Across the Alps - the E5 - Germany

10 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures

The E5 is one of Europe's most famous and challenging trails. The most spectacular section crosses the Alps from picturesque Bavaria across the mighty glaciated mountains of the Austrian Tyrol to 'Mediterranean' Merano in Italy. Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide you will enjoy dramatic scenery, alpine flowers, glaciers, rugged peaks and picturesque meadows whilst experiencing authentic Bavarian and Tyrolean hospitality and hearty cuisine in welcoming family-run guesthouses in the valleys. Three nights will be spent in cosy huts scenically situated high in the mountains.

Follow 200kms of this ancient trail through flower-filled meadows, over high passes, past glacial lakes and across alpine plateaux, home to the rare steinbocke sheep. Before you return to Munich there should also be time to take an optional visit to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. You will need to carry a lightweight rucksack (10kgs) each day (although cable cars will transport rucksacks up to the mountain huts) and also have some previous experience of alpine trekking.

Day 1. Outbound

Fly to Munich and take the train to the typically scenic Bavarian village of Oy-Mittelberg.

Days 2 and 3. High Mountain Huts

Transfer to the famed resort of Oberstdorf. Carrying all you need for the next 6 days (your main luggage is transferred to Merano) you ascend to your first hut at 1846 metres. Waking high in the mountains you have immediate access to the nearby ridge which drops down into Holzgau in the Austrian Tyrol. From here a short journey by bus brings you to 1400 metres and, with your rucksacks packed on the cable car, you are free to ascend to your next hut, perched at 2442 metres, surrounded in a cirque of mountains.

Days 4 and 5. Tyrolean Peaks

Passing alpine lakes and meadows you ascend a mountain pass at 2599 metres with views over the summits and down to the valleys. A long but scenic descent through various climatic zones brings you to your rustic guesthouse. A gondola ride the next morning negates any steep ascents and allows you to enjoy the ridgeline, crossing several summits. The scenery is breathtaking with glacier tongues hanging on steep walls either side. Your goal is the Braunschweiger Hut at 2760 metres. Behind it rises a majestic chain of glaciated mountains dominated by the Wildspitze (3780 metres) After a hearty dinner you can enjoy the solitude and silence of this beautiful spot.

Day 6. Pitztaler Jochl

Traverse the high point of the trail, the Pitztaler Jochl (2995 metres), where mountain Ibex or Steinbocke sheep reside. Descend to Oetztal, home of the famous 'glacier mummy'.

Days 7 and 8. Into Italy!

Hike across the border from Austria to Italy. Descend past the Gilft Waterfall to your pension and enjoy your first Italian meal. The next day you will walk across the alpine meadows with spectacular views of the Ortler (3890 metres), the highest mountain in the eastern Alps. A gondola brings you down to the charming mediaeval city of Merano where you main luggage is waiting. Enjoy an evening of celebration having traversed the Alps!

Days 9 and 10. Homeward

A scenic drive brings you back to Oy-Mittelberg for one last night. The last day there may be time to take an optional visit to King Ludwig's 'folly', Neuschwanstein Castle, before taking the train back to Munich and your flight home. Or why not continue on our King Ludwig's Way?