Navigation

about Lech, Oberlech am Arlberg

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about your holiday at the Cresta.Alpin.Sport.Hotel in Oberlech? We've gathered the most common ones here along with the appropriate answers. If you'd like to know more, we're always happy to assist you!

Where is Lech am Arlberg located?

Lech am Arlberg is an Austrian municipality in the state of Vorarlberg. The village, situated on the river of the same name, has 1,606 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2020) and, together with Ebnit, Damüls, and Mittelberg, is one of the Vorarlberg "Walser villages." Lech lies at an average altitude of 1,444 metres and is an internationally renowned winter sports resort in the Arlberg region.

A Brief History of Lech am Arlberg

The first settlement at the present site of Lech was founded by the Walser people, who migrated here in the 13th and 14th centuries. For a long time, the place was known as Tannberg; it was only in the 19th century that Tannberg am Lech became known by its current name, Lech. The parish church of St. Nicholas was built around 1390 in the Gothic style and served as the parish church for the Tannberg judicial district until the 16th century. The Tannberg court remained in Lech until its dissolution in 1806.

Where is Oberlech?

Oberlech is a slightly elevated district located in the heart of the ski area of Lech am Arlberg, situated at 1,750 metres above sea level. Thanks to its ideal location, Oberlech is often referred to as the sun terrace or sun plateau of Lech. From Oberlech, you can ski directly from your hotel onto the slopes of the Arlberg ski area.

How to get to Hotel Cresta in Oberlech?

The easiest way to reach us is by car. If you are coming from Germany, simply follow the A7 motorway to its end. Then continue via the Fernpass towards Imst. There, switch to the A12 towards Bregenz, which then becomes the S16 Arlberg expressway. Before the Arlberg Tunnel near St. Anton, leave the road and follow the signs to St. Christoph / Lech via the Arlberg Pass.

Shortly after the pass summit, take the Flexen Pass road towards Lech. It is also possible to arrive via Lake Constance. After crossing the border at Lindau, take the A14 Rhine Valley motorway to its end at Bludenz. From there, the S16 takes you to Langen am Arlberg, where you switch to the Arlberg Pass road and shortly before the pass summit, take the Flexen Pass road towards Lech. If you arrive via the A9, drive to Munich and then continue on the A95 towards Garmisch. At the end of the motorway, head towards Fernpass to Imst. A stress-free journey by train is, of course, also possible. All regional and express trains stop at St. Anton am Arlberg and Langen am Arlberg stations.

From there, you can continue by bus (approx. 25 - 30 minutes) or taxi (approx. 20 – 25 minutes) to Lech. Innsbruck Kranebitten Airport (INN) and Lake Constance Airport Friedrichshafen (FDH) are the nearest international airports. Innsbruck is about 120 kilometres away, and Friedrichshafen Airport is about 130 kilometres away. A taxi ride to Lech takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

How far is Lech from me?

Lech is approximately 210 km from Munich, about 305 km from Stuttgart. Frankfurt am Main is around 500 km away, and from Düsseldorf it’s roughly 700 km to the Cresta.Alpin.Sport.Hotel. Lech is about 820 km from Berlin, while Hamburg is already 900 km away. From Vienna, it’s approximately 600 km to Lech, and Zurich is at a distance of about 190 km.

Where can I park my car in Lech?

Oberlech, where our Hotel Cresta is located, is car-free in winter. Therefore, cars remain parked in Lech itself. First, drive to the Lech-Oberlech cable car station (on the left side after the town centre). There, you will receive a parking garage card registered in your name for parking. Your luggage will also be unloaded here and transported directly to the hotel in Oberlech via the cable car through the underground tunnel system.

Are winter tyres or snow chains necessary to drive to Lech / Oberlech?

Your vehicle should definitely be equipped with winter tyres for the journey to Lech. From 1 November to 15 April, Austria enforces a general winter tyre requirement under wintry driving conditions. Since Lech is located at over 1,500 metres above sea level, you must expect snowy road conditions throughout winter. The winter tyre obligation also applies to all-wheel-drive vehicles. In case of heavy snowfall, a regional snow chain requirement may be imposed temporarily. Having a pair of snow chains in your boot means you are prepared for any eventuality.

Is there a ski area in Oberlech?

Of course, Oberlech boasts a first-class ski area! It is part of Ski Arlberg, the largest connected ski region in Austria, often called the cradle of alpine skiing. You can ski right up to your hotel door, and if you wish, ascend the Valluga, over 2,800 metres high, bringing you a little closer to the sky.

How many lifts and pistes are there in Lech?

 

How long has the ski area existed?

 

Can you go off-piste or freeriding in the Arlberg?

The Arlberg is world-renowned for its freeride opportunities. Around 200 kilometres of off-piste runs are available to the ambitious skier. In addition to the many marked ski routes, there are numerous descent options best explored with a ski guide who is well-versed in alpine hazards.

Is there a ski school in Oberlech?

The Cresta.Alpin.Sport.Hotel is located very close to the Oberlech Ski School. Whether you are a beginner wanting to learn skiing, looking to improve your alpine skills, or an advanced skier interested in taking a freeride course, you will find the perfect offer here. The kids' club ensures that even the youngest guests are well cared for and can approach skiing playfully.

What else can you do in Lech besides skiing?

If traditional skiing or snowboarding feels too dull for you, why not try heliskiing, a truly unique experience! Or you could try a ski tour starting right from the village. Cross-country skiers can enjoy 27 kilometres of trails, suitable for classic or skating styles. From Oberlech to Lech, there is a floodlit toboggan run promising fun for the whole family. Winter hikers can choose from over 40 kilometres of well-maintained winter walking paths or explore unknown areas on snowshoes. Additionally, Lech even has an ice skating rink, and if you wish, you can discover the Arlberg winter world on a horse-drawn carriage ride by day or night.

What is the weather like in Lech?

You can find the latest weather report for Lech here on our website. Generally, Lech has a rather cool and moderate climate, which is also influenced by its altitude. Thanks to its location on the northern edge of the Alps and the position of the Arlberg, the area experiences substantial orographic precipitation, leading to heavy snowfall in winter. In addition, we also enjoy many sunny days that make skiing on the Arlberg truly delightful.

Where can you go shopping in Lech?

For everyday essentials, two supermarkets are available to you. In addition, you will find numerous shops offering fashion, sports, and gift items.

Is there a doctor or pharmacy in Lech?

 

Cresta Logo

YOUR CAREER

IN THE ALPINE. SPORT. HOTEL CRESTA