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In the Footsteps of the Walser People

The Tannberg

Who were the Walser people? What about this area inspired them to settle here? What evidence or artifacts still exist today? How did they live? For 600 years, the Walser people subsisted as mountain farmers until the advent of winter tourism at the end of the 19th century. This brought unexpected developments to the Tannberg mountains.

A trail exploring the history of the Walser people

On the Tannbergweg trail at the foot of the Karhorn mountain between the municipalities of Lech, Warth and Schröcken, gain insight into the history of the Walser people, who immigrated from the Canton of Valais and settled in the upper Lechtal valley, then known as "Tannberg am Lech" around 1300. Hikers encounter ancient Walser buildings, former Walser settlements, fascinating settings of traditional legends, atmospheric towns set amidst a cultural landscape that has been shaped through the ages, and breathtaking natural treasures.

Hiking tours in the Tannberg mountains

The hiking routes are both unique and rich in variety: Discover secluded paths in a high valley or mountain forest, the mule tracks of the Walser people as they crossed the mountain saddles, via ferratas and summit tours. The scenery is incredibly diverse: tour around the mighty mountain basin of Schröcken, which boasts picturesque scattered hamlets and lonely farmsteads. Alternatively, explore Hochkrumbach at the foot of the bizarre Widderstein mountain, which is characterised by moors and lush Alpine meadows. Enjoy the scenery on sunny plateaus such as the enchanting settlement of Bürstegg above Lech, or the picturesque high valleys leading to Zug and on to the Älpele. In addition to the impressive mountain scenery and the idyllic countryside, there are also numerous natural monuments such as the romantic Körbersee lake.

Mountain huts and Alpine pastures in the Tannberg mountains

On the gentle meadows below the Karhorn mountain, cows graze on lush grasses during the summer months. Not far from the cultivated areas, the Alpine pastures and mountain huts are located directly along the hiking trails in the Tannberg mountains. There are numerous places to stop in for a bite to eat here, so why not enjoy fresh milk or a hearty snack? The hutkeepers look forward to welcoming you!

A break at the Tannberg

Hotel Goldener Berg
Hotel Goldener Berg directly situated next to the ski slope in Oberlech, the sunny plateau. Winter at the Goldener Berg means, of course, ski in - ski out. From November, the Arlberg region slowly starts into the winter season. Free of crowds, right in front of the hotel you may put on your skis and off you go - that's been the Golden Mountain for over 100 years. But the same goes for exercise in winter nature without skis or boards! Starting directly at the hotel you will find many kilometers of beautiful hiking trails, cross-country skiing trails or Nordic walking as well as jogging trails, which are perfectly prepared every day. These are all sports in beautiful nature, which can be learned quickly and bring a lot of joy to the heart. Likewise, the mountain panorama covered in snow, around the Hotel Goldener Berg, is a perfect backdrop for mediation, alpine bathing, hearts and tidal walks. Time for yourself, arrive at your roots, do everything that is good for you: plant based alpine cuisine, with fresh and consciously prepared menus. The credo is: everything can, nothing must: traditionally prepared dishes, alkaline, ketogenic, vegan and vegetarian vitamin bombs that guarantee a lot of pleasure, fine drops from one of the largest wine cellars in Austria. Colorful - cozy boho styled rooms in all sizes and price ranges, the Alpine Spa with changing therapists, coaches and yogis to get the energy flowing again, sports and guided body movements on all levels. Time, all for yourself, free, healthy and mindful. Oberlech is a place of power. You can measure this in Bovis - but if you take a moment of attention when you arrive, you will feel this power in every cell of your body. Daniela Pfefferkorn, hostess of the Golden Mountain, puts the vacation under the special theme of "Mountain Selfcare". It is about health, strengthening the immune system and being at one with body and mind. Bring awareness and mindfulness into your everyday life and enjoy the wonderful alpine tranquility! A winter day away from the ski slopes might look like this: The sun tickles you awake, the first glimpse falls on the deep snow-covered peaks around the Golden Mountain. Let your body gently awaken with a yoga session. Enjoy the well balanced breakfast with products from local farmers we trust in the new panorama restaurant with a brilliant view into the white splendor. Then we participate with warm clothes at one of the guided tours into the magnificent nature that surrounds us. Afterwards it’s ime to lie in the sun and read a good book. Admire the breathtaking view over the mountains and the vastness - the thoughts pull, the head is empty - relieved. Whether it should be another soothing treatment of whatever kind in the Alpine Spa or just indulge in the water in the whirlpool surrounded by the snow - you decide. Later you have the choice in one of our four restaurants to end the day with culinary highlights of all kinds. Winter at the Golden Energy Mountain is so much more - vacation and arriving at yourself at its best. We look forward to seeing you!
Hotel Sonnenburg
Sonnenburg is situated in one of the most famous ski resorts of the world, on the sun terrace of the Arlberg mountains, next to the slopes in the traffic-free village Oberlech. In summer it is possible to park your car in front of the hotel. The cable car Lech-Oberlech connects us with the center of Lech. In winter it operates between 07.00 am and 01.00 in the night and in summer from 08.30 am until 06.00 pm. You have a choice of two categories: the 4-star superior standard that you are already accustomed to in the Sonnenburg's Landhaus, or the added comfort of the Sonnenburg's 5-star Stammhaus. The Landhaus is connected with the Stammhaus by a 90 meter long mirrored hallway, so that you can enjoy the amenities of both buildings easily. In 1967, the Sonnenburg became the first hotel in Oberlech to be equipped with a pool. And a dip in our large new pool will be even more relaxing, especially with spectacular views of the mountains. The ladies and family spa areas are also being upgraded. What's more, comfortable sitting areas are being created for our guests in the hotel lobby, the reception is being moved, and a room with wonderful panoramic views will be available for a wide range of different events, including seminars, dinners or small meetings. Not only the playroom, but also our kindergarten “kid’s world” is very requested and popular. The first attempts on skies can be made directly in front of the hotel. Ski school Oberlech is located just a snowball’s throw away from the Sonnenburg. After a day full of exercise you will find time and calmness to enjoy our spa area with pool and several sauna possibilities with separate family sauna. Our different restaurants offer various culinary delights. We also offer professional services and amenities for congress guests to climb mountains of knowledge. Experience wonderful moments with your family. With people, who are delighted about your stay. At a place, that is revisited by generations. You can also visit us on our homepage www.sonnenburg.at

The Karhorn mountain: an accessible summit for all

The impressive Karhorn massif resembles a magnificent rocky crown north of Lech and south of the Hochtannberg Pass. Boasting flowering mountain meadows and gentle Alpine pastures that reach up to the rugged Dolomite cliffs, it provides an apt first impression of the legendary Tannberg mountain landscape. 
The summit of the Karhorn mountain at 2,416 m is accessible via a path secured with steel cables or a via ferrata route.

The Tannberg communities: Lech, Warth & Schröcken

West of the Karhon mountain, the municipal boundaries of Lech, Warth and Schröcken meet on the scenic Auenfeld high plateau. The Walser People court once met here, which gave the region its name. For centuries since the immigration of Valaisans in the late Middle Ages, it united the three villages. In addition to the area’s eventful history as the northeasternmost Walser people colony on the border between Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Bavaria, the inhabitants of the three Walser settlements shared the difficult struggle for survival in this high-altitude region. Thanks to the famous "Walser Freiheiten (freedoms)," the communities were largely independent and enjoyed church, economic and family ties that extended beyond their mountain ranges. The distinctive language and handed-down traditions of the Walser people have been preserved in the Tannberg mountains until this day. Together, Lech, Warth and Schröcken invite you to explore the rich legacy of their ancestors in addition to the region’s pristine nature, which also includes traces of the Walser people. In cultivating the Alpine terrain, these pioneers developed fascinating agricultural practices that that are still prevalent today and enrich the unique appeal of the Tannberg mountains.

Diverse nature in the Tannberg mountains

True insiders regard the Tannberg as unique within the wide Alpine chain. Simultaneously invigorating and tranquil, few other regions offer such variety and contrast. Far removed from the hustle and bustle and nevertheless central, high elevation yet blessed with a favourable climate, a broad hiking paradise awaits discovery. Here you can explore the main European watershed between the North Sea and the Black Sea. While the Bregenzerache river meanders over the alluvial plain to Lake Constance, the Lech river flows into the Danube river. The striking mountains, which are characterised by a variety of rock formations and glacial striations, are known as the Lechquellengebirge. This mountain range merges with the Central Alps to the south, the Lechtal Alps to the east and the Allgäu Alps to the north.

Documenting the history of the Walser people in the Tannberg mountains

In his book "Auf den Spuren der Walser am Tannberg" (In the Footsteps of the Walser People in the Tannberg mountains), Innsbruck journalist Olaf Sailer devotes a detailed text to each of the 57 places of interest. The well-researched stories tell of the hard work and the homesickness of the “Swabian children," of the sulphur spring as the Walsers' fountain of youth, of the Gemstel Pass used as a bridle path, as well as a route for traders and smugglers, of the Hinterboden as the birthplace of alpine skiing in Tannberg, and of the legend of the Bürstegg herdsman.