Three hikers walking on a high plateau, rustic mountain fronts can be seen in the background.

Arlberg Trail

Your Alpine Adventure in Three Days

The Arlberg Trail extern connects the historic villages of St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Zürs and Lech into a unique long-distance hiking experience. Over approximately 52 kilometres, you will discover the breathtaking mountain world of the Arlberg – with cable car support to ease some of the elevation gain.

Facts

 

  • Total length: approx. 52 km
  • Walking time (pure): approx. 20 hours
  • Elevation gain (without cable cars): approx. 6,132 m
  • Highest point: 2,645 m (Valluga I mountain station)
  • Lowest point: 1,300 m (St. Anton am Arlberg)
  • Best season: July to September
  • Stage locations: St. Anton am Arlberg, Stuben and Lech
  • Variants: Two alternative routes with varying difficulty levels
A man in an orange hiking jacket holds a trail map and points at a route. The background is softly lit and out of focus, suggesting a high-altitude location.
A tranquil alpine lake reflects a striking mountain range in the soft light of the evening sun. Smooth rocks lie in the clear water in the foreground. The sky is lightly clouded with a gentle blue tone.

Trail Highlights

 

  • Refreshing mountain lakes: Maiensee, Albonaseen, Maroiseen, Stubener See, Zürsersee, Monzabonsee …
  • Alpine hut stops with local cheese specialties
  • Rich alpine flora & photo spots – from gentian to edelweiss
  • Encounter marmots & ibex in their natural habitat
  • Spectacular summit panorama with Patteriol and Kuchenspitze
  • Highest point of the Way of St. James at St. Christoph

Stage Overview

St. Anton → Stuben


Main route


Take the Galzig cable car, follow the scenic Berggeistweg past the Maroiseen lakes and enjoy panoramic views from the Albonagrat before descending to Stuben. (Interactive Map) extern


Alternatives


Easy: Through the Rosanna Gorge, along the Maienweg trail and via the Rauztobel ravine to Stuben. (Interactive Map) extern

Moderate: From Galzig via the Paul-Bantlin trail to the Kaltenberg Hut, past Stubener See and down into the village. (Interactive Map) extern

Stuben → Lech


Main Route


Follow the panoramic Franz-Josef trail towards the Flexen Pass, continue to Zürs, take the Seekopfbahn cable car and hike via Madlochjoch to Lech. (Interactive Map) extern


Alternatives


Easy: Same trail to Zürs, then leisurely walk along the Zürsbach stream to Lech. (Interactive Map) extern

Moderate: Take the Seekopfbahn to Zürsersee, descend via Wiesele trail to Lech. (Interactive Map) extern

Lech → St. Anton


Main Route


Take the Rüfikopf cable car to the Stuttgarter Hut, continue via Erlijoch to Valluga I. From there (check cable car times), return to St. Anton by lift or on foot. (Interactive Map) extern


Alternatives 


Easy: Hike down from Rüfikopf to Monzabonsee, past Monzabonalpe to Zürs. Return to St. Anton by bus (line 760). (Interactive Map) extern

Moderate: Take the bus from Lech to the Trittkopf lift in Zürs. Hike along the Zürsbach via the Gafri trail to Alpe Rauz. Climb to Ulmer Hut and descend via Arlensattel and reservoir. Return by Galzig cable car. (Interactive Map) extern

Service & Comfort

  

  • Arlberg Trail Ticket: Valid for all required cable cars over four consecutive days.
  • Luggage transport: Convenient baggage transfer between stages.
  • Partner hotels: Selected accommodations in St. Anton, Stuben and Lech offer special packages for trail hikers.
Three hikers in outdoor gear stand in a cable car, smiling at each other. Mountains and clouds are visible in the background, creating a cheerful and expectant atmosphere.
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VIDEO - Arlberg Trail