OVERVIEW

When I think about the Alps of Europe, I generally think of the majestic snow capped peaks of Switzerland. After now having hiked in western Austria, I can confidently say that those Alpine mountains are breathtaking in their own special way.

While the Austrian Alps may not have the height and magnificence of their Swiss and French counterparts, their lush meadows and charming towns are just as gorgeous. 

When planning our Austria itinerary, there were countless hiking locations to choose from throughout the country. However, we found pictures of Lech am Alberg and the surrounding area to be absolutely stunning, so we decided to base there for a few days.

In the winter, Lech am Alberg transforms into a bustling ski village, with resorts and lifts lining the town from top to bottom. It becomes quieter in the summer, despite having numerous hiking opportunities and amazing scenery.

The hike from Formarinsee to Spullersee looked particularly impressive. It involved taking a bus to Formarinsee, deep into the Lechtal Alps of Austria, and then hiking to the return bus waiting at Spullersee. 

The trail did not disappoint. The hike had a tremendous amount of variation with green meadows, glacial streams, and mountain panoramas over the Lechtal Alps of Austria. 

We did find it somewhat difficult as there were some areas of steep elevation and the trail was washed away in other sections. One very unique and fascinating part of the trail was Steinernes Meer, literally translated to “rocky sea”.

Overall this was one of my favorite hikes that we did while in Austria and I would strongly consider it if looking for an amazing yet challenging hike when in the region.

HIKING STATISTICS

Distance: 10.5 km (6.5 miles).

Ascent: 600 meters (2,000 feet).

Descent: 550 meters (1,800 feet).

Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous. Careful footing was needed while crossing over the stones at Steinerness Meer and the ascent up to Gehrengrat Ridge was steep in parts. The descent down the ridge to Spullersee can be dangerous as the trail was washed away in certain parts.

Duration: 5-6 hours.

LOGISTICS

The Formarinsee to Spullersee hike is located in the Lichquellen Mountains of western Austria and is very close to Lech am Arlberg. It is a point to point hike and requires the use of buses. We took bus 7 from the Lech am Arlberg to Lake Formarinsee. We were staying a few days in Lech so we bought the Lech card, which provided free use of the regional buses and cable cars.

The bus went up through the Zugertal Valley while hugging the Lech River. It dropped us off right at the trailhead and took about 30 minutes. 

After finishing the hike we waited for the return bus in a shelter at Spullersee. Bus 6 eventually came and brought us back down to Lech am Arlberg. We made sure to check the time of the last bus from Spullersee prior to starting our hike for the day, as this was not a place we wanted to be stranded overnight while unprepared.

OUR EXPERIENCE HIKING FORMARINSEE TO SPULLERSEE

Formarinsee to Freiberger Hütte

We had arrived in Lech the day prior as today was a jam packed hiking adventure through the Austrian Alps. We knew this would be a demanding hike, but if the drive up to Formarinsee was any indication, the views would be spectacular.

The trail began by wrapping around Spullersee counterclockwise. There were some horses grazing near the lake as we gradually walked upward toward Freiberger Hütte. This is a mountain hut that serves traditional Austrian food and refreshments. It was the last sign of civilization in this remote corner of Austria until the hike was complete.

Near the hut was a small herd of cattle lounging and grazing. Oliver and Maddie also found an outdated playground to use while Shirlee and I enjoyed the views

Freiberger Hütte to Steinernes Meer

The hike gently ascended for another 1.5 km up to a plateau where we were treated with spectacular vistas of the Austrian Alps. 

There were some meadows with more cows and then we reached Steinernes Meer. This is a very unique terrain, characterized by a series of vertical rocks and deep crevices. We had to watch our footing here closely, as any wrong step could lead to a serious ankle injury.

This was my favorite area of this beautiful Austrian hike. I stopped for a while to fly the drone across these seemingly endless sheets of limestone rocks.

Steinerness Meer to Gehrengrat Ridge

After hiking across Austria’s “rock sea” we arrived at the intersection of our trail and the Steinernes Meer trail. We kept to the right and went through yet another cow pasture.

It was now time for the nearly 300 meter ascent to Gehrengrat Ridge. This area was very steep in some sections and finished with a set of brutal switchbacks.

The payoff for our effort was incredible views of the mountain ranges, grassy plateaus, and the jagged Steinerness Meer. Spullersee even came into view in the distance on our left. 

Gehrengrat Ridge to Spullersee

We continued along the ridge as it eventually began its steep descent toward Spullersee. This part of the hike was fairly dangerous as the trail was washed away at times and literally crumbling apart under our feet. 

Eventually the trail leveled out, crossed over Glongbach River, and wound through a marshy meadow on its way to the picturesque valley of Dalaaser Schütz. Although not providing high elevation panoramas, this area was beautiful in the way it contrasted the bright green grass, colorful vegetation, gray mountains and bright blue sky.

We walked by a few small but charming mountain cabins as the trail narrowed and finally brought us to Spullersee. There was a shelter where we waited until bus 6 arrived and brought us with the other exhausted hikers back to Lech am Arlberg.

By the time we got back to our hotel and cleaned up it was already 6 PM. We ate dinner and took a dip in the pool before heading off to bed.

OUR IMPRESSIONS

We spent one week traveling through western Austria and this was our first hike. Shirlee and I both loved it and ranked it as our favorite hike of the week.

Oliver and Maddie thought it was very challenging. The amount we had to ascend and descend wasn’t absurd, but the trail through these sections was very steep so it felt very strenuous.

The descent from Gehrengrat Ridge was flat out dangerous. The trail here was steep, washed away, and extremely unstable. Not to mention having minimal visibility resulting from the dense fog.

Nevertheless, the views were simply amazing. After hiking to Gehrengrat Ridge we could see the beauty of Austria for miles.

It was also a very unique hike with variable terrain. I particularly enjoyed sheets of rock at Steinernes Meer and colorful meadows in Dalaaser Schütz.

There are countless hikes near Lech am Alberg but this is one I would do again and recommend it to others traveling through this gorgeous region of Austria.