Across the Alps Hiker

Hike Across the Alps from Germany to Austria to Italy

This spectacular tour crosses the Alps from picturesque Bavaria to the glaciated peaks of the Tyrol and on to the Mediterranean Meran. Beautiful mountain huts at 6000 to 9000 feet are mixed with charming hotels and guesthouses down in the valleys. Wildflower-filled meadows, glaciers, and rugged peaks highlight one of Europe's most famous and challenging trails.

Days 1-2 Oy-Mittelberg-Obertsdorf-Kemptner Hut. Transfer by train to a scenic Bavarian village for an evening stroll and welcome dinner at a beautiful guesthouse. Ascend to the first hut through alpine meadows surrounded by rugged peaks.

Days 3-4 Holzgau-Memminger Hut-Seescharte-Inn Valley. Search for eagles and marmots as we cross the border high in the mountains before descending to Holzgau in the Tyrol. Hike back up to our hut located on a green grassy plateau. Ascend the Seescharte, a pass with spectacular views across numerous summits and down in to the valley. A long descent brings us to our pension in the village of Zams.

Days 5-6 Braunschweiger Hut-Oetzal. Reach high altitude again with the aid of a gondola and follow a ridge with stunning views in all directions. After lunch at a cozy guesthouse in the Pitzal Valley, hike by a waterfall and marvel at the glacier tongues hanging from the steep walls above. Our century-old hut is set among a chain of glaciated mountains dominated by the Wildspitze. Then it's on to our highest point on the traverse where we look for long-horned Steinbocke before descending to the famous Oetzal, where the "Glacier Mummy" was discovered.

Days 7-8 Moos-Pfandler Alm Hut-Meran. Hike down to a small Italian village for lunch and ascend one last time to our hut, where a great barbecue awaits. Cross alpine meadows to views of the highest peak in the eastern Alps. A gondola delivers us to the medieval city of Meran, where a stroll through its picturesque lanes awaits.

Days 9-10 Munich-Departure. Transfer back to Munich with a stop at the Glacier Mummy Museum or a visit to the winter sports resort of Garmish-Partenkirchen. Walk to the Hofbrauhaus in the Bavarian capital for a celebration beer.