Alpine crossing Oberstdorf - Merano (E5)

• Mountain guide:in with the appropriate qualifications
• 6 x overnight stays at selected bases with half board 
• 6 x taxi/bus transfer
• 1 x coach trip from Merano to Oberstdorf 
• 4 x backpack transfer to the huts (if possible) 
• 1x mini rucksack for hut ascents (without main rucksack)
• 1x luggage transport to Merano
• 1x personal illustrated booklet: Crossing the Alps
• 10% discount code for your purchases at bergfreunde.de

Additional costs

• Snacks, drinks
• Arrival, possible parking fee
• Travel cancellation insurance of the alliance if required

The Alpine crossing takes place in cooperation with the Oberallgäu mountain school. 

Day 1: From Oberstdorf, you first take the shuttle bus to Spielmannsau and then climb through the steep Sperrbachtobel ravine to your destination for the day Kemptener hut (1.846 m). Ascent 850 m / walking time 3 h

2nd day: At the Mädelejoch (1,973 m) you cross the national border and descend through the Höhlenbachtal valley to Holzgau in the Lechtal valley. After a short cab transfer, you ascend to the Memminger hut (2.242 m). Ascent 950 m / descent 850 m / walking time 5.5 h

Day 3: The Seescharte is one of the key sections of the E5, from here the route is long and steep through the Lochbachtal valley to Zams in the Inntal valley. Today's stage destination: the Gasthof Gemse or a Deondance. Ascent 450 m / descent 1,850 m / walking time 6 - 7 h

Day 4: Take a cab bus to just below the Pillerhöhe and continue on a forest path past the Goglesalm via the Galflun Alm and the Larcher Alm to Wenns in the Pitztal. Continue by bus to Mittelberg and from here via the panoramic trail along the Mittelbergferner to the Brunswick hut (2.760 m). Ascent 1,100 m / descent 1,100 m / walking time 6 h

Day 5: In the early morning you cross the Rettenbachjöchl (2,988 m) or the Pitztaler Jöchl (2,996 m), descend via the Rettenbach and Tiefenbachferner glaciers and wonderful hiking trails to Vent, your destination for the day is the Martin Busch hut (2.501 m). Ascent 1,000 m / descent 1,100 m / walking time 6 h

Day 6: Over increasingly narrow paths, finally over scree, you reach the highest point of the E5 at the 3,019 m high Similaun hut. Cross the border again and hike down to the South Tyrolean Vernagt reservoir, where a taxi/bus will take you to Merano. A hotel has already been reserved for you here and you can enjoy the end of your crossing of the Alps. Ascent 500 m / descent 1,200 m / walking time 5.5 h

Day 7: Return journey to Oberstdorf. Arrival expected around 15:00 

Note on program changes: 

All courses and guided tours are conscientiously organized and carried out in accordance with the safety standards of the Vivalpin Mountain and Ski School with qualified specialists (e.g. mountain and ski guides, mountain hiking guides, etc.). The provisional tour program may be adjusted for safety-related reasons, such as bad weather, dangerous conditions, unforeseen natural events or inadequate conditions of the participants. The final program will be decided by the guide on site.

On the daily stages you can expect up to 1,200 m and 5 h in the ascent as well as Up to 1,800 m in descent. Prerequisite for the alpine crossing Oberstdorf Meran are Sure-footedness and fitness for hikes of up to 7 hours (pure walking time) with approx. 8 kg of luggage. The route is technically easy and without climbing passages. There are easy and moderately difficult mountain paths to walk. In the company of your guide, the route is also manageable for sure-footed newcomers with the appropriate condition. Good preparation for hikes lasting several days is half the battle: Get used to your mountain boots and to carrying a backpack.
The best way to practise this is on hikes with comparable differences in altitude. For your targeted preparation, we recommend our Intensive training in surefootedness and head for heights.

You can find information on estimating altitude meters and difficulty information here. If in doubt, please call our office or send us an e-mail.