Hiking on the Long-Distance Hiking Path E5

80 kilometers

Oberstdorf - Merano

3.200 Kilometers

Total length of the E5 from Brittany to Verona

2.996 Meters

Highest point: Pitztaler Jöchl

Three countries – one path

Germany, Austria, and Italy

June to September

Best time to travel

Route & Itinerary

Stretching 3,200 kilometers (1,988 miles), the E5 is one of Europe’s longest and most celebrated long-distance hiking paths. Its most popular section leads from Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region, across Tyrol, to Merano in South Tyrol.

Over approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles), hikers traverse the main Alpine ridge—along panoramic high paths, dramatic gorges, narrow ridges, and alpine passes. Highlights include the suspension bridge at Holzgau, the ridge hike on the Venet, the high-alpine Pitztaler Jöchl (9,826 ft), and crossing the Timmelsjoch into Italy.

This route is challenging, demanding sure-footedness, a head for heights, and solid physical fitness. Several stages can be shortened using valley alternatives or public transportation.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All Tours on the E5

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All tours on the E5

Questions and Answers about hiking the E5

What is the total length of the E5?

The total length of the E5 long-distance hiking trail is around 3.200 kilometres. On our Crossing the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Meran – the absolute classic on the E5 – you cover a hiking distance of 81 kilometres in six stages.

What special highlights do you come across when hiking on the E5?

The trekking tour on the E5 offers particularly unforgettable highlights every day. The mountain world along your route from Germany to Italy changes daily, sometimes hourly. Flora and fauna present themselves in a particularly diverse shape – a fantastic experience.

Where is the E5 located?

The entire E5 long-distance hiking trail stretches across France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy. Our eight-day Crossing the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Meran takes you from Bavaria in Germany, to Tyrol in Austria and finally to neighbouring South Tyrol in Italy.

Which target group is the E5 trekking suitable for?

The eight-day Crossing the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Meran is assigned our hiking character ‘trekking’ and offers the ideal break in alpine nature, especially for experienced mountain hikers with good stamina. Surefootedness, a head for heights and good hiking equipment are required for this demanding trekking holiday.

How long are the respective daily stages along the E5: Oberstdorf – Meran?

The daily stages on the hiking holiday Crossing the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Meran are planned to last 4.5 to 6 hours. The initial two hiking stages lead you through alpine areas, the following hiking days can be replaced by a more leisurely valley variant if you wish, or you can also use public transport as an alternative.

At what time of the year is a hiking holiday on the E5 particularly recommended?

Due to the altitude profile, our Crossing the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Meran can be booked from June to September.

How is the route/stage along the E5?

The route of the hiking holiday Crossing the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Meran takes you in eight days, six stages and daily walking times of around 4.5 to 6 hours from the Allgäu region through Tyrol to South Tyrol.

In which hotels / accommodations do you stay when hiking along the E5 long-distance hiking trail?

Along the Crossing the Alps E5: Oberstdorf - Meran you stay in beautiful 3***, as well as 4**** hotels and accommodations.

A hiker enjoys the view of Sims Waterfall in the Lech Valley

Mountain panorama near Steeg in the Lech Valley

The Most Beautiful Places Along the E5

Oberstdorf

The Alpine crossing begins in the Allgäu region. Surrounded by towering peaks, this charming village is a popular starting point for mountain tours. Many hikers set off on the first stage of the E5 from here.

Holzgau

Nestled in the Tyrolean Lech Valley, Holzgau is the next stop after the ascent from Oberstdorf. The village is best known for its suspension bridge over the Höhenbach Gorge. At 200 meters (656 ft) long and 110 meters (361 ft) high, it is the longest bridge of its kind in Austria. For many hikers, crossing it becomes one of the most unforgettable moments of the first days on the E5.

Pitztal

After several days in the mountains, hikers reach the Pitztal. The crossing of the Pitztaler Jöchl at nearly 3,000 meters (9,826 ft) marks the highest point of the entire Oberstdorf-to-Merano route and leads directly into dramatic high-alpine landscapes.

Ötztal – Timmelsjoch

From Vent in the Ötztal, the trail continues over the Timmelsjoch into South Tyrol. At 2,500 meters (8,202 ft), you cross the border into Italy. The pass offers sweeping views and is a highlight of the Alpine crossing.

Passeiertal

Beyond the Timmelsjoch, the Passeiertal unfolds. After the high-alpine passes, this section is gentler, with orchards, meadows, and quaint villages. The Southern influence of the landscape and culture becomes increasingly apparent.

Merano

Merano marks the end of the E5 Alpine crossing. Situated at the transition from the Alps to the Mediterranean, the town welcomes hikers with a mild climate, a historic old town, and delicious South Tyrolean cuisine—an ideal reward after days in the mountains.

The Most Scenic Stages on the E5

Oberstdorf – Steeg

14 Kilometers | ↗ 990 Meters Ascent | ↘ 900 Meters Descent

From Oberstdorf, the route steadily climbs through the Sperrbachtobel to the Kemptner Hütte. After a short break, it continues to the Mädelejoch, where you cross the border into Austria. A long descent opens up stunning views of the Lech Valley. Finally, you reach Steeg, the stage town known for its brightly painted houses, via the suspension bridge at Holzgau.

Steeg – St. Anton am Arlberg

↔ 15 Kilometers | ↗ 900 Meters Ascent | ↘ 1.100 Meters Descent

From Steeg, the route follows alpine paths deeper into the Lechtal Alps. The climb leads to the Leutkircher Hütte, a traditional base for mountaineers. After a pause, the descent heads toward the Arlberg, reaching St. Anton, a well-known winter sports town that becomes a quiet and welcoming starting point in summer.

St. Anton am Arlberg – Pitztal

↔ 11 Kilometers | ↗ 350 Meters Ascent | ↘ 1.490 Meters Descent

By train and cable car, the route first reaches Landeck, then continues up onto the Venet. The ridge trail provides sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Two smaller summits lie along the way before the route winds through alpine meadows and forests into the Pitztal.

Pitztal – Ötztal

↔ 13 Kilometers | ↗ 1.250 Meters Ascent | ↘ 950 Meters Descent

After a bus ride, the ascent begins to the Braunschweiger Hütte. From there, the trail climbs to the Pitztaler Jöchl (2,995 m / 9,826 ft), the highest point of the entire tour. The descent passes through the Rettenbachtal, where a bus or gondola can cover the final meters into the Ötztal. As an alternative to the high-alpine route, travelers can explore the Pitzenklamm and the picturesque Piburger See.

Ötztal – Passeiertal

↔ 15 Kilometers | ↗ 1.000 Meters Ascent | ↘ 1.000 Meters Descent

From Vent, the route follows historic passes toward the Timmelsjoch. At 2,500 meters (8,202 ft), the border into Italy is crossed. The descent leads through the Timmel Valley and down into the Passeiertal, where inns and hotels provide the first taste of South Tyrolean cuisine.

Passeiertal – Merano

↔ 14 Kilometers | ↗ 1.490 Meters Ascent | ↘ 250 Meters Descent

The final day begins with a stretch to the Pfandleralm, closely associated with the name Andreas Hofer. From there, the route continues along forest paths up to the Riffel. A high-altitude trail offers sweeping views of the Passeiertal and the South Tyrolean mountains. After a stop at the Hirzerhütte, a gondola takes travelers down to the valley, from where a bus carries them to Merano—the final destination of the Alpine crossing.

Why Choose to Hike the E5?

Three Countries – One Route

In just a few days, travel from Bavaria through Tyrol to Mediterranean South Tyrol.

Adrenaline & Adventure

The suspension bridge at Holzgau, the ridge trails on the Venet, and experience high-alpine passes.

Diverse Nature

From Allgäu meadows to high-alpine glacier regions and the sunny Passeiertal, the landscape constantly offers new impressions.

Tradition & Culture

Alpine huts, Tyrolean mountain villages, and South Tyrolean lifestyle — each region showcases its own history and traditions.

Culinary Highlights

From Allgäu Käsknöpfle to Tyrolean specialties and South Tyrolean delicacies, each stage offers a taste of local cuisine.

Travel Stories on the E5

August 12, 2025

Lifestyle & Health

Between Peaks and Pleasures – Culinary Hiking in South Tyrol

When you hike in South Tyrol, you don’t just experience stunning mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and sunny alpine meadows—you also enjoy culinary delights at every turn. Along the trails, cozy huts and traditional inns & guesthouses invite you to savor authentic South Tyrolean specialties: homemade Knödel (dumplings), flavorful Speck (smoked cured ham), fresh alpine cheese, and warm Apfelstrudel make every rest stop a memorable experience. In this article, we’ll show you delicious ways to perfectly combine hiking and indulgence.

Hiker on the E5 and with a view of the mountain panorama of the Alps

May 6, 2025

Team on Tour

Once Across the Alps

Together, we're standing at the starting point of a grand adventure: crossing the Alps on the E5 from Oberstdorf to Merano. It’s already my fourth tour with Eurohike— and definitely the toughest challenge so far. This time, I’m thrilled to have my aunt and uncle by my side once again, along with my colleague Julia, ready to take on the trail together. Find out what our trekking adventure had in store for us

Crossing the Alps on the E5 for families

March 10, 2025

Top Beginner Tours for Multi-Day Long-Distance Hiking

Long-distance hiking is more popular than ever. Across all directions, a diverse network of trails winds through Europe, offering a fantastic selection of routes for both leisurely hikers and ambitious trekking adventurers. The spectrum of long-distance trails ranges from breathtaking coastal paths and challenging Alpine crossings to meditative pilgrimage routes. Looking to start long-distance hiking? That’s a fantastic idea! In this article, we present the top beginner tours for multi-day long-distance hiking.

May 16, 2023

Team on Tour

Long-distance hiking path E5 Oberstdorf – Merano

From Munich or Salzburg you need around four hours to get to Merano by car, by train it’s about five hours. I on the other hand am spending a week with Eurohike for the crossing of the Alps E5 from Oberstdorf to Merano, because I’m voluntarily going by foot. Am I out of my mind? 😉

E5: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.