, a backpack, and good rainwear.

Difficulty

The Lechweg is categorized as a moderate long-distance trail through an alpine region. Moderate in no way means that this is a simple stroll. All long-distance trails present substantial challenges in terms of the hiker’s fitness level—and some stages have to be completed one after another.

A moderate long-distance trail in this case is therefore meant in contrast to the alpine trails and ascents which have a challenging altitude profile. Compared to such routes, the

Lechweg presents a moderate challenge. Anyone who feels comfortable on the long-distance trails of Germany’s low mountain ranges will also find the Lechweg trail suitable.

Its special feature: the Lechweg runs through the impressive landscapes of the high mountains to the foothills of the Alps—with no climbing or fixed rope sections. No alpine experience is necessary but it is important to be aware of the particular features of the alpine region such as the rapid shifts in weather. The Lechweg trail can also be adapted to an individual’s fitness level. Plan sufficient time to rest and do not shy away from cutting a route short by taking the bus if your legs get too tired.

Good to know

You’ll want to carry cash with you for this trail because small villages in the region sometimes don’t accept cards. You can also find more information about the trail like more recommended accommodations and bus routes on the official trail page.

route
point-to-point
Highest point
2600m (8530 ft)

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Terms of Use: important to all visitors on this website. We strive to publish high quality content and information on this website. However it’s always possible that we’re missing out on some crucial information. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps) were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. Therefore, hiking-trails.com and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individuals hiking or following this route. Should you choose to hike this trail, this is always at your own risk. Check out our guidelines for safety hiking and Leave No Trace principles at the hiking 101 page.

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