The E5 Alpine Crossing

Oberstdorf is easily accessible and can be reached by train in 2.5 hours from Munich airport, 3 hours from Stuttgart airport or 4 hours from Zurich airport.

Oberstdorf is Germany’s southernmost village and is nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. The village is car-free, making it a pleasant place to wander around before starting your E5 adventure. A popular base for all kinds of adventurers, there are plenty of outdoor and equipment shops should you need to pick up any last minute bits and pieces.

We recommend taking an extra night in Oberstdorf, to enjoy the village and to warm up on one of the numerous nearby hiking trails.

Start your E5 adventure by taking a transfer to the hamlet of Spielmannsau (20 mins). From here the ascent to the Kemptner hut begins and the scenery becomes increasingly impressive. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots as they like to call the grassy meadows here home. Continue to ascend to the Mädelejoch (1,974m), a mountain pass that also marks the German/Austrian border.

Start the descent through Rossgumpenalm passing the Simms waterfall and arriving in the hamlet of Holzgau, famous for its beautifully preserved buildings and their painted facades.

Ascent/Descent: 983m/900m

From Madau, to avoid the busy section of the E5, follow the Alperschonbach stream via the Alperschonalpe to the Flarschjoch (2,464 m). From here walk to the Ansbacher Hut, where you can take a well deserved break. From the hut you can descend through a gorge to Schnann and catch a bus to Zams or Landeck (40 mins).

If you are looking for a challenge and prefer a brisk pace, the most challenging section of the standard route is ideal. Take the hiking taxi to the Memminger Hut car park and from there follow a steep path passing a beautiful waterfall to the actual hut (2242m). From here, continue to ascend on rocky terrain, using your hands for some light scrambling, to reach the panoramic Seescharten pass (2,599m). The perfect place for a break; enjoy the amazing views back to the hut and the surrounding peaks. From here the descent to Zams begins along the babbling Lochbach stream and the Zammer Loch.

Depending on availability we will accommodate you in Zams or Landeck.

Walk via Ansbacher Hut: 16km/10mi, Ascent/Descent: 1260m/1380m, walking time approx. 7 hours

Walk via Memminger Hut: 18km/11mi Ascent/Descent: 1480m/2021m, walking time approx. 9 hours

If you feel energized today, we recommend the route over the summit of Kreuzjöchl. Alternatively, you can take the scenic high trail along the side of the mountain, which rejoins the main route just before the Galflunalm. Depending on which route you take, there are typical Alpine huts along the way, such as the Goglesalm, Galfunalm and Larchenalm, ny of which are perfect for a refreshment and sample of the local delicacies. From Larchenalm, there are two route choices; we recommend following the scenic Alten Almenweg down to Wenns.

Depending on availability we will accommodate you in hotels along the Pitztal. After arrival in Wenns you may have to take the bus for a short distance (10-20 min).

Walk via summit (Kreuzjöchl): 12km/7,5mi Ascent/Descent: approx. 415/1620 metres, walking time approx. 5.5 hours

Walk via High trail: 12km/7,5mi Ascent/Descent: approx. 140/1350 metres, walking time approx. 5 hours.

The Venet cable car will be closed in the summer of 2026; the bus goes to Rifenalbahn. Take the cable car up and then switch to “Weinbergbahn”, which takes you to the Venet Panorama Restaurant where your walk begins. There are only two shuttle bus departures in the morning to Rifenalbahn valley station: 08:15 and 08:30 from Zams Zentrum.

Today is, in our opinion, the most spectacular and exciting stage of the E5 crossing. Take the bus to Mittelberg (10-45 mins, depending on where your accommodation location) at the end of the Pitz valley to begin today’s walk. The tough ascent to the Braunschweiger hut at 2,759m is made easier by the stunning waterfall views and glimpses of the Mittelbergferners glacier.

The standard E5 route takes you on a veritable Alpine hike to the Pitztaler Jöchl, which at 2,995m is the highest point of the E5 Alpine crossing. At these heights, you are likely to walk over late-lying snow on the rocky paths to the Jöchl, and some light scrambling is required. All this effort is rewarded with simply breath-taking views. From the pass, you really feel like you are on top of the world as you look below to Austria’s famous Öztal valley. Descend and catch a bus to Sölden (20 mins).

Walk via Pitztaler Jöchl: 8km/5mi Ascent/Descent: approx. 1270/330 metres, walking time approx. 5-6 hour

Hop on the bus from Sölden to Vent (30 mins) where you will leave the standard E5 route behind and walk through the narrow Rofental valley to the small Hoch-joch Hospiz hut. From here, the trail meanders through the tranquil Hochjoch valley towards Italy; accompanied by views of the Schnalstal glacier. Not long after the Italian border, the Bellavista hut awaits with a large panoramic terrace and outdoor sauna. Look forward to the especially delicious included evening menu here.

Ascent/Descent: 1130m/190m

Leave behind the high-mountain greys and whites of the last couple of days and descend into the lush green Schnalstal valley. Follow a pleasant descending path to Kurzras. From here, take a high trail which offers great views of the turquoise-blue waters of Lake Vernago. Enjoy a final refreshment at one of the rustic huts and take in the scenery before starting the descent to Vernago from where you take a bus to Merano (40 mins) for your final overnight, where you can celebrate your achievement of crossing the Alps on foot!

We recommend an extra night to explore the beautiful old town of Merano with its Mediterranean flair.

Ascent/Descent: 230m/1380m

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to Merano train station from where you can catch a train to Munich, Venice or Milan airports.