Lech-Zürs - Worlds of hiking

EN 

Worlds of hiking 

Selected hikes 

for your holiday in Lech Zürs am Arlberg 

www.lech-zuers.at

Discover worlds of hiking 

Worlds of hiking 

Who hasn’t experienced and longed for it – the relief of a deep breath again when, after a stressful 

week of hustle and bustle, one starts off on a hike, is surrounded by luscious green pastures 

and breathes fresh air again at last – or the pleasant feeling of stretching one’s legs under the 

pub table after a long hike. In these moments – for example at beautiful viewpoints or idyllic 

picnic areas – one is in complete harmony with oneself and one's environment. 

The pace of our lives has accelerated to such an extent that our senses are sometimes hardly 

able to cope anymore. Hiking gives us back some of that fleeting time and provides an unhurried 

environment in which body and soul can really thrive. 

This is why you won’t find any of the usual superlatives on the next few pages – just a selection 

of various paths, routes, trails and hikes, suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness. 

More than 350 km of clearly sign-posted hiking trails lead through a unique region of majestic 

mountains, blooming pastures, fragrant forests, murmuring streams and crystal clear mountain 

lakes. With a little luck, you can witness chamois and ibex jumping daringly across steep rocks, 

or hear the distinctive whistling call of marmots by the wayside. Happy cows graze peacefully 

on succulent pastures and traditional rustic taverns invite you to take a pleasant break and enjoy 

homemade products. 

We wish you a great time finding new perspectives, discovering new favourite spots and gaining 

new impressions!

All tours 1 

Contents 

No. Page Category 

Lech Card 2 

Difficulty index 3 

1 Burgwald path j 4 – 5 

2 Flühenweg path j 6 – 7 

3 Lech riverbank path j 8 – 9 

4 Bodenalpe 10 – 11 

5 Zuger Tobel j 12 – 13 

6 Ravensburger hut 14 – 15 

7 Tannberg 16 – 17 

8 Geology hike “Rüfikopf” 18 – 19 

9 Geology hike “Sea of Stone” – Freiburger hut 20 – 23 

10 On the footsteps of the Walser people 24 – 25 

11 Nature protection area “gypsum holes” 26 – 27 

12 “Der Grüne Ring“ (the Green Ring) – 1. Leg 28 – 29 



15 On crystal clear paths 34 – 35 

16 Lechweg – 1. Leg 36 – 37 

17 Lechweg – 2. Leg 38 – 39 

18 Göppinger hut 40 – 41 

19 Stuttgarter hut 42 – 43 

20 Gehren ridge 44 – 45 

21 Mohnenfluh 46 – 47 

22 Rüfispitze 48 – 49 

23 Karhorn fixed rope route 50 – 51 

24 Spullersee Lake 52 – 53 

25 Kriegerhorn tour 54 – 55 

26 All around the Karhorn 56 – 57 

27 Burgwald Bike Trail 58 – 59 

Behaviour guidelines for hikes / bus network 60 

Legend 61 

WALKS 

FAMILY HIKES 

THEME HIKES 

MYTHOLOGICAL HIKES 

WATER HIKES 

MOUNTAIN HIKES 

PEAKS 

CYCLING TOURS

2 Lech Card 

Lech is waiting for you! 

Small, stylish, practical and as valuable as 

cash: the Lech card is your recreation 

ticket* for Lech and its surrounding areas. 

It has everything you want, from modern 

mobility to healthy sports, from childfriendly 

activities to family-friendly fun, 

from breath-taking mountain adventures to 

cultivated cultural delights. 

A whole spectrum of experiences just for 

you. Can you hear that? The Arlberg is calling! 

Enjoy this unique range of options: 

• Access to all running cable cars and chairlifts 

• Local and tour buses, regional lines 40 and 91/92 between Lech and Zürs 

• Child care in the Kids Active Club 

• Selected, guided hikes 

• Forest swimming pool with rock island 

• Tennis- and beach volleyball courts 

• Running and walking trails 

• Day fee for the Lech Golf Academy (driving range, putting green and 3 holes) 

• Buxbaum family play park: mini golf, Pit-pat (obstacle billiards), billiards, baby and toddler 

paradise 

• Open-air concerts, slide shows, museums, library 

* You receive the Lech Card with just one overnight stay.

Dfficult index 3 

Difficulty index 

Each recommendation in "Worlds of Hiking” contains details about the difficulty of the hike. The 

most difficult hike in the brochure is marked as black, the difficult routes are blue, intermediate 

hikes are red and the easiest are yellow. The colours are shown in the elevation profile of the 

relevant hike and on the markers and sign-posts in the hiking area. The following illustration 

shows the basic classification: 

HIKING 

hikes in alpine valleys or 

low mountain ranges 

Hikes on level terrain; more like long 

walks. The terrain consists of comfortable 

paths through forests and 

pastures or forest and transportation 

roads and tracks without significant 

changes in altitude. 

Mostly unspoilt and clearly signposted 

paths and tracks, rarely in 

steep terrain. Short challenging passages 

are possible. The changes in altitude 

are so moderate that the hike 

can also be undertaken with athletic 

children. 

MOUNTAIN HIKES 

day-trips in low mountain 

ranges, as well as classic 

mountain hut hikes 

Intermediate hikes including both 

comfortable hiking trails and sometimes 

stony paths and “tree root 

trails”. Only moderate changes in altitude 

of up to 300 m at most and 

never for long. 

Easy to walk, sign-posted mountain trails 

or mountain hut routes without any 

climbing required. Follows sometimes 

steep tracks and paths that do not have 

any obvious dangers. No summit ascents. 

The changes in altitude are hard 

work for untrained people, but for trained 

people they are moderate. A good level of 

fitness and sure-footedness are required. 

ALPINE 

Alpine tours. You must be 

sure-footed and not suffer 

from vertigo. 

Summit ascents with some easy 

climbing (I) without obvious dangers. 

Routes not sign-posted throughout, 

partially not on paths. You must have 

some alpine experience and be surefooted 

and free from vertigo. 

Summit ascent with climbing up to a 

maximum difficulty level of II (UIAA). 

Some alpine fixed rope routes in categories 

C+D. Usually without paths 

and not sign-posted.

4 Walks 

1 Burgwald path 

This hike is a little more challenging 

but you will be rewarded with 

gorgeous views. 

Elevation profil: Burgwald path 

Distance: 3,0 km Altitude difference: 191 m 192 m Duration: 1:30 h 

Hikes: 

Condition: 

The walk starts at the hike starting point in 

front of the post office. You then follow the 

Lech Promenade downstream to (1) Martin’s 

Chapel. Here, you follow the forest trail to 

your left, going steeply uphill. After the first 

incline, you will get to a (2) rest place. Then 

continue through the forest, always slightly 

uphill. You can enjoy the view back over Lech 

from several clearings. You will eventually

Walks 5 

reach a forest road, which you follow downhill 

to the left through the forest. 

After the wooded area, you reach broad 

swathes through which the forest road winds 

its way downwards. 

Soon, you reach the rustic (3) Rud-Alpe. 

Here, you can rest and have a bite to eat on 

the generous sun terrace or in the cosy interior 

with its open fireplace. Further on downwards 

you will pass a (4) rest place. 

INSIDER’S TIP: 

From here, it is only a few metres downhill 

until you get to a back road. 

Follow the road on the left-hand side and 

turn right at the next junction going downhill 

until you reach an old roofed wooden bridge. 

Follow the Lech Promenade to the left going 

downstream. When you reach the Pension 

Waldesruh, cross the Lech River on the 

bridge and you will end up back at the starting 

point. 

• Special features: The walk can be shortened by using the Oberlech cable car 

• Sights: Martin’s Chapel “an der Straß“; roadside shrine in the Tannberg district 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Oberlech and the Rud-Alpe

6 Walks 

2 Flühenweg path 

This walk offers gorgeous views of 

the picturesque Lech am Arlberg. 

Elevation profil: Flühenweg path 


Hikes: 

Condition: 

The walk begins at the hike starting point in 

front of the post office. Follow the Lech 

Promenade upstream until you see the Hotel 

Pfefferkorn to your left. Walk past the hotel 

and turn left onto a back road going slightly 

uphill. The street goes through the Ebra district 

for a few metres. Soon, a paved path 

branches off to the left, which you follow to 

the edge of the forest. Here, you now take a

Walks 7 

forest path to the left going slightly uphill. 

From here, you can already enjoy the fantastic 

panoramic view of Lech am Arlberg and 

the (1) 3-hole golf course. 

After a few metres, you will get to a (2) barbecue 

site built with great attention to detail. 

You will find everything you need for a 

fun barbecue here. It is therefore definitely a 

good idea to bring food and possibly paper 

plates and cutlery with you! 

The walk continues along the same path until 

you reach a small forest. A very special 

rest stop awaits you here – the (3) Seelenbaumler 

(hammock). Take a seat, relax and 

enjoy the view of the mountain landscape. 


The path continues to the edge of the forest, 

where you will find another (4) rest place. 

Here, turn left and follow the agricultural 

road past the stables and across the pasture 

until you reach the first houses. 

From here, continue along the paved back 

road through the Anger district to the church 

square. The (5) Steinplatz is located here, 

which boasts stone sculptures made from 

6 different types of stone. These witnesses 

of the Earth's history invite you to a geological 

"investigation". 

You then walk around the church and, via a 

paved pathway, you will get back to the 

starting point. 

• Special features: The pastures contain numerous medicinal herbs; there is a good 

place for a break at Mesner’s Stables (next to the church) 

• Sights: Parish church St. Nikolaus 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg

8 Walks 

3 Lech riverbank path 

This walk is ideal for families with 

small children, as a pram can be 

taken along. 

Elevation profil: Lech riverbank path 


Hikes: 

Condition: 

From the hike starting point in front of the 

post office, follow the Lech Promenade on 

the left and continue upstream. Cross the 

road when you reach the old roofed wooden 

bridge and continue past the house “Chalet 

Säge”. When you reach Hûs No. 8, turn right

Walks 9 

onto the back road. Follow the road past the 

(1) Chapel, continue straight ahead uphill, 

then across level ground until the path ends 

and leads onto a gravel forest path. Follow 

the path alongside the sparkling Lech River. 

When you reach the (2) Kneipp facilities, a 

wooden bridge leads across the Lech River 

to the (3) forest swimming pool. You can 

take a break here and relax in the warm water, 

which is at a constant temperature of 

25°. The forest swimming pool offers lots of 

fun especially for children, with its water 

slide, rock island, children’s pool, playground, 

etc. 

Once you have refreshed yourselves, continue 

alongside the river past a (4) barbecue 

site built with great attention to detail. Just 


before you reach the Zug district, you will 

find (5) relaxation recliners directly on the 

riverside. 

Follow the path until you get to the lower station 

of the Zug cable car. From here on, the 

path is paved again. Cross the bridge and 

walk across the car park to the (6) fish pond. 

Here you can do some fishing yourself and 

enjoy your freshly prepared fish right there 

and then. 

The journey back takes you along the Lech 

riverside path again, or you can walk into 

Zug town centre and take the hiking bus 

back to the starting point. 

• Special features: The extensive gravel banks allow you to “immortalise” yourself 

here with a little stone man 

• Sights: Omesberg Chapel 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Zug and the fish pond

10 Family hikes 

4 Bodenalpe 

This family hike is particularly 

diverse due to the many possible 

route options. 


front of the post office. Follow the Lech 

Promenade upstream until you see the Hotel 

Pfefferkorn to your left. Walk past the hotel 

and turn left onto a back road going slightly 

uphill. The street goes through the Ebra district 

for a few metres. 

Soon, a paved path branches off to the left, 

which you follow to the edge of the forest. 

Here, you now take a forest path to your left 

going slightly uphill. From here, you can already 

enjoy the fantastic panoramic view of 

Elevation profil: Bodenalpe 


Hikes: 

Condition: 

Lech am Arlberg and the (1) 3-hole golf 

course. 

After a few metres, you will get to a (2) barbecue 

site built with great attention to 

detail. 

The walk continues down the same path until 

you reach a small wood. A very special 

spot for a rest awaits you here – the (3) Seelenbaumler 

(hammock). The path continues 

to the edge of the forest, where you will find 

another (4) rest stop. You now continue 

downhill to the stables and then turn right 

again onto a forest path. Follow the path 

through a forest and across a stream until 

you reach a christian wayside shrine. At the 

shrine, take the ascending supply road on 

the right. When you have passed a (5) rustic

Family hikes 11 

lodge, follow the path to the left going uphill 

towards the Tristeller Alpe. The path continues 

fairly evenly here on level ground. You 

will reach a junction; follow the signpost to 

the left going downhill onto a forest road 

through the forest. Stay on the wide gravel 

road until you see a narrow track that 

branches off sharply to the left towards the 

Bodenalpe. Follow the path through the forest; 

a few steps will take you down to the 

Lech River. 

Cross the wooden bridge to get to the other 

side. From here, a narrow path leads upwards 

across a pasture to the (6) Bodenalpe. 

After a well-deserved rest, you can take the 

same path back to Lech, or you can take the 

hiking bus, which stops directly in front of 

the Bodenalpe. 


Route A: Tristeller Alpe 

When you reach the junction follow the signpost 

to Tristeller Alpe. Going slightly uphill, 

you will reach the Göldenboden Alpe after 

crossing wide pastures. Across mountain 

pastures and finally over winding roads, you 

will ascend steadily to the Tristeller Alpe. 

From there you have a fantastic view of Lech 

am Arlberg, Oberlech and Bürstegg. You can 

return via the same path. 

Route B: Hike around Stubenbach 

When you reach the junction to the Tristeller 

Alpe, follow the signpost to the left going 

downhill onto a forest road through the forest. 

After a few hairpin curves, a narrow forest 

path branches off to your left, which 

takes you back to the Stubenbach area and 

the Lech am Arlberg town centre. 

• Special features: The path can also be completed in the opposite direction. 

• Sights: The Bodenalpe is a 400 year old building, today’s the Bodenalpe welcomes 

guests with beautiful architecture, charming ambience and invigorating 

fare. 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg, Stubenbach-Stüble and 

Bodenalpe


5 Zuger Tobel 

This hike through the Zuger Tobel 

valley leads through a particularly 

charming landscape. 

Elevation profil: Zuger Tobel 

Take the hiking bus towards Oberlech directly 

from the hike starting point at the post 

office. Get off at the last stop “Schlössle” 

and follow the street. Follow the paved back 

road to your right going uphill. 

You will get to the (1) view point “Tannegg” 

incl. barbecue site, continue uphill to the left 

past the (2) Grubenalpe. 

The hike continues along a gravel alpine path 

across species-rich pastures, always going 


Mountain hikes: 

Condition:


uphill. You will get to the (3) Kriegeralpe, 

where you can take a rest. From here, it is 

only a short walk uphill, past the (4) "Chlup - 

pa" stone wall and the (5) Speichersee Lake. 

Now follow the alpine path downhill through 

the Zugertobel, past the valley station of the 

Steinmähder lift. The lively murmuring of the 

stream will accompany you on your descent 


until you reach a paved road. Follow the 

street to the left going downhill into the Zug 

district. 

From here, you can take the hiking bus at the 

toll station and ride back to the starting 

point. Or you can hike back to Lech am Arlberg 

via the Lech riverbank path. 

• Special features: Instead of taking the hiking bus, you can also reach Oberlech 

with the Oberlech cable car and then hike to the “Schlössle” on foot 

• Sights: nature protection area “gypsum holes” – a beautifully designed geological 

education path branches off at the Grubenalpe. It provides easily understandable 

insights into the formation of this sinkhole landscape. The varied landscape 

also provides protection to marmots and the soft gypsum rocks are ideal 

for building caves. 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Oberlech, Kriegeralpe and 

restaurants in Zug


6 Ravensburger hut 

The hike to the Ravensburger hut 

is a great experience for the whole 

family, with beautiful views over 

the Spullersee Lake. 

From the hike starting point at the post office, 

you take the hiking bus towards 

Spullersee (please observe the toll fee). Get 

off at the last stop and walk around the 

(1) Spul lersee Lake on the wide alpine path. 

Elevation profil: Ravensburger hut 

When you have left the lake behind, the path 

begins to ascend a little. 

When you reach the (2) Ravensburger hut, 

you can rest and have a bite to eat, enjoying 

the gorgeous view of the lake below you. After 

some refreshments, the alpine path continues 

uphill for a short distance. Keep to the 

left and reach the (3) Alpe Brazer Staffel. 

Between the residential house and the stables, 

the alpine path continues uphill; after a 

few hairpin bends, you have reached the 



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highest point, the (4) Stierlochjoch Pass 

(2,009 m). 

From here, the path continues gently downhill. 

After a few metres of altitude difference, 

you leave the wide alpine path. Continue 

straight ahead through the Mugo Pines and 

then later through the forest. 

You will reach a forest and alpine road where 

you walk to the right going uphill for a 

stretch. Soon, you will see a sign-posted path 

to your left leading to the (5) “Wasserfall- 


weg”, the waterfall path. Now you walk down 

to the waterfall along a narrow trail. Shortly 

after the waterfall, you will get to a beautiful 

barbecue site that is recommended particularly 

for hot days. 

Follow the path continuing downstream towards 

Zug. You will reach a wide path. Now 

you can either walk on the right-hand side on 

the Lech riverbank path towards Lech am 

Arlberg, or you turn left and walk to the 

(6) fish pond and take the bus back to the 

start ing point. 

• Special features: The Spullersee Lake is also suitable for fishing. You can get your 

fishing permit at the Lech Zürs Tourist Office. 

• Sights: The waterfall and nearby barbecue site invite you to stay for a while 

• Refreshment stops: Ravensburger hut, Alpe Brazer Staffel, fish pond and restaurants 

in Lech am Arlberg or Zug


7 Tannberg 

This varied hike takes you through 

the beautiful natural and cultural 

landscape of the Tannberg hiking 

region. 



office. Get off at the last stop “Schlössle”. 

Follow the road going uphill. Soon a paved 

back road branches of to the right. Follow 

the road until you get to the (1) view point 

“Tannegg” incl. barbecue site. From here, a 

good path on your right takes you downhill 

to the far side of the Tobel River. Now you 

Elevation profil: Tannberg 

take the wooden bridge to the other side and 

then ascend steadily to the (2) Gaisbühelalpe. 

Across colourful mountain pastures with extensive 

(3) chive fields, you ascend leisurely 

to the Auenfeld saddle. Here, turn left onto 

the wide alpine path and walk to the (4) Untere 

Auenfeldalpe. Continue along the alpine 

path to your left, following the stream 

through the Auenfeld out of the valley until 

you see a small path branching off to your 

right leading towards Körbersee Lake. Follow 

this path uphill and soon you will enjoy the 

beautiful view of the (5) Körbersee Lake. The 

path now follows the slope of the hill down to 



Condition:


the shore of the lake. Continue along the 

shore until you reach (6) Hotel Körbersee. 

Keep going, following a distinctly wider 

alpine path until you reach the (7) Kalbelesee 

Lake. Now you are just a few metres, following 

the main road keeping right, from the 

bus stop. The hiking bus will take you back to 

the starting point. 


Route A: 

Instead of following the narrow path towards 

Körbersee Lake, stay on the wide alpine path 

that leads you directly to the (8) "Alpine museum 

on the Tannberg" and to the 

Batzenalpe. 

After visiting the museum and, if you like, 

taking some refreshments at the Batzenalpe, 

follow the alpine path uphill keeping right. 

The path will lead you directly to the Hotel 

Körbersee. From here, continue to the final 

point of this hike along the route described 

above. 

• Special features: Instead of taking the hiking bus, you can also reach Oberlech 

with the Oberlech cable car and then hike to the “Schlössle” on foot 

• Sights: “Sennerei” alpine dairy farming museum – the front of the building 

offers the opportunity to take a peek through the windows to see the housing and 

living style of former days. 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Oberlech, Untere 

Auenfeldalpe, Batzenalpe and Hotel Körbersee

18 Theme hikes 

8 Geology hike “Rüfikopf” 

This geological tour takes you on 

a fantastic journey through time – 

past the “stone witnesses” on a 

trail through the centuries. Discover 

the secrets of a world that 

allows us to unlock new dimensions 

of time. 

From the hike starting point, follow the Lech 

Promenade upstream until you see the 

Rüfikopfbahn cable car to your left. Take the 

cable car up the (1) Rüfikopf (2,350 m). 

Elevation profil: Geology hike “Rüfikopf” 

When you have passed the top station of the 

Rüfikopfbahn cable car, turn right and follow 

the sign-posted path through the grandiose 

(2) “Rüfikopf Plateau” until you reach a 

wider path that will take you to the (3) Monzabonsee 

Lake. 

Here, follow the sign-posted path to your left 

going uphill to the pass. Then keep going uphill 

for a short stretch until you reach a wide 

alpine path. 

Turn right and follow the path back to the 

starting point. 



Condition:

Theme hikes 19 


OVERVIEW OF THE JOURNEY 

THROUGH TIME 

• Special features: On this hike, you will find the Geoweg logo (a mollusc) at each 

geological site of interest, along with a number and a capital letter for identification. 

• The accompanying brochure is available at the Lech Zürs Tourist Office and from 

the valley and summit stations of the Rüfikopf cable car. It costs € 5.– 

• Sights: “Stone witnesses” – the sites of interest along the Geoweg adhere to the 

chronology of the history of the Earth as far as possible. In addition to a range 

of rock strata, a number of fossils can also be admired. 

• Refreshment stops: Panorama restaurant Rüfikopf and restaurants in Lech am 

Arlberg 

1 Rüfikopf meets Abu Dhabi – the Dolomia Principale Formation 

2 Veined stone – fine strata created by microbial mats 

3 Crawled and burrowed through – traces of micro-life in the rock 

4 The changing sea level – grey and yellow lithographic limestone 

5 “Cow hoof prints” on the seabed – the mystery of the megalodons 

6 A revealing cycle – sea level fluctuations and bank formation 

7 From stormy times – mud flakes become stone breccias 

8 The “fluctuating sea” – rock strata and the sea level 

9 The changing climate – dark layers as evidence 

10 Born in the ocean – Rhaeto-Lias limestone made from shells and corals 

11 Boulders embedded with red – about breccia fissures and red Lias limestone 

12 Colouration due to oxidation in the sea – the red Lias limestone 

13 A “living fossil” – the nautilus has been around for 500 million years 

14 Horns of Ammon – about the ammonites' beautiful spiral shape 

15 Spines in the rock – about the “spiky” traces of sea urchins in the limestone 

16 Thunderbolts in the rock – the bizarre world of the belemnites 

17 Delicate life preserved in stone – fragments of sea lilies in the limestone 

18 When time stood still geologically – gaps in the sedimentation and mineralisation 

19 The foundation of the green meadows – about the Cretaceous shale and fertile soil in the 

Lech valley 

A A violent collision – the Rüfikopf with its folds, an example of an overthrust mountain 

B Time turned on its head – the Rüfispitze as an overthrust mountain 

C The creation of the landscape – the power of Ice Age glaciers and the climate 

D The beauty of the barren – to the karst area with its channels and sink holes


9 Geology hike “Sea of Stone” – 

Freiburger Hütte 

Delve into the stone sea of corals, 

sea shells, auger shells, 

ammonites ... 


take the hiking bus towards Formarinsee 

Lake (please observe the toll fee). 

After the ride through the beautiful Zugertal 

valley, get off at the last stop. Follow the 

main road back to the (1) Alpe Formarin. 

After the alp, a pasture path branches off to 

the right, which takes you past the (2) ibex 

monument across alpine pastures. At the 

next junction, follow the sign-posted trail to 

your right going uphill. 

After the climb, you reach the first find site 

of interest: a (b) small coral reef, a precur-


sor of the stone sea. All the sites of interest 

are marked by metal sleeves indicating the 

relevant capital letters. 

Continue along the path, which takes you to 

the sites of interest through the (c) Karstgebiet 

region. 

At the next junction, turn left to a further 

(d) si te of interest. Here you are challenged 

to discover countless belemnites, nautiloids 

and ammonites in the red limestone. They 

are generally regarded as the predecessors 

of the squid. 

Walk back to the junction and take the path 

going straight ahead. After just a few metres 


you will encounter a big agglomeration of 

(e) Me galodontidae in various forms and 

cross sections, among them the “ibex horn”. 

This is a giant clam, the shell of which has 

been partially abraded by erosion. 

Stay on this path until you reach the (3) Frei - 

burger hut. Here you can have a bite to eat 

and enjoy the view of the (4) Formarinsee 

Lake. 

From here, you can either follow the wide 

supply road around the lake or take the 

shorter, narrower hiking trail to your right – 

this path is only recommended for experienced 

hikers that do not suffer from vertigo. 

• Special features: Fossils up to 200 million years old can be discovered, 

examined and touched here 

• Sights: Stone Sea – a big agglomeration of fossils, among them the fossil 

referred to by local hunters as the "ibex horn" 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Zug, Alpe Formarin, 

Gasthof Älpele and Freiburger hut


Small geological encyclopaedia 

Oberrät limestone: This light limestone is 

approx. 220 million years old. Its formation 

is comparable to a “small-scale barrier reef": 

corals at the front with lagoon conditions behind 

them; a habitat for snails and shells, 

amongst other species. This sedimentary 

rock developed from the shells of these and 

from limestone deposits from the ocean. 

Red limestone: This limestone gives the Rote 

Wand (red wall) its name, is approx. 200 million 

years old and contains traces of iron. 

The main fossils here are ammonites and 

belemnites. 

Calcite: A "crevice filler” that fills out cavities, 

e.g. cracks in the limestone. The aragonite 

that the shells of clams and snails are 

made of crystallises to form calcite. Branching 

corals, too, are filled with this white, crystal-like 

material. 

Ammonite (Fig. p. 20): Ammonites are ce - 

pha lopods that died out around 70 million 

years ago. They had a flat, spiralled limestone 

shell, part of which was used as the 

body chamber. They are generally regarded 

as the predecessors of squid. 

Elevation profil: Geology hike “Sea of Stone” – Freiburger hut 

Belemnites: Belemnites are stick-shaped, 

squid-like cephalopods with 10 arms. The 

skeletal rostrum of this mollusc is bulletshaped 

and has been preserved as a fossil. It 

died out approx. 70 million years ago and 

lives on in the form of squid today. 

Megalodontidae (Fig. p. 23): These molluscs 

used to stick upright in the sand and could 

sometimes reach quite an impressive size. 

The shells of these extinct molluscs have 

been replaced by calcite. People used to believe 

that the formations in the rock resembling 

cow's feet were the devil's hoof prints. 

Nautiloids: are squid with a spiralled or 

stretched shell with several chambers; the 

animal lives in the outermost chamber. In 

contrast to ammonites, the spirals of the 

shell are bent forwards, and nautiloids can 

still be found in our oceans today. 

Please do not damage the objects – 

you would be destroying the fossils forever! 



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“Ibex horn” and 

Megalodontidae


10 On the footsteps of the 

Walser people 

This route takes you to numerous 

sites that are significant in terms 

of culture and natural history. 

Elevation profil: On the footsteps of the Walser People 



office. Get off at the last stop “Schlössle”. 

Follow the road. Soon a paved back road 

branches off to the right, so you will get to 

the (1) view point “Tannegg” incl. barbecue 

site. From here, a narrow path on your right 

takes you downhill to the far side of the Tobel 

River. Now take the wooden bridge to the 

other side and then ascend steadily to the 

(2) Gaisbühelalpe. 



Condition:


Across colourful mountain pastures with extensive 

(3) chive fields, you will ascend 

leisurely to the Auenfeld saddle. Turn right 

and follow the hiking path, initially uphill and 

then downhill again, until you reach an 

alpine path just before Bürstegg. 

Go to the left until you reach (4) Bürstegg. 

You can rest here and take in the unique 

landscape and peacefulness. On nice days, 

descending to the (5) Wanghus house is definitely 

worth the trip. To get there, follow the 


path through the pasture behind Bürstegg 

going right. Soon, the path becomes a narrow 

track that goes downhill fairly steeply to 

the Wanghus and ends at the bus stop. In the 

event of rain, the descent from Bürstegg to 

the Bodenalpe via the alpine path is recommended. 

Here, too, the path ends right at a 

bus stop. 

The hiking bus will take you back to the starting 

point. 

• Special features: In the footsteps of the Walser settlers on the Tannberg – this 

walking guide invites you on a fascinating historical journey through the cultural 

landscape of the Tannberg. Drawing on the ancient buildings, abandoned Walser 

settlements, legends and stunning landscape, the author paints a multifaceted 

portrait of historical highlights with enthralling details and rich historical atmosphere. 

€ 16.50 – available at the Lech Zürs Tourist Office 

• Places of interest: Wang-Hus – the oldest house in Lech am Arlberg 

• Bürstegg – a former Walser settlement, which includes a church and used to be 

inhabited all year round, but is now only used for alpine farming 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Oberlech, Bürstegg and 

Bodenalpe


11 Nature protection area “gypsum holes” 

The ideal themed hike for families, 

on which ten different types 

of orchids can be discovered. 


front of the post office. From here, you take 

the back road between the Raiffeisen bank 

and the post office. After you have crossed 

the Lech River, follow the Lech Promenade 

on the left-hand side and continue upstream 

to the lower station of the Schlegelkopf lift. 

From the top station, keep left and walk past 

the lower station of the Kriegerhorn cable 

Elevation profil: Nature protection area “gypsum holes” 

car. Follow the path that branches off to the 

left here. When you reach a junction, follow 

the path going straight ahead ascending to 

the (1) nature protection area “gypsum 

holes”. Keep to the left and traverse the gypsum 

holes. You will reach a supply road, 

which you follow downhill to the right until 

you reach the (2) Grubenalpe. A beautifully 

designed geological education path branches 

off to the right here. Follow the hiking path 

back across the gypsum holes nature protection 

area until you reach another junction. 

Follow the path to the left going downhill 

through beautiful pastures full of flowers to- 



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wards Oberlech. You will reach another path. 

Follow it, keeping right and going downhill. 

The path leads onto a paved back road. 

Turn right and walk past the Hotel Goldener 

Berg and follow the path to the (3) Bergbahn 

Oberlech cable car. 

Additional information: 

Approximately 220 million years ago, in the Triassic 

age, the climate of the Oberlech region was very 

arid and hot near the equator. The landscape of the 

then coastal area consisted of many small lagoons. 

Floods left behind water in the lagoons, which then 

evaporated in the scalding heat. As a result, the 

concentration of the solute substances rose and 

sulphates (gypsum, anhydrite) were emitted. 

Since the formation of the gypsum 220 million 

years ago, the Oberlech region has been moving 

northwards on a tectonic plate. This plate collided 

with the European plate, forming the Alps, and the 

former lagoon sediments were lifted to high altitudes. 


From here, you can either take the cable car 

back to the starting point or take the hiking 

path through the “Burgwald” forest or across 

the Rud-Alpe back to the starting point. 

The fast-eroding gypsum landscapes display varying 

morphological phenomena. On the one hand, 

gypsum formation leads to a swelling of the 

ground and thus to the formation of elevations in 

the terrain. The sulphate mineral anhydrite, which 

is stable at great depths, is turned into gypsum on 

the surface level through water absorption. This 

also brings about an increase in volume of 50 %. 

On the other hand, gypsum is dissolved and gypsum 

holes are created. An annual average of 3 kg 

of rock per square metre is dissolved and removed 

subterraneously. 

The gypsum holes are special in botanical terms, 

too, as each gypsum hole creates a special microclimate 

for plants. 

• Special features: The varied landscape also provides protection to marmots. 

When the orchids are in bloom from July to mid August, 10 different types of orchids 

can be found right next to the hiking path. 

• Sights: The gypsum holes – with over 1000 sinkholes that are unique in size and 

appearance, this is one of Europe's special geological sites. The largest sinkhole 

has a diameter of 100 m and a depth of 35 m. 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg and Oberlech

28 Mythological hikes 

12 “Der Grüne Ring“ – 1. Leg 

(the Green Ring) 

The newly-designed hike takes you 

onto the trails of the legendary 

"White Ring" ski tour on three 

daytrips through the beautiful 

mountain landscape of Lech Zürs 

am Arlberg. 

Elevation profil: “Der Grüne Ring“ – 1. Leg 

From the hike starting point, follow the Lech 

Promenade upstream until you see the Rüfikopfbahn 

cable car to your left. Take the cable 

car to the (1) Rüfikopf (2,350 m). At the 

top station of the Rüfikopfbahn cable car 

there is a (2) book, in which you can document 

your visit. 

Then follow the (3) Geology hike “Rüfikopf” 

going downhill towards (4) Monzabonsee 

Lake. From there, continue downwards to the 

(5) Monzabonalpe. 



Condition:

Mythological hikes 29 

Shortly before crossing the Pazüelbach 

stream, you will see the very special (6) Hüttenbibliothek 

library. You can select a nice 

book here, read for a while and relax. Then 

continue along the wide alpine path, past the 

valley station of the Trittkopf lift and onwards, 

ascending slightly until the path leads 

steeply downhill all the way to Zürs am Arlberg. 

When you reach Zürs, you can take the hiking 

bus back to the starting point or you can 


take a little detour and visit the European 

watershed. 

To do so, follow the road through Zürs until 

you reach the Trittkopf lift. Here, a pasture 

trail winds through the grazing pastures 

alongside the river towards the Flexenpass. 

When you reach the Flexenpass, cross the 

street and you will find this impressive 

installation right next to the Flexenhäuslhouse. 

• Special features: On this three-day hike, you enter a modern world of mythology 

that is very humorously and charmingly designed. You can get the book to accompany 

the hike at the Lech Zürs Tourist Office for € 12.–. 

• Sights: The European Watershed – here, the water divides and flows either to the 

Black Sea or into the North Sea 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg, Panorama restaurant Rüfikopf, 

Alpe Monzabon and Flexenhäusl 

• At the (7) post boxes, you can pick up free postcards that you can write on the 

spot and throw back into the post box. Post is collected and sent out once a year.




Take the hiking bus towards Zürs directly 

from the hike starting point at the post office. 

Get off at the Zürs stop and walk along 

the main road until you reach the roundabout. 

Shortly after the roundabout, take the supply 

road going steeply uphill with hairpin 

bends until you reach the (1) Zürsersee Lake 

and then continue uphill to the (2) Taurins 


cave and past the (3) Gate until you reach 

the (4) Glacial city of Madloch, then on up to 

the highest point of the Madlochjoch Pass, 

where you will find a (5) book which you can 

sign. 

From there, a narrower path leads through 

partially karsified terrain downhill to the 

pass between the Stierlochkopf and the 

Zuger Mittagsspitze. 



Condition:


Up here you can see the (6) bivouac. Follow 

the hairpins downhill past (7) Taurin the Giant 

until you reach another hiking trail. Keep 

to the right and then turn left going downhill 

shortly afterwards. Continue downhill until 

you reach the Lechweg trail. 

Here, you can turn left and take a short detour 

to the (8) waterfall and the barbecue 

site. 


Or you can stay on the trail and walk past the 

(9) fish pond until you reach the bus stop in 

Zug town centre. 

From here, you can take the hiking bus back 

to the starting point. Those who have not had 

enough yet can turn right onto the Lech riverbank 

path and take a nice stroll back into 

Lech am Arlberg. 

• Special features: The bivouac – serves as a dwelling for anyone who wants to 

experience something unique and can make do with a slightly more spartan accommodation. 

The key for this airy refuge is available at the Lech Zürs Tourist 

Office. (Please register beforehand) 

• Sights: Taurin the Giant – to represent the legend, a huge giant made of wood 

stands in a crevice, trying to carry the scattered lumps of rock back up 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Zug, and fish pond 






Take the hiking bus towards Zug from the 

hike starting point at the post office. Get off 

at the “Zuger Kirchle” stop. Follow the paved 

road through town until you reach the turnoff 

to the (1) fish pond. 

A pasture trail branches off to the right here, 

which leads up through the “ditch” to where 

the alp is fenced off. From there, follow the 

path diagonally to the right, slightly uphill 

between pillars 7 and 8 of the Zug cable car 

to the edge of the forest. A forest path then 

goes steeply uphill through the (2) Scribbles 

to the (3) Balmalp. From here, a wider alpine 


path continues, on level ground at first, then 

inclining to the right and then further uphill 

to the peak of the (4) Kriegerhorn (2,173 m) 

(but you can also stay on the alpine path and 

walk directly to the Kriegeralpe). 

From there, walk downhill to the (6) stone 

wall, past the Speichersee Lake to the 

(7) Krie geralpe. After some invigorating refreshments, 

continue along the wide alpine 

path. Soon, you take a path that branches 

off to the right. At the next junction, take the 

lovely hiking trail to the left through blooming 

alpine pastures going downhill until you 



Condition:


reach a path by the river. Follow the path to 

the right going downhill alongside the river 

until you reach a paved back road. 


Berg. Here you will reach a gravel path on 

your left which takes you back downhill to 

the lower station of the Oberlech cable car. 

Turn right and follow the supply road through 

the forest clearing to the (8) Libellensee 

Lake. The (9) forest education trail will take 

you to the extensive pastures of the 

Schlegelkopf (you can also follow the trail 

going downhill from the Oberlech cable car, 

which will take you directly to the Rud-Alpe.) 


From here, follow the wide supply road going 

steeply downhill to the (10) Rud-Alpe, where 

you will be rewarded with refreshments on 

the beautiful sun terrace. 

Continue downhill from here until you reach 

a paved back road. Keep to the left and turn 

right at the next junction and continue downhill. 

This path will take you to the old roofed 

wooden bridge. 

Follow the Lech Promenade to the left of the 

river until you reach the Pension Waldesruh. 

Cross the Lech River on the bridge and you 

end up back at the starting point. 

• Special features: Scribbles – here you will encounter woodcarvings of mythological 

creatures at every turn 

• Sights: The Libellensee Lake – hidden deep within the forest, the shores of this 

calm lagoon are inhabited by countless mythological creatures 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg, Zug or Oberlech, Kriegeralpe 

and Rud-Alpe 



34 Water hikes 

15 On crystal clear paths 

On this hike you discover the 

source of the Lech spring water, 

which is also fondly referred to as 

“Chateau Madloch” or 

“Schwarzbach Riesling“. 

Elevation profil: On crystal clear paths 


Hikes: 

Condition: 


take the "Lech riverbank path” hike described 

above to Zug, or take the hiking bus 

to Zug. When you have passed the (1) fish 

pond, continue on the left bank of the Lech 

River going upstream. 

You can cross the Lech at a bridge and will 

soon reach the (2) sawmill. Here is the natural 

spring of the (3) Weissbach River.

Water hikes 35 

Just 100 m into the valley along the paved 

toll road, you will find the spring of the 

(4) Schwarz bach River. 

Walk over the bridge back to the (5) barbecue 

site and follow the hiking trail alongside 

the river until you cross the Lech when you 

reach the (6) Gasthof Älpele. 

Here you can rest for a while and then take 

the hiking bus back to the starting point. 


Additional information: 

The high-alpine origin of the Lech spring water 

guarantees natural drinking water that is, 

to a large extent, untainted by pollutants 

caused by civilisation. 

Even using highly-sensitive methods, no 

levels of, for example, heavy metals, pesticides 

or hydrocarbons can be found in the 

Schwarzbach spring. 

Likewise, the content of generally undesirable 

nitrate is more than fifty times below 

the acceptable guideline value of 1 mg per 

litre (this value is often exceeded in regions 

with intensive agriculture). 

• Special features: Sections of the Lech have been made available for fly fishing. 

Fishing permits are available at the Lech Zürs Tourist Office. 

• Sights: The water treasure of the Lech municipality – fulfils all the criteria for the 

designations “suitable for a low-sodium diet” and “suitable for the preparation of 

baby food". 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Zug, fish pond and Gasthof 

Älpele


16 Lechweg – 1. Leg 

This easy long-distance hike takes 

you across 120 km of trails 

through the Alps and one of Europe’s 

last wild river landscapes. 

Elevation profil: Lechweg – 1. Leg 

Distance: 14,6 km Altitude difference: 177 m 612 m Duration: 4:30 h Condition: 

.. 

Take the hiking bus that heads towards the 

Formarinsee Lake from the hike starting 

point at the post office (please observe the 

toll fee). 

Get off at the last stop and follow the supply 

road going gently downhill to the (1) Formarinsee 

Lake. Here, you can enjoy the 

Mountain hikes:


beautiful panoramic view of the lake. Turn 

back and follow the main road back to the 

(2) Alpe Formarin. After the alp, a path 

through a pasture branches off to the right, 

which takes you past the (3) ibex monument 

and across alpine pastures. 

At the next junction, follow the sign-posted 

trail to the left, stay alongside the Lech going 


out down the valley, past the (4) Gasthof 

Älpele until you reach the (5) fish pond in 

Zug. From here, you can take the “Lech riverbank 

path” already described above all the 

way to Lech am Arlberg. 

You will pass interesting resting places, idyllic 

barbecue sites and cosy inns and restaurants 

on your way. 

• Special features: Further information on the long-distance hike is available at the 

Lech Zürs Tourist Office or at www.lechweg.com 

• Sights: The Formarinsee Lake – a natural mountain lake where fishing is also permitted. 

You can obtain a fishing permit at the Lech Zürs Tourist Office. 

• Possible stops: Gasthaus Älpele, restaurants in Zug and Lech am Arlberg


17 Lechweg – 2. Leg 

120 kilometres cannot be covered 

in a single day. This second leg of 

the hike takes you above the “Lech 

canyon" all the way to Warth. 

Elevation profil: Lechweg – 2. Leg 


front of the post office. 

Follow the “Bodenalpe” trail described above 

until you reach a narrow track that branches 

off sharply to the left towards (1) Bodenalpe. 



Condition:


Stay on the wide forest path that takes you 

above the “Lech canyon” to a (2) small 

wooden bridge across the Lech. 

From here, continue upstream, first along a 

wagon road and later along a narrow paved 

road that leads to (3) Warth town centre. 


The hiking bus will take you back to Lech am 

Arlberg from here. If you enjoyed the Lech 

path, you can continue along it all the way to 

Füssen im Allgäu. 

• Special features: The path can also be walked in the opposite direction 

• Sights: Warth town centre – the parish church St. Sebastian and the Walserhus 

house are impressive testimonies to the Walser arts and crafts 

• Refreshment stops: Bodenalpe, restaurants in Warth and Lech am Arlberg

40 Mountain hikes 

18 Göppinger hut 

This slightly longer and difficult 

hike should be started early in the 

morning and only in good weather 

conditions. 

Elevation profil: Göppinger hut 

Take the hiking bus towards Formarinsee 

Lake from the hike starting point at the post 

office (please observe the toll fee). Get off at 

the last stop (1) Formarinsee Lake. 

Walk on to the (2) Alpe Formarin. Follow the 

path that branches off to the left going uphill. 

A short, steep incline across steel-secured 

rock cliffs follows. Soon, the path becomes 

more moderate and leads through a 



Condition:

Mountain hikes 41 

wide basin to the Schönbühel. From here, the 

path continues slightly downhill to the Upper 

Johannesjoch pass. The path then continues 

steeply downhill into a basin. 

Now there is a steep ascent to just below the 

peak of the eastern Johanneskopf. From 

here, the path leads in a gentle downward 

slope all the way to the (3) Göppinger hut 

(2,245 m). After resting for a while, follow 

the path to the right going downhill to 

Laubegg. 


From here, a steep path with hairpin bends 

leads you down to the (4) Upper Älpele. 

The path then becomes slightly wider and 

leads to the (5) Gasthaus Älpele in a gentle 

downward slope. From here, take the hiking 

bus back to the starting point (please observe 

the toll fee). 

• Special features: A wildly romantic alpine path through a very beautiful landscape 

• Sights: Climbing park Göppinger hut – just behind the hut there is a natural 

climbing park for sports climbers with around 10 different routes 

• Refreshment stops: Gasthaus Älpele, Göppinger Hütte and restaurants in Zug and 

Lech am Arlberg


19 Stuttgarter hut 

This very easy mountain hike leads 

you through untouched valley 

basins and across mountain crests 

with beautiful views. 


follow the Lech Promenade upstream 

until you reach the Rüfikopfbahn cable car. 

Take the cable car up the (1) Rüfikopf (2,350 

m). From here, take the wide alpine path 

downhill until you reach a signpost. 

Elevation profil: Stuttgarter hut 

Take the hiking trail to the left uphill to a 

pass. Continue along a relatively steep path 

with hairpins going downhill to a saddle. Follow 

the path downhill to the valley floor of 

the (2) Ochsengümple. 

Follow the trail to the right to the very end of 

the valley. There are no more significant 

changes in altitude after this. From here, the 

trail becomes a little steeper going uphill until 

you reach a junction. Turn right going uphill 

to the (3) Rauhekopfscharte. Then continue 

gently downhill to the (4) Stuttgarter hut. 



Condition:


After a bite to eat, follow the trail going 

steadily downhill until you reach a mountain 

torrent. The trail continues quite steeply 

downhill to the valley floor of the (5) Pa züel - 

tal. 

From here, the path continues in a gentle 

downward slope to the Trittalpe. Continue 

along a supply road gently downhill until you 


reach a paved back road in Zürs am Arlberg. 

Follow the road, continuing downhill past the 

(6) mountain church, until you reach the 

main road. 

The hiking bus will take you back to the starting 

point from there. 

• Special features: From the Bockbach saddle, you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the 

Allgäuer Alpen all the way to the Zugspitze 

• Sights: Bergkirche Zürs – this mountain church is a religious building of several 

storeys towers above visitors like a castle. And, like a donjon, the three-storey 

tower symbolizes the significance of the church, which is additionally marked 

with a red cross. 

• Refreshment stops: Panorama restaurant Rüfikopf, Stuttgarter hut and restaurants 

in Lech am Arlberg


20 Gehren ridge 

This difficult hike leads past two 

lakes and across the Gehrengrat 

ridge. 

Take the hiking bus to Spullersee Lake from 

the hike starting point at the post office 

(please observe the toll fee). 

Elevation profil: Gehren ridge 

Get off at the last stop and follow the supply 

road around the lake. After a few turns, a hiking 

path branches off to the right here. 

Follow the path uphill until you reach the 

(1) Schützhütte hut. 

Continue uphill across mountain pastures. 

The path continues, with a number of hair- 



Condition:


pins, up the (2) Gehrengrat ridge (2,439 m). 

Descend on the other side on a very steep 

path with hairpins through tough terrain to 

the (3) Geology hike “Sea of Stones”. 

Follow the trail going straight ahead without 

significant changes in altitude through the 

Karst region to the (4) Freiburger hut 

(1,918 m). 


After resting and taking a bite to eat, take 

the supply road around the lake to the bus 

stop. 

Experienced hikers can take the track above 

the eastern shore going slightly downhill 

back to the bus stop. 

• Special features: This area is home to Europe's largest ibex colony. With a little 

luck, you will come across these majestic animals. 

• Sights: Sea of Stones – fossils up to 200 million years old can be found on the 

high plateau. 

• Refreshment stops: Freiburger Hütte, Gasthof Älpele, restaurants in Lech am Arlberg 

and Zug

46 Peaks 

21 Mohnenfluh 

This hike is particularly rewarding 

when undertaken at sunrise. You 

can enjoy the first rays of sunlight 

of the new day across dewy, 

steaming pastures looking towards 

the peak. 

Elevation profil: Mohnenfluh 


Alpine: 

Condition: 



office. Get off at the last stop “Schlössle” 

and follow road uphill. Soon a paved back 

road branches off to the right, so you will get 

to the (1) view point “Tannegg” incl. barbecue 

site. A gravel hiking trail to your right 

leads down into the valley and across a 

wooden bridge to the other side of the Tobel 

River.

Peaks 47 

From here, the trail ascends gently to the 

(2) Untere Gaisbühelalpe. Turn left here and 

hike through sometimes swampy mountain 

pastures across the valley floor. A mule track 

then takes you quite steeply upwards to the 

Obere Gaisbühelalpe. Walk past it and then 

in a wide circle gently uphill to the basin below 

the Mohnenfluh saddle. Carry on to the 

Mohnenfluh saddle and continue towards the 

mountain on a path with steep hairpins and 

across rocks and boulders to the peak. 

From the (3) Mohnenfluh peak (2,542 m) 

you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view. 

Follow the path back to the Mohnenfluh saddle 

and from there keep to the right until you 

reach the top station of the Steinmähder lift. 

The path leads to a supply road, which you 

follow downhill to the (4) Kriegeralpe. Treat 


yourself to a little rest and enjoy the traditional 

cuisine. Then continue along the supply 

road going downhill. Soon, a path 

branches off to the right, which you follow 

going downhill. Turn left onto a path through 

pastures and walk downhill towards Oberlech. 

You will reach a wider riverside path, which 

you follow keeping right alongside the Gipsbach 

River. The path leads onto a paved back 

road. 


Berg. Here you will reach a path that takes 

you to the top station of the (5) Oberlech cable 

car. 

Enjoy the comfortable ride back into the 

valley and to the starting point. 

• Special features: This hike can also be completed in the opposite direction, which 

makes this sunrise route very rewarding, too. The hike can be shortened by using 

the Petersbodenbahn cable car. 

• Sights: Peaks view – the view of Lake Constance from the peak is breathtaking 

• Refreshment stops: Kriegeralpe, restaurants in Oberlech and Lech am Arlberg

48 Peaks 

22 Rüfispitze 

Beautiful hike to a peak with 

a grand view. 


follow the Lech Promenade until you 

reach the Rüfikopfbahn cable car. Take the 

cable car to the (1) Rüfikopf top station 

(2,350 m). 

Elevation profil: Rüfispitze 


Alpine: 

Condition: 

Then take the wide alpine path straight 

ahead downhill until you reach the signpost. 

A short ascent to a pass follows. From there, 

continue on a steep path with hairpins down 

to the saddle to the north-western ridge of 

the Rüfispitze. Keep going along the ridge. 

At the end of the grass ridge, there is a small 

cliff ascent that is secured by steel ropes. 

Continue across rocks and boulders to the

Peaks 49 

(2) Rüfispitze peak (2,632 m). This provides 

a wonderful view of the glittering (3) Monzabonsee 

Lake. Take the same path back to 

the saddle. A path then branches off to the 

right, which you take going downhill to the 

plain of the (4) Ochsengümple. 

After crossing a river, continue along a mountain 

ridge, ascending slightly, until you reach 

the intersection with the Friedrich-Meyer- 

Weg. 

Follow the road below the Wösterspitzen 

peaks to the left until you reach the (5) 


Wöster saddle. The path becomes slightly 

wider and descends in hairpins to the 

Tälialpe. Follow the alpine path further keeping 

to the left going downwards until you 

reach a paved back road in the (6) Stubenbach 

district. 

Follow the road to the bus stop. From here, 

you can take the hiking bus back to the starting 

point or you can take the Flühenweg 

described above back to Lech am Arlberg 

town centre. 

• Special features: The hike can be shortened by using the Rüfibahn cable car 

• Sights: Geoweg Rüfikopf – a journey through the history of the Earth. On this exciting, 

informative hike you will pass through the grandiose alpine “stone garden”, 

in which magnificent flowers and herbs provide enchanting contrasts to the 

various rock formations. 

• Refreshment stops: Panorama restaurant Rüfikopf, Stubenbach Stüble and restaurants 


50 Peaks 

23 Karhorn fixed rope route 

Due to its moderate length and difficulty, 

this fixed rope route is also 

suitable for beginners. The ascent 

and descent do require a good fitness 

level, however. For those who 

do not feel entirely secure, experienced 

mountain guides are there 

to help. 

Elevation profil: Karhorn fixed rope route 


Alpine: 

Condition: 

Take the free hiking bus to Warth from the 

hike starting point at the post office. 

The (1) Steffisalp-Express will take you to 

the top station. Right after the top station, a 

path branches off to the left going uphill, 

which you should take. 

You will get to a basin, on the left side of 

which a path goes uphill to the saddle. 

Before taking the path on the right to the access 

point of the rope route, you can stop off 

at the peak of the Warther Horn (2,256 m) if 

you wish.

Peaks 51 

To do so, turn left at the saddle and follow 

the sign-posted path to the peak. 

Back at the access point, follow the (2) fixed 

rope route to the (3) Karhorn peak 

(2,416 m). 

In addition to plenty of climbing fun of difficulty 

levels II and III, a varied panorama 

awaits you, extending all the way to Valluga, 

Säntis and the Allgäuer Alps. 


The descent uses the normal route until the 

path leads onto a wider trail on the Karbühel. 

Here you can either turn left towards 

(4) Bürst egg and continue downhill to the 

(5) Bodenalpe, or your can turn right towards 

the Auenfeld saddle and then hike to 

Oberlech from there. 

In both cases, you can take the hiking bus 

back to the starting point in Lech am Arlberg. 

• Special features: Besides the obligatory hiking equipment, a rope climbing set 

and helmet must be taken along. 

• Sights: Vorarlberg’s first fixed rope route ever was installed on the eastern ridge 

of the distinctive Karhorn. 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Warth, Bürstegg, Bodenalpe and restaurants 


52 Cycling tours 

24 Spullersee Lake 

A long but moderately difficult 

mountain bike tour with incredible 

views and plenty of resting places 

to choose from. 

Elevation profil: Spullersee Lake 

Distance: 25,0 km Altitude difference: 809 m 805 m Duration: 4:00 h Condition: 


follow the Lech Promenade upstream 

until you reach the old roofed wooden bridge. 

Turn right towards Zug here. 

After leaving Zug district, the road leads onto 

a (1) toll road (free for cyclists). Follow the 

paved road past the (2) Gasthof Älpele and 

Cycling tour:

Cycling tours 53 

the (3) forest camp until you reach the junction. 

Turn left and continue uphill past the 

(4) Alpe Dalaaser Staffel until you reach the 

dam wall of the (5) Spullersee Lake. 

Along a gravel road, you go around the lake 

across the southern dam wall. From here, 

the path ascends towards the (6) Ravensburger 

hut. After passing the Ravensburger 

hut, continue ascending at the (7) Alpe 

Brazer Staffel until you reach the (8) Stierlochjoch 

Pass (2,009 m). 


The path then continues on coarse gravel 

and with hairpin bends down to the Stierlochalpe. 

Follow this alpine path downhill towards 

Zug. 

You will reach a paved back road at the 

(9) fish pond. A short ascent follows, then 

turn right onto the main road. 

From here, walk through Zug town centre on 

the same path back to the starting point. 

• Special features: Up until the Spullersee Lake, the route is also suitable for racing 

bikes and road bikes 

• Sights: St. Sebastian church in Zug – the justification for the construction of this 

small church was purportedly a vow made during the times of the plague 

in the early 17th century, a fact which is backed up by its dedication to 

St. Sebastian 

• Refreshment stops: Restaurants in Lech am Arlberg or Zug, Gasthof Älpele, 

Dalaaser Staffel, Ravensburger Hütte, Brazer Staffel and fish pond


25 Kriegerhorn tour 

A challenging tour that takes 

athletic cyclists all the way to the 

Kriegerhorn peak. 


post office, follow the main road downstream 

towards Warth. 

Shortly before leaving Lech am Arlberg, turn 

onto the paved back road that goes uphill towards 

Oberlech. 

Elevation profil: Kriegerhorn tour 

Continue past the (1) Berg area going 

straight ahead, ascend through the forest 

and then across a mountain pasture until 

you reach the first houses of (2) Oberlech. 

After the "Schlössle” bus stop, take the paved 

bach road right and continue cycling uphill 

until you reach the (3) view point “Tannegg” 

incl. barbecue site. 

From here, follow the gravel alpine path to 

the left going uphill past the (4) Grubenalpe. 

From here, the trail ascends steadily to the 


Cycling tour: 

Condition:


(5) Kriegeralpe. After some refreshments 

here, it is only a short walk uphill to the 

(6) Spei chersee Lake and the (7) stone wall. 

Very fit cyclists can take a little detour turning 

left onto the supply road and up to the 

top station of the Kriegerhorn cable car and 

the (8) Kriegerhorn summit cross (2,173 m). 

Or else you can cycle past the Speichersee 


Lake on the right-hand side and follow the 

supply road downhill, across mountain pastures 

and then along the Zuger Tobel valley 

until you reach the paved toll road. 

Exit to the left here and go into Zug town centre 

and make your way back to the starting 

point. 

• Special features: Up until the Tannegg, the tour can also be done on a racing bike 

or road bike 

• Sights: The Chluppa (stone wall) – each inhabitant of Lech Zürs am Arlberg was 

“immortalised” in 2010 with a stone onto which their name and year of birth are 

engraved 

• Refreshment stops: Kriegeralpe, restaurants in Lech am Arlberg, Oberlech and 

Zug


26 All around the Karhorn 

A demanding tour that includes 

short stretches where bikes need 

to be pushed. 


post office, take the main road towards 

Warth. Leave the town Lech am Arlberg and 

cycle past the (1) Bodenalpe. 

Soon you will see a quarry where a forest 

road banches off to your left. Follow it going 

uphill through the forest. After the wooded 

area, the trail continues steadily uphill 

across mountain pastures to (2) Bürstegg. 

Elevation profil: All around the Karhorn 

Here the trail becomes narrower and continues 

ascending through fragrant mountain 

pastures. The bikes now need to be pushed 

for a stretch across a few natural terraces. 

When you have reached the (3) Wannenkopf, 

follow the trail on the left going uphill, then 

downhill to the top station of the (4) Steffisalp-Express. 

After passing the top station, bikes need to 

be pushed again for a short stretch until you 

reach the (5) Spitziger Stein rock. Take the 

trail to your left here and turn right at the 

next signpost. Traverse a small stream and 

continue to the (6) Krumbacher Alpe. The 

trail continues in a curve around the houses 


Cycling tour: 

Condition:


and then on to the left, ascending to the 

(7) Hoch alphütte lodge. Here you can have a 

bite to eat before another short ascent to the 

(8) Saloberkopf (2,043 m). Then follow the 

alpine path with sweeping hairpins downhill 

until a wide hiking trail branches off to the 

left. Take this trail keeping left across marsh 

areas, going straight ahead at first. Alongside 

a stone wall, the trail continues steeply 

downhill for a short stretch until you reach 

an alpine path again. 

Cycle on, keeping left along the alpine path 

past the (9) Auenfeldhütte lodge and the 

(10) Obere Auenfeldalpe continuing downhill 

until you reach another alpine path at the 

(11) Untere Auenfeldalpe. Pass by the alp 

on the left-hand side, then continue gently 


uphill to the (12) Auenfeld saddle. Turn right 

here and continue for a short stretch uphill 

until you reach the (13) Gaisbühelalpe. 

Directly at the junction near the Gaisbühelalpe, 

turn right onto the wide wagon road to 

the Weibermahr valley station until you reach 

a paved road at the (14) view point “Tannegg” 

incl. barbecue site. 

Follow the road going downhill into Oberlech 

and turn left at the first intersection. 

Across pastures and forests, the street winds 

its way back to Lech. When you reach the 

main road, turn right and follow the path 

back to the starting point. 

• Special features: From the Wannenkopf, you can enjoy a grandiose view of the 

Schrofen pass, Gehren and Lechleiten 

• Sights: The Auenfeld – once a permanent Walser settlement in an enchanting 

setting 

• Refreshment stops: Bodenalpe, Bürstegg, Hochalphütte, Auenfeldhütte, Untere 

Auenfeldalpe and restaurants in Oberlech and Lech am Arlberg


27 Burgwald Bike Trail 

The Burgwald Trail in Lech am Arlberg is the 

first official freeride and enduro track in the 

Vorarlberg region and provides an additional 

sporting attraction for guests coming to Lech 

Zürs and the surrounding area. 

The Trail, which is next to the Lech-Oberlech 

cable car, has been designed so that both beginners 

and advanced mountain-bikers can 

enjoy freeriding on it. Compared to other 

bike tracks, the length and difference in alti- 

Elevation profil: Burgwald Bike Trail 

tude of the trail may not appear to be much 

to talk about at first sight, but the track is 

very cleverly designed and will challenge any 

biker. Some obstacles have been incorporated 

for sporty riders, all of which are 

clearly visible. Beginners can simply ride 

past on the easy line. 

After the ascent on the cable car to Oberlech, 

the track first follows a small road towards 

Rud-Alpe. After a few hundred metres, the 

Distance: ca. 1,4 km Altitude difference: 220 m Year of construction: July 2012 

Start: Under the summit station of the Lech-Oberlech cable car 

Finish: Next to the valley station of the Lech-Oberlech cable car


route turns off into the gorge, marking the 

start of the actual trail, which is 1,400 m 

long and has a difference in altitude of 220 

m. The track continues through the gorge 

along pleasant forest soil and gravel trails towards 

the village. Branching off continually 

from the original line are moderately difficult 

and difficult sections, which are equipped 

with drops of different heights and North 

Shore obstacles. 

The end of the trail is near the valley station 

of the Lech-Oberlech cable car. 


There is also a facility for washing bikes here, 

so you can clean up your bike ready for 

transporting on the cable car for the next descent. 

Further information can be found at: 

www.skiarlberg.at 

• To enjoy biking on the “Burgwald Trail”, we recommend a freeride or enduro bike. 

It is possible to hire appropriately equipped bikes at the sports shop, Sportalp, 

with advance reservation. 

• Difficulty: blue, some red and black elements 

• Surface: forest floor, gravel, North Shore obstacles, slalom curves

60 Behaviour guidelines for hikes / bus network 

WELCOME AND ENJOY OUR HIKING AREA! 

• Never undertake a mountain tour or longer mountain hikes alone. 

• Before starting the tour, check the condition of the path, any hazardous points 

and the length of the tour. 

• If you have less experience with mountain hiking, join one of the guided tours offered 

by Lech Zürs Tourism or ask a local certificated tour or mountain guide for 

assistance. 

• Inform your host of the planned route, the tour destination and the expected time 

of your return and stick to these plans, for a successful emergency rescue. 

• When choosing your equipment always check the weather forecast. The weather 

can change very quickly in the mountains. Thus in addition to ankle-high hiking/walking 

boots with corrugated sole your gear should include a backpack with 

provisions, first aid kit and appropriate clothing for protection against wind and 

cold. It’s recommended that you bring a mobile phone for emergencies. 

• Don’t start too late and pass on shortcuts. For your own safety, always follow the 

signs and marked hiking paths. 

• Keep calm in event of an accident. For emergency aid call 144 for the mountain 

rescue or 112 for the European emergency number. If you don’t have a mobile 

phone or cannot get a signal, attempt to obtain help through audible signals 

(yelling, whistling) or visible signals (reflection, light signal, waving a large piece 

of clothing). 

• Keep the mountains clean. 

Villages not included in the “Lech Card” 

and “Warth-Card”

Legend 61 

Pushchair-friendly 

routes 

j

Imprint: 

Concept and Layout: Lech Zürs Toursim with Peter Bauer 

Photos: Gerhard Eisenschink, Bernd Fischer, Daniel Nikolaus Kocher, Peter Mathis, Georg Schnell, 

Hans Wiesenhofer, Warth Schröcken Tourism and Lech Zürs Tourism 

Cover Picture: Hans Wiesenhofer 

Cartography: Alpenwelt Verlag GmbH 

Print: Buchdruckerei Lustenau, www.bulu.at 

The right of errors and alterations is reserved! 

Use of the hiking trails is at your own risk!

Lech-Zürs - Worlds of hiking

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