ALPINE CROSSING
Across the Alps in Six Stages
A challenging long-distance hike through the Alps on both well-known and hidden trails. Spend the night in rustic mountain huts and experience the stunning Alpine panorama up close. The perfect combination of physical challenge, wild beauty, and a shared hiking adventure with like-minded people!
Profile
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6 days of hiking along the E5
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Overnight stays in mountain huts
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Good fitness and sure-footedness required
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No luggage transport – carry everything you need yourself
Tour-Facts
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Duration: 7 Days
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approx. 82 km
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4,800m↑ / 6,000m↓
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min. 4 / max. 10 Participants
Requirements
Fitness
Hiking Skills
Landscape
Adventure
The Tour
The Alps! A place of longing and challenge — for adventurers as well as for those who have lived here for thousands of years.
Alongside plenty of physical activity, an extraordinary hiking experience awaits you. You’ll meet many like-minded adventurers along the way and deepen your knowledge of the Alps — one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural paradises in the world.
We’ve designed a journey for you that follows both the famous long-distance hiking trail E5 and lesser-known paths, taking you through a variety of landscapes. From the high alpine terrain of Germany to South Tyrol, you’ll experience authentic hospitality and the culinary specialties of different mountain regions. Be amazed by the modern infrastructure that now allows for sustainable yet comfortable accommodation above 2,000 meters — using solar power, geothermal energy, and recycling systems.
We’ll cross rugged mountain ridges and, even in summer, traverse wide snowfields and powerful alpine rivers. We’ll pass glacial lakes from the Ice Age and may spot ibex and marmots. Toward the end of the journey, we’ll get up close to the Similaun Glacier and the discovery site of "Ötzi," the Iceman. For those who still have energy after a full day of hiking, there are often optional evening summit climbs (see daily itinerary).
Once we reach Merano, you’ll enjoy the comfort of a hotel and the Mediterranean flair of South Tyrol, with its charming alleys and shops inviting you to explore.
Want to learn more? Send us a message or give us a call! We’re available anytime via WhatsApp or email. We’ll tell you more about this adventure and answer all your questions.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Itinerary
The itinerary described here is schematic and subject to change for organizational reasons. In particular, due to the often unpredictable weather in the high mountains, adjustments may be made to ensure safety.
DAY 1
ARRIVAL & FIRST STAGE (approx. 6 km / 900m↑ / 100m↓) We meet at the agreed time at the train station in Oberstdorf. A short bus transfer takes us to the first alpine pasture, the starting point for our ascent to the Kemptner Hut — the destination for this first (half) day of hiking. We follow a wild mountain stream uphill on alpine paths until we reach the beautifully located hut in the late afternoon. Those who still have energy can join the mountain guide for a short summit hike in the hut’s surroundings.
DAY 2
SECOND STAGE (approx. 14 km / 1,100m↑ / 900m↓) We set off early to be on the trail before the larger hiking groups. Departing from the standard E5 route, we hike along the Lechtal High Trail below the Krottenkopf (2,656 m), descending into the mountain village of Bach. From there, a short taxi ride takes us to the starting point of our evening ascent to the Memminger Hut, where we spend the night at 2,150 m, nestled among glacial lakes. That evening, there’s also an option to climb the nearby Seeschartenspitze — a bonus summit for all the energetic hikers.
DAY 3
THIRD STAGE (approx. 14 km / 900m↑ / 1,800m↓) At first light, we begin our ascent to the Seescharte pass. This crossing into the Loch Valley at 2,600m is a true highlight of the tour. In the afternoon, a remote alpine hut invites us to stop for a traditional snack — the owner still uses pack animals to bring supplies up from the village! Well-fed, we start the long descent to Zams, where we’ll spend the night in a hotel.
DAY 4
FOURTH STAGE (approx. 13 km / 1,250m↑ / 500m↓) Today's hike begins gently: we walk across green alpine meadows, enjoying the mountain panorama and watching cows graze. Around midday, a short taxi transfer takes us into the spectacular Pitztal Valley, where we begin our ascent to the Braunschweiger Hut via an adventurous trail. We spend the night at 2,759 m in a landscape of snow and ice. This is a place where the effects of climate change in the Alps are especially visible — the massive glaciers have almost completely retreated. Warm hospitality and professional hut management provide us with hearty mountain fare and a good glass of wine before we retreat, full of impressions, to our sleeping quarters.
DAY 5
FIFTH STAGE (approx. 22 km / 1,000m ↑ / 1,300m↓) After crossing the Pitztaler Jöchl at 2,900 m, we begin a descent over snow and ice down to the valley station of the Rettenbach Glacier. From there, a bus transfer takes us to the starting point of the stunning Ötztal Trek. We spend the night at the Martin-Busch Hut, not far from the discovery site of “Ötzi” — the famous Iceman and likely the first documented criminal case in human history.
DAY 6
SIXTH STAGE (approx. 10 km / 500m↑ / 1,300m↓) Today we pass the Similaun Glacier — crossing briefly into Italy! After a rest at the Similaun Hut, where we recharge with apple strudel and coffee, we descend to Vent, the final stop of our long trek. From here, a taxi takes us to Merano, where we rest in a cozy hotel and enjoy a final dinner together.
DAY 7
DEPARTURE FROM MERANO (approx. 3-hour bus ride) After breakfast, we board the bus that brings us back to our starting point in Oberstdorf. Along the way, we continue to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain regions we’ve crossed. Passing by the Zugspitze, we return to the Allgäu, where we say goodbye — tired, but enriched with unforgettable memories.
Requirements
Fitness & Physical Preparation
For this trek, you should have a solid base level of fitness and be sure-footed on alpine terrain. The tour includes significant elevation gains and extended days of hiking, so good endurance is essential.
We strongly recommend preparing in advance by hiking uphill whenever possible, engaging in regular running or cardio training, and incorporating stair climbing into your daily routine (e.g., taking stairs instead of elevators). These small habits can make a big difference!
Equipment & Packing
You’ll carry a daypack weighing up to 7 kg. On some ascents, it’s possible to send your backpack ahead via material cableway to the mountain hut. However, a minimum amount of essential gear must always be carried by yourself (see our Packing List for Alpine Crossing).
Most participants manage comfortably with around 6 kg, provided they follow our packing advice.
Essential gear includes
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High-quality, well broken-in, ankle-high hiking boots – absolutely required
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A good waterproof rain jacket
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A warm down jacket
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A lightweight, quick-drying midlayer
We're happy to help you with gear recommendations in advance — just get in touch or see the complete FAQ gear list here.
Mountain Huts & Accommodation
You will spend four nights in traditional alpine mountain huts and two nights in hotels (twin rooms with separate beds).
The huts are simple but well-equipped, particularly when it comes to food and sanitation. In some huts, our group will stay in 6–8-bed rooms. In others, you’ll sleep in shared dormitories with other hikers. Keep in mind that privacy is limited, and space and resources are shared by all guests.
Since everything available in the huts has to be brought up manually or by cable, life here is rustic and communal. This creates a unique, authentic mountain experience with a cheerful and friendly atmosphere.
Pre-Tour Meeting
To ensure you’re well-prepared, we’ll organize a video call with all participants ahead of the trip. We’ll go over logistical details, answer your questions, and give everyone a chance to get to know each other before the adventure begins.
Of course, you can always contact us personally before the tour — we’re happy to answer any questions you may have!
Your Service Package
Standard
✓ Online preparation meeting
✓ Guided long-distance hike
✓ Accommodation (4x mountain huts, 2x hotels)
✓ Half board (breakfast & dinner)
✓ All regional transfers included
✓ Group size: min. 4 / max. 10
X Travel to and from the starting point
X Lunches, snacks
Dates
Booking
Please Send Us Your Non-Binding Appointment Request. We will get in touch with you within 24 hours to answer all your questions.
If you decide to book with us, you will receive your personal booking link.
You can also reach us via WhatsApp, of course!: +49 (0) 179 686 1226
Contact
Meeting Point
Central Station Oberstdorf
87561 Oberstdorf
GERMANY
(47.411662640771326, 10.277661942432077)