Crossing the Alps on Foot

across the main Alpine ridge

Vallming Alm and Monte Cavallo

Resumée

Across the Ridge and into Italy

A new day, a new adventure. Today, the route leads across the main Alpine ridge into Italy, and I set off full of anticipation. A long stage lies ahead, with plenty to discover. I begin along a meadow path, passing the picturesque church of Obernberg. Ahead, jagged, snow-dusted peaks and rugged ridgelines rise into view. Where exactly will the route cross?

Before long, I reach Lake Obernberg, a true natural gem shimmering in a striking turquoise that almost feels Caribbean. It’s no surprise that many day trippers gather here, but I soon leave them behind after passing the idyllic photo spots with the small chapel set in the lake. Step by step, I continue toward the Sandjöchl. There is still plenty of elevation gain ahead, and from afar I can already make out the ridge high above. The trail winds upward in gentle switchbacks across alpine meadows until I reach my first goal of the day, the Sandjöchl, perched at over 6,560 feet (2,000 meters).

At the top, my eyes are immediately drawn to the border marker. The inscription “Ö” for Österreich and “I” marks the border between Austria and Italy. A photo here is a must, capturing the moment with one foot in Austria and the other already in Italy. Both signposts, on the Austrian and Italian sides, point toward Gossensass, my destination for the day.

From here, the trail descends more than 3,610 feet (1,100 meters) through forested slopes, winding its way down in a series of curves. After about an hour and a half, I join the Camino de Santiago route that crosses the Brenner Pass. The final stretch feels almost like a pilgrimage as I make my way to the day’s end.

Welcome to Italy, benvenuti! Gossensass is a small village with a small shop, a few restaurants and small hotels, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. It is also the first village south of the Brenner Pass, nestled at the entrance to the charming Pflersch Valley.

Small chapel on a forested hill beside the turquoise Obernbergersee lake, with rocky mountain peaks and coniferous forest under blue sky.

Smiling woman in turquoise jacket at Sandjöchl summit cross (2165m). Mountain slopes and distant peaks visible under cloudy sky.

Nikolauskirche church with red-topped tower on green hillside in Obernberg am Brenner, surrounded by meadows, forests, and mountain village.

Hiker's feet in blue pants and hiking boots standing on a white border stone marker embedded in rocky ground with grass and moss.

Clear mountain stream flowing through green meadow with hiking path alongside. Alpine peaks and conifer forests visible under cloudy sky in Oberntal.

Rustic Alpine Huts, South Tyrolean Specialties, and Historic Lanes

On the final stage, there are many possible route variations. You can trust me to find the most beautiful routes for you. For me, that means carefully studying maps and, above all, testing several options on the ground myself. It may take a few days, but that is exactly what makes my job so exciting, and it continually motivates me to discover the most impressive places when developing new journeys.

I take on the bad-weather option right on the first day, as it is a bit foggy at higher elevations. I follow the Camino de Santiago, passing a waterfall and walking comfortably through fields and forests before reaching Sterzing. From there, I take the train back to Gossensass, already looking forward to the next day when I explore the standard route.

Today I set out to explore the route from Gossensass up to the Vallming Alm huts. The forest ascent is very pleasant, and I also have the option of starting directly in the village. The small cluster of huts at Vallming Alm, known locally as “Kasern” (alpine huts), is truly charming. Three of the huts are run as mountain inns and all offer locally produced specialties. Fresh alpine milk and a delicious piece of cake are, for me, simply part of any hiking break. During a conversation with the friendly innkeeper, I am already considering an optional detour to Monte Cavallo, which we are planning as a third route variation.

Traditional alpine village Vallmingalm with stone-roofed buildings on green meadows, surrounded by forests and snow-capped mountains.

For the final part of my explorations, the weather is finally on my side, and I set out on the last stage, hopefully along the most beautiful route of all. From Gossensass, I hike a short distance into the Pflersch Valley to the Ladurns cable car. Once at the top, I finally reach the much-praised high trail I have been looking forward to. A narrow path winds through alpine pine groves, gently rising and falling along the ridgelines. Again and again, breathtaking views open up into the valley below and toward the striking peaks of the Tribulaun mountains.

The varied trail leads me back to the Vallming Alm, which I already visited the day before. Today I stop at the Baron-Kaser and enjoy a traditional alpine dish of polenta. For dessert, I treat myself to a raspberry cake and a large cappuccino. I would happily stay here forever, watching the cows graze, but I still want to experience the route up to Rosskopf today and reach the cable car in time for the ride down to Sterzing.

Just below the summit lies the “wish bell,” where visitors can send a wish for peace ringing out into the valley while enjoying sweeping views of the snow-covered mountain ranges. The acoustics here are truly remarkable. The panoramic platform at the summit is reached via a well-maintained path. Only the final short section to the summit cross is a little more demanding, as the ridge becomes narrow. But after just a few steps, I reach the top. Ciao Monte Cavallo! A fitting finale to this wonderful Alpine crossing. The 360-degree panorama is breathtaking, stretching all the way to the Dolomites. From here, it is only a short distance to the Rosskopf cable car station, and I glide effortlessly back down into the valley.

Bronze wishing bell and wooden swing on Rosskopf mountain with panoramic view of snow-capped Alpine peaks and green valleys below.

Essential Finale: Gelato and Wood-Fired Pizza in Sterzing

From the valley station of the cable car, I stroll through the town gate beneath the Zwölferturm into the charming old town of Sterzing. Well-kept cobblestone streets and picturesque rows of houses, lined with inviting shops and restaurants, give the town a distinctly Italian flair. Here I finally discover the traditional “gelato originale,” authentic homemade Italian ice cream. In my view, this is a well-deserved reward for every Alpine crossing at the finish line.

After checking in at the hotel, I head back into the center once more for a legendary wood-fired pizza and a final drink, celebrating this wonderful and eventful new hiking journey across the Alps in style.

If you can cross the Alps on foot in just one week, who would still want to drive over the Brenner motorway to Italy in just a few hours? 😊 Wishing you all lots of joy out on the trails!

Two blue cable cars above Sterzing with mountain panorama. The town nestles in a valley surrounded by green Alpine peaks under a cloudy sky.

Blue backpack beside panorama information board at mountain viewpoint near Gossensass, with snow-capped peaks and green valley below.

Summary and Reflections on Long-Distance Hiking

Highlights

For me, the most impressive part of this new tour is the countless mountain passes and ridges you conquer under your own power. Reaching the highest point of a stage after a long ascent is always a special moment, a small personal triumph. Looking back at the distance covered on foot, while gazing ahead toward unknown peaks and ranges stretching to the horizon, creates a sense of vastness and freedom that is truly hard to put into words.

Less Is More

This journey does not extend as far as Merano or Venice. Instead, it leads through lesser-known mountain regions, along quieter paths, and through less-visited places. It is precisely this calm, seclusion, and sense of authenticity that, for me, gives it its special appeal. I believe that sometimes, less truly is more.

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

Stages of the Journey

I also especially appreciate the varied overnight stops, each offering its own distinct atmosphere. The two Olympic towns of Garmisch and Innsbruck provide an exciting contrast to the traditional mountain villages of Trins and Obernberg. The small Brenner village of Gossensass, along with the charming holiday towns of Mittenwald and Sterzing, round out the selection of stage destinations in a very harmonious way.

Breaks Along the Way

The opportunities for breaks along the route are wonderfully varied, from traditional Bavarian mountain inns and Alpine Club huts in the Karwendel to rustic wooden huts in Tyrol and the Italian alpine hamlet of Vallming Alm. Everywhere, it is well worth pausing for a moment and taking in the energy of the mountain world. It restores strength for the journey ahead, just as much as a hearty snack and homemade pastries.

Colourful alleyways and a relaxed atmosphere in Sterzing

Turquoise Obernberger See surrounded by coniferous forest with dramatic mountain peaks in the background under a blue sky with white clouds.

Why All the Effort?

An Alpine crossing is always a journey to oneself as well as a shared journey with fellow hikers. There are few places where you get to know yourself and others as deeply as in the mountains, far away from the distractions of everyday life. Everything is reduced to the essentials: putting one foot in front of the other and letting the breath flow steadily. Thoughts come and go freely, awareness of the body becomes sharper, and conversations naturally gain depth.

What makes long-distance hiking so special is difficult to put into words. You really need to experience it yourself. I can only encourage everyone to embrace this adventure.

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Wooden trail signs with red-white markings at Rosskopf mountain station, showing directions to various hiking routes beside a pond.

Hiking path beside a stream leading to Nikolauskirche church in Obernberg am Brenner, with green meadows, pine trees, and mountains.

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