E5 Alps Crossing Independently
Cross the Alps at your own pace. On this independent journey, you follow the route of the European long-distance trail E5 towards Merano without a mountain guide and stay in cosy guesthouses. We organise the essential arrangements so that you can enjoy the freedom of shaping each walking day yourself.
Duration
6 days, Monday to Saturday; further dates on request
Independent walking with professional organisation
You’ve already gained some experience on a few mountain hikes and feel confident enough to hike using GPS data. If so, our self-guided Alpine crossing is the perfect tour for you. On this self-guided tour from Oberstdorf to Merano, you’ll be hiking without a mountain guide; you set the pace and can plan your day’s itinerary yourself.
The great thing about this option is that you’ll be following the E5 long-distance hiking trail, experiencing nature up close whilst enjoying the comfort of the guesthouses in the valley.
You’ll carry your own luggage, though. If the weather isn’t on your side, you can alternatively cover the stages by taxi or public transport. You hike – we’ll take care of planning and organising your self-guided tour. The GPS data and further tour information will be provided to you around two months before the tour starts. Please familiarise yourself with how to use the GPS data and the Komoot app.
If you have any questions about the tour, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Who is this tour for?
This tour is suitable for experienced hikers who have already walked on mountain paths, can navigate confidently using GPS data and would like to cross the Alps independently rather than as part of a guided group. A realistic assessment of fitness, sure-footedness and mountain experience is essential. Further guidance is provided in the separate Fitness & Technical Guide.
Tour itinerary (summary)
Day 1: Anreise - Bärgunttal - Hochalppass - Hochkrumbach - Hotel Jägeralpe
Day 2: Kaisertal - Kaiserjochhaus - Pettneu - Arlberg Boutique Hotel
Day 3: Zams - Venet - Wenns - Mittelberg - Haus Bergheim, Pitztal
Day 4: Braunschweiger Hütte - Pitztaler Jöchl - Sölden Gletscher - Vent - Berghotel Gasthof Gstrein
Day 5: Martin-Busch-Hütte - Similaun Hütte - Meran, City Hotel Meran o.ä
Day 6: individual journey home
 | tour description and further information e5-alpenueberquerung-auf-eigene-faust-DE.pdf (523.92KB) |
| e5-alpenueberquerung-auf-eigene-faust-DE.pdf (523.92KB) |
A detailed itinerary and additional practical information are available in the separate downloadable travel programme.
Group size
1 Person, max. 6 Personen
Price per Person
795,00 €
Please find here our payment terms.
Included in the tour price
4 nights with half board in a hotel or guesthouse (double or multi-bedded room)
1 night with breakfast in a hotel (double or multi-bedded room)
GPS tracks
Complimentary access to the Komoot app
Detailed transfer information
Office-hours telephone support
Additional costs
Drinks, snacks and packed-lunch provisions: approximately €45.00 per person per day, depending on personal requirements
1 evening meal
Cable-car journeys
Transfers during the tour
Return transfer
Travel insurance
Parking fees
surcharge for single room (optional)
Departure Dates 2026
S115-26-2 13.07.2026 - 18.07.2026
S115-26-7 20.07.2026 - 25.07.2026
S115-26-3 27.07.2026 - 01.08.2026
S115-26-4 10.08.2026 - 15.08.2026
S115-26-5 24.08.2026 - 29.08.2026 (Warteliste)
Further dates may be available on request. The payment and cancellation conditions published on the website apply.
Meeting point
Wanderparkplatz Baad (Baad 1, 6993 Mittelberg, Österreich)
Return
Arrival in Meran on last day of tour, approx 6 pm
Parking:
Paid parking is available in Baad/Kleinwalsertal; alternatively, you can park in Oberstdorf.
Missing information? Please have a look at our Q & A!
About the region and the E5
The European long-distance trail E5 is one of the major walking routes crossing the Alps. The complete trail runs for approximately 3,200 kilometres from the Atlantic coast of Brittany in France, across the Alps and onwards to Verona in Italy.
Its best-known Alpine section leads from Oberstdorf in the Allgäu to Merano in South Tyrol. The route passes through a striking sequence of mountain ranges, high passes and valleys. Scenery and vegetation change rapidly, from green Alpine meadows and dramatic high-mountain terrain to the almost Mediterranean atmosphere of South Tyrol.
This combination of demanding mountain crossings, varied valleys and comfortable overnight accommodation makes the route an excellent choice for experienced walkers seeking an impressive yet independently organised Alpine journey.
Downloads and further information:
detailed tour description
packing list
Fitness and technical requirements
Frequently asked questions