Travel story: Hiking the E5 with the whole family

Inn Valley: Imst and the Rosengarten Gorge

Our journey begins in the Inn Valley. In Imst, we set off immediately through the Rosengarten Gorge. It’s utterly magical, with water rushing around us, narrow rock walls, and so many mysterious sounds echoing through the canyon. We can’t help imagining that behind every corner, there might be dwarves or fairies hiding!

At the top in Hoch-Imst, our first major highlight awaits: the Alpine Coaster summer toboggan run. We each ride alone, racing down the track with a delighted “woohoo!” all the way into the valley.

In the evening, we enjoy a rather splendid dinner at the hotel, and we all agree: if the first day is already this much fun, the rest is going to be truly amazing.

Woman crouching on rocky path under massive limestone overhang in Rosengartenschlucht near Imst, with wooden fence and valley view.

Female hiker in purple top and white cap on wooden walkway through narrow rocky gorge with wooden bridges in Rosengartenschlucht near Imst.

Two hikers with backpacks viewing a historic fountain statue in Imst. Arrow marking on street points toward Schlöcht.

Two hikers with backpacks walking along a rocky stream in Rosengartenschlucht gorge near Imst, surrounded by lush green vegetation and rock walls.

Two children riding colorful sleds on an alpine coaster track in Imst, with cable cars and forested mountains in the background.

Ötztal: On to Sölden

After a short bus ride, we start in Roppen and make our way through the Sautner Forchet. The forest is so dense and mysterious that we feel like we’ve stepped into an adventure movie. A truly special moment is arriving at Lake Piburg. Originally, we had planned to go for a swim, but since it’s raining, we swap the lake for hot cocoa and cake at the lakeside house, not a bad alternative at all. We then continue across the Weller Bridge, where the Ötztal Ache rushes loudly beneath us. When we arrive in Sölden, we immediately fall in love with our hotel. There’s even a room where real skis from world champions are on display, and we start guessing right away who they might have belonged to.

. In the evening, there’s pizza, and we’re really proud of how far we’ve already hiked. The next day, we take the gondola high up into the mountains, and one of the coolest things is that the ride is included with the Ötztal Summer Card. At the top, we set out on a loop hike toward the Gampa Thaya Alm. Unfortunately, we’re out of luck, as it’s closed for the day. But it turns out to be a blessing in disguise: back at the mountain station, we discover the James Bond exhibition and enjoy an incredible view from the terrace. As a little extra, there’s even dessert waiting for us. Sometimes a change of plan can turn out really great after all.

Family of three hiking along rocky shore of Piburger See with forest-covered hills in background. Purple wildflowers frame the scene.

Hiker with backpack on wooden bridge at Wellerbrücke in Ötztal. Wooden sign visible, rocky gorge with rushing water and lush forest in background.

Woman with braided hair in blue jacket viewing a narrow stream flowing through lush green forest near Sautens on the E5 Alpine crossing route.

Three hikers standing in front of a traditional Alpine guesthouse in Sautens with wooden balconies decorated with pink and red flowers.

Passeier Valley: Snow, Gorges, and Sunshine

We originally planned to hike over the Timmelsjoch, but the weather has other ideas: snow in August! So instead, we take the bus and admire the snow covered mountains through the window. At the pass, we’re allowed to step out for a moment—it’s 39°F (4°C), and a freezing wind is blowing.

From Moos, we’re back on our own two feet. The Passeier Gorge is one of the coolest parts of the whole journey: huge rock walls, rushing waterfalls, and we even build little stone cairns along the way. In St. Leonhard, we have our first South Tyrolean pizza, followed by a huge spa area at the hotel that we make the most of.

On the last day, we hike up to the Pfandleralm. Finally, sunshine, shorts, and a really great lunch. On the way down, we race to see who can get back to the hotel pool first (Anna wins😉).

Young girl in blue hoodie crouching on moss-covered rocks, placing stones on a cairn in a lush green forest setting in Passeier Gorge.

Family of three hikers resting on smooth rock beside mountain stream in Passer Gorge. Green vegetation covers rocky cliffs above the water.

Two hikers with backpacks on a bridge viewing the Passer Gorge, surrounded by dense forest and a mountain stream below.

Road at Timmelsjoch Pass with colorful sticker-covered sign and mountain building. Snow-dusted rocky peaks visible in misty background.

Three hikers walking on a mountain trail along Passer Gorge. A metal railing separates the path from a rocky stream below, with steep cliffs above.

Rocky cliff with wild vegetation overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Garda under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Conclusion:

The E5 Mini Transalp is an adventure with everything you could wish for: wild gorges, sparkling lakes, snow in the middle of summer, a toboggan run, relaxing spa moments, and so much time in nature. We realize that hiking isn’t just “uphill and downhill.” It’s full of little surprises along the way.

In the evenings, we find ourselves wondering what should we do next year, cycling or hiking again? Whatever it is, one thing is certain: a family vacation in the mountains is simply the best!

Our Favorite Place

Sometimes, a detour can lead to the most beautiful destination. We had actually planned something else, but the weather had other ideas and that turned out to be our good fortune. Without the rain, we would never have stumbled upon this route, and we would have missed a place that amazed us immediately: the Passeier Gorge.

Hidden and untouched, it feels like a secret world all to ourselves. Wild rocks, little peaceful nooks, and the gentle trickle of water everywhere. A place that makes you want to stop, take a deep breath and marvel at the view. Sometimes, it takes a gray, rainy sky to stumble upon a corner of the world that’s truly magical.

Two hikers resting on large rocks in Passer Gorge surrounded by lush green forest, with a waterfall visible in the background.