Austria, Germany, Italy
Across the Alps: Bavaria to South Tyrol
Walk from Füssen to Merano on this Alpine crossing, perfect for first-time Alpine walkers.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$3,375CAD pp
- Home
- Alpine Crossing Hiking Tours
Alpine Crossing Hiking Tours
Why choose Alpine Crossings
What sets a true Alpine crossing apart from a standard Alpine trek
Cross a border
You finish in a different country than you started - the E5 begins in Germany and ends in Italy
High passes
Multiple high passes in sequence, often above 2,000m, with mountain hut and valley-village stops
Walker's Haute Route
Walker's Haute Route links two of the Alps' best-known bases, Chamonix and Zermatt, beneath the Matterhorn
Point-to-point logistics
Point-to-point logistics handled for you - luggage transfers between valley stops where routes allow
Challenging to Extreme
Graded Challenging to Extreme - previous multi-day hiking experience is genuinely useful here
Popular Alpine Crossings
France, SwitzerlandWalker's Haute Route
Walk from the foot of Mont Blanc to the shadow of the Matterhorn on the Walker’s Haute Route, a classic Alpine journey from Chamonix to Zermatt.
- Walking
- 8–15 days
from$3,590CAD pp
Austria, GermanyTyrolean Alps: Garmisch to Innsbruck
Explore the Bavarian and Tyrolean mountains on foot, spending one night in an Alpine hut
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,480CAD pp
Italy, SwitzerlandAcross the Swiss Alps: Klosters to Tirano
Hike from Klosters to Tirano along the Via Albula and Via Valtellina, crossing the Alps into Italy.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$3,005CAD pp
SwitzerlandVia Alpina
Cross the length of Alpine Switzerland on the Alpine Pass Route, finishing on the shores of Lake Geneva.
- Walking
- 10–18 days
from$5,300CAD pp
France, SwitzerlandThe GR5: Lake Geneva to Chamonix
Follow the classic GR5 trail from Montreux to Chamonix at the foot of the Mont Blanc.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$3,870CAD pp
ItalyAlta Via 1 (Dolomites)
An iconic hike along the Italian Alta Via 1 route through the Dolomites
- Walking
- 7–10 days
from$2,245CAD pp
France, Italy, SwitzerlandTour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Hike the TMB, staying in comfortable accommodation, with bag transfer included.
- Walking
- 5–14 days
from$2,480CAD pp
France, Italy, SwitzerlandTour du Mont Blanc in Huts
Hike the TMB and stay overnight in traditional, scenic alpine huts and hotels.
- Walking
- 8–14 days
from$3,910CAD pp
SwitzerlandHigh Trail to the Matterhorn
Cross the Swiss Alps on foot from Brig to Zermatt, with views of the Matterhorn and its neighbouring 4,000m giants along the way.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$4,235CAD pp
ItalyThe Dolomites to Lake Garda
Trade the towering limestone spires of the Brenta Dolomites for the sparkling shores of Lake Garda on this mountains-to-lake walk.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,900CAD pp
SloveniaHigh Trails of the Julian Alps
From the shores of Lake Bled, explore Slovenia’s Alps while staying in mountain huts
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,695CAD pp
SloveniaMountains & Lakes of the Julian Alps
Explore Slovenia’s Alps as you walk to Lake Bohinj at the heart of the Triglav National Park.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$3,345CAD pp
Find your pace
Easy
Up to 5 miles per day
Flat, well-kept paths; ideal for beginners
Easy - Moderate
6–9 miles per day
Good paths, some gentle climbs; active beginners
Moderate
10–12 miles per day
Mixed trails, regular climbs; for regular hikers
Moderate - Challenging
15–17 miles per day
Remote mountainous terrain; experienced hikers
Challenging
17+ miles per day
Scrambles, big drop-offs; very experienced hikers
Strenuous
19+ miles per day
High passes, sustained ascents; expert, very fit hikers
Get to know Alpine Crossings
What counts as an Alpine crossing
A point-to-point route over one or more mountain passes that ends somewhere different than it starts - unlike a circuit such as the Tour du Mont Blanc. The E5 and Walker's Haute Route are the two flagship examples.
When to go
Mid-June through mid-September, when high passes are clear of snow. July and August are most reliable for altitude, though trails are busier. Book 6–9 months ahead for peak dates.
What the daily mileage looks like
Most crossing stages run 10–16 miles with 800–1,300m of ascent or descent in a day. Some passes on the Haute Route exceed 2,700m - this is genuine mountain walking, not valley strolling.
Where you stay
A mix of valley guesthouses, mountain hotels, and on some stages, staffed mountain huts with shared dining. Luggage transfer is included between road-accessible stops.
How fit do I need to be
You should be a regular, confident hiker comfortable with sustained ascent and descent over several consecutive days. Previous mountain or multi-day hiking experience is a real advantage.
How do these differ from Alpine treks
Treks can be loops or point-to-point and cover a wider fitness range. Crossings are specifically single-direction journeys over passes, generally graded Challenging or above.
Get inspired for Alpine Crossings
Hiking
Adventure of the Week: E5 Alpine Crossing
Read our blog post, Adventure of the Week: E5 Alpine Crossing. Get more insight into this classic alpine walking route.
Hiking
Adventure of the Week: Via Alpina
Read our blog post, Adventure of the Week: The Via Alpina. Get further insight into Macs Adventure walking and cycling tours.
Hiking
Which Walking Holiday in the Alps is for you?
Which Walking Holiday in the Alps is for you? Macs Adventure offers some memorable hiking trips in Europe and the Alps
Popular destinations
Germany
Bavarian Alps, fairy-tale castles, the Black Forest and riverside wine villages.
