We would like to give you a little insight into the history of Lech and the Walch family. Many guests ask us what the name Knappaboda means – we would also like to explain this to you in more detail.
Knappaboda: The name and its meaning
Perhaps you have already asked yourself: Where does the name ‘Knappaboda’ come from? This word has its origins in the mining history of the region.
Miners once dug for ore on Lech’s local mountain, the Omeshorn. The partially buried entrances to the old tunnels, which bear witness to this time, can still be found today.
- Knappa: Refers to the miners who played an important role in the region in earlier times. Their diligence and perseverance are part of Lech’s cultural heritage.
- Boda: Means ‘ground’ or ‘place’.
Over the centuries, ‘Knappaboda’ has become a field name that reflects the mining history and special character of this place.
Lech am Arlberg: From rural village to winter sports mecca
Lech am Arlberg looks back on a long tradition. Originally developed by the Walsers from the western Swiss canton of Valais and then known as Tannberg am Lech, the region continued to develop steadily.
Until the late 19th century, the mountain farmers of the Arlberg region lived exclusively from agriculture.
The beginning of winter sports in the region dates back to 1895, when pastor Johann Müller from Warth ordered strangely shaped wooden planks from Scandinavia and secretly made his way to the snow-covered mountain slopes at night.
The people of the Arlberg recognised the potential of winter early on. Viktor Sohm held the first ski course for locals in Zürs in 1906, and the first T-bar lift in Austria was built there in 1937.
Today, Lech is an internationally renowned winter sports resort that has managed to retain its original charm as a mountain village.
The Walch family
The Walch family has been deeply interwoven into the history and life of Lech for generations. An entry with the name ‘Walch am Tannberg’ can be found in the archives as early as 1384. The name Walch (Welsch/Walsch) means ‘Romansh’ or Italian, French, Romansh.
A good example of the Walchs’ commitment is today’s Rote Wand Gourmet Hotel in Zug. The original Walser farmhouse dating back to 1651 was converted into a café and guesthouse in 1959 by Gertrud’s parents Josef Walch Sr. and his wife Burgi. At that time, travellers were still taken from Langen to Lech by horse-drawn sleigh by Gertrud’s father.
Hospitality has always been at the centre of Herbert’s family, but his father Josef Walch had a second mainstay – namely interior design. Herbert also learnt this trade and in 1982 the two of them built the Hotel Garni Knappaboda, including a workshop, to provide Lech businesses with sewing and upholstery work and much more. Soon afterwards Herbert married Gertrud and they had 5 children – 2 sons and 3 daughters. One of the sons – Maximilian, is now the 3rd generation to practise this craft and, together with me (Conny), took over the business from his parents in 2021.
Even our ancestors were known for warmly welcoming travellers. Today we continue this tradition by offering our guests not only a temporary home, but also an insight into the best of the region.
Tradition meets modernity
At the Appart Hotel Knappaboda, we endeavour to create the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. We honour our roots, be it through the architecture of our hotel or the stories we tell you. At the same time, we want to offer you the comfort and amenities that will make your stay unforgettable.
Thank you for being part of our story!
We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel and introducing you not only to the breathtaking nature of Lech, but also to the stories that make this place so unique!
Yours sincerely,
Your Walch family
