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Long-Distance HikingLong-Distance Hiking
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  • Sonnenuntergang bei einer Fernwanderung in den Alpen.
    Sonnenuntergang bei einer Fernwanderung in den Alpen. Photo: Netzer Johannes, Adobe Stock

Long-distance hikes in the Alps

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In the majestic Alps, the highest mountain range in Europe, grandiose peaks, breathtaking lakes and rivers as well as picturesque valleys and mountain villages form spectacular panoramas. The mountain range makes the hearts of nature lovers beat faster and awakens the longing for adventure. The long-distance hiking trails in the Alps are a true paradise for hikers, especially a crossing of the Alps will inspire your soul.

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The most beautiful long-distance hikes in the Alps

Hochschober, namensgebend
Long-Distance Hiking · Schober Group
Schobergruppe Durchquerung von Lienz nach Heiligenblut - gesamt
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult Multi-stage route
78.6 km
41:00 h
8,500 m
8,600 m
Einsam und erlebnisreich, mit Deitausendern gespickt, unvergessliche Tage in einer der schönsten Gebirgsgruppen Österreichs
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Long-Distance Hiking · Gantrisch
3-Tages Wanderung mit Zeltcamp-Übernachtungen im Naturpark Gantrisch vom Schwarzsee zum Gurnigel Bad
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
37.3 km
13:05 h
2,068 m
1,978 m
Drei Tage zu Fuss und mit dem Rucksack durch die Voralpen vom Schwarzsee im Kanton Freiburg bis hin zum Gurnigelpass im Naturpark Gantrisch im Kanton Bern und dabei auf Nomady Zeltcamps übernachten.
Nomady
Friedensglocke am Gipfel der Hohen Warte (2780 m).
Long-Distance Hiking
Vom Wolayersee über die Hohe Warte zum Plöckenpass
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult Multi-stage route
13.4 km
8:45 h
1,118 m
1,729 m
Die abwechslungsreiche Tour führt vom idyllischen Wolayersee über den versicherten Spinotti-Steig auf die Hohe Warte, den höchsten Gipfel der Karnischen Alpen. Nach einer Nächtigung im Rifugio Marinelli steigen wir zum Plöckenpass ab.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Panorama dal Monte Vederna
Long-Distance Hiking · San Martino di Castrozza,Primiero,Vanoi
Primiero Slow Tour Tappa 5 (Rifugio Vederna - Fiera di Primiero)
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
15.8 km
4:50 h
361 m
980 m
Quinta ed ultima tappa del Primiero Slow Tour che dal Rifugio Vederna arriva fino a Fiera di Primiero passando per la panoramica Croce del Monte Vederna e, scendendo poi a Imer, risale fino a Fiera attraverso la ciclopedonale di Primiero e il sentiero della Madonna del Sass.
APT San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero e Vanoi
Sentiero degli Abeti Giganti
Long-Distance Hiking · San Martino di Castrozza,Primiero,Vanoi
Primiero Slow Tour Tappa 4 (Rifugio Fonteghi - Rifugio Vederna)
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
15.3 km
5:40 h
858 m
638 m
Quarta tappa del Primiero Slow Tour che dal Rifugio Fonteghi porta al Rifugio Vederna attraverso il Sentiero degli Abeti Giganti e la strada forestale 733
APT San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero e Vanoi
Ponte sospeso - ph Daniele Lira
Long-Distance Hiking · San Martino di Castrozza,Primiero,Vanoi
Primiero Slow Tour Tappa 3 (Rifugio Caltena - Rifugio Fonteghi)
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
10.4 km
3:20 h
349 m
510 m
Terza tappa del Primiero Slow Tour che dal Rifugio Caltena conduce al Rifugio Fonteghi passando per i prati di San Giovanni e il ponte sospeso sul Rio Neva
APT San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero e Vanoi
Long-Distance Hiking · San Martino di Castrozza,Primiero,Vanoi
Primiero Slow Tour Tappa 2 (Passo Cereda - Rifugio Caltena)
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
9.6 km
4:35 h
783 m
895 m
Seconda tappa del Primiero Slow Tour che dal Rifugio Cereda di Passo Cereda porta fino al Rifugio Caltena costeggiando le Pale Alte e il Monte Padella
APT San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero e Vanoi
Laghetto Welsperg
Long-Distance Hiking · San Martino di Castrozza,Primiero,Vanoi
Primiero Slow Tour Tappa 1 (Fiera di Primiero - Passo Cereda)
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
10.7 km
3:50 h
707 m
41 m
Prima tappa del Primiero Slow Tour che dal fondovalle di Primiero sale fino a Passo Cereda attraversando la Val Canali, una delle più belle e scenografiche delle Dolomiti
APT San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero e Vanoi
Lago delle Buse
Long-Distance Hiking · Bedollo
Alternative route E5 for Brusago - Malga Stramaiolo (high route)
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
14.7 km
5:25 h
847 m
541 m
Alternative itinerary to discover the beauty of the Lagorai, from its mountain pastures to its peaks with lunar charm also famous for the presence of the mineral orthoclase.
APT Trento
Mouth of Zandilla
Long-Distance Hiking · Nationalpark Stilfser Joch
Bormio 360 Adventure Trail - Trekking
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult Multi-stage route
1
140.6 km
50:15 h
6,200 m
6,200 m
BORMIO 360 Adventure Trail is the first high-altitude trail that completes a 360 loop around the Bormio ski area. 10 varied stages of pure excitement
Valtellina Outdoor
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Forecast for Alps

How fit do you have to be to cross the Alps?

Crossing the Alps is a demanding challenge that requires physical endurance, mental strength and the will to cross borders. The multi-day hikes range from just under 140 km to almost 1,000 km through alpine terrain and place high demands on the body. Therefore, you need to build up sufficient basic fitness before the trip. This includes regular endurance training such as hiking, jogging or cycling. Since hiking trails are often steep and rocky, good leg muscles are also important. Targeted strength training for the legs and torso can help prevent injuries and increase resilience. Since an Alpine crossing includes strenuous sections, you should also prepare yourself mentally for the challenges. Then nothing will stand in the way of an unforgettable adventure in the majestic Alps.

Dream hike for well-trained hikers

When hiking in the Alps you can enjoy the beauty and magic of the mountain world to the full. While you hike over majestic peaks, through picturesque valleys and traditional alpine villages and past clear mountain lakes, your soul will be freed and strengthened with every stage. The encounters with like-minded people and locals will make your journey a unique experience. The almost 580 km long München-Venedig Dream Trail is one of the best-known long-distance hiking trails in the Alpine region. On a total of 30 daily stages, it leads through the imposing Karwendel, over the majestic Central Alps and the impressive Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea. The route offers a varied landscape, ranging from easy hiking trails through the Alpine foothills to challenging mountain paths in the rocky regions. When long-distance hiking between Marienplatz in Munich and St. Mark's Square in Venice, the long-distance trails are not uniformly marked, which means that different variants and additional stages are possible.

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Tip: Guided tours are offered with pre-booked three- or four-star hotels in the valley instead of sleeping in mountain huts, luggage transport and a guide.

 
Long-Distance Hiking · München-Ingolstadt
Traumpfad München Venedig (komplett)
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult closed
Distance 533.3 km
Duration 170:49 h
Ascent 22,523 m
Descent 23,026 m

Der Traumpfad von München nach Venedig führt als Fernwanderweg und Alpenüberquerung über 28 Etappen vom Marienplatz zum Markusplatz.

11
from Björn Mußmann,   Community

Leisurely on foot across the Alps

The Alps Crossing from Tegernsee to Sterzing is a seven-stage hiking tour across the Alps from Gmund am Tegernsee to Sterzing in South Tyrol. The route runs along easy to moderately difficult paths and leads through magnificent and varied landscapes in seven stages. The starting point is the popular long-distance hiking trail from Tegernsee to Schliersee, from where the route continues üvia Lake Achensee and the Zillertal to Sterzing. The tour is 136.3 km long and takes about 45 hours. There are 3,637 metres of ascent and 3,423 metres of descent, but a maximum of 900 metres of ascent per day. You hike between six and 20 km every day. This Alpine crossing promises an unforgettable hiking experience through the magnificent and varied landscapes of the Alps.

Mountain Hike · Tegernsee-Schliersee
Alpenüberquerung in 7 Tagen, Tegernsee - Sterzing
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 161.8 km
Duration 58:59 h
Ascent 4,798 m
Descent 4,787 m

Eine leichte Alpenüberquerung auf leichten bis mittleren Wegen.

from Daniel K.,   Community

Which alpine crossing for beginners?

Even if you are a beginner, you need to be in very good shape for the crossing of the Alps. The best route is from Lake Tegernsee through the Zillertal to Sterzing. The E5 Alpine Crossing is much more demanding, but without climbing sections and real dangers. Since the long-distance trails on this route are only 173.9 km long, it can also be tackled by well-trained beginners.

Travelog · Allgäu
Crossing the Alps by foot – My journey from Oberstdorf to Meran
July 03, 2018

To cross the Alps on the E5 long distance path: an undertaking that excites many passionate long distance hikers – such as me. For about a week I ...

from Julia Gebauer,   Outdooractive Editors

Crossing the Alps on the E5 - From Oberstdorf to Meran

The Alpine Crossing on the E5 from Oberstdorf to Merano is a classic and challenging 6-day hike through the Allgäu, Lechtal and Ötztal Alps. The route runs from valley to valley and from peak to peak and is considered one of the best-known and most popular sections of the E5. In total, there are 8,255 metres of ascent and 8,943 metres of descent on this 173.9 km long tour. The impressive mountain scenery changes almost constantly as you hike through the three countries of Germany, Austria and Italy. Along the way there are numerous options for accommodation and food, from huts and alpine pastures to hotels. This crossing of the Alps promises to be an unforgettable hiking experience and the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream for many hikers.

Long-Distance Hiking
Alpine crossing on E5 – From Oberstdorf to Meran
PremiumPremium content Difficulty difficult Multi-stage route
Distance 173.9 km
Duration 36:00 h
Ascent 8,255 m
Descent 8,943 m

The classic alpine crossing: 6-day tour on the route E5 from Oberstdorf to Meran through the beautiful alpine terrain.

59
from Julia Gebauer,   Outdooractive Premium

What you need to bring for crossing the Alps or long-distance hiking trails:

  • Walking shoes
  • Breathable and weatherproof hiking clothing as well as hiking socks, headgear, sunglasses, gloves, bathing shoes for the hut and care products such as toothpaste and toothbrush, shower gel etc.
  • Sunscreen, rain cape, water bottle, map, hiking gear, sleeping bag and pocket knife.
  • First aid kit and touring provisions.
  • Money, ID, mobile phone with GPS tracker, charger, emergency number and health insurance card.
Knowledge Page
Packing List for Long Distance Hikes

Learn what you need to include in your backpack for long-distance hiking and how to reduce unnecessary weight.

Outdooractive Editors
Explore our Travel Guide for Alps
Accommodation Eat and drink Dog-friendly hiking huts Webcams Accessibility Ski resorts

Reviews

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Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise by Gerhard
Yesterday · Community
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Tour de la Vanoise by Gerhard
Yesterday · Community
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Отслеживание 6 июля 2024 г. by Daria
July 06, 2024 · Community
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Discover other long-distance hikes within Alps

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Similar activities in the Alps

hikes pilgrim walks nature trails city walks

Localization

Parts of this content were machine translated using German as the source language

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