Explore the Lech in the Lechtal from different perspectives: as an alpine wild river landscape, a habitat and a setting for water sports. There are also trails through gorges, remarkable water spots and traditions that are passed down and maintained locally. Nature and culture together shape the discoveries to be made in the region.
The Lech and its landscape
The Lech first reaches Tyrolean territory near Lechleiten, a district of the municipality of Steeg, at an elevation of around 1,270 metres. About 65 kilometres downstream, it leaves Tyrol again on its way towards the Danube. Between the Allgäu and Lechtal Alps, its alpine wild river landscape is internationally significant for its size and formation. The Lech and its riparian forests provide a refuge for many plant and animal species associated with wild river landscapes.
At Forchach, the character of the wild river is evident in its extensive gravel banks and areas shaped by shifting river channels. Elmen is also home to Central Europe’s largest lady’s-slipper orchid site. This rare orchid species is strictly protected.
In Elmen, the Klimmbrücke Nature Park House stands on a bridge over the Lech. It houses the “Adventure Wild River” exhibition. The “The Last Wild One” Nature Park Centre introduces the river through its dry gravel banks, riparian forests and side valleys, as well as the animals and plants found there. Both descriptions focus on the Lech habitat, but with different emphases.
Experience the water—with an eye on the conditions
The Lech is navigable for water sports between Steeg and WeiĂźenbach. Check the current regulations for the protected area before setting off. Commercial rafting on the Lech can be booked from 1 May to 30 September; before making plans, check current providers and dates.
The FUN RAFTING white-water sports school is located in the Lech meadows near Häselgehr, right beside the Lech cycle path. Experienced guides set off from there on rafting tours on the wild Lech. As operator details can change, it is worth checking the latest information before your tour.
Another recurring natural event can be seen at the Doser Waterfall in the hamlet of Luxnach: every year on St Martin’s Day, 11 November, the waterfall dries up. It flows again on St George’s Day, 23 April. These two fixed dates give this water spot its own seasonal rhythm.
Exploring on foot and by bike
From as early as mid-May, hikers can take a shortened spring version of the 125-kilometre Lechweg from Steeg in the Lechtal to Füssen in the Allgäu. Check current trail information and seasonal conditions before setting off. A Lechweg shuttle transports hikers’ luggage to their next accommodation; operating details may vary.
For cycling, there is the Lech Cycle Path: it runs in five stages from Marxheim to Steeg, covering 52 kilometres through the Tyrolean Lechtal. The Path of the Senses offers a different focus. It runs for around eight kilometres through the Hölltal Gorge; along the hiking trail, local artists display their own texts and sculptures, Bible verses and depictions of local traditions.
A circular hiking trail near Gramais leads through forests and meadows and along a mountain stream; carved wooden figures stand beside the path. In Holzgau, the suspension bridge links the Simms Waterfall, the Klettersteig via ferrata of the same name, the Lechweg, Gföllberg and Schiggenberg.
The modern Jöchelspitzbahn cable car ascends from Stockach in the Lechtal to an elevation of 1,800 metres. It provides access to easy family hikes and more demanding mountain tours of varying difficulty. Whether these hiking options are accessible depends on operating hours and weather conditions.
Crafts, local history and winter
Pfafflar, considered one of Tyrol’s oldest high-altitude settlements, is home to old wooden houses dating back to the 13th century. Traditional woodcarving is practised in Elbigenalp, which has two carving schools, including a specialist school for arts and crafts, as well as several carving businesses. Traditions and inherited knowledge are also passed down from generation to generation in the Tyrolean Lechtal.
In Elbigenalp, the open-air theatre in the Bernhardstal Gorge attracts thousands of visitors every year. The Allgäu and Lechtal Alps also offer culinary discoveries: more than 50 alpine pastures and mountain huts serve traditional Tyrolean cuisine. Opening hours vary from hut to hut.
Winter has its own offerings too: Holzgau has a ski lift and ski school, as well as access to the extensive Lechtal cross-country ski trail network. Operating conditions vary by season.
Discover more destinations: Arlberg, Brixental, Imst, KitzbĂĽhel, Schwaz, Reutte, Landeck, Lienz.
Go to the main travel overview: Tyrol.
