Experience the popular E5 long-distance hiking trail
The E5 is one of the most popular long-distance hiking paths and is not called 'the most beautiful of all crossings of the Alps‘ for nothing. You hike from the green Allgäu region through the endless mountain world of Tyrol into the enchanting Passeiertal-valley in South Tyrol to the Mediterranean spa town of Merano.
Divine nature spectacles featuring roaring waterfalls, profound valleys, extensive alp scenery, high-altitude paths and impressive mountain passes await. Always accompanied by steep towering peaks, jagged rock needles, long-distance views and glistening white glacial areas. Again and again, the Alps and mountain huts invite you to take a break. The strenuous efforts of ascents and descents are rewarded by incredible mountain panoramas.
Details about the hiking tour on the E5 from Oberstdorf to Meran
Experience the popular E5 long-distance hiking trail up close. One of the most beautiful crossings of the Alps awaits you on this trekking tour. In eight days and six hiking stages, you hike – partly in the high alpine area – from Oberstdorf in Germany to Meran in Italy. A unique highlight for all experienced hikers.
The highlights of the trekking tour on the E5:
Holzgau suspension bridge: Right on the first day’s stage, you cross the highest and longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Austria.
Culinary delights in South Tyrol: This cross-border trekking holiday takes you from Bavaria to beautiful South Tyrol. Typical South Tyrolean hospitality and wonderful culinary delights such as tasty dumpling dishes or excellent South Tyrolean wines await you here.
Experience original nature up close: On this trekking tour, the route leads partly through high alpine regions. So you can experience nature far away from the crowds.
Worth knowing about the E5 trekking tour from Oberstdorf to Meran
Alpine hikes with walking times between 4 to 5 hours. In parts, you hike in high-Alpine areas, for this hiking experience is necessary. Surefootedness, a head for heights and a good fitness level are prerequisites. The first two hiking days display an alpine nature, on all other days, you have the option to go for a more leisurely alternative route in the valley, as well as optionally shorten the route by public transport.
Through the marvellous Allgäu Alps along on an impressive trail through the Sperrbachtobel ravine steadily ascending to the hut Kemptner Hütte. At the pass crossing Mädelejoch, you cross the border into Austria, where a descent with great views awaits down into the Lechtal-valley. Via a spectacular chain bridge, you reach Holzgau and there get to marvel at the colourfully painted houses on the village square.
Along remote alp roads, you hike deep into the daily alps area situated in the heart of the Lechtal Alps. The route takes you to the pass crossing at the hut Leutkircher Hütte, where you enjoy a break in the quaint mountaineers‘ base. Then you descend towards the Arlberg and finally on the Way of St. James to St. Jakob. A placid bus ride takes you towards the valley into the Inntal river valley.
A cable car ride takes you up to an altitude of 2000 metres. The ridgeway across the Venet is a breathtaking 360° panorama of snow-capped mountains and jagged peaks. You climb two summits and then take a rest at the alp surrounded by cowbells. A stunning meadow- and forest path takes you to Wenns in the Pitztal-valley.
After a short bus ride, you hike along the panorama path steadily ascending to the hut Braunschweiger Hütte. After a break there you proceed to the highest point of the holiday, the Pitztaler Jöchl an altitude of just under 3000 metres. A nice hiking path leads you through the Rettenbach further downhill until you master the final metres in altitude into the Ötztal-valley by bus or cable car. Alternatively, to the alpine route you can explore the Pitzenklamm-ravine along the Luis Trenker-trail, along the river Inn into the area prone to rock falls Sautner Forchet. Via the idyllic Lake Piburger See and the spectacular bridge Wallner Brücke along the roaring river Ötztaler Ache into the valley.
Along the old smugglers‘ trails via the Timmelsjoch to Italy. Stunning paths lead you through the sunny Timmelstal-valley to the pass at an altitude of 2500 metres. A marvellous descent through the impressive alpine scenery and flower meadows, surrounded by steep, towering rockfaces. Steadily headed for the valley you hike across the upper Passeiertal-valley and enjoy South Tyrolean hospitality over a well-earned dinner.
Along the footsteps of the freedom fighter Andreas Hofer, you ascend to the alp Pfandleralm. Along forest trails to the Riffel, where a breathtaking high-altitude path starts: panoramic views as far as the eye can see. After a break at the hut Hirzerhütte, you descend by cable car towards the valley and take the bus to Merano.
ca. 6 hours
14 km
1.490 m
250 m
Day
8
Departure or extra days
Route information
Alpine hikes with walking times between 4 to 5 hours. In parts, you hike in high-Alpine areas, for this hiking experience is necessary. Surefootedness, a head for heights and a good fitness level are prerequisites. The first two hiking days display an alpine nature, on all other days, you have the option to go for a more leisurely alternative route in the valley, as well as optionally shorten the route by public transport.
1x original „Lechweg“-cheese from the organic dairy Sojer in Steeg
1x ascent by cable car Venet
1x descent by cable car Hirzer
Carefully elaborated route description
Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
App for Navigation and GPS-data available
Service hotline
Optional:
Collective transfer (with a central point for access and exit) from Merano to Oberstdorf (min. 2 persons, daily), costs EUR 49 per person, EUR 15 per dog, reservation necessary, payable in advance.
Information
Arrival / Parking / Departure:
Arrival by train in Oberstdorf and in a few minutes‘ walk or a short bus ride to your start hotel.
Munich airport, by train in approx. 2.5 hours to Oberstdorf or Memmingen airport, approx. 1 hour journey time by train.
Parking: a limited number of hotel parking spaces free of charge, no reservation possible. Near the hotel there are fee-based parking options, cost approx. EUR 7 per day.
Return journey from Merano to Oberstdorf by train in approx. 8 hours (3x change of trains).
Important information:
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Journeys by public transport, cost approx. EUR 15 per person
Sample hotel list
This is a sample hotel list. Hotels will be booked depending on availability.