Crossing the Alps: Routes & tips for transalpine hiking

Crossing the Alps on foot is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular hiking experiences. Anyone who masters this adventure returns home with a completely changed view of the world. No wonder!

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

From now on, it's not your appointment calendar, but the sun that determines your rhythm. But that Transalp hiking still requires one good preparation and should never be done head over heels. Our blog post will help you with this.

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

Which routes are suitable for crossing the Alps?

One thing in advance: Not all routes are suitable for your project. A suitable route for beginners should be well thought out. One in particular popular Alpine crossing is the one by the way Long-distance hiking trail E5. 

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

Crossing the Alps from Oberstdorf to Merano

The Hike from Oberstdorf to Meran is in South Tyrol Part of the famous E5 long-distance hiking trail. Depending on your condition, you should Allow 7-9 days. However, the route does require some practice and is no suitable Alpine crossing for beginners. 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 Merano also allows you to visit the Ötzi discovery site.

Crossing the Alps from Salzburg to Trieste

Who while hiking over the Alps absolute peace and almost untouched nature is exactly right on this tour. However, it is shaping up route also very demanding and should be carried out by experienced hikers. It might even make sense to book a guided crossing of the Alps.

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

Crossing the Alps from Tegernsee to Vipiteno

The Crossing the Alps from Tegernsee to Vipiteno takes you from Upper Bavaria to South Tyrol. You can also come along this pleasure route leisurely hikers on your costs. thanks to the easy to moderately difficult stages the route is feasible and also suitable for inexperienced hikers. Hence the name "pleasure route", which also includes bookable luggage transport.

Those about 7 stages can also be done if necessary using public transport shorten as desired. The route from Tegernsee to Vipiteno also has a lot to offer in terms of landscape, such as the picturesque Tiefenbachklamm or the old town of Vipiteno.

Crossing the Alps from Garmisch to Brescia

This crossing of the Alps is considered an insider tip for experienced hikers. Because you will hardly meet anyone on the way from Garmisch to Brescia. You will also look in vain for infrastructure here. There none Shortcut possible with public transport and you will also overcome some glaciers, you should definitely have good ones Hiking poles and Grödel carry along.

Crossing the Alps from Munich to Lake Garda

Also the Crossing the Alps from Munich to Lake Garda is not heavily frequented and offers you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the silence and nature. There is also a lot on offer visually. Over limestone and grass mountains to glaciers you will be able to discover a lot.

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

Crossing the Alps from Innsbruck to Venice

Whoever wants to do the Easy crossing of the Alps is well on this route. There are occasionally difficult passages, but the majority of them can be hiked without much effort.

It also looks good Route from Innsbruck to Venice a lot and offers you a varied panorama.

5 tips for crossing the Alps

So that Crossing the Alps on foot becomes a real highlight, there is a lot to be considered observe. Especially if you want to do the tour alone, you should have a few things in mind Consider beforehand. The following will help you Tips:

1. the right equipment for crossing the Alps

Depending on Difficulty level and duration Your luggage will of course differ. In our guide Ultralight outdoor equipment: packing list for a multi-day hike we have that suitable equipment already compiled for you. 

Starting from light mountain backpack until Down sleeping bag and emergency kit, you will find a list of all the utensils you need for crossing the Alps alone or in a team.

2 Crossing the Alps with children: Is that possible?

Yes! With older children an Alpine crossing is absolutely possible. However, this particular holiday requires one good preparation. Here you can check together whether the little ones actually enjoy hiking and what their fitness level is.

One Alpine crossing E5 the guided can be a great experience for children aged 10 and over. Excessive luggage However, they should don't have to wear, as the stages are already strenuous enough for children.

3. how do I prepare for crossing the Alps?

The Preparing to cross the Alps primarily includes one good planning and a best possible condition. Expansive hikes in advance help you to train your muscles and endurance. You should also always keep time in mind.

Plans Dear more days, than seem necessary at first glance. You can do this if necessary take additional breaks and you don't have to rush along the path - just because you have to get back to your everyday life. After all, it's all about Transalp hiking around the intimate connection with nature and the feeling of limitless freedom.

4. when is the best time of year to cross the Alps?

The best season for crossing the Alps Summer. Here are the ones that are open There are plenty of accommodation options in the huts and the weather is particularly pleasant.

However, you have to Transalpine hiking also from July to September with cooler temperatures and even expect snowfall. Accordingly, you should also have warm clothing with you.

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

One guided crossing of the Alps is no better or worse than hiking Transalp alone. Here it depends much more on your individual preferences and your experience at. If you are already in good condition and many years of experience you can have yours Plan and carry out your own crossing of the Alps, - as long as you trust yourself and have a good feeling about it.

Since the trip but also includes some challenges, you should be completely honest with yourself. One guided hike is not a shame, but an opportunity all in one safe environment to gain experience and meet new people.

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 in advance. An Alpine crossing for beginners should always be carried out with a guide.

FAQ

Which is the easiest Alpine crossing?

The easiest Alpine crossing is the route from Tegernsee to Vipiteno. The daily 20 kilometers at a maximum altitude of 900 meters are also feasible 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 done in 5 or 7 days. Other tours take significantly longer when hiking Transalp.

How much does it cost to cross the Alps?

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

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