The Lechweg

And so the Lech is also a primeval river that has largely been spared human intervention. Largely unconstructed and unregulated, it shapes the landscape of an entire region and connects the Arlberg area with the Außerfern and the southern Allgäu.

In the Tyrolean district of Reutte, this unique river landscape was rightly declared a nature park in 2004, thus ensuring its preservation. Nestled between the Lechtal and the Allgäu Alps, this pristine paradise lies. The Lech shines magically turquoise in the sunlight, dense, lush green floodplain forests alternate with wide gravel and scree banks and rugged rocks. The floodplain landscapes with their intact flood zones are a habitat for over 1,100 plant species, which is about a third of all species native to Tyrol. Over 390 species are considered very valuable or endangered, such as the German tamarisk, the lady's slipper, the common juniper, the silver root or the edelweiss.

Also for numerous, partly rare animal species, the river landscapes of the Lech are an important habitat. Over 150 bird species are native here, including the rare little ringed plover and the common sandpiper. Natterjack toads can be found here as well as tree frogs and crested newts, various species of dragonflies and stone crayfish.

Nature lovers can now hike the Lech in its entire length from the source to the Lechfall at Füssen. The Lechweg starts at an altitude of about 1,800 meters at the Formarinsee, where the largest ibex colony in Europe is located, and leads for 125 km along the river through the Lechtal-Reutte Nature Park to Füssen (800 meters altitude). The hiking trail is divided into 15 stages, which – depending on fitness – can be completed in 6 to 8 days of marching. For the most part, the path is rather leisurely, so that one can discover the beauties of nature in peace and with all senses. By the way, the Lechweg is the first long-distance hiking trail with a European quality seal.

The places along the Lechweg are well connected by public transport and a shuttle service, so that you do not have to carry your luggage all the time, but can have it conveniently transported from stage to stage.