Crossing of the Alps E5: Oberstdorf – Merano with Charm

Along the European long-distance hiking path across the Alps.

The E5 is one of the most popular long-distance hiking paths and is not called the ‚most beautiful of all crossings of the Alps‘ for nothing. You hike from the green Allgäu region through the endless mountain world of the Tyrol into the enchanting Passeiertal-valley in South Tyrol all the way to the Mediterranean spa town of Merano. Along the way you experience diverse mountain regions, mountain massifs and alpine landscapes.  Divine nature spectacles featuring roaring waterfalls, very deep valleys, extensive alp scenery, high-altitude paths and impressive mountain passes await. Always accompanied by steep towering peaks, jagged rock needles, long-distance views and glistening white glacial areas. Again and again dairy alps and mountain huts invite for a break, the strenuous efforts of ascents and descents are rewarded by incredible mountain panoramas. The crossing of the Alps by foot: dream tour and desired destination for any mountaineering enthusiast!

Details about the hiking tour Crossing of the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Merano

Experience the popular E5 long-distance hiking trail up close and immerse yourself in a trekking adventure that will remain in your memory for a long time. One of the most beautiful crossings of the Alps awaits you on this trekking tour. In eight days and six hiking stages, you hike – partly in the high alpine area – from Oberstdorf in Bavaria to Meran in South Tyrol. A unique highlight for all experienced hikers.

Highlights of the trekking tour Crossing of the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Merano

  • Heart palpitations on the Holzgau suspension bridge: right on the first day’s stage, you cross the highest and longest pedestrian suspension bridge in all of Austria.
  • Culinary delights in South Tyrol: This cross-border trekking holiday takes you from Bavaria to beautiful South Tyrol. Typical South Tyrolean hospitality and wonderful culinary delights such as tasty dumpling dishes or excellent South Tyrolean wines await you here.
  • Experience original nature up close: On this trekking tour, the route leads partly through high alpine regions. So you can experience nature – far away from the crowds – particularly intensively. More information about hiking in the Alps at a glance.

Useful information for Crossing of the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Merano

This hiking holiday is assigned our level of difficulty ‘Trekking’ and requires a good level of fitness, as well as surefootedness and a head for heights. The daily stages are planned to last around four to six hours and partly lead through the high alpine area. Note: From the third hiking stage, you can choose a more relaxed option for the route if you wish, or use public transport.

Trekking
Trekking
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Self-guided Tour
Tanja Haring
Tanja Haring
+43 6219 60877 165 Contact
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Itinerary

Seize the afternoon for a stroll through Oberstdorf or already scent the alpine air at the Nebelhorn to get you in the right mood.

Through the marvellous Allgäu Alps along on an impressive trail through the Sperrbachtobel ravine steadily ascending to the hut Kemptner Hütte. At the pass crossing Mädelejoch you cross the border into Austria, where a descent with great views awaits down into the Lechtal-valley. Via a spectacular chain bridge you reach Holzgau and there get to marvel at the colourful painted houses on the village square.

 

approx. 6 hours
14 km
990 m
900 m

Along remote alp roads you hike deep into the dairly alps area situated in the heart of the Lechtal Alps. The route takes you to the pass crossing at the hut Leutkircher Hütte, where you enjoy a break in the quaint mountaineers‘ base. Then you descend towards the Arlberg and finally on the Way of St. James to St. Jakob. A placid bus ride takes you towards the valley into the Inntal river valley.

approx. 5.5 hours
14 km
900 m
1.100 m

A cable car ride takes you up to an altitude of 2000 metres. The ridgeway across the Venet is breathtaking, 360° panorama onto snow-capped mountains and jagged peaks. You climb two summits and then take a rest at the alp surrounded by cow bells. A stunning meadow- and forest path takes you to Wenns in the Pitztal-valley.

 

approx. 4.5 - 5 hours
11 km
350 m
1.490 m

After a short bus ride you hike along the panorama path steadily ascending to the hut Braunschweiger Hütte. After a break there you proceed to the highest point of the holiday, the Pitztaler Jöchl on an altitude of just under 3000 metres. A nice hiking path leads you through the Rettenbach further downhill, until you master the final metres in altitude into the Ötztal-valley by bus or cable car. Alternatively to the alpine route you can explore the Pitzenklamm-ravine along the Luis Trenker-trail, along the river Inn into the area prone to rock falls Sautner Forchet. Via the idyllic Lake Piburger See and the spectacular bridge Wallner Brücke along the roaring river Ötztaler Ache into the valley.

approx. 6 hours
13 km
1.250 m
950 m

Along the old smugglers‘ trails via the Timmelsjoch to Italy. Stunning paths lead you through the sunny Timmelstal-valley to the pass on an altitude of 2500 metres. A marvellous descent through the impressive alpine scenery and flower meadows, surrounded by steep, towering rockfaces. Steadily headed for the valley you hike across the upper Passeiertal-valley and enjoy South Tyrolean hospitality over a well-earned dinner.

 

approx. 5 to 5.5 hours
15 km
1.000 m
1.000 m

Along the footsteps of the freedom fighter Andreas Hofer you ascend to the alp Pfandleralm. Along forest trails to the Riffel, where a breathtaking high-altitude path starts: panoramic views as far as the eye can see. After a break at the hut Hirzerhütte you descend by cable car towards the valley and take the bus to Merano.

approx. 6 hours
14 km
1.490 m
250 m

Tour character

Alpine hikes with walking times between 4 to 6 hours. In parts you hike in high-Alpine areas, for this hiking experience is necessary. Surefootedness, a head for heights and a good fitness level are prerequisite. The first two hiking days diplay an alpine nature, on all other days you have the option to go for a more leisurely alternative route in the valley, as well as optionally shorten the route by public transport.

Prices and events

All data for 2024 at a glance
Place of arrival: Oberstdorf
  Season 1
16.06.2024 - 23.06.2024
26.08.2024 - 08.09.2024

Arrival Thursday and Sunday
Season 2
24.06.2024 - 25.08.2024

Arrival Thursday and Sunday
Crossing of the Alps E5:Oberstdorf - Merano, 8 days, Charm, DE-ALWOM-08D
Base price
1,599.00
1,759.00
Surcharge single room 489.00 489.00

You spend the night in specially selected hotels with special "extras" and can enjoy all the facilities of the charming accommodations (see "Accommodation").

Season 1
Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 8, 2024
Arrival Thursday and Sunday
Season 2
Jun 24, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
Arrival Thursday and Sunday
Crossing of the Alps E5:Oberstdorf - Merano, 8 days, Charm, DE-ALWOM-08D
Base price
Surcharge single room
1,599.00
489.00
1,759.00
489.00

You spend the night in specially selected hotels with special "extras" and can enjoy all the facilities of the charming accommodations (see "Accommodation").

Season 1
Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 8, 2024
Season 2
Jun 24, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
Oberstdorf
Double room p. P.
Surcharge single room
Meran
Double room p. P.
Surcharge single room
189.00
129.00
189.00
29.00
189.00
129.00
209.00
29.00
Additional nights
Place of arrival: Oberstdorf
  Season 1
Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 8, 2024

Arrival Thursday and Sunday
Season 2
Jun 24, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024

Arrival Thursday and Sunday
Oberstdorf
Double room p. P. 189.00 189.00
Surcharge single room 129.00 129.00
Meran
Double room p. P. 189.00 209.00
Surcharge single room 29.00 29.00
Prices per person in EUR

Services and infos

Services

Included:

  • Overnight stays as stated
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • 1x original „Lechweg“-cheese from the organic dairy Sojer in Steeg
  • 1x ascent by cable car Venet
  • 1x descent by cable car Hirzer
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras:

  • Mass transfer (with central point for access and exit) from Merano to Oberstdorf (min. 2 persons, daily), cost per person EUR 55 per dog EUR 19, reservation necessary, payable in advance.
Infos

Arrival / Parking / Departure:

  • Arrival by train in Oberstdorf and in a few minutes‘ walk or a short bus ride to your start hotel.
  • Munich airport, by train in approx. 2.5 hours to Oberstdorf or Memmingen airport, approx. 1 hour journey time by train.
  • Parking: limited number of hotel parking spaces free of charge, no reservation possible. Near the hotel there are fee-based parking options, cost approx. € 7 per day.
  • Return journey from Merano to Oberstdorf by train in approx. 8 hours (3x change of trains).

Things to note:

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Special dates on request
  • Journeys by public transport, cost approx. EUR 15 per person
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Accommodation

From our hiking blog

Contact & booking
Do you still have questions about the tour? We are happy to help and look forward to your inquiry.
Tanja Haring
"I will help you with the planning of your holidays with advice and action"
Tanja Haring, Travel specialist
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