Forchach

The municipality of Forchach extends from the Lech river to the 2,227 m high Schwarzhanskarspitze mountain.

Altitude: 910 m asl

The little village of Forchach is located at the entrance of the Lechtal valley and the edge of the Lechau meadows and extends to the Schwarzhanskarspitze mountain in the Lechtal Alps. The village has first been mentioned in 1200 AD as “Vorhach”, which means pine forest. Also the silver pine branch on the emblem of the village refers to this meaning.

The Lechau meadows are the last wild river landscape in the Northern Alps and have gained in importance as protected “Natura 2000″ area, which is part of the Europe-wide protected area. This natural landscape (see pic) includes 41.38 sqkm along the Lech riverside, characterized by rarities from flora and fauna. So far 1,160 plant species were demonstrated, 392 species of which are precious and endangered, such as the tamarisk and the lady’s slipper. Also rare animals such as the natter-jack toad or special snail species live in this area. The Lech river, the second fastest river of Europe, at Forchach is spanned over by a nostalgic pending bridge that is 75 m long, constructed in 1906. It represents the connection between Forchach and the Schwarzwassertal valley and is thus the starting point for the circular trails Forchach-Stanzach and Weissenbach. Moreover there is an adventure cycling path of 50 km along the Lech river.

Also the breathtaking mountains of the Lechtal Alps characterize the offers regarding leisure time in summer. Hiking, mountain trails and MTB trails provide lasting holiday experiences! The environs of Forchach are also perfect terrain for Nordic Walking and extended walks. In winter ski tours and cross-country skiing are some of the main activities, as the 15 km long cross-country ski trails of Forchach are connected to the trails of the Lechtal valley. However, if you prefer skiing, the distance to the next ski lift is only a few km. And in the village, there is a skating ground and the possibility to do curling…

Our tip: Particularly worth to be visited is the parish church St. Sebastian. It is a former pest chapel which has been converted to Baroque style in 1742!