Attractions & Landmarks In Lech and Zürs am Arlberg
Located in the middle of the Austrian Alps, Lech Zürs am Arlberg is an incredible place. Its stunning natural beauty and intense outdoor sports are well known. While the region is renowned for its exceptional ski resorts, there are many other sites to discover off the slopes. From historic sites to stunning mountain scenery, Lech Zürs am Arlberg presents a diverse range of things to enjoy.
The Arlberg region has breathtaking mountains that dominate the horizon and provide a magnificent backdrop for adventure. Exciting hiking opportunities and breathtaking panoramic views abound from the Valluga and Rüfikopf mountains. The calm and charming aspect of the land will seduce you during your walks in the valleys and meadows. The mountain lakes, including Formarinsee and Spullersee, are quite pure and clean. They are ideal for relaxing and reflecting as they provide a calm and tranquil environment.
Among the world’s best-known ski resorts, the Arlberg region includes Lech, Zürs, St. Anton and St. Christoph. These resorts satisfy all levels and tastes by offering world-class skiing and snowboarding equipment. You’ll discover something that suits your style, whether you’re looking for snow parks, off-piste activities, or groomed slopes. Since the establishment of the first ski club and ski school in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Arlberg region has also been known as the birthplace of alpine skiing.
The central hub of the region, the village of Lech exudes a distinctive Alpine appeal with its old buildings and small streets. Discovering the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Lech Heritage Museum allows visitors to get involved. This meeting allows you to understand the particular customs and way of life of the region. Ancient paintings, clothing, tools and relics that highlight the history and people of Lech are among the exhibits in the museum.
With its remarkable architecture and fascinating religious art, Saint-Nicolas Church invites visitors to immerse themselves in its spiritual and artistic milieu. The church, which dates from the 14th century, has a baroque Gothic-style interior. Beautiful paintings, sculptures and stained glass covering many biblical themes and depictions of the holy life surround the church. To highlight the musical and cultural diversity of the region, the church also organizes frequent concerts and events such as the Lech Classic Festival.
Not far from Lech, Zürs Village is another charming town in the Arlberg region. Skiers and snowboarders frequent Zürs because it provides access to some of the best runs and slopes in the region. Zürs is also part of the Ski Arlberg circuit, which connects 88 ski lifts and 305 kilometers of ski lines throughout the region. Backcountry skiing is particularly well known in Zürs as it offers some of the most exciting and challenging trails in the Alps.
In addition to being a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, Zürs Village allows its guests to savor the best aspects of life. With some of the region’s most luxurious hotels, restaurants and spas offering a high degree of luxury and service, Zürs is your home away from home. Since Zürs hosts several bars, clubs and events throughout the year, guests can also enjoy active nightlife and entertainment. scene. Visitors to Zürs can enjoy the best of both worlds: fantastic living and exciting skiing.
Whether your tastes lie in adventure, leisure, culture or luxury, Lech Zürs am Arlberg has something for everyone. Discover the beauty and variety of the Austrian Alps and the history and heritage of Lech Zürs am Arlberg.
Old parish church Lech am Arlberg
Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the parish church of Lech am Arlberg is an astonishing illustration of the mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture in the Alpine space. Located in the municipality of Lech in Vorarlberg, Austria, the Roman Catholic church is part of the deanery of Bludenz-Sonnenberg in the diocese of Feldkirch. Rising to 1,444 meters, the church offers views of the beautiful town of Lech and the majestic Arlberg mountains.
Since the 14th century, the church has had a long and rich heritage. Built in 1390, the first church on the site replaced a chapel present since the 13th century. Composed of a nave and a tower, the church was built in the Gothic style. Among the oldest and most refined Gothic towers in Vorarlberg, the one that still stands today is. Rebuilt in 1603, the nave, which also retained its Gothic windows, appeared more elegant and more spacious. In 1694, the church was further decorated with a double onion dome on the tower, thus contrasting the Gothic and Baroque elements. When the church was covered with stucco and paint and stucco by neighboring craftsmen in 1791, it underwent a significant transformation.
Although the cathedral combines several styles and eras, its exterior is striking and harmonious. Composed of a Baroque nave and a Gothic choir covered with a common gable roof, the church is. The cemetery around the church accentuates its austere and serious atmosphere. Rising above the nave and the choir, the north tower sports a pretty double onion dome, a trademark of the region’s Baroque architecture. The tower has a sundial with the Austrian shield on its south side and Gothic tracery in its gills. A shed-roofed porch extends to the cemetery wall to the west of the church. In addition to providing a venue for weddings and meetings, the porch provides sheltered access to the church.
With many architectural and artistic subtleties, the interior of the church is equally breathtaking and fascinating. Comprising most of the church, the nave has a flat barrel vault supported by stucco capitals from narrow wall pilasters. The architectural murals covering the vault give a sense of depth and perspective. The nave also has lancet windows to let natural light flood the cathedral. The south wall of the nave has a circular window as well as a chamfered pointed arch door. There are murals on both sides of the portal depicting several episodes of saints and Christian traditions. On the left side, Andreas Mayr painted a fresco in the 17th century depicting Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. On the positive side, Julius Wehinger painted Maria with a Child in 1933, in fresco style. Martin Häusle created another fresco alongside that of a guardian angel with Tobias in 1933. Composed of a three-cornered soffit, crossed ribs and two round bars, the west facade of the nave presents a Gothic entrance in pointed arch with two frescoes, including one by Christopher from around 1530 and another of two saints of the same age flanks the portal.
With a three-eighths end and a ribbed vault, the eastern part of the church, the choir, where the altar is located, has two bays of the choir with pointed arch windows. On its north side, the choir also has a sundial representing the Austrian shield. A triumphal arch decorated with stucco and paintings connects the choir to the nave. On its north side, the choir has a two-story sacristy covered with a shed roof. The sacristy has pointed arch windows and a pointed arch door. Liturgical objects and religious vestments are kept in the sacristy. A further two-storey sacristy with pointed arch windows exists on the north side of the tower and nave.
The church’s rich and varied collection of paintings, frescoes and sculptures reflect the artistic and religious movements of several eras and genres. Located in the choir, the main altar of the church is particularly remarkable and striking. Designed by the region’s eminent Baroque painter Christian Müller, the high altar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The four-column high altar has an open, angled entablature. The three wise men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus are seen in the central image of the Adoration of the Magi on the altar. Four columns, decorated with gold and silver, frame the image. The columns support a curved, open form known as the entablature. The entablature opens with Saint Nicholas, patron saint of the church, depicted carrying a book and a bishop’s staff. Small cherub figurines called putti and angels surround the painting. Placed on the sides of the entablature, the altar also features images of Josef and Joachim, Mary’s parents. A tabernacle cross, a cross-shaped receptacle for the Eucharist, completes the altar. Made of silver and gold, Josef Klemens Witwer fashioned the Tabernacle Cross in 1791.
Above the nave, on the west gallery, is the superb church organ. Considered one of the best organs in the region, Anton Behmann built the organ in 1891. The organ has a rich, strong sound and a unique keyboard and reduced pedal board. Paintings and sculptures depicting several biblical events and characters embellish the organ. Paintings include “Jesus Expelling the Merchants from the Temple,” “The Circumcision,” “The Adoration of the Child,” and “The Adoration of the Kings.” Among the sculptures, angels, putti and musical instruments abound.
Nestled in the nave and choir, the church houses several other altars, paintings and sculptures. These are respectively the side altars of Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch, Saint Anne, Saint Anthony, Saint Florian and Saint Joseph. The church further includes a crucifix, a monument to Mary, a statue of Saint Nicholas and a monument to Saint Christopher. In addition to a pulpit, a confessional, a baptismal font and a basin of holy water, the church presents
On the left side of the choir, the church is also distinguished by its Gothic frescoes. Among the oldest and most significant frescoes in the region, these date from around 1480. The frescoes depict the death of Mary, her coronation and, in the spectacles, the Nativity and the Assumption. Rich colors, expressive figures and meticulous backgrounds define the frescoes. The frescoes bear witness to the religious and artistic culture of the late Middle Ages.
Kästle Mountain Museum
From the early pioneers who explored the snowy slopes with wooden skis to the contemporary champions who conquered the world with their talent and style, the history of skiing on the Arlberg has been carefully recorded. The history of the famous brand is inextricably linked to the early years of skiing in Arlberg.
Over ninety years ago, Anton Kästle discovered the motivation for the idea of a revolutionary ski. Lighter, stronger, more flexible than conventional hickory wood, the Arlberg Ski was supposed to be the first ski ever produced from ash wood. Anton Kästle, a qualified carpenter and ski instructor, was passionate about skiing and naturally innovative. His goal was to design a ski adapted to the difficult terrain of the Arlberg and which would improve the performance and comfort of skiers.
He began manufacturing the Arlberg ski shortly after founding his own company in Hohenems, Vorarlberg, in 1924. The ski immediately gained popularity among skiers in the surrounding area. Later, this ski became the Kästle brand, which adopted the unique blue hue and the still identifiable double arrow. emblem.
Thanks to its relationships with many professional athletes, Kästle, a Vorarlberg company founded in 1924, has won several world medals over the years. Among the best-known names in the annals of skiing are Toni Sailer, Karl Schranz, Pirmin Zurbriggen, Kjetil André Aamodt and Lindsey Vonn using Kästle skis. Kästle skis have won over 130 World Cup races, 9 Olympic gold medals and 4 world championship titles.
At the forefront of ski technology, Kästle was the first to introduce ideas such as FX technology, hollow tip design and sandwich construction. Kästle skis are aesthetically beautiful and elegant, but also intended to offer the best performance, quality and longevity.
Would you like to know the triumphant story of a well-known ski brand? Anton Kästle became famous in history around 90 years ago as a pioneer in the development of skiing in the Arlberg. The Kästle Mountain Museum showcases a wide range of achievements and inventions from this ski brand.
Rising to an altitude of 2,350 meters, the Rüfikopf mountain station is home to the museum, which opened in 2016. Four sections make up the museum, each honoring a distinct facet of the brand’s history: the beginnings, the champions, the innovations and return. Original skis, photos, films, relics and memorabilia from Kästle’s past and present are on display in the museum. From the museum terrace you can also enjoy a magnificent perspective of the Arlberg mountains.
Anyone who loves skiing and wants to learn more about one of the most powerful ski brands in the world should definitely visit the Kästle Mountain Museum. The daily operation of the museum takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; free entry. From Lech, the Rüfikopf cable car will take you to the museum. Don’t miss this opportunity to truly experience Arlberg’s skiing history and culture.
Skyspace Lech
Among James Turrell’s most recent and notable Skyspaces is the Skyspace Lech. Located in the heart of the Alps, in the Austrian ski resort of Lech am Arlberg, largely buried underground, Skyspace Lech adapts to the environment. Visitors must pass through a 15-meter-long tunnel leading to the main oval room known as the “Sensing Room” to reach Skyspace. Around 30 people can use the Sensing Room and sit on a circular black granite seat. The bench adapts to the floor, thus establishing harmony and continuity. The detection room measures 6 meters by 9 meters with a height of 5.20 meters. The ceiling has an oval opening with a movable dome that can be opened or closed to produce various lighting effects. Three plays of light in the Skyspace also contribute to generating changing color ambiances. Either 50 minutes before dawn or at dusk, when artificial and natural light interact most dramatically, the bookable program begins.
James Turrell worked with many Vorarlberg companies, including Zumtobel for lighting technology and Baumschlager Eberle for architecture, to create Skyspace Lech. Horizon Field, a local arts association aimed at promoting modern art in the region, launched the project. Skyspace Lech costs around 1.5 million euros, part of which sponsorships and donations help to finance.
Skyspace Lech offers you a special chance to see the sky from a new and meaningful perspective. Entering Skyspace invites you to slow down, relax, and truly connect with the changing hues and shapes of the sky. Besides a visual feast, Skyspace Lech offers a spiritual and mental journey. As James Turrell personally noted: “My work is about your vision. » Painting on light is a rich heritage, but it is a testimony to the vision rather than the light itself. My business is not indirect; it is light and responds to your vision.
Skyspace Lech is another stunning illustration of how art and landscape can coexist and enhance each other. Carefully designed to fit the “Tannegg”, a small slope above the upper station of the Schlosskopf cable car, the Skyspace Lech blends into the surroundings Located at the top of the last settlements of Oberlech, more particularly at the Tannegg, The Skyspace Lech is There is a hiking trail next to it, easily accessible from the ski line to Oberlech, both in summer and winter. Still 1,780 meters above the populated region, it nevertheless offers a unique and remarkable panoramic perspective. From snow-capped mountains to rich meadows, Skyspace Lech lets you savor the beauty and diversity of the Alpine landscape.
With the exception of a few days closed for maintenance in April and November, Skyspace Lech is open to the public all year round. During the day, visiting Skyspace Lech is free; the dome is closed, so the only source of lighting is natural light. To take full advantage of the Skyspace, however, it is advisable to book a program starting either 50 minutes before sunrise or at dusk, when the dome is open and the light installations are activated. Costing 15 euros per person, the program lasts approximately one hour. Your program can be booked online either at the Lech Zürs tourist office or on the Skyspace Lech website.
Please note that neither Skyspace Lech nor the Oberlech location has parking. The currently inaccessible access to Skyspace Lech is the result of a road closure imposed by a barrier. For skiing, take advantage of the village’s parking spaces and public transport including the Oberlech cable car, the Schlosskopf lift or exit 210. You can also choose a taxi service.
Huber Hus Museum
Dendrochronological study of the wood indicates that the Huber House was built in 1590. Although the identity of the house’s builders is unknown, it is believed that the Fritz family built it. The married couple Thoma Fritz and Agatha Strolz were the first known occupants of the residence in the 17th century.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Anna Katharina Fritz married Josef Huber and thus passed the house to the Huber family. Since then, the house has been named after the Huber family. Living with their housekeeper Maria Konzett-Pircher, the Huber brothers – Emil, Otto and Hugo – were the last occupants of the house. At the beginning of the 1980s, the three brothers chose to sell the house to the municipality of Lech, because they had no descendants. They planned to turn the house into a museum and save the tradition of rural life for future generations. The house has since been declared a historic monument.
Maria Konzett lived in the residence until 2000, after the death of the last Huber brother in 1996. The house was renovated and restored in 2004 by the city of Lech in collaboration with the Federal Monuments Office Bregenz. In December 2005, the Huber Hus Museum was opened to the public.
Through its exhibition halls, the Huber Hus Museum offers visitors a window into ancient rural life and work culture. Dating from the 16th century, the kitchen is the oldest part of the house. During restoration efforts in 2004, it revealed a stone floor. Different tools and utensils used for cooking and baking are displayed in the kitchen.
The living room is on the south side of the house, next to the kitchen. This area features a distinctive fusion of architectural styles spanning centuries. The oldest piece of furniture in the room, the coffee table features incredible marquetry and slate materials. Dating from 1792, the painting bears the initials of Benedikt Fritz. In addition to a piece of furniture, a wall clock, a tiled stove and a corner bench, the living room also has.
Through a side room, you access the parents’ bedroom from the living room. The bedroom has a hardwood bed, a chest, a wardrobe and a crib. Personal belongings and clothing from the Huber family are also on display in the room.
Another fascinating feature of the house is the cooperative workshop. The Huber family worked in the workshop building several wooden containers to hold dairy products. Among the tools and products of the cooper trade, the workshop exhibits some of them including barrels, buckets, churns and cheese molds. The workshop also houses a stable for pigs, sheep and goats.
In addition to the main exhibition, the Huber Hus Museum organizes regularly rotating special exhibitions every year. These shows focus on several facets of the cultural past of Lech and the Arlberg region, including skiing, tourism, art, music and folklore.
In addition to a library containing books on the cultural past of Lech and the Arlberg region, the Huber Hus Museum houses the historical archives of the municipality of Lech. The archives include documents dating back to the 16th century, maps, pictures and papers. Researchers and interested guests can visit the archives by appointment. Covering subjects such as history, geography, literature, art and sports, the library offers a wide range of books, magazines, newspapers and videos. The public can use the library during museum opening hours.
