The classic from Oberstdorf to Merano
From the Bavarian capital to the Italian coast
From Scharnitz to Venice
Lighter pleasure variant from Lake Tegernsee to South Tyrol
From the Danube to Veneto on an old Roman trade route
The best Alpine crossings through Tyrol offer a unique mix of Alpine landscapes, historical heritage and varied hiking experiences. One of the best-known routes is the E5, which leads from Oberstdorf in Germany to Merano in South Tyrol. This route runs through the Allgäu Alps, Lechtal Alps and Ötztal Alps and leads along challenging paths.
Another highlight is the Alpine crossing from Tegernsee to Sterzing, which leads past Lake Achensee and through the Zillertal Alps to South Tyrol. This route combines nature and culture and is suitable for hikers of all experience levels.
The Via Claudia Augusta, a historic Roman trade route, also runs through Tyrol and offers a less demanding but culturally rich hike. Along the way, you can discover Roman ruins and medieval sites while enjoying the Alpine landscape.
The Dream Trail from Munich to Venice is a challenging, multi-day tour that crosses the Alps. This route is only suitable for experienced hikers looking for a challenging crossing of the Alps.
Last but not least is the Via Venezia Alpina, which runs from Scharnitz through the Karwendel and finally through the Dolomites and the South Tyrol region. This route offers impressive views of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites and passes through remote mountain villages and historic trade routes.
Each of these long-distance hiking trails offers unique experiences, from historical discoveries to spectacular mountain scenery, and is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and diversity of Tyrol.
The duration of an Alpine crossing depends on the route chosen, the level of difficulty and your personal fitness level. As a rule, the best-known Alpine crossings take between 5 and 14 days.
The Alpine crossing from Tegernsee to Sterzing and the Via Claudia Augusta are particularly suitable for beginners. The crossing of the Alps from Tegernsee to Sterzing is of moderate difficulty with well-maintained paths and is ideal for hikers in good physical condition. The stages are easy to complete and offer a varied landscape, from the Bavarian Alps to the South Tyrolean mountains. It is perfect for beginners who want to gain their first experience of crossing the Alps. The Via Claudia Augusta runs mostly through the Inn Valley and features flat sections and gentle hills, making it particularly attractive for beginners. The route is moderate and offers the advantage of being well signposted and well developed in terms of infrastructure. It combines history with impressive nature, ideal for a relaxed crossing of the Alps. Both routes offer beginners a good opportunity to experience the Alps without being too physically demanding.
You should be well prepared for an Alpine crossing through Tyrol. Here is a list of the most important items of equipment:
Mobile phone and power bank: For emergencies and navigation (make sure you have enough battery life).
With this equipment you are well equipped for most Alpine crossings, although the exact selection may vary depending on the route and weather conditions.
The most popular Alpine crossing through Tyrol is the E5, which leads from Oberstdorf in Germany to Merano in South Tyrol. This route is particularly well-known and well-developed, which is why it attracts numerous hikers every year. The E5 offers a varied route that leads through the Lechtal Alps and the Ötztal Alps, with impressive peaks, deep valleys and idyllic Alpine villages. It is suitable for hikers of all experience levels, as the stages are well marked and include both challenging and quieter sections. The E5 has established itself as one of the most popular Alpine crossings due to its good infrastructure, such as huts and accommodation, as well as the scenic beauty and cultural highlights in towns such as Merano.
The best time to cross the Alps through Tyrol is between June and September. During these months, most of the trails are free of snow and the huts are open. The temperatures are pleasant and the clear air in late summer makes for impressive panoramas. Early autumn also offers stable weather conditions and beautiful autumn colours. It is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as alpine conditions can change quickly.
There is a wide range of accommodation on the Alpine crossing routes in Tyrol that is perfectly tailored to the needs of long-distance hikers:
Accommodation varies depending on the route and stage, but they always offer the opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries after a strenuous day.
Yes, luggage transport is offered on some Alpine crossings through Tyrol. This option allows hikers to travel with just a daypack while the rest of their luggage is transported between accommodation. This service is often offered by tour operators, especially on popular routes such as the Alpine crossing from Tegernsee to Sterzing or the E5 from Oberstdorf to Meran. Individual luggage transport can also be organised directly through the accommodation in some regions. It is advisable to check the availability and costs of luggage transport in advance.
