In this latest post of her Living Lech series, Maddie Salters takes full advantage of the activities and services on offer at Hotel Aurelio.
The bowstring of my recurve bow groaned backwards, close to my cheek. When I let it go, a feathered arrow went whirring past shady fir trees and mossy grass, directly into the hide of a wild bore. Thirty points.
While game hunting is permitted in Lech (venison, rabbit, and foxes are popular choices,) what I participated in was more of a hunting game. Learning to shoot wooden arrows in surprisingly straight lines or vaulted arcs across a terrain of wilderness, at foam animals that ranged from roaring bears to peaceable bucks. When Hotel Aurelio, whose knowledgeable staff was responsible for my outdoor itinerary, had put “Archery” on the menu, I could have hardly imagined a hike through the wildflower-dappled hills surrounding the hotel, guided to targets at different distances and sizes, standing on tree trunks and jumping over small streams.
It was my first introduction to the world of summer sport and outdoor recreation in the resort town of Lech, and it was a blast. After four days in Lech, my running shoes were dusty with exertion, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling I wanted more time to appreciate everything on offer. Luckily, Hotel Aurelio put together a programme that allowed me to dabble in a wide array of Lech’s summer options. Fishing, llama trekking, cooking classes, and marathon shopping (it may as well be a sport,) were all highlights for me.
Leading a gentle llama named Gregor through sun-kissed valleys, over rivers where holiday fly fishermen greeted us in cheerful German, past lazing cows sharing wide paths with mountain bikers and hikers of all ages, I felt a world away from the hustle of city life. At the Zug pond, a watering hole only a pleasant trek away from the Aurelio, I learned to cast a fishing line and reel in some of the finely raised local trout, which were taken back to the hotel ahead of me to be put on ice for dinner. Enjoying a cool Apfelsaft g’spritzt (a local favourite, made by blending domestic apple juice and sparkling water) on a terrace after a long day out became my preferred way to unwind.
As a newcomer to Lech, I was relatively open to suggestion for what to try. But by day three, when I’d gained some insight about the town, Aurelio was tailoring a bespoke itinerary based my preferences, happy to work with me on the fly and accommodate my interests as they took shape. I took advantage of the Lech Card they provide to all overnight guests, which granted free access to Lech’s chairlifts, tour buses, museums, and more.
I appreciated using Aurelio as a hub by which to arrange and personalise my activities. It gave me time to relax and enjoy, while gracious staffers arranged the specifics. I opted out of the sporty Alpine test drive Aurelio that has on offer, shunning the tempting thought of getting behind the wheel of a Bentley or Mercedes, instead opting to enjoy Aurelio’s spa and gym facilities. Had I a longer stay, I would have taken advantage of the nearby tennis courts, golf greens (the Lech Card offers you a day on the three-hole course for free (a new course will debut in summer 2016,) and mountain biking. More daring guests took on paragliding and water rafting, as well as multi-day trekking tours. Hotel Aurelio itself offers a summer menu of personal shopping across Lech’s premier boutiques, as well as helicopter, boating, and golfing tours. All of my experiences were booked through Aurelio, as the hotel has relationships with the local guides and shops.
Lech is especially great terrain for hikers, offering a range of courses, from gentle valley walks for beginners, to advanced Alpine eco-hiking and Olympic altitude training paths. The ski slopes, which make for lilting bike paths in the summer months, cut through varied landscape: there’s an orchid hike, the ancient cultural dwellings of the Walser people, and even an “ibex horn,” a grand clam relic surrounded by fossils up to 200 million years old. I suggest combining a cable car ride in with any hike, for the fantastic panoramic views, and to give your feet a rest. When I was feeling the heat, the natural spring water founts (called “Schwarzbach Riesling”) cooled me off, and the frequent rest stops with benches, hammocks, and cold drinks were much appreciated. (My one Protip would be to bring a range of clothing: temperature can change suddenly in Lech.)
Also a family destination, Sport Park Lech offered indoor climbing, bowling, and gaming courts, fit for a rainy day. The Kid’s Active Club, free with a Lech Card, offers children a romp around the forest pools, Monday-Friday.
Culturally, Lech has a number of surprising summer activities, from classical orchestral festivals, to sports car rallies, to wellness and philosophy symposiums. Musical events take place almost weekly, and its outdoor market pops up on Thursdays, with fresh honey and local wines, accessibly in the centre of town.
From the sun deck of Hotel Aurelio, I enjoyed my final sunset in Lech with the smell of my trout on the grill for an outdoor BBQ.
Hotel Aurelio was the focal point of my trip, providing activities, dining, and spa packages which I enjoyed throughout my stay. Check out my other Living Lech posts to find out more.
Learn more about Hotel Aurelio at aureliolech.com.
