Black, white and grey, as well as red, yellow and blue – the rocks in the Lechtal Alps take on all these colours. In no other mountain group have I noticed the diversity of the rocks as much as here. But perhaps that was because I had to look at the ground a lot because the paths were so challenging.

The Lechtaler High Trail is a wonderful route for those who like to explore stunning panoramas. It leads along the main ridge of the Lechtal Alps, which always offers new challenges: you cross wide scree fields whose components range from almost sandy to rough. Via ferrata-like passages with good protection await, as well as difficult sections with no, or partially broken, support. The terrain is often very steep, which makes it strenuous for the legs as well as the head.

A large part of the time, you’re far above the tree line in exclusively rocky terrain. The rock is often brittle, which, together with frequent exposed passages, makes this route difficult. A helmet is useful on large parts of the high-altitude trail and the unstable rock also means that the fixed belays break off more often than elsewhere, or that there are no belays at all where you might expect them. Absolute surefootedness and a head for heights are prerequisites for this route. The highlight of the traverse and its most difficult section is the Augsburger Höhenweg, my second stage.

The official Lechtaler High Trail has several variants and I’ve adapted it so that it’s easily accessible by public transport. I skipped both the Stuttgarter and Ulmer hut in the far west of the Lechtal Alps so that I could take the train to St. Anton am Arlberg. Instead, I added a stage at the very end that led me down into the Lechtal valley to Elmen, where I could take the valley bus to the train station in Reutte.

This hike takes you to almost 3,000 metres (9,900 ft), so the season to hike is from July to September. I recommend booking the huts in advance, because the popular E5 Alpine Crossing and its variants lead across the Lechtal Alps as well, making the huts busier than you might expect. On several of the stages, there are no refreshment stops along the way and you have no opportunity to buy anything during the entire hike. However, it is usually possible to get snacks at the huts or to take a snack from the breakfast buffet – always ensure you hike with food supplies.

This crossing of the Lechtal Alps is a grand hike that you’ll especially enjoy if you love peaceful landscapes with epic views.