Lech River Trail

Hiking the Lech River Trail

Highlights
  • Hike the Lech River Trail (Lechweg), a 77-mile Alpine route in Austria & Bavaria
  • Follow the Lech River in Austria & Germany to the Lechfall & Füssen
  • Enjoy Lech Valley gorges, waterfalls, nature reserves & Bavarian castles
  • Hike a moderate long-distance trail on good paths, ideal for regular hikers
  • Self-guided with Macs Adventure: accommodations, luggage transfers & route notes

The Lech River Trail – known locally as the Lechweg – is a 77mile/125km long-distance hiking trail that follows the Lech River from its source at Lake Formarinsee in western Austria to the Lechfall waterfall and royal castles near Füssen in Germany. It links Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and Bavaria, giving you a real taste of both Austria and Germany in one trip.

This is one of the Alps’ most scenic river hikes. You’ll walk through the Lech valley, past flower-rich meadows and quiet hamlets, with the Lechtal and Allgäu Alps as a constant backdrop. Think suspension bridges, waterfalls, and the emerald Lech River at your side – plus time in classic Bavarian towns like Füssen on the German stretch of the Lech River.

At Macs Adventure, we specialize in self-guided hiking tours. We’ve been planning Lechweg trips for years, work directly with local partners as an official Lechweg trail partner, and know the nuances that matter to our travelers – from airport transfers to the right hotel in the right village. You walk the Lech River Trail at your own pace while we handle logistics, luggage, and 24/7 support.

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Discover Hiking the Lech River Trail

  • Discover the best sections of the Lech River Trail

    If you’re short on time, select the 8 Day trip, which travels from Holzgau to Füssen for classic Lech River long-distance scenery – dramatic gorges, the long suspension bridge, and castle views near the finish. 

    For a wilder feel and a check off the bucket list experience, hike the complete Lechweg trail from Lech am Arlberg to Füssen. This includes a section near Lake Formarinsee, where the river is narrower, and the Lech valley feels particularly remote.

    Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy one of Europe’s finest river walks — expertly planned, fully supported, and unforgettable.

    Discover the best sections of the Lech River Trail
  • When is best to hike the Lech River Trail?

    The main hiking season on the Lechweg runs from late May to early October. Expect daytime highs from the high 50s to low 60s°F in Lech and around the upper 60s to low 70s°F in Füssen at summer’s peak.

    In early summer, the meadows in the Lech Valley are in bloom. In midsummer the weather is generally stable, and in the Fall, the landscape is bathed in golden light. 

    July and August are warmest, while June and September bring quieter trails and slightly cooler but comfortable hiking temps.

    When is best to hike the Lech River Trail?
  • Practical FAQs for Hiking the Lech River Trail

    How difficult is the trail?
    We class the Lechweg as moderate – you’ll hike 7-15 miles a day on good paths, with some longer days and rolling "U" sections. It’s a great choice for reasonably fit hikers, including confident first-timers in the Alps.

    Is the Lech River Trail good for solo travelers?
    Yes. The trail is well signposted, popular without feeling busy, and our app gives you offline Macs Adventure handles the logistics and provides 24/7 on-trip support, which many solo hikers really value.

    How do I get to and from the Lech River Trail?
    Most travelers fly into Innsbruck, Zurich, or Munich. From there, trains and buses connect to Lech am Arlberg or Holzgau at the Austrian end, and from Füssen you can reach Munich or other German hubs by rail. We can arrange private transfers from Innsbruck to Lech on request.

    How does luggage transfer work?
    Each morning, you leave your main bag at reception. While you hike with a daypack, your luggage is transported ahead and will be waiting when you arrive.

    Practical FAQs for Hiking the Lech River Trail
  • Why book your Lechweg tour with Macs Adventure?

    Unmatched expertise – Over 20 years of arranging self-guided hiking trips

    Hand-picked accommodations – Small hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses chosen for comfort, character, and location near the Lech River Trail.

    Hassle-free logistics – Daily luggage transfers, detailed digital route notes, GPX tracks, and our award-winning app help you stay on track without stress.

    Travel at your pace – You choose your dates and travel companions. Add extra nights for rest days, castle visits, or a spa day in Bavaria.

    Local insights – Our Germany and Austria specialists share tips on food stops, viewpoints, and optional side trips.

    Beautiful views from the Lechweg boardwalk

Stories from Experts & Adventurers

  • Lech River Trail vs The Salt Trail

    The Salt Trail packs in historic salt towns and lakes, while the Lech River Trail feels wilder, with a free-flowing Alpine river and quieter villages. If scenery and a sense of “untamed” nature are your priority, choose the Lechweg. Our advice for both routes is September – more stable weather, plenty of daylight, and fewer crowds than mid-summer.

    Lech River Trail vs The Salt Trail
  • Lech River Trail vs King Ludwig Way

    Think of King Ludwig Way as the Lech Trail’s gentler Bavarian cousin – similar castles-and-lakes atmosphere, but flatter and less Alpine. If you’re newer to hiking or want more time in villages and beer gardens, choose King Ludwig Way in June, when days are long and temperatures are comfortable. Choose the Lech River Trail if you’re craving more mountain drama.

    Lech River Trail vs King Ludwig Way
  • Lech River Trail vs Across the Bavarian Alps

    Across the Bavarian Alps is a step up – higher passes, more ascent and descent, and bigger daily “wow” moments. The Lechweg follows the river, so it’s less strenuous and more accessible. If you’d like a first Alpine hiking trip, pick the Lech River Trail in September. If you already love mountain hiking and want longer climbs and big views, our Across the Bavarian Alps trip in July–August is a great next challenge.

    Lech River Trail vs Across the Bavarian Alps

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