Trek the well-known E5 route from Bavaria in Germany to South Tyrol in Italy
The E5 is one of the most popular long-distance hiking paths and is often called the “most beautiful of all crossings of the Alps”.
You will hike from the green Allgäu region through the endless mountain world of the Tyrol into the enchanting Passeiertal-valley in South Tyrol all the way to the Mediterranean spa town of Merano. Along the way you experience diverse mountain regions, mountain massifs and alpine landscapes. Divine nature spectacles featuring roaring waterfalls, very deep 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 dairy alps and mountain huts invite for a break, the strenuous efforts of ascents and descents are rewarded by incredible mountain panoramas. The crossing of the Alps by foot: dream tour and desired destination for any mountaineering enthusiast!
This hiking holiday requires a good level of fitness, as well as surefootedness and a head for heights. The daily stages are planned to last around four to six hours and partly lead through the high alpine area. Note: From the third hiking stage, you can choose a more relaxed option for the route if you wish, or use public transport.
Highlights of the E5: Oberstdorf to Meran Trek
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E5: Oberstdorf to Meran Trekking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Oberstdorf
Seize the afternoon for a stroll through Oberstdorf and enjoy scent the alpine air at the Nebelhorn to get you in the right mood.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Oberstdorf
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Hike to Steeg
Walk through the marvelous 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 colourful painted houses on the village square.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Steeg
Distance: 6 hours, 14km, 990m of ascent, 1.100m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hike to Landeck
Along remote alp roads you hike deep into the heart of the Lechtal Alps. The route takes you to the pass crossing at the 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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Landeck
Distance: 5.5 hours, 14km, 900m of ascent, 1.100m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Hike to Pitztal-Valley
A cable car ride takes you up to an altitude of 2000 metres. The ridgeway across the Venet is breathtaking, 360° panorama onto snow-capped mountains and jagged peaks. You climb two summits and then take a rest at the alp surrounded by cow bells. A stunning meadow- and forest path takes you to Wenns in the Pitztal-valley.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pitztal-Valley
Distance: 4.5-5 hours, 11km, 350m of ascent, 1,490m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hike to Ötztal-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 on 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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ötztal-Valley
Distance: 6 hours, 13km, 1,250m of ascent, 950m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Hike to Passeiertal-Valley
Along the old smugglers‘ trails via the Timmelsjoch to Italy. Stunning paths lead you through the sunny Timmelstal-valley to the pass on 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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Passeiertal-Valley
Distance: 5-5.5 hours, 15km, 1,000m of ascent, 1,000m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Arrive at Merano
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.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Merano
Distance: 6 hours, 14km, 1,490m of ascent, 250m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure or extra days
Departure or extra days.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only, where the pricing depends on your travelling dates, as well as the types of rooms that you need.
2025 Departures:
The departures are available every Thursday and Sunday, from June 15th and September 14th, 2024.
- Single room: from $1,695 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,425 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates. The prices listed are per person.
Book NowAccommodation on E5: Oberstdorf to Meran Trekking Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Müggelturm in Oberstdorf ★★★★
This hotel is fantastically situated at the edge of Oberstdorf with a great panorama of the surrounding mountains, mostly catering to hikers.
Hotel Styrolerhof in Steeg ★★★
Hotel Styrolerhof features a sun terrace, room service, and outdoor furniture. In addition, as a valued Hotel Styrolerhof guest, you can enjoy a pool and a restaurant that are available on-site.
Hotel Schrofenstein in Landeck ★★★★
Surrounded by high mountains, picturesque castles and idyllic villages, this historic hotel is located right in the middle of Landeck and offers free WiFi access.
Hotel Alpenhof in Pitztal-Valley ★★★
The Hotel Alpenhof in St. Leonhard in the Pitztal offers you newly renovated rooms with balcony, a spa area, and a sun terrace with beautiful mountain views.
Hotel Viktoria in Ötztal-Valley ★★★★
Situated just 500 metres from the base station at Gaislachkogl, Viktoria Sölden offers a spa area in winter and a bar with terrace.
Hotel Tirolerhof in Passeiertal-Valley ★★★
Family-run and located in the center of San Leonardo In Passiria, the Tirolerhof offers a wellness area, a sun terrace, and rooms with mountain views.
Hotel Flora in Meran ★★★★
The hotel offers a sun terrace, newspaper, and sun umbrellas, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features a restaurant. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking.
What’s Included in the E5: Oberstdorf to Meran Trekking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included, as well as 2 cable car rides: ascent at Venet and descent at Hirzer and 1 train ride from St. Anton to Landeck. Any other transfers, such as public transport, are not included and are payable on the spot.
Also Included
- Carefully elaborated route description
- Welcome briefing (German, English)
- Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
- App for Navigation and GPS-data available
- Service hotline
- Original „Lechweg“-cheese from the organic dairy Sojer in Steeg
Not included
- Getting to and from the trailhead
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transfers to and from the trailhead
- Tourist tax (paid locally)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about E5: Oberstdorf to Meran Trek
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