7 Day Alpine Crossing Hiking Tour in Oberstdorf, Germany

The Tour

Stick & Stone has designed a journey for you that follows both the famous long-distance hiking trail E5 and lesser-known paths, taking you through a variety of landscapes. From the high alpine terrain of Germany to South Tyrol, you’ll experience authentic hospitality and the culinary specialties of different mountain regions. Be amazed by the modern infrastructure that now allows for sustainable yet comfortable accommodation above 2,000 meters — using solar power, geothermal energy, and recycling systems.

You’ll cross rugged mountain ridges and, even in summer, traverse wide snowfields and powerful alpine rivers. You’ll pass glacial lakes from the Ice Age and may spot ibex and marmots. Toward the end of the journey, you’ll get up close to the Similaun Glacier and the discovery site of "Ötzi," the Iceman. For those who still have energy after a full day of hiking, there are often optional evening summit climbs (see daily itinerary).

Once you reach Merano, you’ll enjoy the comfort of a hotel and the Mediterranean flair of South Tyrol, with its charming alleys and shops inviting you to explore.

Itinerary

The itinerary described here is schematic and subject to change for organizational reasons. In particular, due to the often unpredictable weather in the high mountains, adjustments may be made to ensure safety.

Arrival and First Stage (approximately 6 kilometers / 900 meters↑ / 100 meters↓)

You will meet at the agreed time at the train station in Oberstdorf. A short bus transfer takes you to the first alpine pasture, the starting point for your ascent to the Kemptner Hut — the destination for this first (half) day of hiking. You follow a wild mountain stream uphill on alpine paths until you reach the beautifully located hut in the late afternoon. Those who still have energy can join the mountain guide for a short summit hike in the hut’s surroundings.

Second Stage (approximately 14 kilometers / 1,100 meters↑ / 900 meters↓)

You set off early to be on the trail before the larger hiking groups. Departing from the standard E5 route, you hike along the Lechtal High Trail below the Krottenkopf (2,656 meters), descending into the mountain village of Bach. From there, a short taxi ride takes us to the starting point of your evening ascent to the Memminger Hut, where you spend the night at 2,150 meters, nestled among glacial lakes.

That evening, there’s also an option to climb the nearby Seeschartenspitze — a bonus summit for all the energetic hikers.

Third Stage (approximately 14 kilometers / 900 meters↑ / 1,800 meters↓)

At first light, you begin your ascent to the Seescharte pass. This crossing into the Loch Valley at 2,600 meters is a true highlight of the tour. In the afternoon, a remote alpine hut invites you to stop for a traditional snack — the owner still uses pack animals to bring supplies up from the village!

Well-fed, you start the long descent to Zams, where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.

Fourth Stage (approximately 13 kilometers / 1,250 meters↑ / 500 meters↓)

Today's hike begins gently: you walk across green alpine meadows, enjoying the mountain panorama and watching cows graze. Around midday, a short taxi transfer takes you into the spectacular Pitztal Valley, where you begin your ascent to the Braunschweiger Hut via an adventurous trail. You spend the night at 2,759 meters in a landscape of snow and ice.

This is a place where the effects of climate change in the Alps are especially visible — the massive glaciers have almost completely retreated. Warm hospitality and professional hut management provide you with hearty mountain fare and a good glass of wine before you retreat, full of impressions, to your sleeping quarters.

Fifth Stage (approximately 22 kilometers / 1,000 meters ↑ / 1,300 meters↓)

After crossing the Pitztaler Jöchl at 2,900 meters, you begin a descent over snow and ice down to the valley station of the Rettenbach Glacier. From there, a bus transfer takes you to the starting point of the stunning Ötztal Trek.

You spend the night at the Martin-Busch Hut, not far from the discovery site of “Ötzi” — the famous Iceman and likely the first documented criminal case in human history.

Sixth Stage (approximately 10 kilometers / 500 meters↑ / 1,300 meters↓)

Today, you pass the Similaun Glacier — crossing briefly into Italy! After a rest at the Similaun Hut, where you recharge with apple strudel and coffee, you descend to Vent, the final stop of your long trek.

From here, a taxi takes you to Merano, where you rest in a cozy hotel and enjoy a final dinner together.

Departure from Merano (approximately 3-hour bus ride)

After breakfast, you board the bus that brings you back to your starting point in Oberstdorf. Along the way, you continue to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain regions you’ve crossed. Passing by the Zugspitze, you return to the Allgäu, where you say goodbye, tired, but enriched with unforgettable memories.

Requirements

Fitness and Physical Preparation

For this trek, you should have a solid base level of fitness and be sure-footed on alpine terrain. The tour includes significant elevation gains and extended days of hiking, so good endurance is essential.

It is strongly recommended to prepare in advance by hiking uphill whenever possible, engaging in regular running or cardio training, and incorporating stair climbing into your daily routine (e.g., taking stairs instead of elevators). These small habits can make a big difference!

Equipment and Packing

You’ll carry a daypack weighing up to 7 kilograms. On some ascents, it’s possible to send your backpack ahead via a material cableway to the mountain hut. However, a minimum amount of essential gear must always be carried by you. Most participants manage comfortably with around 6 kilograms, provided they follow the packing advice.

Essential gear includes:

• High-quality, well broken-in, ankle-high hiking boots – required
• A good waterproof rain jacket
• A warm down jacket
• A lightweight, quick-drying midlayer

Stick & Stone will be happy to help you with gear recommendations in advance — just get in touch.

Mountain Huts and Accommodation

You will spend four nights in traditional alpine mountain huts and two nights in hotels (twin rooms with separate beds). The huts are simple but well-equipped, particularly when it comes to food and sanitation. In some huts, our group will stay in 6–8-bed rooms. In others, you’ll sleep in shared dormitories with other hikers. Keep in mind that privacy is limited, and space and resources are shared by all guests.

Since everything available in the huts has to be brought up manually or by cable, life here is rustic and communal. This creates a unique, authentic mountain experience with a cheerful and friendly atmosphere.

Pre-Tour Meeting

To ensure you’re well-prepared, Stick & Stone will organize a video call with all participants ahead of the trip. They’ll go over logistical details, answer your questions, and give everyone a chance to get to know each other before the adventure begins.

Of course, you can always contact Stick & Stone personally before the tour — they’re happy to answer any questions you may have!