The Lech River Trail

This trail follows a well signposted, long-distance route through a beautiful alpine landscape, mostly on close-to-nature paths at higher elevation. Although the trail broadly descends overall, each day still includes a mix of smaller and larger climbs, and there are no significant technical challenges, so no previous alpine experience is needed. A basic level of fitness will help, since some of the daily stages are longer than you might expect for this grade.

This tour is graded moderate. Within the tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

You'll stay in high-quality, friendly hotels and guesthouses along the trail, many with their own small wellness area featuring pools and a sauna. If your usual accommodation isn't available, particularly during peak season when demand is high, we'll book you into a property of the same standard or better.

Please note that twin and double rooms in Austria are typically two single mattresses side by side on one double bed frame, each with its own separate duvet and pillows.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

A continental breakfast buffet is included each morning, with plenty of filling options for hikers such as boiled eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread and muesli. Lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose your own options. You can pick up supplies at a local supermarket or bakery along the way, and most accommodations can also provide a packed lunch if you ask on arrival (payable locally).

Food in this part of Austria and Bavaria is hearty and traditional, with meat and cheese featuring heavily. Look out for regional specialities like Tiroler Gröstl (a bacon, onion and potato fry-up topped with a fried egg), Kiachl (a sweet or savory fried yeast pastry), Weisswurst sausage, and Käsespätzle, an eggy pasta dish topped with melted cheese. Let us know about any dietary requirements when you book.

The Alps generally have warm, sunny summers and cold, snowy winters, though the weather can change very quickly, particularly at altitude. Storms can develop rapidly and may lead to landslides or flooding near water sources, so it's worth being prepared for all conditions. Even snow is possible in the mountains during the summer months, regardless of the time of year.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

On this trail, the luggage limit is strictly enforced. Any overweight or additional bags must be registered and paid for in advance (a per-bag, per-transfer local fee applies) - otherwise, they won't be transported by our local supplier. If you'd like to arrange an extra bag or additional weight allowance, just let us know and we can help set this up.

You'll follow a well-signposted trail throughout.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Our walks typically begin and end at a central landmark in town, such as a church or bus stop, and access routes to and from your accommodation aren't included in the daily distance figures. our app can still guide you directly to your door - just open the itinerary for the day, select your accommodation, and tap 'Get Directions'.

Fly into Innsbruck Airport, the closest airport for this tour.

If you choose The Complete Lech River Trail tour, your tour starts in Lech am Arlberg. From Innsbruck, take a train to Langen am Arlberg (journey time 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes), then a bus to Lech am Arlberg (about 25 minutes). We can also arrange a direct transfer from Innsbruck Airport to Lech (1 hour 30 minutes) on request.

If you choose The Lech River Trail (8 Days & 7 Nights) tour, your tour starts in Holzgau. From Innsbruck, take a bus to Reutte (55 minutes), then another bus on to Holzgau (27 minutes). Bus and train services vary depending on the day, so check the VVT route information page before you travel. We can also arrange a direct transfer from Innsbruck Airport to Holzgau (1 hour 40 minutes) on request.

Getting from the end

Both tours end in Fussen, which has a train station with connections to other stations across southern Germany, including Munich (about 2 hours) and Augsburg (1 hour 40 minutes), from where you can continue your journey across Europe or on to Munich Airport. Check the German Rail (Deutsche Bahn) website for train information.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

Your accommodation can usually help arrange this, or you can contact our German or UK office directly for assistance.

If you're considering traveling during Oktoberfest, it's worth booking well in advance, since the area around Füssen gets especially busy in September and October.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation