From Lech to the top of Rüfikopf via “Schafalp”

Factbox

Difficulty: mittel
Distance: 0 km
Ascent: 900 m
Descent: 900 m
Duration: 0.1 h
Deepest point: 1441 m
Highest point: 2350 m
Condition:

Experience:

Landscape:

  • Höhenprofil

    The panoramic tour up to Rüfikopf via Schafalp suits perfectly for motivated hikers.

    Along the hiking trail from Lech up to the top of the Rüfikopf hikers are being rewarded with a wonderful view over Lech. The Rüfikopf plateau below the top of Rüfikopf is the highlight of the hiking trip. It invites you to experience a fantastic journey along the “Stone Witnesses” on their way through millions of years. Depending on your mood, you can either walk the entire “Geoweg” or follow the direct route to the Rüfikopf uphill station. Once at the top, the panorama restaurant offers you the possibility to take a rest before descending once again on foot.

     

    During the summer season it is also possible to take the cable car to get down to the valley. 

    Presented by: Lech Zürs Tourismus GmbH
    Author: Hannes Heigenhauser

  • Difficulty: mittel
    Condition:

    Experience:

    Landscape:

    		Altitude: 2350 m 1441 m Best season:
    JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
    JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
    Characteristics:
    • Nice views
    • Geological highlights
    • Insider tip
    • With refreshment stops
    • Mountain railway ascent/descent
    Safety instructions:

    EMERGENCY CALL:

    140 Alpine Emergencies Austria-wide

    144 Alpine Notfälle Vorarlberg

    112 Euo emergency call (works with any mobile phone/network)

    www.vorarlberg.travel/sicherheitstipps

     
    Equipment:

    sturdy shoes, water bottle, jacket, geo-brochure
    More info & links:

    The guiding brochure for the geological trail is available at Lech Zürs Tourism Office as well as at the Rüfikopf down- and uphill station for € 5,-.

     

    https://www.lechzuers.com/en

     

  • Directions

    The hiking tour starts at the Rüfikopf downhill station. From there follow the road upstream. Turn left in front of the Hotel Post and follow the sign “Flühenweg” until you reach the turn-off. Here you follow the hiking trail southwest towards Zürs. Then a steep path leads up towards the “Schafalp”. The path is well signposted and leads you further up to the Rüfikopf plateau. There you follow the geological trail to the Rüfikopf uphill station. Next to the mountain station you will see the panorama restaurant, which is perfect for a short rest before descending once again on foot. 

     

    Start Rüfikopf downhill station
    Coordinates:
    Geogr. 47.207671 N 10.141617 E
    Destination Rüfikopf downhill station

    Waypoints

  • Public transportation:

    You do not need a bus, as the hiking tour starts right in the centre of Lech at the Rüfi square. In case you prefer to take the cable car to get down to the valley again, you will need to buy a ticket which is available at the downhill station – except you have the Lech Card where all cable cars are already included. 

    Approach:

    From Germany: Take the A96 motorway to Bregenz from there on the A14 motorway to Bludenz, continue on the S16 to the Lech Zürs am Arlberg exit. Follow the B197 up to Alpe Rauz, turn left here onto the B198 through Flexengalerie and over the Flexenpass to Lech Zürs am Arlberg.

    From Switzerland: Via the A13 motorway and the Feldkirch, Hohenems or Lustenau border crossing on the A14 motorway to Bludenz. Continue on the S16 until exit Lech Zürs am Arlberg. Follow the B197 up to Alpe Rauz, turn left here onto the B198 through Flexengalerie and over the Flexenpass to Lech Zürs am Arlberg.

    From Austria: Via the Inntalautobahn A12 and then via the S16 to the exit St. Anton am Arlberg (Arlberg Pass). Follow the B197 first through St. Anton, then through St. Christoph and over the Arlbergpass to Alpe Rauz. Turn right here onto the B198, drive through Flexengalerie and over the Flexenpass to Lech Zürs am Arlberg.

     


    Route Planner

    Park:

    There is a public parking garage opposite the post office of Lech. From the so called “Anger garage” it takes you 5 minutes on foot to get to the Rüfi square.