Lech Falls

What are the Lech Falls?

The Lechfall is a waterfall with a weir located in the beautiful town of Füssen in Bavaria. Right at the Lechfall, the river plunges loudly and wildly in several stages, dropping approximately 12 meters in elevation before rushing downstream at a faster pace through the narrow gorge of rugged rocks. The weir prevents the water from flowing completely unchecked into the narrow gorge, as it allows for precise control of the flow. A bridge spanning the base of the waterfall offers a direct vantage point to witness this spectacular natural wonder. Don’t miss the Lechfall during your holiday in the Allgäu region; it’s a perfect addition to a wellness retreat or a hiking trip.

Where are the Lech Falls located?

The Lech Falls are located south of the town of Füssen in the Allgäu region of southern Bavaria, near the Austrian border. The beautiful old town of Füssen is just a few minutes’ walk away and, with its charming historic buildings and many great leisure activities, should definitely be on your holiday to-do list.

History of the Lech Falls

The Lech Falls in Bavaria are not only an impressive natural spectacle; they also have a remarkable history to offer—both in terms of the formation of the gorge and the construction of the weir.

Formation of the gorge

The gorge was formed over millennia, as the ever-hungry river devoured stone by stone, carrying it away forever. The imposing landscape of the Lech Falls was carved out during the Würm Ice Age, about 12,000 years ago, when a meltwater lake formed from the Lech Glacier, and the Lech River, as the outflow of this lake, gradually carved the impressive gorge.

Construction of the weir system

To harness the river at the foot of the Ammergau Alps for their own purposes, the local people constructed the stepped weir between 1784 and 1787. This significantly facilitated the transport of logs for the timber industry of the time. The logs were deliberately released into the Lech River, which carried them downstream, where they came to rest in a concentrated mass in the reservoir above the waterfall. Water was then released from the reservoir, which, along with the large volume of timber, cascaded down the waterfall in vast quantities.

Hydropower and flood control at the same time

Since 1907, the waters of the reservoir above the Lech Falls have been used to generate electricity. The reservoir above the weir is connected via canals to the Füssen hydroelectric power plant, which was built at that time. This allowed humans to harness the river’s immense power and harness it for their own purposes. Furthermore, the weir allows the water to be controlled during floods, ensuring that only a manageable amount flows through at a time and preventing the water from overflowing its banks.

King’s Monument, Maxsteg and Markustritt

A bridge, the so-called Maxsteg, spans the Lech Falls in Füssen, offering fantastic views of the roaring waterfall, the surrounding mountains, and the Lech Gorge. Built in 1895, the King Max Bridge leads directly to the memorial to King II of Bavaria. The king’s bust was placed in a small rock cave in 1866, symbolically providing him with a beautiful view of the picturesque landscape. For Bavarian nature has always fascinated the king.

The bridge over the Lech Falls in the Allgäu region was renovated in 2015. The Maxsteg footbridge now sits 90 centimeters above the old bridge level – as protection against the dreaded floods. Impressive flood markers on the west bank bear witness to the often significantly elevated water levels of the past.

Very close to the monument, you can admire the so-called Magnus Footprint. This supposedly double “shoeprint” in the stone, according to legend, originates from Saint Magnus. As a Christian missionary, he is said to have fled his pagan persecutors and jumped across the Lech River at this very spot.

Experience the Lech Falls—walks or hikes are possible

There are many different ways to experience the Lech Falls in the Allgäu region. A small parking lot is located nearby, ideal for a short trip to the Lech Falls by car. From there, you can take a leisurely stroll across the Maxsteg footbridge to the bust of King Maximilian and enjoy the magnificent view from the observation platform.

Alternatively, you can start a hike from here as part of your holiday in the Alps – perhaps to Calvary Hill or Lake Alatsee. Or you could choose the Lech Falls as the highlight of your hike by setting off from Füssen and embarking on a leisurely circular walk along the wild gorge. If you prefer to discover new paths and charming landscapes by bike, there are many beautiful cycling routes available in the surrounding area.

The Füssen–Lech Falls circular trail

For those who prefer a more leisurely hike, this trail is the perfect option. Whether as a couple, with your family including children, or with friends, start your walk in Füssen’s old town and discover the beauty of the Lech region in the Alpine foothills on a manageable 3.51 km (2.2 mi) hike that takes about an hour. Explore the charming old town, walk along Reichenstraße to the monastery towards Kobel, then down to the Bad Faulenbach district, continuing along Fischhausweg and Schwärzerweg to the Lechfall waterfall. Finally, follow the Lech River back to Füssen’s old town.

Afterwards, you can take advantage of the wonderful spa facilities at a wellness hotel to relax and unwind. How about a visit to the sauna, a hammam steam bath, or a wonderfully relaxing massage? Of course, you can also simply relax in bed and recover from the stresses of everyday life and all the activity – perhaps with a cozy nap.

Circular hiking trail: Füssen–Kalvarienberg–Schwansee–Lech Falls

Auf dieser fantastischen Rundwanderung lassen sich viele Highlights der Allgäuer Natur in komprimierter Form bestaunen: Sie starten am Bahnhof Füssen, durchwandern die Füssener Altstadt, nehmen die Brücke über den Lech und erfreuen sich von nun an am wundervoll klaren Lech, dem Anblick der bayerischen Königsschlösser, den unvergesslichen Panoramen sowie den kristallklaren Seen.

The hiking trail leads you through the captivating Allgäu landscape for just under three hours (almost 6.1 kilometers). It’s the perfect escape into nature for anyone planning a romantic wellness weekend or a longer vacation in the Allgäu with friends, a loved one, or family, while still seeking active recreation in the mountains. On Calvary Hill, you can marvel at the magnificent views of Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, Füssen, Lake Schwansee, and the Lech River, perhaps while enjoying some regional delicacies. From there, the trail continues to the idyllic Lake Schwansee, which exudes wonderful tranquility and purity, then on to the Lech Falls, and finally back to Füssen train station.

Hike from the Lech Falls to Lake Alatsee

If you love long hikes, then this hike is perfect for you. Starting at the Lechfall waterfall, this approximately four-and-a-half-hour (17 km) tour takes you to the beauty of three stunning mountain lakes in Bavaria. The route begins along the Maxsteg footbridge and up to the Ländeweg trail. From there, head towards Bad Faulenbach and onto the Schwärzeweg trail, reaching the Mittersee lake and then the Obersee lake. Take a break at these idyllic lakes and enjoy the magnificent scenery. In summer, you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters and then relax in the sun (or, if you prefer, in the shade).

Then follow the signs to Alatsee in the Ostallgäu region. At the Alatsee restaurant, you can also take a well-deserved break and either sample regional Bavarian specialties or enjoy your own packed lunch. Let the mystical mountain panorama and the picturesque lake work their magic on you and find the inner peace you often seek in the city or in everyday life. Afterwards, return via the Schwärzeweg trail and Bad Faulenbach to the Lechfall waterfall.

Insider tip: the Lech Falls at night in a magical display of lights

If you prefer a more private and, above all, romantic experience, we recommend visiting the Lech Falls at night. For example, after enjoying hearty, regional cuisine at a restaurant in Füssen, you could make a detour to the waterfall. A truly unique and illuminated natural spectacle awaits you.

The waterfall is dramatically illuminated by the lights, making it the star of your nighttime photoshoot. The surrounding mountains are still visible in the background – the perfect backdrop for a romantic weekend getaway or a magical moment with loved ones. Even better: you won’t have to worry about crowds at this time of day. You can enjoy the beauty of the moment undisturbed.

Lech Falls in spring—marvel at the overflowing bubbling waters

In spring, with the melting snow, more water from the mountains reaches the Lech Falls, causing the river to swell impressively and making the falls even more powerful. Furthermore, you can also admire the Lech Falls in an even wilder form during heavy rainfall, creating a truly special memory of your holiday in the Allgäu region.

Lech Falls in summer—warmth, hiking, swimming fun

During summer holidays, when the sun shines and the warmth lifts our spirits, the Lech Falls are a particularly beautiful destination. The surrounding lakes and, of course, the Lech River itself invite you to swim at certain spots. However, swimmers should be prepared for some temperature fluctuations, as the waters in the Allgäu region are not particularly warm. Thanks to the warm temperatures, the view of the mountain scenery in the background, the Lech River, unique hiking tours, and excursions in the surrounding area can now be enjoyed to the fullest.

In summer, you can also take advantage of many attractive offers in the surrounding area, such as the Ziegelwies Forest Adventure Center with its treetop walk, where you can soak up spectacular mountain views at lofty heights.

Lech Falls in autumn—Indian summer in Bavaria

Autumn, with its wisps of fog clinging to the mountains, offers travelers a special atmosphere at the Lech Falls – especially if you arrive early in the morning. This mystical ambiance is particularly striking in early autumn when the leaves of the surrounding trees turn golden yellow and warm ochre and red hues. On sunny days, enjoy the vibrant colors and warm light of autumn on meditative hikes or walks. On foggy and cooler days, feel how a profound tranquility suddenly settles over the landscape and the souls of those who visit.

Lech Falls in winter—immerse yourself in the white winter wonderland

And winter is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times for a holiday in the Allgäu region and at the Lech Falls. When the trees, meadows, and mountains of the Alpine foothills are blanketed in fluffy white, a sense of peace and tranquility descends upon the mountains. Enjoy this harmonious stillness, enveloped in a magical white mantle, on the Maxsteg footbridge or the nearby viewing platform. Witness the enchantment inherent in the snow-covered trees, meadows, and mountains of the surrounding area, and savor the magic of the moment when the snow sparkles in the sun like countless diamonds.

Enjoy the perfect beauty of frost, as the clear blue sky is reflected in the river and the Bavarian mountains, laden with powder snow, rise even more majestically towards the sky. After this natural spectacle, perhaps a hot chocolate or coffee will beckon you to a café in Füssen. Or you might warm up again in the sauna of your wellness hotel, your accommodation, or simply snuggled up with your loved one.

Lech Falls admission

The Lech Falls themselves are free of charge and can be admired as a tourist attraction at any time. Both the viewing platform and the Maxsteg footbridge over the waterfall, as well as the surrounding area, are freely accessible at all times. You will only need to factor in the cost of parking nearby.

More excursion destinations near the Lech Falls

• Füssen
• Lechweg (125 km hiking trail from the source to the Lech Falls)
• Alpsee
• Forggensee
• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Hohenschwangau Castle
• Bullachberg Castle
• Hopfen am See
• Lake Hopfensee
• Ziegelwies Forest Adventure Center (treetop walk)