With its sweeping lakes, towering mountains and rushing Lech river, the Reutte Nature Park Region bordering Bavaria is the gateway to the mountains of Tirol.

Situated on the Bavarian border, the Reutte Nature Park Region forms the gateway to the mighty mountains of Tirol. It stretches from Vils in the foothills of the Allgäu Alps, one of Austria’s smallest towns, via the administrative centre Reutte to the village of Weißenbach im Lechtal in the south-west. The Reutte Nature Park Region comprises eleven villages, all of which are located on the Lech river. The Lech is one of the few remaining untamed rivers in Europe and has a unique landscape with its wide river bed and alluvial forests. The region is also characterised by large lakes, such as Lake Plansee at 1,000m altitude, the Lechtal Alps, lush green meadows, rushing streams and a wide valley floor.

Hanging bridge between two fortresses

Outdoor enthusiasts will find much to see and do in the region, from cross-country skiing and alpine skiing in winter to hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in summer. Reutte has many cultural attractions and a pretty town centre, while visitors interested in history should pay a visit to the Burgenwelt Ehrenberg. Between the Ruine Ehrenberg and the Fort Claudia lies the highline179, the world’s longest free-standing footbridge. It was opened in 2014 and measures 406 metres in length. A must for those with a strong stomach and head for heights! Watersports lovers can choose between whitewater rafting on the Lech and sailing, surfing, diving and rowing on the calmer Lake Plansee.

All in all there are 22 winter hiking trails such as the Lange Lechrunde along the banks of the rushing Lech river, the route up to the Dürrenberg Alm hut with its magnificent views, or the easy walk around the pretty Riedener See lake. All the trails are regularly cleared of fresh snow and well-signposted from start to finish. Eight huts in the region stay open in the winter months and serve a range of delicious local specialties. A top tip for those who enjoy exploring the region on foot are the torchlit snowshoe hikes offered throughout the winter months by the local tourism board.

Tip! Looking for huts open in winter? Away from the hustle and bustle of the ski pistes there are eight traditional wooden huts in the Reutte Nature Park Region which can be reached on foot. All of them serve traditional food. For more information contact the Reutte Nature Park Region tourism board.

Mountain Biking in Reutte Nature Park Region

Surrounded by mighty peaks, scenic Lechtal Valley and crystal clear mountain lakes, Reutte Nature Park Region is a mountain biker’s playground, offering everything from easy tours to challenging singletrack.

Cycling in Reutte Nature Park

Base yourself in Reutte and spend weeks exploring the epic road and recreational cycling on offer in the Nature Park Region.

Hiking in Reutte Nature Park Region

The Reutte Nature Park Region is located between the Allgäu Alps and the Ammergau Alps. It offers families with children a wide range of walking and hiking options – for example, up to the ruins of Ehrenberg Castle and to the "highline 179" hanging footbridge.

The area south of Reutte is characterised by easy but beautiful walks and hikes. Some of the best include the Ehrenberg Loop, a 15km circular trail starting at the Riedener See lake near Weißenbach am Lech and leading to the ruins of the medieval Ehrenberg Castle and back again. En route walkers will pass over the highline 179, a hanging footbridge measuring 406 metres in length and dangling 114 metres above the ground. Bird lovers can explore the Bird Experience Trail in Pflach, a settlement north of Reutte within the borders of the Lech Valley Natur Park. Advanced and expert hikers can take on the circular trail leading up onto the 2,000m ridge Hahnenkamm ridge above Reutte. The ridge is also easily accessible using a cable car from Höfen. On clear days you can see as far as the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain. The region is also home to a number of mountain lakes such as the Plansee and the Heiterwanger See east of Reutte.