Rietz(Austria) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Lech, the premier ski-in/ski-out option is Hotel Alpenhof Lech, located directly at the Lech Ski Lift. This luxury hotel offers private ski storage, on-site equipment rental, and a dedicated ski concierge service. Each room features panoramic mountain views and heated floors, with access to an indoor pool and spa. The hotel’s signature Alpine chalet dining experience includes locally sourced dishes like Tyrolean smoked ham and wild mushroom risotto. Guests enjoy seamless access to over 300 km of groomed pistes in the Vorarlberg Ski Region, making it ideal for powder enthusiasts seeking convenience and comfort.

The Lech Village Center is the most family-friendly district, offering proximity to Lech Kindergarten Park and the Alpine Children's Museum. Stay at Familienhotel Alpin, a certified family resort featuring interconnected rooms, kids' play zones, and supervised activities like snow sculpting and sleigh rides. The hotel also provides free breakfast for children and offers stroller rentals. Families can easily reach the Ski School Lech and Pony Park, where kids can ride Alpine ponies through meadows. With safe pedestrian paths and low traffic, this area ensures a stress-free vacation for all ages.

Visitors to Lech should attend the Lech Traditional Tyrolean Festival held every August, where locals wear authentic Styrian embroidery costumes and perform folk dances in the Lech Square. Participate in a cheese-making workshop using milk from high-altitude alpine herds to craft hard Tyrolean cheese. Evening highlights include dinner at Gasthof Zur Alm, serving dishes like mountain goat stew and rye bread with honey butter, paired with locally brewed apple wine. Don’t miss the nighttime storytelling session around a bonfire, where elders share legends of the Arabian Mountains and ancient shepherds.

The Hochgrat Loop Trail is the top summer hike near Lech, stretching 7 km through the Vorarlberg Nature Reserve. It passes through lush alpine meadows filled with Edelweiss flowers and crystal-clear glacial streams. Starting from the Lech Mountain Gate, the trail features elevated platforms offering views of the Arabian Peaks and Lake Arlberg. Early morning departure is recommended to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Hikers can stop at the Hochgrat Mountain Hut for warm chocolate and homemade almond cake. Marked clearly with signage and GPS coordinates, this route suits intermediate hikers seeking both challenge and beauty.

For couples seeking romance, Valley Retreat Boutique Hotel stands out, nestled along the Salzach River with private balconies and starlight skylights in each suite. The hotel offers personalized candlelit dinners, couples’ spa treatments, and guided night sky tours under the Alps. Stroll hand-in-hand across the Old Lech Bridge at dusk, listening to the river flow beneath. Weekly events include live Tyrolean music nights with traditional violins and zithers, creating an intimate atmosphere. Every stay includes a complimentary bottle of local apple brandy and a handwritten love note—perfect for unforgettable moments.

Lech hosts the Lech Snow Lantern Festival (mid-December to early January), transforming the village into a glowing wonderland. Over 5,000 handmade lanterns line the Alpine Avenue, casting warm light across snowy alleys. Visitors ride in traditional wooden sledges through illuminated trails, join snow sculpture contests, and take part in gingerbread-making workshops. At night, the Town Hall Square hosts a magical snow fairy tale performance, featuring costumed actors in Tyrolean fur cloaks reenacting local legends. All guests receive a limited-edition Christmas bell souvenir, adding a cherished memory to their winter journey.

The Blue Waterfall (Blauwasserfall), located within the Arabian National Park, is a must-photograph site. Its 60-meter cascade glows turquoise due to mineral-rich water, creating dramatic reflections. Best captured at dawn when mist lingers, the interplay of light and vapor produces ethereal crepuscular rays. Photographers can follow the Blue Waterfall Path to secure wide-angle shots or use tripods at rock platforms for mirror-like lake reflections. Nearby, the birch groves in autumn display golden hues against dark trunks—ideal for macro and landscape photography. The area is well-marked and accessible by foot or shuttle.

Must-try in Lech is Tyrolean Roast Pork Knuckle (Schweinshaxe), slow-roasted for six hours using alpine-raised black pork. Served with creamy potato dumplings, sour cabbage, and herb butter, this hearty dish exemplifies Alpine cuisine. Enjoy it at Gasthof Zur Alm, a centuries-old inn with timber beams and hunting trophies on display. Pair it with a glass of local apple wine or honey beer. For dessert, try Alpine mountain meringues—light, airy, and dusted with wild thyme—crafted daily using ingredients from nearby meadows.

Yes, Lech is highly suitable for self-drivers. The town center features free parking, and it lies just 35 km from Innsbruck Airport, reachable in 40 minutes via the A12 Motorway. Well-maintained roads connect to major destinations like Arbsee Lake, Feldkirch, and Ski School Lech. Rental agencies such as Hertz Austria and Sixt operate onsite, offering all-terrain vehicles with winter tires. Public buses run regularly between key sites, but driving allows flexibility to explore hidden trails and scenic viewpoints. Road signs are multilingual, and GPS navigation is reliable throughout Vorarlberg.

The Alpen Thermal Spa Lech is the top wellness destination, blending modern architecture with traditional stone walls. Facilities include a cold plunge pool, sauna dome, and volcanic rock steam room. Signature treatments feature Alpine pine oil therapy and glacier clay body wraps. Try the High Alpine Relaxation Ritual, which combines a deep-tissue massage with aromatic herbs from the surrounding mountains. The spa’s organic restaurant serves meals made from local produce, including wild herbs and highland honey. Guests also enjoy access to a quiet meditation garden and a rooftop hot tub with panoramic views of the Arabian Peaks.