This calm Tyrolean market town sits beneath limestone Alps, near restored medieval Ehrenberg Castle and Austria's longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
Reutte, a town of 6,300 residents in Austria's Außerfern region, sits in a wide valley surrounded by the Allgäu Alps. Walk across Europe's longest pedestrian suspension bridge at Ehrenberg Castle, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Plansee lake, or hike along the rushing Lech river. The town's streets are lined with 16th-century buildings covered in elaborate frescoes by Johann Jakob Zeiller, while medieval games and cultural festivals fill the calendar throughout the year.
Getting to Reutte
You can reach Reutte by train from both Munich and Innsbruck, with regular Deutsche Bahn services connecting to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Kempten. The town lies 45 miles northwest of Innsbruck and southwest of Munich, making it convenient for day trips. From Füssen, take the 74 bus through mountain scenery, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes.
The Ehrenberg Castle Complex
Four separate medieval fortifications make up the Ehrenberg ruins above Reutte, built to guard salt trade routes. Walk across the 406-meter-long suspension bridge, hanging 114 meters above a deep ravine, connecting Ehrenberg Castle to Fort Claudia. Watch knights battle and craftspeople work during the summer medieval games, held weekly from June through September.
Alpine Lakes and the Lech River
Plansee, Tyrol's second-largest lake, reaches depths of 77 meters with water clean enough to drink. Take a sightseeing boat trip in summer, or join windsurfers and sailors on the clear waters. Walk or cycle along the Lech river's banks, one of the last undammed rivers in the Alps. Visit the "Der letzte Wilde" exhibition to understand the river's unique ecosystem.
Winter Sports and Activities
From November through February, ski down the slopes of Hahnenkamm or glide across "Reutte on Ice," western Austria's largest ice skating facility. The Lumagica light park creates a winter wonderland with artistic light installations throughout the ice park and Ehrenberg castle grounds.
Buildings and Architecture
Walk through the town center to see 16th-century buildings like the Grünes Haus, now a local history museum. Look up to spot the detailed frescoes on townhouse facades, painted by Johann Jakob Zeiller, showing scenes from daily life in medieval Reutte. These buildings date back to 1489, when Emperor Sigmund granted the town its market rights.
Cultural Events
Join locals at the market town festival on the first Saturday in August, celebrating Reutte's trading history. Experience theater, music, and art during the autumn "Reuttener Kulturherbst" festival. Sample international cuisine and watch traditional dance performances at the annual Integrationsfest, where local communities share their cultures.
