Austria, Germany, Italy
The E5 Alpine Crossing
Complete the classic Alpine crossing through the Bavarian, Austrian and Tyroler Alps.
- Walking
- 8–9 days
from$2,660CAD pp
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- Hiking the E5 Alpine Crossing
Hiking the E5 Alpine Crossing
Why choose E5 Alpine Crossing Hiking Tours
Why the E5 Alpine Crossing is a bucket-list self-guided route
Three-country traverse
A genuine three-country traverse - Germany, Austria and Italy - on foot in around a week
High passes
High passes above 8,000 feet test fit, experienced hikers with real mountain terrain
Alpine huts
Overnight stays in staffed alpine huts bring a true high-mountain experience
Glacier-edge scenery
The Otztal Alps section includes glacier-edge scenery rarely seen on lower-grade routes
Weather alternatives
Detailed route notes cover safe alternatives when high passes are affected by weather
Popular E5 Alpine Crossing Hiking Tours tours
Austria, Germany, ItalyAcross 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
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
Austria, GermanyWalking in the Bavarian Alps
Hike from Bavaria to the Austrian town of Ehrwald, taking in the mighty Zugspitze along the way
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,605CAD pp
GermanyBavarian Alps: Hiking the Salt Trail
Follow the Salzaplensteig, a historic salt trail, as it winds its way through the Bavarian Alps.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,330CAD pp
Austria, GermanyThe Lech River Trail
Hike the Lechweg, one of Europe's best long-distance footpaths, through Austria to Bavaria.
- Walking
- 8–10 days
from$2,235CAD pp
AustriaTyrol: Trails of the Wilder Kaiser
Follow sections of Tyrol's Eagle Trail, also known as the Adlerweg, from Kufstein to Durchholzen.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,230CAD pp
AustriaThe Kitzbühel Alpine Trail
Follow the Kitzbühel Alpine Trail and experience the rolling hills and villages of Tyrol
- Walking
- 7 days
from$2,705CAD pp
GermanyThe King Ludwig Way
Follow the King Ludwig Way through beautiful Bavaria to King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,645CAD pp
GermanyThe Best of the Black Forest
Experience the charms of Germany's Black Forest on this classic inn-to-inn walking tour.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,200CAD pp
Get to know E5 Alpine Crossing Hiking Tours
When to go
Mid-July through mid-September is the only realistic window, once winter snow has cleared from the highest passes. Early and late season carry real snow risk at altitude.
What the trail is actually like
High alpine terrain with sustained ascent and descent, exposed ridge sections, and some via ferrata-style sections on certain stages. This is not a beginner route.
Where you will stay
A mix of staffed mountain huts with dormitory-style rooms and valley guesthouses with private rooms, depending on the stage and itinerary variant chosen.
How fit do I need to be
High. Days can involve 3,000+ feet of ascent at altitude. Previous multi-day mountain hiking experience is strongly recommended before booking.
What should I try locally
South Tyrolean speck and dumplings once you descend into Meran, plus Austrian huts serving hearty soups and apple strudel on the higher stages.
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 inspired for E5 Alpine Crossing Hiking Tours
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.
Storytelling
People Behind the Scenery- Bella Vista Hütte
Bella Vista Hütte on the E5 Alpine Crossing, where glacier views, local cuisine, and alpine wellness await. Read the story and get inspired.
Top 5 Hut to Hut Hikes
Walking in some of Europe’s highest mountains is difficult to beat. We choose five great hut to hut hikes, offering welcoming and relaxed overnights that perfectly suit the outdoors adventurer.
Know before you go
Popular destinations
Germany
Bavarian Alps, fairy-tale castles, the Black Forest and riverside wine villages.
Europe