With just 1,500 inhabitants, Lech am Arlberg might not be the most famous or largest ski resort in the Austrian Alps. But as soon as the winter season starts, the community in Vorarlberg becomes the venerable place-to-be for winter sports enthusiasts. And with The Yurt, it also has its own trendy pop-up bar.

The Yurt
Hotel Arlberg Lech, Tannberg 187, 6764 Lech, Vorarlberg, Austria
Web: theyurt.at
Tel.: +43 650 55 11 263

From Kyrgyzstan to Lech

What’s now attracting guests from near and far for the third time originally originated in Kyrgyzstan, as yurts are still the typical accommodation of nomads there. Zayad Shah, host at The Yurt brought the concept from Switzerland to Austria. It has its temporary home in front of the 5-star Hotel Arlberg in the center of Lech.

The Yurt runs on low power and wood; it stays nice and warm inside thanks to furs and fabric. © The Yurt

The yurt will be located here until the Easter weekend in April 2023. The structure can be erected and dismantled within one to two days, which makes it extremely sustainable. No areas need to be permanently sealed for the construction. Speaking of space: on around 30 square meters, you can enjoy excellent cocktails and carefully selected wines as well as have stimulating conversations in front of the crackling stove.

Favorite living room in the snow

Guests should feel at home. And they do. So it can happen that they’re allowed to share their private playlists or bring their whole extended family. There are all kinds of carefully mixed drinks to be enjoyed, such as high-quality spirits from the Japanese House of Suntory. "Recently, an English guest DJ referred to the yurt as his 'favorite living room in this wide world," says host Zayad Shah.

Event space, bar and extended living room with mountain views. © The Yurt

The round nomad tent has now become more than just a hotspot for a cozy drink after a day on the slopes – it’s a vibrant event space as well, where people gather for fireside chats, birthday parties and company celebrations. In addition, The Yurt is suitable as a space for pop-up stores. It’s open from Wednesday through Sunday, starting from 10 a.m.

Design and wine

Over coffee and croissants, you can shop select pieces by Silvia Gattin and g-lab. During the season, friends of Zayad Shah also drop by. When vintner Jürgen Trummer makes an appearance, the hearts of vinophile guests beat faster.

The atmosphere is informal, the focus is on feeling good. © The Yurt

Where The Yurt will move next remains to be seen. Shah can imagine that The Yurt could also be the right accommodation for glamping adventures. But for now, it's a bar and event space concept – and will be until the Easter weekend of 2023. "Where the journey will take us remains to be seen," says Shah.

The Yurt
Hotel Arlberg Lech, Tannberg 187, 6764 Lech, Vorarlberg, Austria
Web: theyurt.at
Tel.: +43 650 55 11 263