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.
Through the marvellous Allgäu Alps along on an impressive trail through the Sperrbachtobel ravine steadilyascending 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Day
8
Departure or extra days
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.
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").
Season1
Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 8, 2024
Arrival Thursday and Sunday
Season2
Jun 24, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
Arrival Thursday and Sunday
Crossing of the Alps E5:Oberstdorf - Merano, 8 days, Charm, DE-ALWOM-08D
You spend the night in specially selected hotels with special "extras" and can enjoy all the facilities of the charming accommodations (see "Accommodation").
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
Hotel Filser Oberstdorf
★★★★
The hotel is located in a very quiet location and offers a fantastic view of the mountains.
Hotel Filser Oberstdorf
★★★★
The hotel is located in a very quiet location and offers a fantastic view of the mountains.The rooms of the hotel are stylishly and comfortably furnished and exude a special charm. In the wellness area you can relax in the Finnish sauna and swimming pool and end the day perfectly. In the hotel restaurant numerous delicacies are prepared fresh and with passion.
The Lechquell Hotel Post is always up to date and yet traditional, with a lot of commitment and passion, familiar and friendly.
Lechquell Hotel Post Steeg
★★★★
The Lechquell Hotel Post is always up to date and yet traditional, with a lot of commitment and passion, familiar and friendly. Situated in the picturesque location amidst the Lechtal Alps you can recharge your batteries in the extensive spa area. In the rustic tavern you can enjoy excellent Austrian cuisine and end the evening with a exquisite glass of wine.
Located amidst the Tyrolean mountain world Hotel Enzian awaits with its regional style interior featuring modern comfort rooms and a wellness area with a bathing pond to recuperate.
Hotel Enzian Landeck
★★★★
Located amidst the Tyrolean mountain world Hotel Enzian awaits with its regional style interior featuring modern comfort rooms and a wellness area with a bathing pond to recuperate. In the evening you are spoilt with local specialities in the homely atmosphere of the public room decorated in wood. Tyrolean hospitality is top of the list here.
Located directly on the lake and with its own wellness area with infrared cabin, panorama sauna and hydrotherapy pool, you can enjoy a pleasant break from everyday life.
Biohotel Stillebach Pitztal
★★★
The 3-star hotel is located at 1,400 meters above sea level and is surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape. Located directly on the lake and with its own wellness area with infrared cabin, panorama sauna and hydrotherapy pool, you can enjoy a pleasant break from everyday life. The spacious rooms are partly furnished with Swiss pine wood and promise heavenly nights. The hotel is the only 100% certified organic hotel in Pitztal and enchants its guests with a nature experience that begins right outside the front door.
The dreamlike natural setting creates a space where relaxation and having a good time comes easily. The spa, a slow paced oasis, nicely rounds off the offerings here.
Grauer Bär Gasthof & Restaurant Ötztal
★★★★
Nature takes centre stage here. Inspired by the Ötztal Alps, the rooms are furnished with lots of wood, stone and other natural materials. The dreamlike natural setting creates a space where relaxation and having a good time comes easily. The spa, a slow paced oasis, nicely rounds off the offerings here. You can easily spend an eventful day here enjoying your time in one of the saunas or Turkish baths.
Immerse yourself in a relaxed atmosphere with a family ambience. The family-run hotel offers pleasurable moments as well as a place to relax in the over 3,000 m² wellness landscape.
Wiesenhof Garden Resort Passeiertal
★★★★
Pure vacation enjoyment awaits you here. Immerse yourself in a relaxed atmosphere with a family ambience. The family-run hotel offers pleasurable moments as well as a place to relax in the over 3,000 m² wellness landscape. In the lovingly furnished rooms, guests will find an oasis of well-being, the element of wood provides a pleasantly perceived warmth in the rooms.
A jewel with historical charm and at the same time Meran's first hotel. Each of the 49 rooms is unique and impresses with its sophisticated art nouveau architecture.
In the listed Hotel Adria Merano you walk in the footsteps of the "Belle Époque". A jewel with historical charm and at the same time Meran's first hotel. Each of the 49 rooms is unique and impresses with its sophisticated art nouveau architecture. At the Kulthotel, real gourmets get their money's worth: South Tyrolean specialities are served in the restaurant, and the bathing pavilion with swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam bath ensures relaxing hours.