Lech Holidays

Holidays to Lech have got massive mountains, pretty meadows and plenty of places to sit and take in the views.

Alpine haven

Overflowing with authentic charm, Austria's Lech is nestled in the mountains of the westernmost state of Vorarlberg, and is decked out with natural wonders and spectacular vistas. Stop to smell the wildflowers along a mountain trail, or hop on a summer chair-lift to reach those panoramic pit stops with ease.

A dash of sophistication

Hiding behind strategically placed ski goggles, the rich and famous flock to these slopes for incognito getaways. The village's overflowing with swish boutiques and gourmet goodies – snack on flaky strudel at a local café before wandering the woodlands for that perfect wintry photo.

Trips and dips

The valley's the perfect starting point for hikers, or if you fancy a dip there's the outdoor pool. Bordered by pines, Lech feeds those fairy tale feelings – whether you're up in the peaks or a little closer to the ground. No wonder the place has a rep as one of Europe's prettiest spots.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Lech:

• Open-air concerts
• Outdoor pool
• Tennis courts
• Museum
• Minigolf

At a glance

Take a dip in the forest's outdoor pool for a scenic swim
Immerse yourself in the mountains on picturesque trails
Eat like the celebs with some top-notch grub

Bargain Buys

The local markets are always worth a visit - they're great for taking photos and soaking up a bit of atmosphere. And of course, you can scoop up some bargain souvenirs. Farmers' markets are regularly held at the Rufiplatz throughout the summer months.
Mid-Range Buys

There are a handful of sports shops selling casual activewear along the main road. For more shopping options, pop over to St Anton, which has a wider variety to peruse.

Laid-back evenings

There’s not much in the way of exciting nightlife here, but there’s sometimes the odd festival or live folk music performance. It pays to see check out what’s on week by week in resort.
Lively evenings

Lech is a quiet town with just a smattering of drinking holes. Here, a quiet cocktail and a stroll after dinner is the norm.

Eating out

Having been voted one of the most beautiful towns in Europe, it comes as no surprise that Lech’s restaurants have won numerous gastronomic awards and are some of the most highly-rated eateries in the world. Michelin-starred restaurants and mountain huts are in abundance here, so you can experience the best of both worlds – traditional Alpine cuisine and modern, inventive fine dining.
Michelin-starred meals at La Fenice

On the high street, inside Hotel Arlberg, is La Fenice, a Michelin-starred restaurant with an excellent choice of wines, a charming atmosphere and interesting desserts.
Sip fig vodka at Rud-Alpe Gastronomie

A short way up the mountain is the timber cabin, Rud-Alpe Gastronomie. The charming, chalet-style décor makes this hut feel homely and warm, while the dishes are delicious. Their fig vodka is highly recommended.
Pizza for lunch at Schneggarei

Near the bottom of the main lift is Schneggarei, an Austrian restaurant housed in a wooden barn-style building. The interiors are modern and minimalistic and the tables are set over two floors. Their wood-fired pizzas are a popular lunchtime option.

On foot

Lech is a pretty village that’s easy to get around on foot, whether you’re wandering around the shops and cafés, strolling along the banks of the river, or heading further out into the surrounding hills.
Trains

The nearest station is in St Anton, a 30-minute bus ride away. From there, you can catch a train to towns like Bregenz and Lindau on Lake Constance (1 hour 30 minutes) or even Innsbruck (1 hour 15 minutes) – there are two direct trains there in the morning and one direct return train in the afternoon.
Buses

The local bus service, the blue fleet, is free with your Lech Card and offers a regular service to surrounding villages like Zürs, Zug, Warth and Stubenbach. The no. 92 bus will take you to St Anton (30 minutes) but does cost extra. The main bus stop is next to the Rufikopf lift station.
Summer lifts

Your Lech Card also gives you free access to the summer lifts in the area – the Rüfikopf cable car and the Schlegelkopf, Petersboden and Steffisalp chairlifts. These are usually open from the end of June to the beginning/middle of October.

Walking

Where better to enjoy a walking holiday than in a village that was once voted the most beautiful in Europe? Spend lazy days wandering the village itself, browsing boutiques and stopping in one of the many cafés when you want a break. Or take a stroll along the banks of the river and let yourself be soothed by the rushing water. Surrounding Lech is a varied and rugged terrain, with small lakes, pine forests and enough Alpine trails to keep everyone busy – from family walks to mountain hikes. Your free Lech Card will give you access to the summer lifts and the free hiker’s bus.
High Alpine walk to Zürs

This is a medium difficulty walk, but well worth it if you’ve got the energy. Catch the Rüfikopf cable car up to the top and then follow then Alpine trail toward the end of the valley. You can stop for a break along the way at the Stuttgarterhutte, before carrying on down into Zürs. The free hiker’s bus will take you back to Lech, or you can walk back on the mountain road.
Durch das Zugertobel

This moderate level walk takes you along a wonderfully scenic route. Start off at the Wanderstartplatz Postamt and take the free hiking bus towards the Oberlech or the Lech mountain railway. At the Schlössle stop, get off and follow the road round to your right. At the Tannegg viewpoint, continue past the Grubenalpe to the left, up the gravelled path. Come to a stop at the Kriegeralpe, have a rest and a spot of lunch while taking in the views. From here, there's a short climb uphill past the Chluppa stone wall and the Speicherersee to the right.