Lechweg Oberes Lechtal

The Lechweg runs 125 kilometres from the spring above Lech am Arlberg to the Lechfall at Füssen, along the last wild river in the Alps. This route is the upper part: from Lech via Warth and Holzgau to Elbigenalp, 44 kilometres in three stages.

The first day drops from the church in Lech to the river and follows the Lech downstream to Warth, with the Lech gorge at its narrowest. The second crosses into Tirol at Steeg and runs through the Lech valley to Holzgau, a long day at 21 kilometres. The third goes over the suspension bridge and through Bach to Elbigenalp, with the painted houses of Holzgau at the start.

The landscape is an alpine river valley: grey-green water over gravel banks, steep forest on the flanks, and villages of wooden houses with painted facades. The elevation is modest, but the path is narrow and stony in many places.

Practical. The route is waymarked with the Lechweg logo. Lech is reached by bus from Langen am Arlberg; Elbigenalp sits on the bus route towards Reutte, which has a station. The stages end in Warth and Holzgau, where there are hotels and inns. June to September are the best months; in spring the riverside path can still be under water.