Hiking the Arlberg

In winter, Lech am Arlberg is a world stage. In summer it becomes a village again: the cable cars carry hikers instead of skiers, cattle graze the meadows, and a calm settles over the valley that nobody would expect in February.

Zug, the hamlet above Lech, may be the best starting point of all. No through traffic, no promenade: here the trails begin at the front door, and the Zugertal opens up behind the houses like a small kingdom of its own.

Just Meadows. Just Quiet. Just Zug.

From the edge of Zug, the Zugertal runs deep into the mountains, following the young Lech river upstream. The valley trail climbs gently, accompanied by the water where fly fishers cast their lines. It is the walk for day one: little elevation, plenty of landscape, and you can turn back at any point.

Keep going and the head of the valley rises ahead: the limestone walls of the Rote Wand, one of the defining massifs of Vorarlberg, and behind them the basin of Lake Formarin. This stretch is why many guests prefer the Zugertal to any brochure panorama.

Just River. Just Valley. Just Walking.

Lake Formarin sits at the far end of the Zugertal, framed by rock and alpine pasture. Around it, the young Lech gathers its first streams: this is where the river begins that gives the whole valley its name.

The lake is also where the Lechweg sets off, the long-distance trail that follows the river for weeks into its lowlands. You do not have to walk all of it to understand it: the first stage back towards Lech already shows how a river builds its valley.

Just Source. Just Stone. Just Lech.

In winter, the White Ring connects the villages of the ski area. In summer its counterpart takes over: the Green Ring is a waymarked multi-day circuit through the mountains around Lech and Zürs, with stages that also work as single day hikes.

For guests staying in Zug, this is the way into the high country: above the tree line, among karst, lakes and the alpine flora we have portrayed in its own guide article. More than a thousand plant species grow between the valley floor and the summits.

Just Circles. Just Height. Just Flora.

The hiking season on the Arlberg follows the snowmelt: valley trails clear early in summer, while high crossings can hold snowfields well into early summer. Current trail conditions and the summer timetables of the cable cars are published by Lech Zürs Tourism.

For a rest stop along the way, have a look at our hut guide: it covers the huts and mountain restaurants of the region, from the alp in the Zugertal to the terraces above Lech. And for matching a route to your ability, our concierge is happy to help.

Just Boots. Just Bread. Just Back Home.