When planning a summer trip to Austria, we recommend spending the majority of your time in the Austrian Alps. Here, you’ll experience the satiating intersection between culinary tradition and the great outdoors.

Whether you’re hiking, cycling, climbing, or walking, your outdoor pursuits will be enriched by the jovial atmosphere and hearty fare of Austrian mountain huts and Almen (“Alpe” in Vorarlberg). 

Accommodation in the Austrian Alps ranges from budget-friendly Pensionen (guesthouses) to luxurious wellness hotels. There’s an extremely high standard of hygiene in Austria, so no matter the price point, accommodation will be impeccably clean. Many Austrian accommodations include breakfast and dinner (half board) in their room rate. 

In this round-up of the best places to stay in Austria in summer, we’re highlighting our favorite towns and hotels in the Austrian Alps for hikers and active-travelers. 

If you need help figuring out how to plan a road trip route across Austria in summer, check out these itineraries: 7 Day Austria Road Trip, 10 Day Bavarian Alps and Tyrolean Alps, and 2 Week Austria Road Trip.

Best Places to Stay in Austria in Summer

1. Lech am Arlberg, Vorarlberg 
2. Schladming, Styria
3. Hochkönig Region, Salzburg
4. Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Tyrol
5. Schruns, Montafon, Vorarlberg
6. Ramsau am Dachstein, Styria
7. Filzmoos, Dachstein, Salzburg
8. Lechtal Valley, Vorarlberg and Tyrol 

This post links to Austrian hotels we love. If you book a hotel, we may make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!! – Sabrina and Kati

Best Places to Stay in Austria Map

1. Lech am Arlberg, Vorarlberg

Lech am Arlberg is a posh ski resort town in Vorarlberg. Cradled by the Lechquellen Mountains and the Lechtal Alps, darling Lech is a delightful destination in the Austrian Alps for hikers, walkers, and families with children.

Outdoor pursuits range from easy valley walks to strenuous climbs. E-biking is also particularly popular and most hotels in the region rent out e-bikes to guests. 

Things to Do in Lech am Arlberg in Summer

Walk the first stage of the long-distance Lechweg (Lech River Trail).

Hike from Lake Formarinsee to Lake Spullersee.

Hike from Rüfikopf to Stuttgarter Hut.

Hike from Oberlech to Göppinger Hut.

Hike to Spuller Schafberg Peak.

Visit Zürsersee, a gorgeous lake accessible by the Seekopfbahn chairlift from Zürs. From Zürsersee, you can hike to Ravensburger Hütte.

Learn More: Lech am Arlberg Summer Hiking Guide

Where to Stay in Lech am Arlberg in Summer

Budget | Lech Hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation in Lech am Arlberg, offering clean and cozy single, double, and triple rooms. Guests have access to a shared kitchen and shared lounge. Bathrooms are shared as well. The room rate is unbeatable. 

Midrange | Hotel Garni Schneider is a top-rated, affordable bed and breakfast, situated next to Rüfikopfbahn in the center of Lech. Bedrooms are nicely decorated, spotless, and comfortable. Guests also have access to a wellness area (Finnish sauna, steam bath, Kneipp basins, and relaxation room) and free private parking.

Look for accommodation in Lech.

Hotel Auenhof

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Luxury | Hotel Auenhof is a family-run hotel, situated along the River Lech, facing Omeshorn.

With its dreamy location and extraordinary staff, Hotel Auenhof outshines other Lech accommodations in terms of its hospitality and atmosphere.

The family and staff work hand-in-hand to ensure that your stay is comfortable and memorable.

The highlight of staying here is the creative cuisine. Each night, chef Matthias Fiebig prepares a unique, multi-course dinner menu, which delights and surprises in equal measure.

Many hotel restaurants strive to be innovative, but none so successfully as Hotel Auenhof.

In the afternoons, guests are treated to a generous and complimentary afternoon snack.

The wellness area has recently been expanded. The newest addition is the “silent Spa” relaxation area , a lavish space to rest after enjoying one of Auenhof’s five saunas.

Book your Stay at Hotel Auenhof.

Der Berghof

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Luxury | Der Berghof is an elegant hotel in the center of Lech.

This hotel delivers an unparalleled experience in terms of style, comfort, wellness and cuisine. Each bedroom is uniquely designed and furnished with the finest materials.

The wellness area features 5 modern saunas, a cold water basin, a foot bath, relaxation room, and tea and snack bar.

Additionally, complimentary salt exfoliants are provided for the steam sauna and bath salt for the foot bath.

Guests can look forward to a rich and healthy breakfast buffet featuring sliced cheese and meats, spreads (hummus, Liptauer, etc…), eggs and bacon, breads and delicious croissants, homemade jams, muesli and yogurt, a juice bar and a premium loose leaf tea bar. 

You also have the option to eat dinner in the hotel. Each evening, a 5-course menu is served in the main dining room.

Book your Stay at Der Berghof.

Learn More: Best Hotels in Lech

Where to Stay in Oberlech in Summer

Oberlech (“Upper Lech”) is located on the Lechquellen mountain slopes overlooking Lech am Arlberg.

Depending on what you want to do, Oberlech is either more convenient or less convenient.

For example, if you want to hike to the summit of Mohnenfluh, Lake Butzensee, or Kriegeralpe, it’s best to stay in Oberlech, as you can easily hop on the Petersbodenbahn cableway.

However, if you want to catch buses to Zugertal (Zug, Formarinsee, Spullersee) or Zürs, you first have to get down to Lech.

It’s a beautiful 20-30 minute walk from Oberlech to Lech, but it does add one more logistical step to your day. You can also take the Bergbahn Lech – Oberlech.

Hotel Sonnenburg in Oberlech

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Luxury | Hotel Sonnenburg is a family-friendly hotel in Oberlech. Sonnenburg is actually two interconnected hotels: the 5-star Stammhaus and the 4-star Landhaus.

This is an ideal accommodation if you’re traveling with children because you can take advantage of their free childcare service, which is provided 5 days per week, 5 hours per day, in summer. The hotel also has a 24-hour children’s playroom, a youth room, and even a cinema with daily screenings of children’s movies.

Hotel Sonnenburg is also a literature hotel. You’ll find a curated box of books in your bedroom. You’ll also stumble upon books by the pool, lobby, and of course in the hotel library.And, throughout the year, there are literature events as well as literary-themed exhibits in the hotel.

The best part about staying here is the extensive, rich breakfast buffet and the elegant and spacious Stammhaus bedrooms and suites.

At breakfast, you’ll receive a daily leaflet with the weather forecast, daily book recommendation, the dinner menu, and any events (e.g. Lech Musicians Day) and hotel offerings (e.g. yoga).

Book your Stay at Hotel Sonnenburg. 

Look for accommodation in Oberlech.

2. Schladming, Styria

The Austrian State of Styria (Steiermark) doesn’t benefit from the same press as Salzburg and Tyrol (Tirol), and perhaps that’s a very good thing. There’s something so authentic and down-to-earth about Styria.

When we reminisce about all the mountain huts (Hütten) we’ve visited, it’s the Styrian mountain huts that have left the most lasting impression, because of their endearing charm, hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere.

The Styrian town of Schladming sits at the base of the Schladminger Tauern mountains, which form part of the Austrian Central Alps.

Located in the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region, this lovely alpine town is the ultimate base for exploring both the Schladminger Tauern and the Dachstein mountains (Northern Limestone Alps).

The Schladming-Dachstein region boasts 1000 km of hiking paths, 1000 km of mountain bike routes, and 22 via ferrata climbs. 

Because these two mountain ranges are part of different mountain chains, you can expect vast scenic diversity.

When you’re craving alpine landscapes characterized by glaciers and craggy limestone peaks, head to the Dachstein. When you want to saunter around an alpine lake, head to Schladminger Tauern. 

Things to Do in Schladming in Summer

Hike the Schladminger Tauern Höhenweg.

Hike from Ursprungalm to Giglachseen (Giglach Lakes) in Schladminger Tauern.

Eat lunch at the Ursprungalm mountain pasture.

Hike from Eschachalm in Obertal valley to Lake Duisitzkarsee in Schladminger Tauern.

Hike the Alpinsteig durch die Höll trail to Lake Riesachsee in Untertal valley.

“Through the Tor” hike in the Dachstein Mountains starting at Neustattalm.

Five Huts Trail in the Dachstein Mountains starting in Ramsau Ort.

Learn More: Schladming Summer Hiking Guide

Where to Stay in Schladming in Summer

Budget | TUI BLUE Schladming is an all-around excellent accommodation in Schladming offering guests a bountiful breakfast (included), spa facilities (saunas), and a great location (located across from the Planai-Hochwurzen Cable Car).

Midrange | Thalers Mariandl is an alpine modern guesthouse featuring bright, beautifully designed rooms, an extensive spa area, and a quiet location. You can walk to the center of Rohrmoos in a few minutes.

Look for accommodation in Schladming.

Stadthotel Brunner

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Luxury | Stadthotel Brunner is a boutique yoga hotel in the heart of Schladming. Boasting a fantastic location and bold modern design, Stadthotel Brunner is the best accommodation in Schladming if you’re keen on healthy (ayurvedic) food, yoga, and design. 

This is an especially great place to stay if you’re traveling without a car. You’re within walking distance to the Talbachklamm gorge (3 minutes), Planai cableway valley station (5 minutes), Panai bus stop (5 minutes), Schladming train station (15 minutes), and all restaurants and attractions in Schladming. 

More reasons to stay here:

• Excellent in-hotel restaurant. Remember to book a dinner reservation.  
• Healthy, colorful, and flavorful breakfast buffet. 
• Soothing lighting. 
• Very helpful and responsive staff before and during our stay. 
• Relaxing wellness area encompassing a Finnish sauna, hanging egg chairs, a sun terrace (with views of the town and Dachstein), a relaxation room, and a spacious shower. 
• A panoramic tea room. 
• Complimentary Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card, which gives you free rides on hiking buses and cableways.

Book your Stay at Stadthotel Brunner.

3. Hochkönig Region, Salzburg

The Hochkönig holiday region encompasses the villages of Mühlbach am Hochkönig, Dienten am Hochkönig, and Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer in the Northern Limestone Alps. 

This Salzburg region is defined by the striking Hochkönig massif and the Steinernes Meer (stone sea) mountains, both of which are part of the Berchtesgaden Alps. 

The Hochkönig region is an attractive summer destination, because it’s unbelievably scenic, family-friendly, and very welcoming. It boasts wonderful e-bike and mountain bike routes, alpine pasture walks, and challenging via ferrata routes. 

We love walking the Mühlbach High Trail at the foot of the Hochkönig, watching the sunrise at Hochkeil, and summiting Taghaube Peak. 

What sets the Hochkönig region apart is that it’s home to a staggering 56 managed alpine pastures and huts. That’s 56 charming places to eat in the mountains!!

Where to Stay in the Hochkönig Region

Most accommodations in the Hochkönig region provide the Hochkönig Card at no extra charge (June – October). This guest card gives you free rides on regional transit and cable cars and more.

Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer

Luxury | Berg & Spa Hotel Urslauerhof is located in Maria Alm-Hinterthal.

Luxury | We stayed at the Eder – Lifestyle Hotel, which is located directly in the village center of Maria Alm. We loved the hotel’s atmosphere, innovative cuisine, and creative design. Here’s our Hotel Eder Review. 

Luxury | Jufenalm BOHO Hotel & Restaurant is a stylish hotel with a “boho meets alpine” design concept. Stay here for the interior design, dreamy mountain setting, views of Steinernes Meer, and natural bathing pond and spa. Breakfast is included and you can dine in the hotel’s à la carte restaurant. 

Look for accommodation in Maria Alm.

Dienten am Hochkönig

Midrange-luxury Apartments | The Peak Hochkönig is an aparthotel in the town center of Dienten. All apartments are decorated in an alpine-modern style and have fully-equipped kitchens, dining areas, seating areas, and washing machines. Some apartments have saunas. Extra perk: underground parking. 

Midrange All-Inclusive | Hotel-Gasthof Salzburger Hof is an all-inclusive, family-friendly hotel in Dienten. Stay here for the excellent food, friendly staff, and children’s facilities and programs (e.g. kid-friendly dinner, supervised summer program for kids ages 4+, play area, library, etc…). 

Look for accommodation in Dienten am Hochkönig. 

Mühlbach am Hochkönig

Budget | Landhaus Rieding is a guesthouse located on the Riedingalm mountain pasture at the foot of the Hochkönig mountains. If you want to wake up in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful peaks and idyllic pastureland, stay here. 

Midrange-Luxury | Das Grünholz Aparthotel & Restaurant is located on Mandlwandstrasse, about halfway between the town center of Mühlbach and Arthurhaus. This family-run aparthotel boasts stunning modern apartments, excellent breakfasts, and spa facilities. 

Look for accommodation in Mühlbach am Hochkönig. 

4. Mayrhofen, Zillertal, Tyrol

With Nature Park Zillertal Alps at its doorstep, the Tyrolean town of Mayrhofen in Zillertal Valley is one of the best places to stay in Austria in Summer.  

Humming with holidaymakers and active travelers in summer, Mayrhofen has an upbeat vibe that is contagious.

Traditional folk music plays a central role in town life. In the evening, restaurants and hotels host Tyrolean bands, creating a steady stream of music that accompanies you from one side of town to the other.

If you base yourself in Mayrhofen, you can embark on a number of day hikes in the Zillertal Alps like the hike to Olpererhütte, Plauenerhütte, or Bodenalm. To reach trailheads, you can use local transit. 

Things to Do in Mayrhofen in Summer

Eat traditional Tyrolean food at Hotel Neue Post.

Hike from Schlegeisspeicher to Olpererhütte.

Hike from Speicher Zillergründl to Plauenerhütte.

Hike from Gasthof Häusling to Bodenalm.

Grab a Schnitzelsemmel for lunch at Butcher Hans Gasser.

Hike to Karspitze.

Trek the Berlin High Trail.

Learn More: Fantastic Things to Do in Mayrhofen in Summer

Where to Stay in Mayrhofen in Summer

Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof is a cozy and traditional guesthouse in Mayrhofen with an attractive price point. Guests love the location, outdoor swimming pool, and hospitality. Breakfast is included.

Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only is a stunning newly renovated hotel with a marvelous spa and wellness center and an on-site Tyrolean restaurant. Bedrooms are spacious, extremely comfortable, and immaculately clean. Your breakfast and dinner (half board) are included in the room rate.

Look for accommodation in Mayrhofen.

Alpenhotel Kramerwirt

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Midrange | Alpenhotel Kramerwirt is a family-run hotel, located in the heart of Mayrhofen.

This traditional Austrian hotel exhibits a high standard of hospitality, food, and comfort.

Their breakfast buffet is memorable. In the evening, local bands and music groups perform outside on the hotel terrace.

Book your Stay at Alpenhotel Kramerwirt.

5. Schruns-Tschagguns, Montafon, Vorarlberg

Montafon Valley stretches 39-km from Bludenz to Bielerhöhe in Vorarlberg. Encircled by the Verwall, Silvretta and Rätikon mountain ranges, this alpine region is an excellent place to stay in Austria in summer for hiking.

Montafon valley is made up of ten villages, the largest being Schruns-Tschagguns.

Schruns is located on the opposite side of the Ill river from Tschagguns, but they are essentially one town. This is the best base in Montafon Valley, because of easy access to transit, gondolas, hotels, shops, and restaurants.

It’s exciting to stay in Schruns because you can hike one day in the crystalline Silvretta, the next day in the limestone Rätikon mountains, and the day after in the Verwall (also crystalline).

You can go on guided tours across glaciers and summit Piz Buin, the highest mountain in Vorarlberg. Families can visit charming Alpe(n), where alpine dairy farms still produce cheese, and scenic Hütten (mountain huts).

Multi-day hikers can tackle a section or the complete 13-stage Montafoner Hüttenrunde. We hiked five stages of the trail and fell absolutely in love with the region. 

Things to Do in Montafon in Summer

Hike the Hohes Rad circuit trail from the Silvretta Stausee (at Bielerhöhe) up Bieltal, over the Radsattel to Wiesbadenerhütte, and back down to Silvretta Stausee. 

Hike the Montafon Hut-to-Hut Circuit (Montafon Hüttenrunde) across the Silvretta Alps. 

Drive the Silvretta High Alpine Road.

Eat Montafoner Sauerkäse (Sura Kees) at an Alpe (alpine dairy). We recommend Alpe Vergalden, a 1-hour walk from Gargellen. 

Watch the Almabtrieb (pasture drive) processions in September. 

Visit Wormser Hütte for one of the best views of the Montafon Valley.

Walk around Lünersee.

Hike the Rätikon High Trail.

Eat regional food at Löwen Gaststube in Tschagguns.

Where to Stay in Montafon in Summer

Budget | The brand new TUI Blue Montafon hotel in Tschagguns features modern, comfortable, and quiet (sound-proof) bedrooms. Guests praise the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff. And, the breakfast buffet is excellent, offering a lot of variety and local ingredients. The hotel has an on-site restaurant (limited menu) and small spa area. 

Midrange | The quaint Gasthof Löwen in Tschagguns is a traditional, family-run hotel dating back to 1500. The hotel restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Montafon. It’s also one of our favorite restaurants in all of Austria. Expect a wonderful breakfast as well. On Thursdays, the family members play traditional music in the bar. Guests also have access to the Montafoner Hof indoor-outdoor pool.

Luxury | Amrai Suites is an alpine-modern hotel in Schruns with an on-site restaurant and luxurious wellness area. Tastefully designed with natural materials and an earthy color palette, the bedrooms are both incredibly calming and visually stunning. Highlights of staying here are the breakfast buffet, creative dinner menus, and the Stólla spa oasis, which pays homage to the region’s former mining industry. It encompasses an indoor copper bath, herbal kettle sauna, Finnish sauna, steam bath, rain shower, ice fountain in the Montafon Glacier Grotto, outdoor pool, and relaxation rooms.

Look for accommodation in Schruns.

Löwen Hotel Montafon

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Luxury | If there’s something we’ve learned about traveling in the Alps, it’s that you always need a plan for rainy days.

The weather in the mountains can always change, and when it does, it’s important to have a hotel you can thoroughly enjoy.

If you stay in Löwen Hotel, you can take advantage of their extensive spa and wellness area, totaling 3000 square meters, which is a vacation in and of itself.

This 4-star-superior hotel enthralls with its alpine-chic interior design, three restaurants, and professional staff. If you stay 3 nights or more, you’ll receive a Freizeit Pass, which grants you free access to regional cable cars and buses.

Löwen Hotel Montafon is also a BergePLUS partner hotel, which means that all guests can freely participate in the BergePlus guided hiking, mountain biking, e-biking, and via ferrata tours in Montafon Valley.

Book your Stay at Löwen Hotel Montafon.

6. Ramsau am Dachstein

Ramsau am Dachstein is a municipality and an elevated plateau in Styria, located between the Dachstein mountain range and the Enns Valley.

The center of Ramsau, known as “Ramsau Ort,” is a small village with a striking church and a few stores, eateries, and hotels. From the village, Ramsau sprawls out to the east and west. 

Ramsau isn’t a classic “resort town.” You won’t find tons of shops, restaurants, and luxury hotels. What Ramsau lacks in tourist glamor, it makes up for in romantic scenery.

The entire plateau is dotted with beautiful farmsteads, surrounded by alpine pastures. Walk along the maple-lined “Panoramaweg” to soak in the pastoral charm of Ramsau. This path cuts across pastures, farms, and forest on both sides of the “Hauptstrasse” (Main Road). 

Another advantage to staying in Ramsau is its proximity to the Dachstein range. Located at the foot of the range’s southern slopes, Ramsau is an ideal base for laid-back walks like the 5 Huts Trail to Almen (alpine pastures) as well as heart-pounding via ferrata climbs. 

If you stay in a hotel, or guesthouse in Ramsau, you’ll be given a complimentary “Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card.” This card has tons of perks, including free access to tolled roads, a free ride on the Dachstein-Gletscherbahn cable car, and much more. 

Where to Stay in Ramsau am Dachstein in Summer

Budget | Pension Adlerhorst is a clean and comfortable B&B in Ramsau am Dachstein. Guests love the generous breakfast, quiet location, and friendly hosts. The Pension is only a 10-minute drive to Schladming, which is a resort town with lots of restaurants and shops. It’s also the gateway to the Schladminger Tauern mountain range, which is another fantastic place to hike, especially if you love mountain lakes.

Midrange | Hotel Sporthof Austria is a traditional Austrian mountain hotel, offering a plentiful breakfast, half board (breakfast and dinner) if desired, a wellness center (sauna, steam bath, infrared cabin, and hot tub), a large garden, and sun terrace.

Luxury | Hotel Lindenhof is the finest hotel in Ramsau am Dachstein, boasting gorgeous alpine-modern rooms, a wonderful wellness center, Dachstein mountain views, and an on-site restaurant featuring Austrian and international cuisine prepared with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s farm. A sumptuous breakfast buffet is included in the rate as well as the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Card.

Look for accommodation in Ramsau am Dachstein.

7. Filzmoos, Salzburg

Filzmoos is a friendly and laid-back town in Salzburg, located below the Gosaukamm mountain range of the Dachstein.

Filzmoos epitomizes everything we love about hiking in Salzburg: charming alpine pasture huts, soaring limestone mountains, and dreamy alpine scenery.

We highly recommend hiking the Hofpürgl to Sulzenalm circuit trail (moderate) to get an overview of the area.

Experienced hikers ought to summit Rötelstein (difficult). Families love the Bachlalm to Neustadtalm loop (easy).

Learn More: Filzmoos Hiking Guide

Where to Stay in Filzmoos in Summer

Budget | Hotel Bergglück is a traditional Austrian bed and breakfast in Hachau, located 3.8 km from the town center (5 minute drive). Stay here for the attractive price point and mountain views.  

Midrange | Das Anja Alt Filzmoos offers rooms and apartments in the heart of Filzmoos. Stay here for the intimate setting, excellent location, and lovely rooms. Guests receive the Filzmoos Sommer Card. 

Top Choice – Luxury | meiZeit Lodge is a tastefully-furnished boutique hotel in the town center of Filzmoos. Stay here for the generous breakfast buffet (included in rate) and relaxing wellness facilities (Finnish pine sauna, bio herbal sauna, infrared relaxation loungers, relaxation zone, and vital drink bar). This charming accommodation also serves a complimentary afternoon cake selection between 3:00 and 5:00 pm. 

Look for accommodation in Filzmoos. 

8. Lechtal Valley, Vorarlberg and Tyrol

Lechtal is an alpine valley named after the River Lech, stretching from Vorarlberg into Tyrol. The Lech valley is bounded by the Allgäu Alps in the north and the Lechtal Alps in the south. 

The most well-known village in Lechtal is Lech am Arlberg, due to the popularity of its ski resort.

Beyond Lech am Arlberg, you’ll find a string of lesser-known, quiet villages scattered across the valley. 

Things to Do in Lechtal in Summer

Hike part of the Lechweg (Lech River Trail). Starting at Formarinsee (the source of the Lech River) and ending in Füssen in Germany, this leisurely 120-km long-distance hiking usually takes 6 to 8 days to complete. 

Hike in the Lechtal Alps. We started our 6-day trek across the Lechtal Alps in Elmen, a village in the Lech Valley. 

Visit Almdorf Fallerschein, an alpine village in Tyrol.

Bike along the 52-kilometer-long Lech Cycle Path, from Reutte to Steeg.

Marvel at the colorful frescoes, painted on the facades of farmhouses across the valley.

Where to Stay in the Lechtal in Summer

Budget | Ferienwohnung Sonja in Elmen

Budget | Pension Elmerhof in Elmen

Look for accommodation in Elmen.

LechZeit in Elmen

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Luxury | LechZeit is a hotel and restaurant in Elmen, situated within Naturpark Tiroler Lech.

Encircled by meadows on one side and forest on the other, this alpine-modern hotel couldn’t be more perfectly situated.

We particularly loved the hotel’s alpine-minimalist interior design and restaurant (serving excellent Tyrolean food).

When you stay in LechZeit, you’ll receive a complimentary Lechtal Aktiv Card, which grants you free use of the Lech valley hiking buses and shuttles, regional gondolas, and more.

Book your Stay at LechZeit.

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