Are you planning a trip to Lech Zürs, but you’re not sure where to start?

Let me start by saying I LOVE the mountains. I think it’s a slight obsession, but one that I’m completely ok with. That being said, that means I’ve had the pleasure of visiting some of the best mountainous regions all over the world. From the Rockies in Canada to the vast expanses and iconic peaks of Patagonia stretching across Chile and Argentina, the highly underrated Julian Alps in Slovenia, and the French Alps, covered in snow, plus many, many others.

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But I have to say there’s something very special about Lech Zürs. It felt like I was stepping into a secret spot that only a few know about. To get here, you’ll drive through the twisting and turning mountains, travelling upwards high towards the peaks, and back down to the fairytale villages before reaching either Lech or Zürs, depending on which one you opt to stay in.

I visited with my cousin, who was experiencing the mountains for the first time, and she was completely blown away. Watching her take it all in made me appreciate the beauty of the area even more.

If you’re wondering where Lech Zürs is…   It’s an (extremely) picturesque alpine region in western Austria, tucked away in the heart of the Arlberg mountains in the state of Vorarlberg. Made up of the neighbouring villages of Lech and Zürs, it’s best known for its world-class skiing in winter, but in summer it transforms into a peaceful mountain escape, with wildflower-filled meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and an extensive network of scenic hiking trails that are genuinely some of the best I’ve ever been on.

In this post, I’m going to detail everything you need to plan a trip to Lech Zürs, including how to get here, when the best time to visit is, and why you absolutely must buy The Lech Card. Plus, what to do each day of your itinerary to make the most of your time here.

Keep reading to start planning your long weekend in Lech Zürs.

How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Lech Zürs: The Ultimate 4-day Lech Zürs Travel Guide

Here’s a quick look at what this 4-day Lech Zürs itinerary will cover!

Day 1: Travel from The UK to Lech Zürs
Day 2: Mountain Pilates followed by a short hike to Balmalp
Day 3: Hike around Spullersee, then walk along the Riverside into Lech village
Day 4: Short hike & cable car to Mönzabonsee before departing for your flight home

Here is a handy map to help you find each spot:

Before we dive into the itinerary, I’ll cover how to get to Lech Zürs, where to stay, and when the best time to visit is – basically everything that you need to know to plan an epic trip to this stunning little mountain area.

Everything you need to know to visit Lech Zürs

I really recommend buying a Lech Card; it includes all summer cable cars, local buses and intercity coaches, as well as so many experiences such as forest bathing, Pilates in the mountains, outdoor swimming pools, and guided hikes, plus tons more.

The Lech Card is available for stays of 1–2, 3–4, 5–7, or 8–14 days. In 2026, prices start at €46 for 1–2 days, €75 for 3–4 days, €105 for 5–7 days, and €135 for 8–14 days. It also includes the operating summer cable cars in Lech Zürs and Warth, plus local and hiking bus travel, with selected regional bus services also included.

There are also a whole host of experiences included, depending on the day you visit, including Pilates, guided hikes, a herbal walk, a geology excursion and Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing. The programme changes throughout the week, so it’s worth checking what’s available during your stay before planning your days.

Where is Lech Zürs?

If you’re wondering where Lech Zürs is, it is a mountain resort in the Austrian Alps, in the Vorarlberg region of western Austria. It sits on the Arlberg mountain pass, close to the border with Tyrol, and is surrounded by high alpine peaks and valleys. The area is made up of the villages of Lech and Zürs, with Lech sitting at around 1,450 metres above sea level.

How to get to Lech Zürs

To reach Lech Zürs, you can fly into either Zurich (2 hrs 15 min from Lech Zürs) or Innsbruck (1 hr 30 min from Lech Zürs) (both approximate transfer times), then catch a train to Langen am Arlberg or St. Anton am Arlberg. From there, the Postbus runs directly to Lech. It doesn’t sound like the most straightforward destination to get to, but are any of the best places. That said, it’s actually surprisingly simple, and the journey itself is absolutely stunning.

When is the best time to visit Lech Zürs?

Lech Zürs is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit really depends on what you want to experience. I personally visited in July and was extremely lucky with the weather; I had clear blue skies the whole time, and the wildflowers were out in full bloom, so it was really beautiful, but still so quiet compared to other places in Europe!

Winter, from December to March, is perfect if you’re looking for snowy mountain scenery, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and a cosy alpine atmosphere. December is especially magical, with the village looking like a Christmas card. I would love to return and see it like this, as it looks incredible in photos.

Summer, from June to September, is ideal for hiking, with green alpine meadows, wildflowers, mountain views and plenty of scenic trails to explore.

For something a little quieter, September and early October are a lovely time to visit. The summer crowds have eased (although even in peak summer, I don’t think it gets too busy here), the landscape starts turning golden, and you can enjoy the mountains at a much slower pace.

For snow and Christmas magic, visit in winter, while June to September is best for hiking and warmer weather.

How many days do you need in Lech Zürs?

I’d recommend at least 3–4 days in Lech Zürs if you’re visiting in summer. Four days gives you enough time to explore some of the area’s best hiking trails, visit the mountain lakes, experience a few of the activities included with the Lech Card, and still have time to slow down and actually enjoy being there. Saying that, I could have easily spent longer here, making more use of the spa and relaxing with the views of the mountains.

Where to stay in Lech Zürs

Perfectly tucked away in Zug and surrounded by the most stunning mountain views, I stayed at Hotel Stäfeli, a gorgeous 4-star hotel that feels like the perfect alpine escape.

The hotel has a really cosy, modern Alpine feel, with beautifully designed rooms that are warm and comfortable without feeling overly traditional. There’s also a wonderful wellness area, which we somehow had all to ourselves, with an indoor pool, multiple saunas, steam rooms, and plenty of space to relax. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the mountains.

But the views are what really make this place. My room (we stayed in a Deluxe Double Room with Balcony) had a large balcony with several spots to sit and enjoy a morning coffee, and waking up to the mountains glowing in soft golden light as the sun rose was pretty special. In the evening, you can grab a glass of wine from the honesty bar and sit outside to watch the mountains change colour as the sun goes down.

And then there’s breakfast. Served with those incredible mountain views, it was easily one of my favourite parts of staying here. If you can, I’d definitely recommend enjoying it outside on the terrace on a sunny morning.

If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful, cosy and surrounded by nature, Hotel Stäfeli is a beautiful base for exploring Lech Zürs.

Check prices or book here

How to travel around Lech Zürs

You really have two options when planning how to travel around Lech Zürs. Hire a car and drive or use public transport. I did the latter, and couldn’t recommend it enough. There are regular buses that take you to various spots, as well as cable cars to take you up the mountain peaks. I had the Lech Card, which I genuinely can’t recommend enough (as you’ll be able to tell throughout this post).

The card includes a range of experiences and mountain lifts, making it really easy to get out and explore without constantly having to think about individual tickets. It also includes the local buses, so you can get around Lech Zürs without needing a car. Prices vary depending on the length of your stay, starting at 46€, with cards available for different numbers of days, making it a useful option if you’re planning to explore the area during your trip.

For 2026, the 3–4 day card costs €75, which is the option that would make the most sense for this four-day itinerary. The 1–2 day card is €46, while longer cards cost €105 for 5–7 days and €135 for 8–14 days.

Things to do in Lech Zürs in summer

There is honestly SO much to do in Lech Zürs during the summer, and I think that’s one of the things that surprised me most about visiting. You might associate Lech Zürs with skiing and snow, but once the snow melts, the mountains completely transform, with hiking trails, alpine lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and plenty of ways to get out and explore.

The main reason I’d recommend visiting in summer is to get out into the mountains. There are more than 350 km of marked hiking trails around Lech Zürs, ranging from gentle walks to more challenging hikes.

Some of my favourite things to do in Lech Zürs in summer include:

Hike around Spullersee – This was my favourite thing we did during our trip, and I honestly think it’s a must. The turquoise reservoir is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, with trails leading around the lake.
Visit Monzabonsee – Take the Rüfikopfbahn up to Rüfikopf and hike towards Monzabonsee, where you’ll find a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains and unusual geological formations. The area is also part of the Green Ring and geological hiking routes.
Hike through the Gipslöcher – The Gipslöcher, or gypsum sinkholes, create a really unusual landscape around Oberlech, and there are more than 1,000 visible formations in the area.
Have lunch at Balmalp – Combine a mountain hike with lunch at Balmalp, where you can sit out on the terrace surrounded by those incredible alpine views (the food was also insanely good).
Walk along the Lech River – If you fancy something much easier, the riverside paths around Lech are perfect for a gentle walk. You can also join sections of the Lechweg, the 125 km long-distance trail that follows the river from its source near Formarinsee to Füssen in Germany.
Try mountain Pilates or forest bathing – The Lech Card includes a range of guided experiences throughout the summer, including Pilates and other activities designed to help you experience the mountains in a slightly different way.
Take the cable cars into the mountains – You don’t have to spend every day hiking to enjoy the scenery. The summer cable cars make it really easy to get up into the mountains, and they’re included with the Lech Card. I love a cable car and could honestly just sit on them all day going up to various viewpoints.

And if hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other summer activities too, including mountain biking, golf, fishing, trail running, swimming, and Pilates.

For me, though, the hiking and lakes are what make Lech Zürs so special in summer. There’s something about being able to get up into the mountains so easily, walk through the wildflower-filled landscape, and then stop somewhere for lunch with a view – the perfect summer trip in my opinion!

Perfect 4-Day Lech Zürs itinerary: day-by-day breakdown

Day 1: Arrival in Lech Zürs

Late Morning & Afternoon: Travel from London to Lech Zürs

The first day of your Lech Zürs itinerary will be mainly taken up by travelling to Lech Zürs, naturally depending on your flight times) so I wouldn’t plan too much for today. Don’t worry, the journey is incredibly scenic, travelling through the mountains.

Once you arrive, if you have some spare time and fancy a walk to explore, then I recommend heading down to Fischteich Lech (the fish pond). You can fish here, if that’s your thing, and have the restaurant prepare your catch for you. But if you’re vegetarian like me, or just don’t fancy this, then I still recommend popping down here for a walk around. It’s a beautiful clear blue lake surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. The walk here takes around 15 minutes from Hotel Stäfeli, so it’s a nice way to stretch your legs after a day of travelling.

Evening: Check in at Hotel Stäfeli and enjoy dinner at the hotel

Hotel Stäfel has a gorgeous restaurant and outdoor seating area; it also offers a great selection of local and contemporary dishes. Ease yourself into mountain life with a meal here, and maybe even a trip to the spa if you have time.

Day 2: Morining Pilates and a short hike

Late Morning: Mountain Pilates in the Alps

I seriously can’t think of a better way to start the day than with Pilates in the mountains (after an incredible al fresco breakfast, of course). Mountain Pilates is included in the Lech Card.

The Pilates session is one of the regular Lech Card experiences, with the current summer programme offering the class on Tuesdays. It’s led by Uli Alber and is included with the card, so it’s a lovely way to start the day without needing to pay for another activity.

Morning Pilates in the mountains near the mountain cabin Der Wolf. To get there, walk to the bus stop Zug Kirchle and take the bus at 8.24 AM to Lech Dorfhus. Meet there at 8.45 AM. From here you’ll be able to hire a gym mat from the tourist information. You’ll then meet with the group (don’t worry, everyone will be holding a gym mat) and then take two cable cars up to your spot for the morning, for a calm and atmospheric Pilates session near the mountain cabin.

Afternoon: Hike via Kriegeralpe to Balmalp

Hike through the stunning Gipslöcher landscape to Kriegeralpe and Balmalp, stopping to soak up the incredible views from the Mountain Mirror by Snøhetta – opening soon!

The Gipslöcher area is known for its unusual gypsum formations, which have been shaped by natural erosion over thousands of years. The area around Oberlech is home to more than 1,000 visible gypsum sinkholes, making this a particularly distinctive landscape to walk through. The wider Gipslöcher route is also one of the guided hikes included in the Lech Card programme on Thursdays.

Balmalp is located above Lech and is accessible via the Petersbodenbahn in summer, so you can combine the hike with a mountain lift depending on the route you choose. The exact hiking time will depend on where you start and which route you follow, so I’d recommend checking the current trail map before setting off.

And then there’s Balmalp itself, a mountain restaurant sitting high above Lech with the most incredible views. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch after your hike, with a large sun terrace where you can sit outside and enjoy the views. The menu combines Austrian mountain classics with more international dishes; we opted for the Kaiserschmarrn and the Käsespätzle – both were* chef’s kiss*.

Balmalp is also accessible by cable car, so you don’t have to complete the full hike to enjoy the restaurant and the views. If you’re looking for somewhere to combine a good meal with some seriously impressive mountain scenery, I’d definitely add it to your Lech Zürs itinerary.

Day 3: A beautiful lake hike & walk along the river

Late Morning: Hike around Spullersee

This was my favourite thing that we did in Lech Zürs, so whatever you do, don’t miss it! Spullersee is a stunning mountain lake located high in the Austrian Alps near Lech am Arlberg, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and hiking trails. It’s a great place to escape the crowds you’ll find at some of Austria’s more famous lakes, and you can even swim in the lake if you’re brave enough for the cold water!

A few things to know before you visit:

How to get to Spullersee: In summer, you can catch hiking bus 706 from Lech, which is included with the Lech Card. Taking the bus is a convenient option if you want to avoid the longer uphill hike to the lake, which takes around 2–3 hours depending on the route.
Altitude: Spullersee sits at around 1,800 metres above sea level.
Hiking: There are several hiking routes in the area, including a circular walk around the lake.
Swimming: You can swim in the lake, although the water is very cold! I dipped my toes in, but couldn’t brave a full swim!
Best time to visit: Go on a clear, sunny day for the best mountain views and reflections across the water.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a jacket are all worth packing, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.

We visited on a sunny afternoon and couldn’t get over the colour of the water. The walking trails around the lake are easy to follow, and there are plenty of places to stop and take photos, have a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the views.

Spullersee is actually a reservoir, built in the early 20th century to generate hydroelectric power for the region. Despite this, it feels completely natural, with crystal-clear turquoise water and incredible alpine scenery in every direction.

Afternoon: Riverside walk into Lech village

Take a gentle walk along the Lech River from Zug to Lech. The route follows the river through beautiful alpine scenery and is an easy, mostly gentle walk, taking around 45–60 minutes depending on your exact route and pace. We walked back during golden hour, and it was absolutely beautiful, with the mountains glowing in the evening light. So if you only opt for one way, then I strongly recommend doing it on the way back.

The official Lech Zürs route is around 3.4 km long, with just 61 metres of elevation gain, making it a great option if you want to enjoy the scenery without taking on a challenging hike.

The walk forms part of the wider Lechweg, a 125 km long-distance trail that follows the Lech River from its source near Formarinsee in Lech am Arlberg all the way to Füssen in Germany. The Lechweg has been awarded “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe” for its trail quality, scenery, signage, and overall hiking experience.

If you’re looking for an easy walk in Lech with beautiful views, this is a lovely option, and I’d especially recommend doing it later in the day when the light starts to soften.

Evening: Dinner at Arlberg Club House

For dinner, there are plenty of options in Lech, but if you fancy an Italian that would make you question if you’re in Italy or not, then I recommend Arlberg Club House. We had an incredible pizza and shared tiramisu that was the perfect refuel after a day of hiking and walking.

We loved ending the day here; it has a fun atmosphere without feeling too formal. It also had beautiful mountain views in both directions.

Day 4: Hike to Monzabonsee & departure

Late Morning & afternoon: Short hike & cable car to Monzabonsee or Forest Bathing

A short hike (and cable car trip) with huge rewards! Monzabonsee and the surrounding mountains are absolutely stunning and a must for any Lech Zürs itinerary.

To reach here, start by taking the Rüfikopfbahn cable car from Lech up to Rüfikopf, around 2,350m above sea level. From here, it’s a short (around 30 minutes) walk to the lake.

The lake is a beautiful spot to stop for a while and take in the surrounding peaks and landscapes. When I visited (in July), there were wildflowers everywhere, which just added to the stunning views. The route forms part of the Green Ring hiking area, with trails continuing through the mountains towards Zürs and the Monzabonalpe. The geological trail here is also pretty special, with rock formations that tell the story of the area’s ancient past, including evidence that this landscape was once covered by the sea.

Another option for your final day is to try forest bathing. This three-hour experience is included in the Lech Card, which I just think is amazing. This experience runs every Thursday. You’ll experience and discover the natural surroundings and forests around Lech Zürs, which I just think sounds like a really lovely way of spending time in Lech Zürs

Evening: Journey home

Depending on your flight time, you may have a little time to enjoy one last walk around Lech or have a final meal before making your way back to the airport. If you’re travelling by public transport, remember to allow plenty of time for the journey from Lech to your train station and then onwards to the airport (our bus was a little delayed, so we only just made the train). Next time I’d leave a little more time, even if it meant getting to the train station early.

Final Thoughts on a 4-day itinerary for Lech Zürs

If you’re debating a trip to Lech Zürs, do it! It is unbelievably beautiful and a true mountain escape that feels really off the beaten track. With highlights including lakes like Monzabonsee and Spullersee. Four days were enough for us to experience some of the highlights, but I could easily have stayed longer. There are so many different hikes, lakes, mountain experiences, and little corners of the region that I didn’t get to see, which just gives me another excuse to come back.

I came to Lech Zürs because I love mountains, but I left feeling like I’d discovered somewhere I genuinely want to return to. My cousin (who I was travelling with) had never experienced the Alps like this before, and seeing how blown away she was reminded me why I love travelling so much in the first place.

So, if you’re looking for somewhere beautiful, peaceful, and packed with incredible mountain scenery, I really don’t think you can go wrong with Lech Zürs. Just make sure you leave some room in your itinerary to slow down, take in the views, and enjoy it, because that’s really what makes this place so special.