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The E5 Alpine Crossing - Oberstdorf to Merano

Austria, Italy, Germany
Available Departures: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

8 days from

US$1,840

without flights
Walk & Trek
Self-Guided
MODERATE MODERATE

Walk the highlights of the classic E5 long-distance trail on this challenging one-week self-guided cross-border Alpine trek

Trip Code: SGE5
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

The E5 Alpine Crossing - Oberstdorf to Merano

Highlights
  • Experience the most beautiful stages of the E5 long distance trail

  • Walk in three countries in just one week: Germany, Austria & Italy

  • Cross the highest and longest foot suspension bridge in Austria

  • Admire the diverse flora and fauna in ever-changing mountain environments


At a Glance
  • Self-Guided
  • 6 days trekking
  • Max altitude 2996m
  • Suitable for 2+ travellers
  • Thursday and Sunday departures
  • Thursday Saturday and Sunday departures in July and August
  • Join In Oberstdorf / End in Merano

Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 7 nights Hotel
Overview

Spanning Western Europe from the Atlantic Coast to the Adriatic Sea, the full length of the epic E5 long-distance hiking trail begins at Pointe du Raz in France and ends in Venice; along the way crossing the magnificent Alps of Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy. On this one week self-guided holiday, you will hike the most spectacular (and indeed the most challenging) section of this classic route through three countries: starting in Oberstdorf in the southernmost tip of Germany, you will traverse majestic mountain ranges across Austria, and hike over the Tyrolean Alps to reach Merano in Italy.

This is a route that will immerse you into breath taking and changeable landscapes of dramatic valleys, high passes, roaring waterfalls and idyllic pastures. Surrounded by jagged peaks and snow-capped summits, you will truly feel at the heart of the Alpine landscape. Over the week you will be embraced by warm Alpine hospitality in family-run 3* & 4* hotels, and with daily luggage transfers taken care of, you can undertake this fantastic long-distance trek carrying just your day pack, and enjoy the trans-Alpine journey at your own pace.

Is this holiday for you?

This classic Alpine trekking holiday is ideal for active and experienced hikers who are looking for their next long-distance challenge on foot. This is a sustained trek in an Alpine environment, covering an average of 14km each day and with up to 1,490m ascent/descent in a day. You will be hiking for around 6 hours each day on average.  You should have a high level of fitness, surefootedne …

This classic Alpine trekking holiday is ideal for active and experienced hikers who are looking for their next long-distance challenge on foot. This is a sustained trek in an Alpine environment, covering an average of 14km each day and with up to 1,490m ascent/descent in a day. You will be hiking for around 6 hours each day on average.  You should have a high level of fitness, surefootedness and a good head for heights. Experience of hiking in mountainous terrain is a must for this trip. The route is well-signposted but a good knowledge of map reading would stand you in good stead, particularly in changeable conditions. Occasionally in the early season you may come across patches of late snow which will need careful navigation.

Why KE?

Experience this classic long-distance Alpine trek with just a daypack and the flexibility of walking at your own pace. At the end of each day, you can look forward to superb Alpine hospitality and a comfortable space to rest at each of our hand-picked selection of 3* & 4* hotels.

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