Crossing the Alps: routes & tips for transalpine hiking

Crossing the Alps on foot is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular hiking experiences. Those who master this adventure return home with a completely different view of the world. No wonder!

After all, you are on the move for days or even weeks and completely in harmony with nature. Far away from civilization, you breathe absolutely pure air and can leave your everyday life behind you. 

From now on, it is not your schedule but the sun that determines your rhythm. However, transalpine hiking still requires good preparation and should never be undertaken headlong. Our blog post will help you with this. 

Here you will find suitable routes and lots of valuable tips for a spectacular and safe hike. So you are optimally prepared when the mountain calls!

Which routes are suitable for crossing the Alps? 

First things first: not all routes are suitable for your project. A suitable route for beginners in particular should be well thought out. Incidentally, the E5 long-distance hiking trail is a particularly popular crossing of the Alps. 

This incomparable route has numerous breathtaking impressions in store for you. But there are also many other hiking routes waiting to be discovered by you. Are you ready?

Crossing the Alps from Oberstdorf to Merano 

The hike from Oberstdorf to Merano in South Tyrol is part of the famous E5 long-distance hiking trail. Depending on your fitness level, you should allow 7-9 days for this. However, the route requires some practice and is not a suitable Alpine crossing for beginners. However, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking impressions. 

In addition to the diverse flora and fauna, the varied panorama during the Alpine crossing from Oberstdorf to Meran also allows you to visit the Ötzi discovery site. 

Crossing the Alps from Salzburg to Trieste

If you are looking for absolute tranquillity and almost untouched nature when hiking across the Alps, this tour is just right for you. However, the route is also very challenging and should be undertaken by experienced hikers. It may even make sense to book a guided crossing of the Alps. 

The tour through four countries (Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Italy) requires absolute surefootedness for the most part. You should also be free from giddiness. However, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. 

Crossing the Alps from Tegernsee to Sterzing 

The Alpine crossing from Tegernsee to Sterzing takes you from Upper Bavaria to South Tyrol. This enjoyable route is also suitable for leisurely hikers. Thanks to the easy to moderately difficult stages, the route is doable and also suitable for inexperienced hikers. Hence the name "Genussroute", which also includes bookable luggage transport. 

Incidentally, the approximately 7 stages can also be shortened as required using public transport. The route from Tegernsee to Sterzing also has a lot to offer in terms of scenery, such as the picturesque Tiefenbachklamm gorge or the old town of Sterzing. 

Crossing the Alps from Garmisch to Brescia

This Alpine crossing is an insider tip for experienced hikers. You will hardly meet anyone on the route from Garmisch to Brescia. You will also look in vain for infrastructure here. As there is no shortcut by public transport and you will also be crossing a few glaciers, you should definitely bring good hiking poles and hiking poles with you.

Crossing the Alps from Munich to Lake Garda

The Alpine crossing from Munich to Lake Garda is also not heavily frequented and offers you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the tranquillity and nature. There is also plenty on offer visually. From limestone and grassy mountains to glaciers, there is plenty to discover. 

However, if you prefer company, you can of course also book a guided Alpine crossing. 

Crossing the Alps from Innsbruck to Venice

If you want to make the crossing of the Alps easy, this route is a good choice. Although there are some difficult passages in between, the majority can be hiked without too much effort.

The route from Innsbruck to Venice is also visually stunning and offers you a varied panorama. 

5 tips for crossing the Alps

To ensure that crossing the Alps on foot is a real highlight, there are a few things to consider. Especially if you want to do the tour alone, you should consider a few things in advance. The following tips will help you:

1. the right equipment for crossing the Alps

Your luggage will of course vary depending on the difficulty level and duration. We have already put together the right equipment for you in our guide Ultralight outdoor equipment: packing list for a multi-day hike. 

From a lightweight mountain rucksack to a down sleeping bag and emergency kit, you will find a list of all the equipment you need for crossing the Alps alone or in a team. 

2. crossing the Alps with children: Is it possible?

Yes, crossing the Alps with older children is definitely possible. However, this special vacation requires good preparation. Here you can check together whether the little ones enjoy hiking at all and how fit they are. 

A guided E5 crossing of the Alps can be a great experience for children aged 10 and over. However, they should not have to carry too much luggage, as the stages are already strenuous enough for children.

3. how do I prepare for a crossing of the Alps? 

Preparing for a crossing of the Alps primarily involves good planning and the best possible fitness level. Extensive hikes beforehand will help you to train your muscles and stamina. You should also always keep time in mind. 

It's better to plan more days than seem necessary at first glance. That way, you can take extra breaks if necessary and don't have to rush along the trail just because you have to get back to your everyday life. After all, transalpine hiking is all about an intimate connection with nature and the feeling of boundless freedom.

4 When is the best time of year to cross the Alps? 

The best time of year to cross the Alps is summer. Here, the open huts offer plenty of overnight accommodation and the weather is particularly pleasant. 

However, you can expect cooler temperatures and even snowfall when hiking the Transalp from July to September. You should therefore bring warm clothing with you. 

5. crossing the Alps with or without a guide: Which is better?

A guided crossing of the Alps is no better or worse than hiking the Transalp alone. It depends much more on your individual preferences and experience. If you already have a good level of fitness and many years of experience, you can plan and complete your crossing of the Alps yourself- as long as you are confident and feel good about it. 

However, as the tour also involves some challenges, you should be absolutely honest with yourself. A guided hike is not a disgrace, but an opportunity to gain experience and meet new people in a safe environment.

Conclusion 

Crossing the Alps on foot is probably one of the most spectacular hikes you can do. However, the adventure requires a lot of preparation and, above all, practice beforehand. A crossing of the Alps for beginners should always be undertaken with a guide. 

FAQ

Which is the easiest crossing of the Alps?

The easiest crossing of the Alps is the route from Tegernsee to Sterzing. The daily 20 kilometers with a maximum elevation gain of 900 meters are also doable for beginners. 

How long does it take to cross the Alps?

Crossing the Alps takes different lengths of time. There are routes that can be completed in 5 or 7 days. Other transalpine hiking tours take considerably longer. 

How expensive is a crossing of the Alps?

Excluding travel costs to and from the event, the cost of accommodation and meals is around 500 euros per person.

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