Travel Story: Dream Trails Across the Alps

WHEN THE MOUNTAINS CALL

Sometimes the best experiences are the ones that happen spontaneously—and that was exactly the case this time. Last summer, a meeting with a business partner brought me to Kitzbühel. With the sight of the Tyrolean mountains and the promise of perfect weather, nothing could stop me from taking an active break. Immediately after my meetings, I headed for Innsbruck; being active in nature is the perfect way for me to balance my professional responsibilities.As Managing Director, it is very important to me to personally experience as many of our cycling and hiking tours as possible, which is why I hit the trails on several different routes every year.

Of course, my schedule doesn’t always allow me to complete an entire route from start to finish. This time, I opted for a shorter version starting in Innsbruck. For insights into the first two stages, feel free to read the travel story by our Product Manager, Christina.

Although this journey won’t officially be offered until June 2026, I had the opportunity to experience this wonderful Transalpine crossing in July 2025. It wasn't without its challenges, though: since our luggage logistics won't be in place until the official tour launch, I had to carry my own pack this time. Believe me—I truly missed the convenience of the reliable luggage transfer provided by our on-site representatives!

From the Golden Roof to the rustic Gschnitz Valley

I always enjoy returning to Innsbruck. Strolling through the narrow streets, enjoying a coffee at one of the charming cafés, and stopping by the golden roof (Goldenes Dachl) while wandering through the Old Town are all part of the experience for me. I tackle the first ascent comfortably with the Serlesbahn cable car, and already at the mountain station I’m rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of the striking peaks of the Nordkette. Many people likely associate the Brenner Mountains with the Brenner Pass—the route often taken when driving south toward a seaside vacation. What most don’t realize is that the valleys tucked between these ridges hide villages of extraordinary peace and simplicity. That’s part of what makes each day of this Alpine crossing so special: every stage carries you from one picturesque valley, over a mountain ridge, into the next, until you finally cross the main Alpine range into Italy. The scenery along the way is breathtakingly diverse—an experience you rarely find anywhere else.

From the Serlesbahn cable car in the Stubai Valley high above Innsbruck, the route first leads me to the idyllic Maria Waldrast Church and then over the Blumenberg Blaser, which lives up to its name with a vibrant carpet of blossoms. Finally, I reach the rustic Gschnitz Valley, a charming Austrian mountain village. The striking frescoes on the farmhouses immediately catch my eye, almost delightfully kitschy, recalling the classic backdrops of old Alpine films.

Female hiker in red jacket with backpack on wooden terrace in Mieders, Koppeneck. Alpine peaks and forest visible under blue sky with clouds.

Rocky Serles mountain peak in the Stubai Alps with snow patches, surrounded by dense green conifer forest under a blue sky with white clouds.

Female hiker with pink backpack and trekking poles on mountain trail near Mieders, with Karwendel mountain range and forests in background.

Maria Waldrast church with white tower in Matrei, surrounded by green alpine meadows with wildflowers and wooden fence, forested mountains behind.

In the Heart of the Stubai Alps

My day begins peacefully on the St. Romedius Pilgrimage Trail. During the somewhat steeper ascent toward the Truna Hut and onward to the Truna Pass, I simply can’t get enough of the breathtaking Alpine panorama. At first, the view is dominated by the snow-capped Olperer peak, which stays with me the entire way.

As I descend toward the Gschnitz Valley, the imposing Tribulaun mountains come into focus—a striking group of peaks in the Stubai Alps on the border between North and South Tyrol. These massive dark rock towers loom so majestically that I find myself stopping again and again just to take in the scenery.

From a distance, I spot the small church in the Obernberg Valley, my destination for the day, which becomes clearer with every step. If I had to pick a favorite valley on this Transalpine crossing, it would be this one, as it is the most untouched of them all. My accommodation, "Almi's Berghotel," fits the picture perfectly: traditional, rustic, and welcoming—exactly what you would hope for in the heart of the Tyrolean mountains. Even at the breakfast table, you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views that make you eager to head back out and explore.

Female hiker with pink backpack and trekking poles on mountain ridge in Gschnitztal, overlooking Alpine peaks and green valley below.

Alpine meadow with pink wildflowers and evergreen trees in Gschnitztal near Trins. Rocky mountain peaks visible under blue sky with clouds.

Female hiker with backpack walking on gravel path through green Alpine meadow with purple wildflowers near Trins, mountain ranges in background.

Two brown and white cows grazing on a green alpine meadow near Trins, with forested mountain slopes and snow-capped peaks in the background.

Alpine meadow with white wildflowers and wooden huts in Gschnitztal valley, surrounded by mountains and forests under blue sky.

Female hiker with red backpack and trekking poles on wooden bridge overlooking turquoise Obernberger See with mountains and forest.

SOLO HIKING: MY PERSONAL RETREAT

I usually love exploring the mountains with my partner—after all, we share a deep passion for nature and hiking. And yet, sometimes it feels incredibly good to simply be on my own. When I travel solo, I find I can take in the natural surroundings even more mindfully, making time for reflection and lingering in the silence of a beautiful resting spot to truly enjoy the scenery.

Often, we as women hesitate to travel alone. If you feel that same desire for a solo getaway, I encourage you to follow that feeling. With Eurohike, you benefit from perfect organization and always have a local point of contact available. This allows you to enjoy all the perks of solo travel while knowing you’re never truly on your own.

Hiking vacation for Solo-Travelers

From the Obernberg Valley to Italy

I had been looking forward to this stage even as I drifted off to sleep the night before, because today meant crossing the main Alpine ridge. A highlight awaited me right at the start of the route—the picturesque Lake Obernberg. The trail then winds over blooming alpine meadows and pastures up to the Sandjöchl Pass, rising over 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) and marking the border with Italy. Old World War II fortifications stand as reminders of less idyllic times, offering history enthusiasts fascinating glimpses into the past.

By the time I reach Gossensass, the Mediterranean influence is unmistakable: a hint of Italian dolce vita lingers in the air, and even on the culinary side, pizza and pasta blend seamlessly alongside traditional Tyrolean specialties.

View of the valley from Sandjöchl towards the mountains and flowers

Wooden summit cross on Sandjöchl with panoramic view of Alpine peaks and green valleys under a blue sky with white clouds.

Female hiker with red backpack walking on mountain path in Obernberg. Green meadows, forests, and dramatic Alpine peaks under blue sky.

Hiking path along a mountain stream in Obernberg valley with a church featuring a red steeple, surrounded by meadows and Alpine peaks.

Over the Vallmingalm to Sterzing

Early in the morning, the Ladurns cable car whisked me high into the mountains. Once at the top, I caught sight of the Tribulaun peaks from a fresh perspective—this time from the Italian side. The trail toward the Vallming Alms offers one postcard-perfect view after another. Stopping at one of the small alpine huts for a break, I was served delicious South Tyrolean specialties—the perfect spot to rest and a great opportunity to chat with the friendly local innkeepers. The path continues toward Monte Cavallo, leading back to the Ladurns mountain station. There, a high-speed thrill awaits: a summer toboggan run (Sommerrodelbahn) down to the middle station. Naturally, I couldn’t resist, and I highly recommend giving it a try yourself! From there, the cable car carries you the rest of the way down into Sterzing.

Overflowing with impressions and grateful for the stunning landscapes I’d experienced over the past few days, I spent the evening wandering through the town’s historic arcaded streets and treated myself to a celebratory Aperol Spritz on the piazza. Salute!

Mountain settlement with traditional huts on green alpine meadows below forested peaks. Winding paths connect the buildings in the valley.

Traditional alpine hut Wolter Alm with stone walls and wooden roof. Austrian flag waves in front, green mountain slopes and blue sky in background.

Outdoor café terrace in Sterzing with pink backpack, snacks and drink on table. Colorful historic buildings and umbrellas in background.

Hiker with red backpack in Sterzing's pedestrian zone. Historic tower visible in background, shops line cobblestone street.

MY FAVORITE SPOT

On the stretch from the Gschnitz Valley to the Obernberg Valley, I had already marveled at the sight of the imposing Olperer. It’s right here, just before reaching Lake Lichtsee, that I’ve found my personal favorite spot. Lush green meadows, colorful alpine wildflowers, the deep blue waters of the small mountain lake, and the striking peak in the background—all in one view. A sight that perfectly captures everything I love about the Alps.

Female hiker with backpack and poles on grassy mountain slope. Alpine peaks and small lake visible in background under blue sky with clouds.