Discover Oberlech: Skiing, Nature and Family Trails

Oberlech lies at an altitude of 1,750 metres above Lech am Arlberg and combines an alpine landscape with a variety of trails and winter sports experiences. In winter, the village is car-free. For families and active travellers, the main question when choosing a holiday apartment is therefore which experiences should define the holiday: extended ski circuits, family trails, nature observation or a combination of physical activity and regional cuisine.

Alpine landscape with special nature experiences

The Gipslöcher consist of more than 1,000 sinkholes of different sizes. The largest sinkhole is around 35 metres deep and has a diameter of 100 metres. The Gipslöcher area in Lech Zürs includes funnel-shaped sinkholes up to 35 metres deep and up to 100 metres in diameter; since 1988, it has been protected as a nature reserve.

The lower Gipslöcher, which are easily accessible to hikers, are ideal for a varied family hike. Gipsis Rätselweg also leads through the mountain landscape of Oberlech: At six stations in the middle and upper Gipslöcher, this family trail combines nature with discovering things together. Those who would like to learn more about the alpine surroundings along the way can find special features of animals and plants at more than 20 stations on the Arlenzauberweg.

Ski circuits, toboggan run and first turns

In winter, the White Ring is a major ski circuit through Lech, Zürs, Zug and Oberlech. The circuit includes around 22 kilometres of ski runs and 5,500 metres of elevation gain. It is signposted throughout; distinctive White Ring symbols help with orientation along the ski runs. This focus can be decisive when looking for a holiday apartment in Oberlech if you plan to spend your days on the slopes and prefer accommodation in a village with a strong winter sports profile.

Another winter option is the toboggan run from Oberlech to Lech. It starts at the top station of the Oberlech cable car, leads down through the winter forest to Lech and is 1.2 kilometres long. The run is considered family-friendly and suitable for children. Kinderland Oberlech also has a sunny, peaceful and car-free practice area with three conveyor belts. The Oberlech practice area is intended for children as well as those returning to skiing and beginners who want to improve their technique and confidence; this includes the Oberlech practice lift.

Trails and activities for shared family days

Oberlech also offers various ways to stay active away from skiing and tobogganing. The “Spielend wandern” trail between Oberlech and Petersboden combines a hiking route with eight nature-based games. On the way to the Rud-Alpe, the Grüner Rätselring awaits children with a water playground, treehouse, petting zoo, trampoline and slacklines. Oberlech also has a 3D archery course for children and adults. Children's clubs look after young children, allowing families to plan their days around different interests and age groups.

The Arlenzauberweg leads from the top station of the Lech-Oberlech cable car via Libellensee and the flower meadows on Schlegelkopf to the Rud-Alpe. Around 2 kilometres long, it follows a leisurely, gentle descent towards the Rud-Alpe. There, you can enjoy Austrian and regional specialities on the sun terrace. This allows you to combine a hike with a culinary break without focusing your stay solely on sporting activities.

Oberlech as a starting point for exploring

In summer, Oberlech is best reached on foot or from Lech by cable car. A hike called “In the footsteps of the Walser” leads from Oberlech to the historic Walser village of Bürstegg. Bürstegg is considered the highest Walser settlement in Vorarlberg. The trail to Skyspace-Lech begins at the top station of the Lech-Oberlech cable car; Skyspace Lech is an artwork created by US artist James Turrell.

Another way to get your bearings is a circular trail that reaches Oberlech around 20 minutes after starting at Rüfiplatz in Lech. If you would like to compare the surroundings beyond Oberlech, it is also worth taking a look at Zürs. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore weigh up a stay focused clearly on winter sports, family-oriented nature trails and excursions into the Walser and art landscape.

Which holiday apartment suits your travel plans?

Oberlech is particularly suitable as a destination to search for accommodation if you want to make alpine experiences the centre of your trip. Families will find specific points of interest in Kinderland, on the toboggan run, along the puzzle trails and at the nature-play stations. Those who prefer ski runs can follow the White Ring and its signposted connections. For quieter days, the landscape, hiking trails, regional specialities and cultural destinations such as Bürstegg or Skyspace Lech take centre stage. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Oberlech can thus be selected to match your preferred pace of holiday.

To the main travel overview: Lech.