Lechweg

The Lechweg begins beside Formarinsee in the Lechquellen mountains and finishes roughly 123 km later at the Lechfall in Füssen. Along the way, a young mountain river gradually becomes a broad companion through the valley. The walk connects Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Bavaria’s Allgäu, revealing how water has shaped the landscape and its settlements. Alpine meadows and rocky slopes give the high starting point a memorable setting. Through Lech am Arlberg and Warth, the route enters the Tyrolean Lech valley. At times the river lies directly beside the path; elsewhere the walk gains height and opens another view along the valley. Broad gravel banks and branching channels are particularly distinctive. Villages add churches, painted houses and traditional crafts to the scenery. Holzgau’s suspension bridge above the Höhenbach gorge and the woodcarving village of Elbigenalp provide notable stopping points. Below Stanzach the valley opens further. The stages through Forchach, Weißenbach and the Reutte area approach Germany before reaching the Lechfall at Füssen. Throughout the journey, the river remains the connecting theme while its surroundings change from alpine source country to open floodplains and the edge of a historic town. Unhurried breaks beside the water reveal these changes especially well. The classic official itinerary takes seven days, with shorter sections allowing a slower pace. Many stretches are comfortable walking, though mountain paths, climbs and bridges still require sure-footedness. Snow and seasonal bus access affect the high starting point, so check current conditions before planning the full route. Accommodation is spread among valley towns, and luggage transfers can ease the journey. Carry water, sun protection and waterproofs for exposed sections. Valley buses and Füssen’s railway station help with arrival and the return trip.