Alpine crossing Oberstdorf-Meran (E5)

• Mountain guide with the appropriate qualifications
• 6 x overnight stays at selected bases with half board 
• 5 x taxi/bus transfer
• 1 x cable car ascent with the Venetbahn
• 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 

Additional costs

• Snacks, drinks
• Arrival, possibly parking fee

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 to your destination for the day, the Kemptener Hütte (1,846 m). Ascent 850 m / walking time 3 h

Day 2

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 Hütte (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

From the Krahberg (2,208 m) via the Galflun Alm and the Larcher Alm you hike to Wenns in the Pitztal. Continue by bus to Mittelberg and from here via the panoramic trail along the Mittelbergferner to the Braunschweiger Hütte (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 and wonderful hiking trails to Vent, the day's destination is the Martin Busch Hütte (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. Once again you cross a national border and hike down to the South Tyrolean Vernagt reservoir, from here a taxi/bus takes 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.

You can expect the following on the daily stages up to 1,200 m and 5 h in the ascent as well as Up to 1,800 m in descent. Prerequisites for the Oberstdorf Merano Alpine Crossing 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 follow. Accompanied by your guide, the route is also suitable for sure-footed beginners in good physical condition. Good preparation for multi-day hikes is half the battle: Get used to your mountain boots and to carrying your rucksack.
The best way to practise this is on hikes with comparable differences in altitude. For your targeted preparation, we recommend our intensive training for surefootedness and a 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 email!