The Arlberg mountain, covered in lush green mountain pines, was already roamed by people in the Bronze Age. Later, Celtic and Roman armies marched here, and merchants and waggoners transported their precious and vital goods. Today, tourists cross the impressive pass on their way to one of the most traditional mythical landscapes.
The Arlberg has already been graced by many an illustrious personality. Even a Pope has been among them: John XXIII, who actually fell into the snow on the then still unpaved pass road. The landscape that surrounds the mountains provides the perfect backdrop for such highly regarded visitors. With the heavenly Formarinsee and Körbersee mountain lakes, this place is home to two winners of the hunt to crown Austria’s most beautiful places. In the “Steinernes Meer” (“Rock Sea”) area near Lech, numerous petrified fossils act as the last witnesses of a former prehistoric sea and iconic mountain personalities, such as the Omeshorn mountain, are adorned by blooming Alpine meadows and emerald green rivers and streams.
It is a primitive human experience to feel closer to Heaven above the mountains.
I think I have every right to say that I have turned my hobby into a career. I spend every day working on matters surrounding hiking and I travel to Europe’s most beautiful hiking destinations both professionally and personally.
Like a blue-blooded lifeline, the Lech river runs from the Arlberg through the Lechtal valley to Füssen im Allgäu region. It first rises as an inconspicuous little mountain stream on the Formarinalpe mountain pasture, against the mystical backdrop of the Rote Wand mountain, a natural gem decorated with a reddish limestone band, and the magically blue-green shimmering Formarinsee lake. Afterwards, it makes its way through a sea of flowers in Alpine meadows and burst limestone rocks, before culminating in the spectacular Lechfall waterfall. On its journey, it crosses one of the last wild river landscapes in Europe, as well as one of the continent’s largest ibex colonies, and divides the European Hiking Village Lech am Arlberg, which bears its name. Over the centuries, the river has shaped the fates of countless people: from the Romans during their Alpine crossings, Swabian children on their arduous journey to seasonal work abroad and the early transport companies, the raftsmen.
The Lechweg trail is one of the most popular long-distance hiking trails among pleasure hikers. Its 125 km are mostly equipped with wooden footbridges and platforms on which you can get close to the River Lech and absorb its rhythm. You can follow the entire life cycle of the thrilling water and encounter countless natural attractions, such as a cyclical waterfall, the longest suspension bridge in Austria and the magnificent castles in the Allgäu region. The Lechweg trail is divided into seven day-long stages, consistently signposted throughout and offers hiking with luggage transport.
Who hasn’t tasted the famous Vorarlberg Käsknöpfle cheese spaetzle or at least heard of the dish before? This traditional speciality tastes best in the Kriegeralpe Alpine hut in Lech am Arlberg. And the inn’s hosts are happy to share their knowledge with guests about how to perfectly prepare these delicacies, meaning they will be able to successfully make Käsknöpfle once they return home after their holiday. A pleasurable experience that is in keeping with a village where so many award-winning restaurants have transformed it into a globally renowned World Gourmet Village.
Packing list hiking holiday
There are good rail connections to the Arlberg from Austria, Germany and Switzerland – also via Innsbruck and Zurich airports. Public transport is free with the LechCard.
Generall information for your holiday at the Arlberg
