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Table of Contents:
How to get to Lech from Innsbruck
How to get to Lech from Munich
When to travel to Lech
Lech is a world-famous ski resort in Austria. A unique climate, developed tourist infrastructure, extensive opportunities for skiing, a lot of entertainment – all this makes Lech a center of attraction for all winter sports lovers. The resort is also known as one of the best places for freeride. All the necessary conditions have been created for off-piste skiing here.
After some research, I decided to put together information I have previously found out and create a complete guide on how to organize a holiday in Lech. I figured out how to get to the town, where to stay & what to do there. I really hope this detailed information will help you plan your trip to Lech.
Lech is an all-year-round resort. The skiing season lasts from December until April, while hiking season lasts from May until October incl. Lech is well-known for its snow cover which is perfect for freeriding. Cross-country skiing is also possible. During the off-season period you can try hiking, rock climbing, sightseeing, tennis, golf and other summer sports. The period from May to October is very colorful and picturesque here.
How to get to Lech
Where do you fly into to get to Lech? Most often, tourists get to Lech from Innsbruck or Munich; both cities have airports to fly into. Check the current flight timetable from your city at Aviasales booking service. I usually use Aviasales when planning my trips, because it can compare a great variety of available flight options. Then you can get to Lech by public transport, by taxi or by rented car.
How to get to Lech from Innsbruck
After examining a lot of information, I can say that the easiest way to get to Lech is from Innsbruck, which is the closest major city with an airport. If you wish, you can come to Lech from slightly more distant cities, for example, from Zurich or Munich.
By public transport: There is no direct train connection between Innsbruck and Lech. The only option among public transport is to take a train to the town of Langen am Arlberg, and from there change to a bus directly to Lech (you should take bus # 91). This travel option is the most budget-friendly, but at the same time it is the most time-consuming. You can check the train schedule and purchase tickets online at the Raileurope booking service. I love this online service as it has a very convenient search with a lot of useful filters. I can sort the results by duration of a train journey, departure and arrival points, number of changes, prices, etc. It is very helpful, in my point of view.
By taxi: A more convenient option is to order a taxi or transfer car. It is a useful option when you travel with luggage or ski equipment. The travel time from Innsbruck to Lech by taxi or transfer car usually takes about 1,5 hours. You can book a transfer car via various online services, and you can also try to find a taxi car upon arrival at the airport.
By rented car: As an option you can also get to Leh by rented car, but you need to have, at least, a passport, a driver’s license and a bank card (cash payment at rental offices is not accepted). There are 9+ more car rental offices open at the Innsbruck Airport. You can also book a car in advance via specialized international services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings and other similar ones. The distance from Innsbruck to Lech is 120 km. The highway No. A12 connects the city and the resort. The travel time takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (see on the map).
How to get to Lech from Munich
By public transport: The airport in Munich is also popular to fly into. There are more daily flights from all over the world to Munich than to Innsbruck. However, getting from Munich to Lech is a little longer, since Munich is located 188 km from the resort. If we talk about public transport, then you need to use the train + bus combination. Firstly, you need to get from the Munich Railway Station to the town of Langen am Arlberg. The journey takes about 4,5 hours. You can check train schedules and purchase tickets online at the Raileurope booking service. And then in Langen, you need to take a regular bus directly to Lech. You should focus on bus line # 91.
By taxi: It is easier and faster to get to Lech by taxi or transfer car. In this case, the travel time from Munich Airport usually takes about 3 hours 10 minutes in total. You can book transfer services in advance via various online services. The transfer car is also useful for carrying a large amount of luggage and ski equipment.
By rented car: You can also get to Lech by rented car, but you need to have a passport, a driver’s license and a bank card (cash payment at rental offices is not accepted). There are many rental offices at the Munich Airport. You can also book a car in advance via specialized international services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings and other similar ones. I personally use both services at once, when searching for suitable car rental options. It lets me find out a huge number of available variants which I can narrow down by different useful filters then. The distance from Munich to Lech is 180 km. The highway No. A95 connects the city and the resort. The travel time takes approximately 3 hours (see on the map).
Where to stay in Lech
In Lech you can find a truly developed hotel infrastructure. Based on my research, the accommodation options include apartments, hotels of various categories, holiday homes, guest houses, chalets, B&B`s. During the winter holidays, I would recommend booking accommodation in advance, since the resort is in demand among skiers.
Hotel Sonnenburg 5* – the hotel is located in a picturesque place, surrounded by mountains. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a relaxing terrace. There is also a restaurant, a bar, a fitness room and a spa area. You can stay in rooms of various categories. Half board is included in the price. Some rooms have a balcony. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge. Public parking nearby is provided for an additional fee. The front desk is open 24 hours a day. As online booking services provide tourists reviews, I found out that there are places for storing skis and luggage at the hotel. The front desk offers ski equipment rental and ski pass sales;
Hotel Tannbergerhof 4* — the hotel is located in the center of Lech. The ski slopes are situated right outside the hotel. The hotel has a bar where open-air parties are held. This is a popular entertainment in Lech. The hotel restaurant serves regional cuisine. The spa area includes a light therapy sauna, an infrared sauna, an aromatherapy steam bath and a salt water grotto, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Guests can stay in rooms of various categories. Breakfast is included in the price. Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel and is free of charge. Public parking is available on site for an additional fee and upon reservation. Ski passes are sold at the front desk; storage area for skis and luggage, and an ATM can also be found at the front desk;
Hotel Olympia 3* – the hotel is within the walking distance from the nearest cable car. It offers a wellness center and a restaurant. You can stay in rooms of various categories or apartments. Continental breakfast is available. In the wellness center you can find a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a relaxation area. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge. Private parking is provided nearby upon reservation. Ski storage is available at the reception;
Hotel Lech & Residenz Chesa Rosa 3* – the hotel is located near the ski lifts. The hotel has a fireplace and a spa area with a sauna, a steam bath and a massage room. There is also a restaurant and a bar. You can stay in rooms of various categories. Breakfast is included in the price. Some rooms have balconies. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge. Private parking is provided nearby for an additional fee. At the reception you can find places to store your luggage and skis;
DAS ADLER PALMA – the hotel is located near the ski lift station, in a picturesque and quiet place. In the spa area you can find a Finnish sauna, an infrared cabin, a Kneipp bath, a fitness room and much more. Guests can stay in rooms of various categories. Breakfast is included in the price. Some rooms have balconies. Wi-Fi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge. Private parking is provided on site upon reservation. Based on my research, ski storage is available at reception.
What to do in Lech
Austrian Lech is a popular ski resort, known far beyond Europe. After some research, I discovered the following practical information:
- The total length of the slopes at the resort is 110 km;
- the altitude difference is about 1000 m;
- The length of the slopes for beginners is 44 km, for intermediate skiers – 44 km, for pros – 22 km;
- The longest route is 5 km;
- There are almost unlimited possibilities for freeride here;
- The total ski area is about 200 km.
- The resort serves 47 ski lifts;
- There are 2 fan parks and a halfpipe;
- About 23 km are devoted to cross-country skiing;
- There are short toboggan runs.
Special attention is paid to freeride at the resort. There are many instructors; a heli-skiing option is also available, and natural landscapes with its untouched snow-covered slopes promote off-piste skiing.
Among other entertainments, Lech offers its guests to try toboggan runs, an ice-skating rink, horse riding, tennis and much more. Of course, there are also traditional apresques parties, and local bars and restaurants are famous for their fun vibes. You can choose from a disco bar, a jazz bar, nightclubs and other non-trivial options.
There are no thermal complexes in Lech itself, but this is more than compensated with the extensive spa areas that are open in many local hotels. Moreover, you can visit not only the spa of your hotel, but also any other (for an additional fee).
In the neighboring village of St. Anton there is a popular wellness center called Arlberg WellCom, which offers many leisure options. Here you can find indoor and outdoor swimming pools, water slides, playgrounds, several types of saunas, a sanarium, a steam bath, an infrared cabin, as well as massage rooms, tennis courts, and a juice bar. I found out detailed information for visiting the complex:
- The complex is open daily from 08.00 to 19.00.
- The entrance ticket to the swimming pool area for adults starts from 8 euros and for children starts from 4,5 euros.
As I see it, entertainment in Lech is very diverse and is represented with many options. Here you can try not only traditional ski slopes, but also fan parks or the freeride area. The toboggan runs are interesting in their own way. Evening life at the resort is also very diverse and will not let any tourist get bored.
Take a note! When going on a trip to Austria, do not forget to take out travel insurance, which is useful for receiving a tourist visa and for solving emerging medical problems when travelling in another country. You can purchase insurance via online services, for example, via EKTA and others. You can choose from different modes, including quiet, active or extreme rest.
Photo above the article: Joao Maximo
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Julia is an experienced traveller, BA in International Relations and Languages and true lover of planning trips in advance. Learn more about the author…
Ahhh this is perfect! I already have a ski trip planned for this season (Japan!) but I had my eye on Lech and Austria in general for next season! Thanks for all the tips 🙂
Our kids always love to go tobogganing after a ski day. We’ll need to add Lech to our list to try on future ski trips.