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Alpine High: skiing and top cuisine in Lech am Arlberg

Reise
Gourmet
Österreich

Just a stone's throw from the Swiss border, Lech am Arlberg combines world-class skiing with top gastronomy. For every 1600 inhabitants, there are over a dozen top restaurants - from starred Alpine cuisine to a modern club atmosphere.

When the snow covers the peaks of the Arlberg, the most beautiful time of the year begins, and not just for skiers. Gourmets also make a pilgrimage to the high alpine region not far from the Swiss border to be enchanted by a gastronomy scene that is second to none. The municipality of Lech am Arlberg has developed into one of the most important culinary hotspots in Austria - with a density of top restaurants that makes even big cities look pale. For every 1600 locals, there are over a dozen restaurants with the highest Falstaff ratings. The perfect place to treat your taste buds after a long ride on the slopes.

Star cuisine in the historic school building

At the forefront is the "Rote Wand" hotel in Lech, where Julian Stieger is making culinary history at the "Rote Wand Chef's Table". The young Upper Austrian was awarded an incredible 98 Falstaff points, two Michelin stars and the Young Chef Award in 2025. Stieger, who has worked at "Geranium", "Eleven Madison Park" and "Steirereck", presents his dishes like an alpine symphony: modern, precise, surprising. In the former schoolhouse from 1780, every product from the region becomes the protagonist - marinated char, dry aged duck, black pudding bread with truffles. The "Rote Wand" is a culinary fixture in Lech and a magnet for discerning connoisseurs.

100 percent renewable energy

As a winter sports region, Lech plays a pioneering role. Since 2020, all cable cars, snow facilities and mountain restaurants have been powered entirely by renewable energy, primarily hydropower from Austria. This consistent focus enables the destination to combine high tourism standards with ecological responsibility. It is precisely this awareness of sustainability that also characterizes the gastronomic scene. With "The Restaurant" in the "Arlberg Club House", which opened at the end of 2024, Lech has gained a meeting place that combines Mediterranean cuisine, a bar atmosphere and club culture under one roof. Neapolitan pizza, vongole, carpaccio di mare or perfectly grilled grandes pièces are on the menu here, as are modern interpretations of classic favorites. The interior of Italian travertine, dark walnut wood and polished glass creates an urban environment without losing touch with the mountains. The club area, open 44 weeks a year, appeals to guests who want to end the evening in style after a day in the snow - without missing out on a vibrant atmosphere.

Between the culinary highlights, the region shows that the future is more than just a buzzword here. Thanks to precise snow depth measurement and digitally controlled systems, the amount of energy used for technical snowmaking has been reduced by around 25 percent in recent years. Progress that not only conserves resources, but also ensures stable winter sports conditions in the long term. At the same time, the small hydropower plant on the Zürsbach stream, which will be commissioned in 2023, underlines the municipality's direction: it will generate up to seven million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, covering around 15 percent of the region's total energy requirements - a clear signal of energy independence.

Between wood-fired oven and wine cellar

Along the slopes, which remain particularly reliable thanks to these measures, the next address awaits, which has long enjoyed cult status in Lech: the "Schneggarei". The striking wooden house in the heart of the village combines modern alpine design with uncomplicated yet high-quality cuisine. Silver fir, clear lines and an open fireplace characterize the ambience. The "Schneggarei" is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and Austrian classics, which are served with precision and high-quality produce. The spacious sun terrace offers a view that extends over the entire Omeshorn on clear days, while the interior becomes a lively meeting zone in the evening. The upper floor is also suitable for private parties - another reason why the "Schneggarei" has become firmly anchored in village life.

The "Wunderkammer" in the "Hotel Almhof Schneider" is no less impressive. As soon as you enter, you can feel that Paul Renner's opulent wall friezes and ceiling paintings create a special setting. Chef Gerhard Dörflinger interprets Alpine classics such as Rieslingbeuschel, roasted bone marrow or pike-perch fillet with modern sophistication, without losing the original character of the dishes. The menu is complemented by one of the most impressive wine lists in the country: Over 1200 positions, carefully curated by sommelier Josef Neulinger, paint a picture of vinophile excellence.

In winter, Lech presents itself as a destination that combines sporting quality, sustainable development and gastronomic diversity in a unique way. On 300 kilometers of slopes, guests not only find perfect turns, but also taste experiences that last far beyond the season - a place where enjoyment and responsibility are not opposites, but naturally belong together.

Food

Red Wall Chef's Table
A class of his own even on the Arlberg: Julian Stieger presents the maximum in taste, product quality and culinary craftsmanship in his courses. Wine tasting experience, innovative ideas thanks to the Food Lab. Great!

Train 5, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 34350, rotewand.com

Wunderkammer at the Hotel Almhof Schneider
High-end version of an Austro-Trattoria: one of the most spectacular drinks menus and probably the most beautiful rooms far and wide underline the Schneider family's claim to quality and design.

Tannberg 59, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 3500, almhof.at

Griggeler Stuba at Burg Vital Resort
Crayfish, quail, langoustine or venison with Asian flavors - the dishes served by Sebastian Jakob and his team in the elegant wooden parlor are fabulous! One of the best wine lists in the world awaits.

Oberlech 568, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 3140, burgvitalresort.com

Rock crystal
Directly from the ski slope to the Wrann family's sun terrace. The location and drinks are as spectacular as the food: Oysters, turbot, rib-eye, seafood pasta or the Chateaubriand?

Oberlech 382, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 2678, bergkristall-lech.at

Gourmet restaurant Aurelio's
Steaks from the "Green Egg", Zug golden trout or homemade pasta: Roland Auer's precise gourmet cuisine perfectly complements the special atmosphere of the luxury hotel and the exciting selection of drinks.

Tannberg 130, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 2214, aureliolech.com

Lechtaler Stube in the Burg Hotel
Fine products from the region and from their own hunting are the best accompaniment to the treasures from the spectacular wine cellar. Rarities are celebrated under Hermann Lankmaier - also on the sun terrace.

Oberlech 266, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 2291, burghotel-lech.com

Jägerstube in the Hotel Post
Ibex sausage, venison ragout and boiled beef compete with lobster tail and monkfish in a dignified ambience. Caramelized Kaiserschmarren? Yes, please! Plus treasures from the legendary wine cellar.

Village 11, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 22060, postlech.com

Schneggarei
A modern cuisine line with international accents, which is nevertheless deeply rooted in the region - the culinary cosmos ranges from cheese fondue to steaks and magnificent wood-fired pizzas.

Tannberg 629, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 39888, schneggarei.at

The Restaurant in the Arlberg Club House
The elegant travertine and walnut ambience combines Mediterranean sophistication and Alpine tranquillity. The cuisine offers international-Mediterranean dishes - from fine seafood to generous grill and meat specialties.

Village 2, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 21340, arlbergclubhouse.com

Shopping

Juwelier Huber Lech
A house with tradition, style and the highest level of watchmaking and jewelry expertise. In the elegant boutique in the heart of Lech am Arlberg, lovers of fine timepieces and precious jewelry will find international brands, personal advice and alpine elegance.

Village no. 115, 6764 Lech
T +43 5583 37 37, huber.li

Strolz Sport & Mode
Icon of the alpine lifestyle since 1921. The traditional family business stands for exclusive sports fashion, custom-made ski boots and international luxury brands - from fashion to sports and accessories. A place where craftsmanship, style and passion for the mountains come together.

Village 116, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 2362, strolz.at

Sagmeister Lech
Exclusive fashion boutique with international standards and an alpine sense of style. Sagmeister features carefully curated collections by renowned designers, fine accessories and personal advice in elegant ambience - a fixed point for fashionistas.

Village 20, 6764 Lech
T: +43 5583 2513, sagmeister.at


Dominik Vombach
Dominik Vombach
Chefredaktion Schweiz
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