A weekend of wild rivers, mountains and husky adventures
Werbung: In Kooperation mit Lechtal Tourismus
The final stretch before reaching the Lech Valley feels like a scene from a film. With every twist and turn, the road seems to swallow the everyday. As we cross the border from Germany into Austria, passing the fairytale-like Linderhof Palace and the crystal-clear Plansee, the excitement builds. The road winds deeper into the mountains, and after what feels like five nose bumps against the car window, it finally appears: the Lech Valley.
Wild, untamed, and filled with that unmistakable sense that everyday life has no place here. This is where we arrive, ready to settle in at our holiday home, the Lechquell Hotel Post.
Nature that belongs to itself
The Lech, the last wild river of the Northern Limestone Alps, shapes the landscape like an artist working on a masterpiece. Here, water is allowed to be what it truly is — untamed, turquoise, sometimes gentle, sometimes rushing. In the Tyrolean Lech Nature Park, the river creates gravel banks that take on a new shape after every flood. What looks barren at first glance is in fact full of life. Among the grey stones, rare birds like the little ringed plover nest right on the ground. That’s why the gravel banks are off-limits from March to August.
And then there are the riparian forests, where the Lech flows freely through the land. The air smells of damp moss, dragonflies dance in the light, and small side arms of the river sparkle like liquid glass. It is a place that reminds us how nature sounds when left to its own rhythm. We stand quietly on the riverbank, just listening. The rushing of the Lech is calming, almost hypnotic.
Settling into slow mode: Lechquell Hotel Post in Steeg
Our base in the Lech Valley is the gourmet and wellness hideaway Lechquell Hotel Post in Steeg — a place where alpine tradition meets modern comfort in the most charming way. From the moment we arrive, there’s this warm mix of heart, style and hospitality. The exterior is classically alpine, while inside the hotel surprises with an open, contemporary design that immediately makes us feel at home.
Once the bags are unpacked, it’s time to switch into relax-and-enjoy mode. Breakfast here isn’t just a meal — it’s a little celebration of the day ahead. Freshly pressed juices, fluffy omelettes, homemade bread and a cereal and seed bar so diverse we can hardly decide. After a hike or a day outdoors, delicious afternoon snacks await on the sun terrace. And in the evening, the restaurant becomes a stage for beautifully crafted, award-winning cuisine. A multi-course dinner delights both parents and kids, paired with a wine selection that’s right on point.
Riding, spa time and movie nights
At the edge of the village, the Lechquell Hotel Post’s riding stable brings joy to little horse lovers. The indoor and outdoor pool is perfect for splashy fun or a few relaxed laps. A playroom for younger kids and a gaming room for teens make rainy days feel easy. There’s also a soothing family sauna for shared wellness moments. In the evening, the hotel’s private cinema invites everyone to cuddle up and enjoy a movie together.
The rooms are spacious and combine cosy alpine charm with modern accents. Warm wooden floors, comfortable beds and bright interiors create a space that instantly feels inviting. Families can choose between rooms with a sofa bed or a separate bunk room for the kids. Thoughtfully designed storage ensures everything stays organised, even during longer stays.
What touches us most is the genuine warmth of the hosts. They have a quiet sense for the little things that make a stay feel truly special. In the evening, sitting in the garden with views of the mountains, it all feels a bit like coming home — just with a spa, a big garden and a kind of joy that’s rare in everyday life.
Cheese and the spirit of the Lech Valley
Right across from the hotel is the show dairy of the Lechtaler Naturkäserei Sojer. We peek through the windows into the cheesemakers’ workshop, watching as the wheels are shaped and bathed in brine. A few moments later, we find ourselves in the shop, tasting our way through the different varieties. It’s the perfect little piece of the Lech Valley to take home.
Just behind the dairy, the river Lech rushes by in full force — bright turquoise, wild, and full of life.
Vitalweg Holzgau: Kneipp, the modern way
Kneipp therapy old-fashioned? Not here. The Vitalweg Holzgau shows how refreshing and contemporary nature-based wellness can be. From the very first steps, we pass gently flowing streams where we wade barefoot through icy mountain water, feeling the tingling sensation all the way to our toes. The path continues over a soft barefoot trail made of sand, wood, and moss. Along the way, a herbal trail tempts us with the scents of thyme and sage, and the panoramic loungers invite you to pause, take in the mountain views, and listen to the whisper of the trees.
A highlight for anyone who loves heights: the spectacular suspension bridge in Holzgau, stretching high above a gorge and delivering a serious adrenaline rush. The climb is steep, but once at the top, the trail eases off. Hammocks invite you to relax among the trees, and a small forest playground keeps little hikers entertained.
Insider tip: Be sure to plan a stop at Café Uta — their Kaiserschmarrn alone is worth the detour.
Picture 5 and 6: © Verein Lechweg / Photographer Gerhard Eisenschink
Wild mountain adventure on four paws
A trip to the Lech Valley wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Gramais, Austria’s smallest municipality. With just 47 residents, it feels like a scene from a postcard — vibrant alpine meadows, crystal-clear mountain streams, and peaks standing protectively all around. This is where one of our biggest adventures begins: a husky hike with the Bergschule Lechtal.
The moment we lay eyes on the eight Siberian Huskies, we know this is going to be a day to remember. After a short introduction and a few safety instructions, we’re fitted with waist harnesses — and then we’re off. As soon as the dogs feel the pull on the leash, they charge forward with such strength and joy that it almost feels like we’re flying uphill. It’s wild, powerful, and incredibly fun. The kids are beyond excited and haven’t stopped asking for huskies on every hike since.
There’s barely time to take in the scenery — these dogs are pure energy. For a moment, it feels like we’re being carried by an invisible wind, with the kids laughing and soaring up the trail beside us. Along the way, our guide Hubsi shares his story of leaving behind a conventional office job in IT to follow his passion for mountains and dogs by founding the Bergschule.
This blend of raw nature and animal power is what makes the husky hike so unforgettable — and somehow so very Lech Valley: real, unspoiled, and just a little bit wild.
What stays with you
The Lech Valley is wild and unspoiled, yet also a place of calm and quiet strength. It’s the contrasts that leave a mark — the roar of the river Lech, the stillness of the mountains, the energy of the huskies, and the warmth of the people at Lechquell Hotel Post. Anyone who’s been here doesn’t just leave with memories, but with a little lightness in their heart.
Looking for more nature adventures with kids? Discover our tips for the Stubai Valley and the Kitzbühel Alps.
