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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

Outdooractive Editors  Verified partner 
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LogoOutdooractive Editors

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

Blick zur Pfaffing-Alm
Long-Distance Hiking · Gesäuse
Hochschwab von Wildalpen via Teufelsee nach Weichselboden
Toprecommended route Difficulty T3 difficult
46.2 km
27:00 h
3,600 m
2,980 m
Dreitägige Hochschwabüberquerung von Wildalpen nach Weichselboden in wildromantischer Landschaft.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Blick vom Hinteren Bratschkopf zur Klocknerin; Dahinter die großen Gipfel der Hohen Tauern mit Großglockner. Rechts im Hintergrund der Großvenediger.
Long-Distance Hiking · Bruck-Fusch
Aussichtsreiche Mehrtages-Rundtour von Ferleiten an der Großglocknerstraße über Großes Wiesbachhorn, Klockerin und Johannisberg
Toprecommended route Difficulty T5 difficult
54.3 km
25:15 h
5,351 m
5,348 m
Taurenrunde (6 Tage, 5 Nächte, 8 Gipfel) mit einigen Variationsmöglichkeiten
alpenvereinaktiv.com
5 Tages Hüttenrunde durchs Verwall
Long-Distance Hiking · The Verwall Alps
5 Tages Hüttenrunde durchs Verwall
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 difficult Multi-day route
46.8 km
15:35 h
2,100 m
2,100 m
Familienfreundliche Hüttentour ab St. Anton am Arlberg durchs Verwall über 3 schöne DAV-Hütten und moderate Wege. 
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Berggasthof Mittereggalm
Long-Distance Hiking · Hochkönig
Hochkönig Hüttenhüpfer Tour Stage 2 - variant mountain inn Mittereggalm
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 moderate
11.1 km
3:30 h
218 m
515 m
Enjoy the picturesque hiking trail from the Mitterfeldalm through the Riedingtal valley with its striking waterfall to the mountain inn Mittereggalm.
Hochkönig
Blick vom Höhenweg zurück zur Planei und zum Dachstein
Long-Distance Hiking · Schladming-Dachstein
Planai-Klafferkessel-Neualm-Schladming
Toprecommended route Difficulty T5 difficult
77.3 km
26:00 h
2,500 m
3,673 m
Abenteuerliche Wanderung für geübte und ausdauernde Wanderer von der Planei zum landschaftlich eindrucksvollen Klafferkessel und via der malerischen Neualm ins Kleinsölktal. Mit dem Fahrrad oder Öffis retour nach Schladming.
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Auf dem Prättigauer Höhenweg.
Long-Distance Hiking · Graubuenden
Prättigauer Höhenweg
PremiumPremium content Difficulty T3 difficult closed
76.1 km
27:00 h
3,628 m
2,958 m
Der Prättigauer Höhenweg ist eine sensationelle Schautour im Rätikon. Er führt in vier Tagen von Landquart nach Klosters.
Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Summit cross Klingspitz
Long-Distance Hiking · Hochkönig
The Königsweg stage 5 (Dienten - Maria Alm)
Toprecommended route Difficulty T3 difficult
21.7 km
7:20 h
1,086 m
1,351 m
The fifth stage of the Königsweg offers 3 summit crossings in one day with Klingspitz, Hochkaser and Hundstein!
Hochkönig
Long-Distance Hiking · Alpenregion Vorarlberg
Lechweg - 125 Kilometer Natur, Kultur und Stille
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 moderate closed
2
122.1 km
35:25 h
2,227 m
3,275 m
Auf dem Lechweg folgst du dem letzten Wildfluss Europas: Er führt vom Formarinsee in Vorarlberg bis zum Lechfall in Füssen. Auf rund 125 Kilometern wanderst du durch alpine Täler, über Hängebrücken, vorbei an rauschenden Stromschnellen und stillen Mooren. Der Weg ist ein Wechselspiel aus Naturgewalt und sanfter Stille, zwischen Bergromantik und kulturellen Spuren. Wenn du den Lechweg gehst, erlebst du nicht nur eine Landschaft, sondern folgst dem Rhythmus eines Flusses, der sich seit Jahrhunderten seinen Weg durch die Natur bahnt. Die Tour ist grandios - Chapeau!
alpenvereinaktiv.com
Hinauf zum Beerensattel, im Hintergrund die Schwarzenbergalm
Long-Distance Hiking · Dead Mountains
Welser Höhenweg - Etappe 5 von der Ischler Hütte nach Bad Ischl
Toprecommended route Difficulty T2 moderate
15.1 km
3:30 h
70 m
980 m
Hinab in die Kaiserstadt Bad Ischl! Im Abstieg durch das Rettenbachtal lässt sich die Überschreitung wunderbar Revue passieren lassen.
ALPIN - Das Bergmagazin.
Kurz vor dem malerisch schön gelegenen Wildensee
Long-Distance Hiking · Dead Mountains
Welser Höhenweg - Etappe 4 vom Albert-Appel-Haus zur Ischler Hütte
Toprecommended route Difficulty T3 moderate
14.1 km
6:30 h
860 m
1,120 m
Rückblick auf's Tote Gebirge! Vom idyllischen Wildensee hinauf in den schroffen Kalk des Schönbergs wird nochmal die ganze Vielfalt geboten.
ALPIN - Das Bergmagazin.
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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
Crossing the Alps in 7 days, Tegernsee - Sterzing
Toprecommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 161.8 km
Duration 58:59 h
Ascent 4,798 m
Descent 4,787 m

An easy crossing of the Alps on easy to medium trails.

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

The classic Alps crossing: 6-day hike on the E5 from Oberstdorf to Meran through the Allgäu, Lechtal, and Ötztal Alps

58
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 places to eat and drink Dog-friendly hiking offers Webcams huts Accessibility Ski resorts

Reviews

  64,339
Through the southern Kemet mountains in three days by Ingo
October 08, 2025 · Community
Route done on October 03, 2025
Comment
Stage 13 Alpe-Adria-Trail: Millstätter Alpe - Döbriach by Noa
October 04, 2025 · Community
This route is hard! We started at millstatterhutte having slept there the night before. The day started with a climb back to the peaks, and then a really nice hike along the peaks. Afterwards we started the descent towards Lammersdorfer Hütte. Unfortunately we didn’t think to translate the rest of the reviews here, but we agree - the hike from there down is very difficult (and hard on the knees) and pretty monotonous. We arrived at Matzeldorf which was pretty lovely and then down to Dobriach. At multiple points the trail was a bit off, or too steep and we zig-zagged to make it easier. All in all we had a great time but would recommend stopping at Lammersdorfer Hütte.
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Comment
Alpe-Adria-Trail overall tour by Nicky
October 03, 2025 · Community
We are almost finished with the entire AAT, including the circle. We think the Alps part is amazing!! So beautiful and stunning views. Highly recommended! Now we are nearing the end, and we feel that the last stages through the vineyards and flat lands of Italy and Slovenia are not the best. It is a lot of walking through vineyards and flat lands. Very repetitive, monotonous landscape, no real highlights. We would have shortened that enormously if we would have known in advance. It is great to finish at the sea.
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Nature regions

  • Long-distance hikes in Texelgruppe
  • Long-distance hikes in Naturpark Karwendel
  • Long-distance hikes in Fanes-Sennes-Prags
  • Long-distance hikes in Puez-Geisler
  • Long-distance hikes in Biosphärenreservat Berchtesgadener Land
  • Long-distance hikes in Schlern-Rosengarten
  • Long-distance hikes in Drei Zinnen
  • Long-distance hikes in Berchtesgaden
  • Long-distance hikes in Triglav National Park
  • Long-distance hikes in Nationalpark Stilfser Joch

Discover other long-distance hikes within Alps

Adamello-Presanella Alps Adula Group Albula Alps Allgäu Alps Ammergau Alps Ankogel Group Appenzell Alps Bauget Alps Bavarian Alps Bavarian Prealps Belle Donne Group Berchtesgaden Alps Bergamo Alps Bergell Mountains Bernese Alps Bernina Group Bornes Alps Bregenzerwald Mountains Brenta Group Carnic Alps Carnic PreAlps Ceneri Group Chablais Alps Charbonnel Group Chartreuse Group Cottian Alps Dachstein Mountains Dead Mountains Dolomites Emmental Alps Ennstal Alps Fiemme Mountains Fribourg Alps Gailtal Alps Glarner Alps Glockner Group Goldberg Group Gotthard Group Granatspitz Group Gutenstein Alps Hochschwab Group Julian Alps Kaiser Mountains Karavanke and Pohorje Karwendel Kitzbühel Alps Koszegi-hegység Kreuzeck Group Lake Garda Mountains Lavantal Alps Lechquellen Mountains Lechtal Alps Leone Group Ligurian Alps Livigno Alps Lofer and Leogang Mountains Maritime Alps Mont Blanc massif Muerzsteg Alps Nock Mountains Nonsberg Group Oetztal Alps Ortler Group Paradiso Group Platta Guppe Plessur Alps PreAlps East of the Mur Provencal Alps Provencalic Foothills Radstadt Tauern Raetikon Rax-Schneeberg Group Rieserferner Group Rofan Mountains Rottenmann and Woelz Tauern Mountains Rutor Group Salzburg Schieferalps Salzkammergut Mountains Samnaun Group Sarntal Alps Schladming Tauern Schober Group Schwyzer Alps Seckauer Tauern Sesvenna Group Silvretta Sobretta-Gavia Group Steiner Alps Stubai Alps Tabor Group Tennen Mountains The Verwall Alps Ticino Alps Tuernitzer Alps Tux Alps Upper Austrian PreAlps Urner Alps Valais Alps Vanoise Massif Varese Foothills Vas-hegy és Koszeghegyalja Venediger Group Vicentine Alps Vienna Woods Villgraten Mountains Wetterstein Mountains and Mieminger chain Ybbstal Alps Zillertal Alps Écrins (Pelvoux Group)

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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