The E5: Oberstdorf To Meran in 8 days
Personalized quotation
Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
This will be the ideal route to discover the vastness and beauty of the Eastern Alps, as you walk along a path that crosses Germany and Austria, and on into Italy.
- Delight in the magnificent landscapes and get to know the history of these charming lands.
- Walk from cabin to cabin and experience the mountain lifestyle.
- Walk along a stretch of the famous GR5 route, starting in the German village of Oberstdorf, and ending in Merano, in the province of Bolzano, northern Italy.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Oberstdorf
The fascinating E5 tour begins in Oberstdorf, a village in the middle of the Allgau Alps in Bavaria, Germany.
This is a favourite place for winter sports lovers, with about 44 km of alpine ski slopes, approximately 85 km of cross-country ski slopes and countless walking trails.
Sonthofen: If there is no accommodation available in Oberstdorf, you will be accommodated here. We will make arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between the locations.
This is a favourite place for winter sports lovers, with about 44 km of alpine ski slopes, approximately 85 km of cross-country ski slopes and countless walking trails.
Sonthofen: If there is no accommodation available in Oberstdorf, you will be accommodated here. We will make arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between the locations.
Overnight in Oberstdorf
Explorer Hotel
This environmentally friendly hotel has comfortable rooms with balcony, private bathroom, Wi-Fi and satellite TV.
It offers lockers to store sports equipment, a sauna, gym and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers lockers to store sports equipment, a sauna, gym and bar.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Oberstdorf to Madau 8,8 miles | 14,3 km
After a transfer from Oberstdorf to Spielmannsau, you will start your tour through the Allgau Alps.
The first stop will be at the Kemptner Refuge, from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and continue to Madelejoch, a mountain pass located close to the border between Germany and Austria.
Later you will descend the beautiful alpine trails and pass near the Simms Waterfall, named after the British engineer and motor industry pioneer Frederick Simms, who by 1890, had rented a cabin in this area.
Arriving in Holzgau, a town in the state of Tyrol in Austria, famous for its richness in forests and woods, you will be delighted with the fantastic façades of the buildings, painted in the style of "Luftmalerei", which is a type of mural art of illusion originating in southern Germany and Austria.
At the end of the day, a private transfer will take you from Holzgau to Madau.
The first stop will be at the Kemptner Refuge, from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and continue to Madelejoch, a mountain pass located close to the border between Germany and Austria.
Later you will descend the beautiful alpine trails and pass near the Simms Waterfall, named after the British engineer and motor industry pioneer Frederick Simms, who by 1890, had rented a cabin in this area.
Arriving in Holzgau, a town in the state of Tyrol in Austria, famous for its richness in forests and woods, you will be delighted with the fantastic façades of the buildings, painted in the style of "Luftmalerei", which is a type of mural art of illusion originating in southern Germany and Austria.
At the end of the day, a private transfer will take you from Holzgau to Madau.
Overnight in Madau
Berggasthaus Hermine Madau
This pleasant country house offers an excellent panoramic view of the mountains. It features a beautiful garden, a terrace and a restaurant serving exquisite dishes.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Madau to Zams 13 miles | 21 km
This will be an extreme and very demanding day. You'll start climbing to the Memminger Cabin, at an altitude of 2,242 metres, and along the way you'll encounter a wide variety of animals, including groundhogs and mountain goats.
Afterwards you will continue on rocky terrain that involves a little more effort, but when you arrive in Seescharte it will all definitely be worth it, because the views you will have will be amazing.
You also have the option to do an easier and smoother tour. You can walk through the Alperschontal, a valley about 10 km (6.2 miles) south of Bach, to Ansbacher. From there, you will head towards Schann. Once in Schann, it will be possible to take a bus to Zams, a village in the district of Landeck.
Landeck: If there is no accommodation available in Zams, you will be accommodated here. To get there, you can walk or take a bus to Landeck.
Afterwards you will continue on rocky terrain that involves a little more effort, but when you arrive in Seescharte it will all definitely be worth it, because the views you will have will be amazing.
You also have the option to do an easier and smoother tour. You can walk through the Alperschontal, a valley about 10 km (6.2 miles) south of Bach, to Ansbacher. From there, you will head towards Schann. Once in Schann, it will be possible to take a bus to Zams, a village in the district of Landeck.
Landeck: If there is no accommodation available in Zams, you will be accommodated here. To get there, you can walk or take a bus to Landeck.
Overnight in Zams
Haueis pension
Enjoy the beautiful views you have from the terrace of this cosy country house, located just two minutes from the centre of Zams. The hotel has a tennis court and guests can enjoy a bite to eat at the restaurant.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Zams to Wenns 7,4 miles | 12 km
The day begins with a pleasant cable car ride from Zams to the Krahberg Reservoir.
From Krahberg, you will start your journey to Wenns, an idyllic village next to the Pitztal Valley, and pass several well-known alpine huts, where you can stop for a rest.
Pitztal: In case there is no availability in Wenns, you will be accommodated here. To get there, you will have to take a bus to Pitztal.
From Krahberg, you will start your journey to Wenns, an idyllic village next to the Pitztal Valley, and pass several well-known alpine huts, where you can stop for a rest.
Pitztal: In case there is no availability in Wenns, you will be accommodated here. To get there, you will have to take a bus to Pitztal.
Overnight in Wenns
Landhaus Gasser
This charming country house located in the middle of the mountains will delight you with its beautiful landscapes.
The rooms are very comfortable and are characterized by their solid wood furniture.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The rooms are very comfortable and are characterized by their solid wood furniture.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Wenns to Solden 5 miles | 8 km
The day starts with a bus ride from Wenns to Mittelberg, where you will start this amazing walk.
You will ascend on steep paths, which will often require you to use your hands to climb, until you reach the well-known Braunschweiger Cabin, where you will find charming and incredible views. From there, you'll gain momentum to head to the highest point of this walking route: Pitztaler Jochl.
At 2996 metres you can stop to enjoy a landscape that will leave you speechless: the vastness of the Alps and below the charming Otztal Valley.
Later, after descending, you can take a bus from Rettenbach to Solden.
You will ascend on steep paths, which will often require you to use your hands to climb, until you reach the well-known Braunschweiger Cabin, where you will find charming and incredible views. From there, you'll gain momentum to head to the highest point of this walking route: Pitztaler Jochl.
At 2996 metres you can stop to enjoy a landscape that will leave you speechless: the vastness of the Alps and below the charming Otztal Valley.
Later, after descending, you can take a bus from Rettenbach to Solden.
Overnight in Solden
Sportalm Pension
This Alpine-style country house features comfortable rooms, a Swiss pine sauna and a pleasant terrace, ideal for sunbathing. The hotel offers free WiFi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Solden to Bella Vista 9,3 miles | 15 km
You’ll start the day with a bus trip from Solden to Vent.
The walk starts in the splendid Rofental Valley and takes you to the beautiful refuge at Hochjochhospiz, found at 2412 m above sea level.
Later on, you will continue towards Italy, through the charming Hochjoch Valley. This will be an extensive tour, but very well rewarded, as you can enjoy stunning natural landscapes.
The walk starts in the splendid Rofental Valley and takes you to the beautiful refuge at Hochjochhospiz, found at 2412 m above sea level.
Later on, you will continue towards Italy, through the charming Hochjoch Valley. This will be an extensive tour, but very well rewarded, as you can enjoy stunning natural landscapes.
Overnight in Bella Vista
Rifugio Bella Vista
This will be the ideal place to enjoy the mountain lifestyle. Spend a night in a private room in this charming cabin and relax in the outdoor jacuzzi or sauna.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Bella Vista to Merano 7,5 miles | 12,1 km
Today you will walk through the fascinating Schnalstal Valley, located in Italy's South Tyrol autonomous province.
Then you will ascend a beautiful path that will take you to a point where you will have the privilege of enjoying incredible views of the artificial Lake Vernago, whose water is a source of electricity for the Etschwerke power plant, in the village of Naturno.
You will end this splendid tour in the village of Vernago. From here, you will have an included transfer to Merano.
Naturno: If there is no accommodation available in Merano, you will be accommodated here. We will make arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between the locations.
Then you will ascend a beautiful path that will take you to a point where you will have the privilege of enjoying incredible views of the artificial Lake Vernago, whose water is a source of electricity for the Etschwerke power plant, in the village of Naturno.
You will end this splendid tour in the village of Vernago. From here, you will have an included transfer to Merano.
Naturno: If there is no accommodation available in Merano, you will be accommodated here. We will make arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between the locations.
Overnight in Merano
Kleinkunst Hotel
This 3-star hotel is located in the centre of Naturno, 15 km (9.3 miles) from Merano.
The rooms are very well equipped and have satellite TV, private bathroom and hairdryer.
The property features a top-floor terrace and offers free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The rooms are very well equipped and have satellite TV, private bathroom and hairdryer.
The property features a top-floor terrace and offers free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Merano
This is the day you'll say goodbye to this magical tour of the Eastern Alps. After a pleasant breakfast, you will head to the nearest airport to return to your home town.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- 1 Dinner
- Luggage transfers on days 3, 5 and 7
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
To reach the starting point of this walking holiday in the Eastern Alps, you can take a train to Oberstdorf from Munich Airport (2h30m), Stuttgart (3h) or Zurich (4h).
At the end of your trip, you can head to Venice, Milan or Munich airports.
At the end of your trip, you can head to Venice, Milan or Munich airports.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What should my physical preparation be?
We recommend that you be in good physical condition and have experience in alpine walking to make the most of this trip.
This route has a high level of difficulty, as the terrain is rocky, partially or completely covered with snow and the climate is changeable. There will be sections of this route where you will have to make use of ropes to help you up and down.
The walks have a daily duration ranging from 6 to 9 hours, with ascents and descents between 1,000 and 1,500 metres and the maximum height you will reach on this route is 2,995 metres above sea level.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What if I can't finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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