On picturesque paths:
Winter walking in Austria
The winter at the Arlberg is incomparable and one of the most stunning seasons for nature lovers of all ages.
We at the Hotel Sonnenburg affectionately call the majestic outdoors our ‘winter wonderland’: over 40 kilometres of groomed and marked winter hiking trails make their way through the Austrian Alps and snow-covered forests, up towards the peaks and along the riverbank. Spend a winter walking holiday in Austria and discover the most beautiful places in Lech and Oberlech for yourself. Alone, with your family, as a group or together with an experienced hiking guide.
Winter walking holiday
in Austria at a glance
Even the old hands on the mountains – those who think they already know the local summits inside and out – can discover completely new perspectives when winter hiking in Austria. Set off either directly from the 5-star hotel Sonnenburg in Lech or take a mountain cableway upwards with the nearest stop only a few minutes away.
- 40 km of groomed, signposted winter hiking trails
- hiking maps & trail recommendations
- guided winter hikes with Arlberg Alpin
- easy access to the start of the trail with the local bus & cableways
- discounted single & weekly tickets for cableway use without equipment
- cabins, viewpoints & resting spots along the way
- sights & highlights on the trails
Only where you have been on foot,
you have really been.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Trail recommendations
Winter hiking trails in Lech, Austria
Over 40 kilometres of groomed winter hiking trails await you in Lech in Austria. And we promise, you’ll find the perfect fit for every taste and fitness level. We have compiled our top three trail recommendations for you and are happy to help you in person at the reception of our Hotel Sonnenburg.
Schlössle – Tannegg – Gaisbühel
Up to the Gaisbühel plateau
This winter walk in Lech is a little more secluded and quieter. Your destination, the cabin at the Gaisbühelalpe, is an authentically preserved mountain cheese dairy, where cheese has been traditionally produced up until 1969. Today, the cabin is still the perfect place for a snack!
Difficulty: medium
Length: 5.7 km
Duration: approx. 1 h 45 min
Elevation gain: approx. 268 m
Start: Schlössle bus stop
Lech – Zürs
Trip to the neighbouring village
Go on this pleasant winter hike to Zürs and venture out to explore the neighbouring village. The winter hiking trail takes you through the snow-covered forest and along the course of the Zürsbach directly into the centre of Zürs. Stroll through the idyllic village and take a break with a nice hot drink.
Difficulty: medium
Length: 5.2 km
Duration: approx. 1 h 40 min
Elevation gain: approx. 275 m
Start: Rüfiplatz
Snowflake panorama trail Rüfikopf
High, higher, highest
At the summit of the Rüfikopf in Lech, a winter hiking trail leads you through the mountains at an altitude of 2,350 metres. The trail is suitable for the whole family: Right at the top station of the Rüfikopf cableway, the White Ring symbol points the way to the viewing platform with stunning 360° mountain views.
Difficulty: easy
Length: 2.7 km
Duration: approx. 1 h 30 min
Elevation gain: approx. 200 m
Start: mountain station Rüfikopfbahn 1
Guided winter walks
in Lech, Austria
On Tuesdays and Thursdays during the winter months, Alberg Alpin takes you on guided winter walks through the Austrian mountains. Together with trained hiking guides and in great company, you can trudge through the snow from Lech to Zugertal.
- guided winter walks from Lech to Zugertal on Tuesdays & Thursdays
- groups of 2 to 9 hikers
- registration possible until 4 pm the day before
- meeting point at 4 pm at Arlberg Alpin in the Kaufhaus Filomena
- € 65 for adults, € 55 for children & teenagers up to 18 years
- rent gear from our partner Sport Strolz
Arlberg Alpin also offers private winter hikes through Lech for groups of one or more hikers. A private guide will lead you through the winter landscapes and to one or two insider tips. Depending on your preferences, the tour can take two to five hours. For more information or for booking a winter walk, please contact our Sonnenburg concierge or Alberg Alpin.
Winter walking highlights
While the scenery in itself is a magnificent sight, there are a few stops, which you should not miss on your next winter walking holiday in Austria. Many must-sees are scattered along the winter hiking trails, such as the following highlights.
Skyspace Lech
The art project by light and space artist James Turrel is located on the Austrian winter hiking trail leading up to the Skyspace dome and it is just a 20-minute walk from the Sonnenburg. Since 2018, the light space has opened up impressive new perspectives on the ‘meeting of heaven and earth in the high alpine landscape’. The 50-minute spectacle always starts 50 minutes before sunrise and exactly at sunset. But there are also impressive installations, which are worth a visit during the day.
Lechmuseum Huber Hus
From Thursday to Sunday from 3 pm to 6 pm, a visit to the Lech Museum Huber Hus is a good idea. Follow in the footsteps of the Huber family and feel transported back to the rural life of the 16th century and the historical past of Lech. In addition to the interesting permanent exhibition, special exhibitions are organised twice a year. Thanks to its location in the village centre, it also makes a great starting point for numerous winter walks through the Austrian Alps.
HALL of FAME
If you find yourself in Zürs while winter hiking in Austria, you should take the Trittkopfbahn I or Flexenbahn cableway up to the HALL of FAME. The free interactive exhibition puts the pioneers, ski and film stars of the Arlberg region in the spotlight. Our tip for all skiers: If you want to quite literally follow in the footsteps of the greatest skiers, you should tackle the RUN of FAME – a legendary one day tour on the slopes of the entire Ski Arlberg resort.
Frequently asked questions about winter hiking in Austria
How many kilometres of winter hiking trails are there in Lech Zürs?
In Lech, you can look forward to more than 40 kilometres of groomed and signposted winter hiking trails, with the right route for every skill level and taste. And they start right on the Sonnenburg’s doorstep.
Does Hotel Sonnenburg offer guided winter hikes?
Yes. In cooperation with Arlberg Alpin, guided winter hikes (for example from Lech to the Zugertal) take place every Tuesday and Thursday during the winter season.
Which winter hikes around Lech are suitable for families with small children?
The ‘Schneeflocken Panoramaweg Rüfikopf’ (Snowflake Panorama Trail) is especially recommended for the whole family. The trail starts at the top station of the Rüfikopfbahn 1 cable car at an altitude of 2,350 metres, is easy to walk and leads to a fantastic 360° viewing platform.
What are the winter hiking highlights around Oberlech?
The highlights along the local winter hiking routes include the picturesque Gaisbühelalpe hut (a historic mountain dairy), the fascinating light-and-art installation ‘Skyspace Lech’, the Lech museum Huber Hus and the interactive Arlberg exhibition ‘HALL of FAME’.
Are there special tickets or discounts for winter hikers?
Yes. Walkers without ski equipment can buy discounted single and weekly tickets for the mountain cableways.
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