Frequently asked questions about our Alpine hiking tours
Here you will find answers to common questions about our Alpine hiking tours. The information will help you prepare, book and assess your trip. If you have any further questions, please send us a message via the contact form or give us a call.
Note: The following information is intended as general guidance. The tour description, booking documents and terms and conditions of the relevant organiser always apply.
General information and tour operation
Who operates the Alpine tours?
The Alpine tours we offer are operated by the renowned Bergschule Kleinwalsertal. For these trips, Bergschule Kleinwalsertal is also the contractual partner. Sörmland Outdoor is your point of contact for initial information, advice and enquiries.
What is the role of Sörmland Outdoor?
Sörmland Outdoor presents the tours, answers questions about the trips and helps you choose the hiking tour that suits you best. The actual operation of the Alpine tours is handled by Bergschule Kleinwalsertal or by the organiser stated for the individual trip.
What qualifications do the guides have?
Bergschule Kleinwalsertal works with state-certified mountain guides and qualified hiking guides. Participants benefit from professional route planning, Alpine experience and a strong focus on safety.
Do the mountain guides speak English?
Many participants on the group tours come from German-speaking countries. For international groups, however, care is taken to ensure that the guide speaks English. If the guiding language is important to you, we will be happy to clarify this before you book.
Weather, safety and changes to the itinerary
When and why can the itinerary be changed?
In the mountains, weather, snow conditions, avalanche risk, trail conditions or the fitness of the group may make adjustments necessary. Bergschule Kleinwalsertal therefore reserves the right to change the programme and itinerary for safety reasons.
What happens in bad weather?
With suitable rainproof equipment, hiking is often still possible in rain or cooler conditions. If a stage cannot take place as planned for safety reasons, the guide will look for an appropriate alternative. The safety of the group is always the priority.
When is the best time for an Alpine crossing?
For many Alpine crossings, the best travel period is between mid-June and the end of September. Snowfields can occur at the beginning and end of the season. Even in summer, short spells of snowfall are possible in the mountains, so good preparation is important.
Accommodation, meals and luggage
What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Depending on the tour, accommodation is in mountain huts, guesthouses or hotels. In huts, you often stay in dormitories or shared rooms. Many huts have washrooms and some also offer shower facilities.
In guesthouses or hotels, accommodation is usually in double or shared rooms with shower/WC; in some cases, showers or toilets may be located on the same floor. Solo travellers are accommodated with people of the same gender wherever possible. Individual room requests cannot always be guaranteed.
What meals are provided in the accommodation?
The accommodation usually includes a generous half-board arrangement. Vegetarian meals are generally possible if you state this when booking. During the hiking day there are often places to stop for refreshments, or the option to order a packed lunch for an additional charge.
For the start of the tour, you should carry enough drinks and a small snack. On the following hiking days, your guide will inform you about the options available.
Are food intolerances or special diets possible?
Food intolerances or special dietary requirements such as vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free meals are often possible when staying in hotels or guesthouses. Please state any special requests at the time of booking so that they can be checked in good time.
What should I pack?
For multi-day Alpine tours you need weatherproof clothing, well-worn-in mountain boots, enough food and drink for the day, personal equipment and, depending on the trip, other recommended items. The detailed packing list is provided can be downloaded here.
Fitness, technical requirements and preparation
Am I fit enough for an Alpine crossing?
A multi-day mountain tour is a special challenge for many hikers. You should already have hiking experience, good endurance and the ability to walk for several days in a row.
Sure-footedness, meaning safe walking on uneven, stony or unpaved paths, is important, as is a good head for heights. If you have not yet completed a multi-day mountain tour, we recommend starting with a shorter tour so that you can get to know the format and assess your level realistically.
What level of fitness and technical ability is required?
The requirements vary depending on the tour. Some trips are suitable for active leisure hikers, while others require fitness, sure-footedness, a head for heights and previous mountain experience. Please read the detailed description of the individual trip carefully and use the stated requirements as your guide.
Are the tours suitable for people with reduced mobility?
No. Unfortunately, the Alpine hiking tours are not suitable for people with reduced mobility. The paths can be steep, narrow, rocky, slippery or exposed and require safe walking in Alpine terrain.
Booking, payment, cancellation and insurance
What are the payment terms?
According to the information currently available, the deposit is €100.00 per person at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 14 days before the tour starts. Please check the final payment terms in the booking confirmation and terms and conditions.
What should I know about cancellation?
You may withdraw from the booked trip at any time. The decisive point is when the written cancellation is received by the organiser. According to the available terms and conditions information from Bergschule Kleinwalsertal, the following cancellation fees apply in summary:
• up to 8 weeks before the start: 20% of the tour price
• up to 4 weeks before the start: 40% of the tour price
• up to 21 days before the start: 60% of the tour price
• from the 20th day before departure: 90% of the tour price
• three days before the tour starts: 100% of the total price
Separate cancellation periods and fees may apply to private tours. The current terms and conditions of the organiser always apply.
What happens if I have to leave a tour early?
If you have to end a tour early, additional costs may arise, for example for taxi transfers, extra hotel nights or individual return travel. These costs are usually not reimbursed by Bergschule Kleinwalsertal. In some cases, costs not incurred by third parties, such as huts or accommodation providers, may be refunded if no cancellation fees have arisen.
What travel insurance is recommended?
We strongly recommend travel cancellation and trip interruption insurance. Travel health insurance including medical repatriation is also advisable. Before taking out insurance, please check whether Alpine hiking tours, trip interruption, illness and individual return travel are adequately covered.
Travel to the starting point and local stay
I am not travelling by car. How do I reach the meeting point?
Oberstdorf and the Kleinwalsertal can also be reached without a car. Depending on where you are travelling from, flight, train, long-distance coach or a combination of public transport options may be suitable.
• Flight: Munich Airport is well connected. From there you can continue by hire car or train to Oberstdorf and then by public bus into the Kleinwalsertal.
• Long-distance coach: International coach connections can be a cost-effective alternative.
• Bus and train: Oberstdorf and the Kleinwalsertal are well connected by public transport. We will be happy to help you find a suitable connection.
I am arriving before the official tour start. How do I find accommodation?
If you arrive before the official arrival day, you can book an additional night locally. Depending on the tour, we will provide information on suitable accommodation or refer you to the local tourist information office. Here is a list of hotels in the Kleinwalsertal.
Any further questions?
We will be happy to advise you personally. If you are unsure which tour suits your fitness, experience or travel period, simply contact Sörmland Outdoor. Together we will find the right hiking trip in the Alps for you.
You'll never walk alone!