When most people think of Lech Zürs am Arlberg, they picture powder snow, buzzing après-ski, and luxury winter escapes. But visit in autumn, and you’ll find a completely different rhythm, slower, quieter, and strikingly beautiful.
I spent a few days here in early October last year, just before the winter rush: the larch trees were turning gold, the air was crisp, and the hiking trails were nearly empty. Lech Zürs in autumn is one of those rare alpine places where the off-season feels like a well-kept secret, and here’s why it’s worth discovering this autumn.
Where is Lech Zürs?
Lech Zürs is a picturesque alpine region located in western Austria, in the state of Vorarlberg, near the border with Tyrol. It’s part of the renowned Arlberg area, one of Europe’s most prestigious mountain destinations. Perched high in the Lechtal Alps at around 4,750 feet (1,450 meters), Lech Zürs is known for its world-class skiing in winter, but it’s just as spectacular once the snow melts.
In fall, the mountain trails open up to golden larch forests, peaceful meadows, and crisp alpine air, all without the winter crowds.
The village of Lech is easily reached by car: just about 2 hours from Innsbruck, 2.5 hours from Zurich, or under 3 hours from Munich. It makes an ideal base for a European mountain escape, whether for a long weekend or part of a scenic road trip through the Alps.
Autumn Hiking: Empty Trails, Golden Light
Lech Zürs isn’t just about stunning views but it’s a place where the landscape tells stories. From ancient mountain-building to medieval migration routes, the region is crisscrossed by themed hiking trails that bring its rich heritage to life. Whether you’re interested in culture, geology, legends, or just peaceful scenery, here are three themed hikes you shouldn’t miss.
Grüner Ring
The Grüner Ring (Green Ring) is a creative, 3-day hiking route around Lech, dotted with artistic installations and story plaques that turn the trail into a kind of open-air gallery. You can tackle the full loop or just hike one stage: for example, Lech to Zürs via the Rüfikopf summit is a great day hike with panoramic views.
Written by Daniela Egger, the stories featured in A Samurai on the Kriegerhorn are woven into the trail itself, creating a sort of literary treasure hunt through the Alps. Sculptor Daniel Nikolaus Kocher brought these stories to life with quirky and imaginative landscape art.
For a playful twist, try the “Green Riddle Ring”, an extension of the trail that challenges you to solve puzzles and clues at each stop. It’s engaging, fun, and a completely different way to explore the alpine terrain.
Accommodation is easy to find in Lech or Zürs, with everything from traditional guesthouses to luxury hotels. Many stay open until mid-October, and places like Hotel Auenhof, Burg Vital Resort, or Pension Alwin are good options depending on your budget.
To find more info, maps, and stage details, visit the official page here: lechzuers.com/en/the-green-ring.
Hike from Zug to Formarinsee: The Lechweg at Its Best
Another autumn classic is the hike from Zug (a hamlet just 2.5 km from Lech) to Formarinsee, a glacial lake surrounded by rugged limestone peaks and forest in full colour. This section is part of the famous Lechweg, a long-distance trail that follows the Lech River from its source to Füssen in Germany.
Start from Zug’s village centre, where a signposted trail leads uphill toward Älpele and Formarinalpe, two mountain huts along the route. The hike takes about 3.5 to 4 hours one way, and though it’s not difficult, it does involve a steady ascent, so bring good shoes, layers, and water.
Once at Formarinsee, you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear water and dramatic views of the Rote Wand peak. In early autumn, the lake area is often completely quiet, a perfect picnic spot if weather allows.
To get back, you can:
- Hike the same way down, or
- Take the local hiking bus (formariner bus) that runs between Formarinsee and Lech/Zug until mid-October (check schedules locally or at tourist info).
If you’re staying in Lech, Zug is walkable, or you can hop on the local shuttle. Several guesthouses and inns in Zug, like Gasthof Post or Hotel Rote Wand, are ideal if you want to base yourself closer to nature.
Körbersee: A Quiet Alpine Lake Escape
For something quieter, Körbersee is a hidden gem tucked away in the Lechtal Alps, a small mountain lake that’s often overlooked by tourists but beloved by locals. It’s reachable via an easy and scenic hike from Schröcken, about 20–30 minutes by car or bus from Lech.
The most popular access point is from the Hochtannbergpass, near the Saloberkopf parking area (also served by the Postbus). From here, a well-marked trail takes you gently downhill through alpine meadows to the lake in about 45 minutes. It’s a great late afternoon walk when the sun drops low and the surrounding peaks reflect off the still water.
At the lake you’ll find Berghotel Körbersee, a small, peaceful mountain inn (open until mid-October), perfect for a coffee or even an overnight stay if you want total silence and stargazing.
The area is protected, so no bikes or cars are allowed near the lake, adding to the sense of remoteness. It’s an ideal low-effort, high-reward hike that shows a different side of the Arlberg.
Find out more by clicking here.
The Tannberg adventure region connects Lech with the nearby Walser villages of Warth and Schröcken, following scenic trails through what was once the heart of the Walser court district. Settled in the 1300s by migrants from the Swiss Valais, the area is rich in historical relics, craftsmanship, and cultural traditions that still shape the landscape today.
The Tannberg Theme Trail is a multi-stage hike that takes about two days to complete, passing alpine meadows, rustic huts, and heritage sites such as the abandoned Walser village of Bürstegg and the beautiful Körbersee lake. Along the way, info panels and story markers reveal local legends, old trade routes, and tales of the so-called “Swabian children” who once migrated for work.
Want to go deeper? The book Auf den Spuren der Walser am Tannberg by Olaf Sailer features detailed stories for each of the trail’s 57 key sights. You can also follow a digital version of the trail using an interactive map and app.
Geocaching on the Tannberg Trail
To make the trail even more interactive, the region has added a geocaching challenge with more than 30 hidden caches across three themed routes:
- “Gibt’s das?” (Lech): Focused on the geological sinkholes of the Gipslöcher
- “Pfarrer Müller und das weiße Gold” (Warth): Exploring historic salt and trade routes
- “Walser village and natural jewels” (Schröcken): A playful hunt tied to local culture
Caches are found via GPS and marked online. Pick up a treasure map and stamp pass at the local tourist office (or download it), and if you log all caches on your route, you’ll earn a special Tannberg Geocoin — a unique souvenir to take home or send on a global journey from cache to cache.
More info: lechzuers.com/the-tannberg
Geoweg Rüfikopf: 200 Million Years Under Your Feet
If you’re fascinated by geology and ancient Earth history, don’t miss the Geoweg Rüfikopf: starting from the Rüfikopf cable car station at 2,350 metres, this circular trail takes you through an open-air “rock garden” filled with fossils, strange stone formations, and traces of life that existed long before the Alps rose from the sea.
The trail is short and easy to follow, with information panels explaining the massive forces that shaped the mountains — including glaciers, seas, and shifting continents. You’ll walk through what used to be coral reefs, seabeds, and tropical lagoons… all now perched high above sea level.
For deeper insight, you can join a guided hike with local mountain guide and photographer Georg Schnell, who helped design the trail.
More info: lechzuers.com/geoweg-ruefikopf
Rüfikopf Cable Car and High-Alpine Views
If you’re lucky with timing (some lifts run until early/mid-October), take the Rüfikopfbahn from Lech to the top station at 2,350 metres: there’s a high-alpine panorama loop with sweeping views across the Arlberg massif.
Stick around until sunset if you can: the mountains take on a deep orange glow, and the silence up there is something else entirely.
On Two Wheels Through Forests and Meadows: Biking Adventures in Lech Zürs
Autumn in Lech Zürs is an ideal time to explore the mountains on two wheels. For a scenic and moderately challenging ride, try the 25-kilometre “Spullersee-Runde”, a rewarding loop that winds through forest trails and alpine meadows around the crystal-clear Spullersee lake. The golden hues of larch trees and crisp mountain air make this ride especially memorable in the fall.
For adrenaline-seekers, the Burgwald Trail in Oberlech is a must. Known as Vorarlberg’s first official freeride and enduro trail, it features wooden curves, technical drops, north-shore elements, and fast-paced descents that put even seasoned riders to the test.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed route, e-biking through the Zugertal valley is a beautiful alternative. This peaceful valley trail leads you past colourful alpine scenery, quiet forest roads, and small mountain lakes, perfect for a gentle day out surrounded by nature’s autumn palette.
Tip – bring binoculars: chamois and marmots are often spotted around here, especially in the quieter shoulder season.
This is a short video about biking in Lech Zürs:
Wellness with a View
Cool mountain air and quiet evenings make autumn the perfect season to lean into spa time: several hotels in Lech Zürs offer day spa access, even if you’re not staying overnight.
Try the Hotel Goldener Berg, located in Oberlech, just above Lech: this family-run 4-star superior hotel boasts a luxurious spa area designed to soothe and refresh after a day exploring the mountains. The spa features a variety of facilities, including several saunas, steam baths, a spacious indoor pool, and a modern fitness center.
Free Your Thoughts: Yoga on the Mountain
Nature in autumn reminds us to slow down and let go, and Lech Zürs offers the perfect setting to follow this seasonal rhythm. “Yoga on the mountain” invites you to roll out your mat twice a week in the fresh morning air, beneath the towering Mohnenfluh peak: surrounded by silence, you’ll stretch and breathe with panoramic views of alpine meadows and golden forests.
For those who prefer solitude, there are countless peaceful spots throughout Lech Zürs to connect with nature and yourself: tranquil meadows fragrant from the final grass cut, forest clearings dappled with morning light, and quiet lakes reflecting the full spectrum of autumn’s beauty.
A Culinary Capital in the Alps: Gourmet Delights in Lech
Autumn isn’t just about hikes and views, it’s also the season of indulgence, and Lech delivers exceptional culinary experiences: at 1,444 metres, the village boasts the highest density of Gault&Millau toques in Austria, with 54 toques across 22 award-winning restaurants. Talented chefs turn regional ingredients into creative and refined dishes that celebrate the flavours of the Alps.
Lech was officially named a “World Gourmet Village” by the Falstaff Gourmet Club, Europe’s largest gourmet community, a title that reflects both the quality and diversity of its food scene.
For the ultimate experience, head to the Rote Wand Chef’s Table, crowned Vorarlberg’s best restaurant by Gault&Millau in 2022 and ranked 33rd among the TOP 100 restaurants in Europe by Opinionated About Dining (OAD). In Lech, every meal becomes an unforgettable journey for the senses.
Lech at Its Quietest
What surprised me most was the atmosphere in the village: Lech in autumn is calm, unhurried, and completely free of crowds. Some shops and hotels close for a few weeks, but the charm of the place really shines through when it’s not dressed for ski season.
It’s a great time to just wander, along the river, through the forest, or past quiet chapels and old wooden barns. No itinerary needed.
Why Visit Lech Zürs in Autumn?
Autumn in Lech Zürs isn’t about ticking off attractions or packing in activities: it’s about space, solitude, and scenery. The light is softer, the colours warmer, and the pace slower. If you’re looking for a place to disconnect, reflect, and recharge, this is it.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
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