Lech: The Alpine Gem of Austria

• HelloGrüß Gott
  [grooss got]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [vee gayt es ee-nen]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [goot oond ee-nen]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shpre-khen zee eng-leesh]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [ikh het-eh gehr-neh dee spai-zeh-kahr-teh, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-eh kine fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch würde gerne zahlen, bitte
  [ikh vur-deh gehr-neh tsah-len, bit-teh]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [geh-en zee vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee po-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verlaufen
  [ikh hah-beh meekh fer-lou-fen]
• I'm illMir ist schlecht
  [meer ist shlekht]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [ikh mehrk-teh kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shou-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [vee feel kohs-tet das]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [das ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kuh-nen zee den pri-say zeng-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpet ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb elf]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahk]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1eins
  [iyns]
• 2zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3drei
  [dry]
• 4vier
  [feer]
• 5fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [akt]
• 9neun
  [noyn]
• 10zehn
  [tsayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vas ist dee ah-dreh-say]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kuh-nen zee meer tsay-gen (ouf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn komt dehr naykhs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [iyn-eh fahr-kahr-teh (nahkh)]

Lech am Arlberg, often simply known as Lech, was founded in the 14th century by migrant Walser settlers from the Swiss canton of Valais. These settlers were drawn to the area for its fertile lands and established a small farming community that would eventually grow into the charming village we know today.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Lech is the Church of St. Nicholas. Built in the late 14th century, this Gothic-style church has been a spiritual and cultural center for the local community for centuries. Its beautiful frescoes and intricate carvings are a testament to the skill and dedication of the craftsmen who built it.

The Arlberg Pass has been a crucial route for trade and travel since Roman times. It connects Lech to other parts of Austria and beyond, making it an essential corridor for the movement of goods and people. The pass has also played a significant role in the development of Lech as a major winter sports destination.

Lech's transformation into a premier winter sports destination began in the early 20th century. The first ski lift was installed in 1937, marking the start of a new era for the village. Today, Lech is renowned worldwide for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding facilities, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.

During World War II, Lech and the surrounding areas were of strategic importance due to their location near the Arlberg Pass. The village saw its fair share of challenges during this period, including the presence of German troops and the impact of the war on the local population.

The Lech River, from which the village takes its name, has been a lifeline for the community for centuries. It provided water for agriculture, powered mills, and was a vital resource for the early settlers. Today, the river remains a picturesque centerpiece of the village, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and scenic walks.

Lech is steeped in cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. One of the most notable is the 'Almabtrieb,' a festive event marking the return of cattle from the high mountain pastures to the valley in the autumn. This celebration is accompanied by music, dancing, and local delicacies, offering visitors a glimpse into the village's rich cultural heritage.

While Lech has embraced modernity with luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and upscale shops, it has managed to retain its traditional charm. The village's commitment to preserving its historical architecture and cultural practices ensures that visitors can experience both the old and new aspects of Lech in harmony.

Lech is located in the Arlberg region of Austria. The nearest international airports are Zurich Airport in Switzerland and Innsbruck Airport in Austria, both approximately 2 to 3 hours away by car. From Zurich, you can take a train to Langen am Arlberg and then a bus or taxi to Lech. Alternatively, you can drive directly from Zurich or Innsbruck to Lech, following well-marked routes through scenic alpine landscapes.

Lech is a small town and many attractions are within walking distance. For those looking to explore further, local buses run frequently and connect Lech with neighboring villages and ski areas. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. During the winter season, a free ski bus service operates, making it easy to get around the ski areas. Renting a car is an option, but be aware that snow chains may be required during winter months.

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or for tips. ATMs are readily available in Lech, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Lech is generally a very safe destination with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Lech.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Lech has a local police station and medical facilities are available, including a pharmacy. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, especially if you plan to engage in skiing or other outdoor activities.

Fashion: Do dress warmly and in layers, especially during the winter season. Ski attire is common and acceptable in most places. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Public Transport: Do have your ticket ready when boarding buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüß Gott' or 'Hallo'. A handshake is also customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and alpine cuisine. Don’t forget to tip, as it is customary to round up the bill or leave about 10%.

To experience Lech like a local, take part in traditional events such as the Lech Village Festival. Visit the local markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals, many of whom speak English and are happy to share stories about the area. Take advantage of the extensive hiking and skiing trails that offer stunning views of the alpine landscape.