Lech Valley: Austria's Hidden Alpine Gem

• HelloGriaß di
  [Gree-ass dee]
• GoodbyePfiat di
  [Pfee-aht dee]
• YesJa
  [Yah]
• NoNed
  [Ned]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
• How are you?Wie geht's?
  [Vee gayts]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goot. Oond deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shpre-khen zee Eng-leesh]
• I don't understandI versteh ned
  [Ee fer-shtay ned]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI hätt gern die Speisekarte, bitte
  [Ee hatt gehrn dee Sp-eye-zuh-kar-teh, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatI ess kane Fleisch
  [Ee ess kah-ne Fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI möcht bitte zahlen
  [Ee mookht bit-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [Geh veg]
• Call the Police!Ruf die Polizei!
  [Roof dee Po-lee-tz-eye]
• Call a doctor!Ruf einen Arzt!
  [Roof i-nen Aartst]
• I'm lostI bin verloren
  [Ee been fer-loh-ren]
• I'm illMir ist schlecht
  [Meer ist shlecht]

• I'd like to buy...I möcht ... kaufen
  [Ee mookht ... cow-fen]
• I'm just lookingI schau nur
  [Ee shou noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel koss-tet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kooh-nen zee den prees sen-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpayt 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
  [Nah-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [Ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [Ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [Iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [Tzvey]
• 3Drei
  [Drey]
• 4Vier
  [Feer]
• 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [Zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [Acht]
• 9Neun
  [Noy-n]
• 10Zehn
  [Tzayn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [Voh ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [Vahs ist dee Ah-dreh-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [Kooh-nen zee meer tsai-gen (ouf dehr kar-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn kommt dehr neh-khs-teh (Boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [I-nuh Fahr-kar-teh (nahkh ...)]

The Lech Valley has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of early settlers dating back to the Stone Age. During the medieval period, the valley saw the establishment of small villages and hamlets. The area's strategic location made it a key route for traders and travelers passing through the Alps.

The Roman Empire extended its reach into the Lech Valley around the 1st century AD. Remnants of Roman roads and milestones can still be found, indicating the valley's importance in connecting the northern provinces of the empire. The Romans introduced advanced agricultural techniques and established military outposts to secure the region.

During the Middle Ages, the Lech Valley was governed by local nobility who built fortified castles and manors. These structures served as centers of power and protection against invasions. The valley's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with local lords overseeing the production and trade of goods.

The spread of Christianity in the Lech Valley led to the establishment of monasteries and churches, many of which still stand today. These religious institutions played a significant role in the cultural and educational development of the region. Monastic life introduced advancements in farming, education, and the arts.

The Lech Valley, like much of Austria, experienced periods of conflict and struggle for independence. The Habsburg dynasty eventually brought stability to the region in the late Middle Ages. Under Habsburg rule, the valley saw significant economic and infrastructural development, including the construction of roads and bridges.

The Lech Valley, though relatively remote, was not untouched by the ravages of World War I and II. The local population faced hardships as resources were diverted to the war efforts. Post-war reconstruction brought modernization to the valley, with improvements in transportation and public amenities.

In recent decades, the Lech Valley has become a popular destination for tourists seeking both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Efforts have been made to preserve the valley's historical sites, traditions, and landscapes. Local festivals, traditional crafts, and culinary specialties are celebrated, keeping the rich cultural tapestry of the valley alive.

Lech Valley, located in the western part of Austria, is most conveniently accessed via Innsbruck Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away. Another option is Zurich Airport in Switzerland, around 200 kilometers from Lech Valley. From these airports, you can rent a car or take a train to reach the valley. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) provide regular service to Langen am Arlberg, the nearest train station, from where you can take a bus or taxi to your final destination.

Public transportation in Lech Valley is efficient and well-connected. Buses run frequently between towns and villages, making it easy to explore the region. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. For a more flexible travel experience, renting a car is a good option. During the winter season, ski buses connect various ski areas, and many accommodations offer shuttle services to ski lifts. Cycling is another popular way to explore the valley during the summer 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, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas. ATMs are readily available in most towns. It's a good idea to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Lech Valley is generally a very safe destination for tourists. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. Avoid leaving valuables in your car and be cautious when hiking or skiing in remote areas. The local police are approachable and helpful should you need any assistance.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, medical, and fire services. Lech Valley has several medical facilities, including pharmacies and clinics, and the nearest hospital is in Bludenz, about 40 minutes away by car. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, especially in winter, as temperatures can vary greatly. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches. Always remain quiet and respectful when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüß Gott' (God's greeting). Handshakes are common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Käsekrainer and Apfelstrudel. Don't forget to tip your waiter; 5-10% is customary.

To experience Lech Valley like a local, visit the weekly farmers' markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals in smaller cafes and inns, where you're likely to hear fascinating stories about the valley's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to hike some of the lesser-known trails that offer stunning views and a more serene experience. In winter, try to participate in traditional festivities such as the Krampuslauf, a unique local event.