An Insider's Guide To Lech

The best places to stay, eat, and what to see in Austria's chicest Ski resort.

3 Dec 2022 / Sebastian

Lech is one of the prettiest villages in Austria‘s Alberg mountain range and a classic winter ski destination for more than a century. It’s old school and elegant without being fusty, fashionable without ever going out of style. Lech guarantees snow in winter for die-hard skiers, and, thanks to the Flexenbahn lift, you can now access 305 km of pistes across the area.

Where to Eat & Drink

Rote Wand Chef’s Table

“This is one of the best culinary hotspots in the Alps. Built in 1780, Zug’s old schoolhouse accommodated the alpine dairy and the school for a long time. Today, all those looking for culinary delights that are in a class of their own have come to the right place at our Schualhus: they can try the Rote Wand Chef’s Table. Julian Stieger is the new chef at the Rote Wand Chef’s Table as of October. The Austrian chef is 28 years old and was most recently at Geranium in Copenhagen (3 Michelin stars | No°1 Worlds 50 Best). Previously, he worked in top restaurants such as Eleven Madison Park (3 Michelin stars | Worlds 50 Best – Best of the Best), Steirereck (2 Michelin stars | No°13 Worlds 50 Best), Landhaus Bacher, Le Ciel and Weindlhof. However, he is no stranger to Zug either, as he has already worked with Max Natmessnig at the Rote Wand Chef’s Table."

Restaurant Klösterle

“With a completely independent concept, the Klösterle has developed into a new culinary star on the Arlberg. Jakob Zeller and Ethel Hoon, who worked together as sous-chefs at Magnus Nielsson's legendary Swedish 'Fäviken Magasinet' for three years, want their kitchen to return to the fundamentals of a meal, which is about sharing time, conviviality and food. Their dishes draw on the culinary wealth of the Austrian Alps. They get their ingredients from selected producers in the immediate vicinity or they collect them themselves and, according to old tradition, preserve them for the winter.”

Murmeli

“Perhaps the best place for a very cosy lunch. The same menu for many years, local classics, never disappoints.”

Rud-Alpe

“Up on the slopes, ski right up to this mountain hut for a cosy lunch — or walk up from Oberlech for a romantic, candlelit dinner in its wooden-clad dining room.”

Schneggarei

“With a cool, contemporary alpine feel, start with cocktails downstairs in the bar at the Schneggarei, before heading upstairs for delicious pizzas.”

Hus Nr. 8

“Book ahead for brilliant raclette and schnitzel at the cosy Hus Nr. 8, which feels like a home away from home for Lech regulars.”

Hotel Krone

“After your final run — or lift — down of the day, join the crowds gathering on the terrace of Hotel Krone for the best apres-ski vibe in town.”

What to Do

Skiing

Lech is a skier’s paradise. Confident skiers should start their day in Oberlech, head over the ‘Rüfikopf’ until you reach Zürs, before heading back to Lech via the ‘Madloch’.

Hiking

Hike along the Lech river to Zug. The well-prepared winter hiking trail leads you directly to the Gasthof Rote Wand.

Culture

The Skyspace Lech is a newly created cultural highlight in Tannegg in Oberlech, accessible in winter.

Cooking Classes

Hotel Rote Wand's latest concept 'Friends & Fools' offers daily classes with their chef and local team. It's a culinary school, a wine tasting, and food education room. Reserve in advance at the hotel.