Lechtal

The Lechtal is an alpine valley in Austria, mostly in Tyrol but partly in Vorarlberg. The Lech river runs through it, bordered by the Lechtal Alps to the south and the Allgäu Alps to the north. The upper valley includes well-known ski resorts like Zürs am Arlberg and Lech, while the rest remains less developed for tourism. Several side valleys branch off, such as the Hornbachtal and Tannheimer Tal on the left, and the Namlostal and Bschlabertal on the right. The valley transitions near Füssen into the Bavarian Alpine Foreland. The valley is a year-round destination with winter sports in the upper reaches and hiking or mountain biking in the Tyrolean Lechtal National Park during warmer months. The Lechweg trail stretches 125 kilometres from Lake Formarinsee to the falls near Füssen, offering views into one of Europe’s last wild river landscapes. The national park covers 41.38 square kilometres and protects the shifting river bed, water meadows and mixed mountain forests. It is home to a third of Tyrol’s plant species, including juniper trees and Myricaria, alongside wildlife like stone crayfish and European bullhead. Visitors find well-marked paths through the national park, guiding them past wildflower meadows and birdwatching spots. The side valleys provide quieter routes, such as the road through the Namlostal linking Stanzach with Berwang and Bichlbach. The upper valley’s ski areas attract international visitors, while the lower reaches show a mix of industrial areas and traditional villages. The valley’s three dialect regions add cultural interest, from Highest Alemannic in the upper reaches to Swabian in the east.