The famous Carthaginian general crossed the Alps in 218 BC with nearly 40 elephants. Today, railways, buses and lifts support hikers on their way across the mountains. It is still an adventure.

Those who have made it will never forget it – the unique hiking experience of an Alpine crossing on the European long-distance hiking trail E5: In 31 stages, 600 kilometres in length and 20,000 vertical meters, it leads from Lake Constance to Verona. The alpine crossing from Oberstdorf to Merano is a particularly beautiful section for hiking fans of the classics.

The tour starts in a quite relaxed way with a few days of preparation in Oberstdorf. Then it really gets underway. The route leads through the flourishing mountain meadows of the Allgäu via the Lech valley mountains to the endless glaciers and mountain giants in the Ötztal valley and finally into sunny South Tyrol. At the same time, the path also winds up to just below the 3,000-meter boundary and thus into the area of perennial snow. On the way, alpine huts are waiting for you with delicious delicacies, and depending on the need for comfort, you can spend the night in mountain huts or in the valley in inns. Many providers have specialized in this hiking tour and offer individual solutions
(e.g. www.alpinatours.de).

Even though some sections can be crossed by bus or hiking taxi, the challenges of the multi-day tour should not be underestimated.

The Equipment //

  • Backpack with rain cover,
    35 l content, max. 8 kg loaded
  • Mountain boots (category BC, ankle high)
  • Cap, headband, gloves
  • Rain jacket, rain trousers
  • Telescopic poles
  • Change of clothes
  • Water bottle (Fluid intake 2-3 l/day)
  • Sunglasses

Stamina and sure-footedness are just as necessary as the will to persevere. When looking at upcoming, steep climbs hikers again and again decide that they prefer to stop. But whoever perseveres, is richly rewarded. This feeling of freedom, standing on the mountain peak after a hard day of hiking, spreading your arms and feeling the wind on your face, is incomparable and a reward for all the effort!

Once in Merano, you feel a deep sense of satisfaction. Here you can enjoy the warmth and the pleasant southern atmosphere to the fullest. Treat yourself to a pleasant stay at the hotel. Be pampered after the hardships – Hannibal would certainly also have liked that two thousand years ago.

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