E5 Alps Crossing: Stages, Huts, Costs & Packing List
- Difficulty
- Moderate to demanding; fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights needed, no climbing gear
- Distance
- approx. 125 km in 6 stages
- Elevation
- approx. 4,950 m ↑ · 6,470 m ↓
- Best time to go
- mid-June to end of September
- Start / finish
- Oberstdorf / Merano
Crossing the Alps on foot: the E5 from Oberstdorf to Merano is the classic Alpine traverse. In six stages you hike through Germany, Austria and Italy, over high mountain passes and down into Mediterranean Merano. Here you get every stage, hut tips and an honest answer to the question: Can I do this?
The 6 stages at a glance
The classic route uses buses, taxis and cable cars in places to skip long valley stretches. That is standard on the E5, not cheating.
| Stage | Route | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oberstdorf – Spielmannsau – Kemptner Hütte | Climb through the Sperrbach gorge, a solid start with about 1,600 m ascent |
| 2 | Kemptner Hütte – Holzgau – Madau valley – Memminger Hütte | Optional detour over the Holzgau suspension bridge, one of the longest stages |
| 3 | Memminger Hütte – Seescharte – Zams – Wenns (Pitztal) | Seescharte pass, then down to the Inn valley and the Venet cable car |
| 4 | Pitztal (Mittelberg) – Braunschweiger Hütte | High Alpine hut with glacier views |
| 5 | Braunschweiger Hütte – Pitztaler Jöchl – Sölden/Zwieselstein – Vent | Pitztaler Jöchl, the high point of many route variants |
| 6 | Vent – Martin-Busch-Hütte – Similaunhütte – Vernagt – Merano | Over the Similaun pass into South Tyrol, bus to Merano |
Huts & accommodation
- Book huts early: Kemptner, Memminger and Braunschweiger Hütte fill up fast in summer, often already in the winter before.
- Bring cash: card payment is only partly possible at the huts.
- Join an Alpine club: members pay noticeably less for overnight stays at Alpine club huts.
- Comfort option: if dorms are not your thing, choose a route with valley guesthouses and luggage transfer.
Solo or guided?
Independent: you plan and book everything yourself, most flexible and cheapest, but hut bookings and weather calls are on you.
Self-guided with an operator: accommodation, route notes and transfers are booked, you hike on your own. Packages start at around €745 per person for 7 days (ASI Reisen).
Guided with a mountain leader: ideal for beginners. Many tours include backpack transport and the return transfer from Merano to Oberstdorf.
How much does the E5 cost?
Costs depend mainly on the variant: independent with huts, a self-guided package or a guided group. Besides accommodation and half board, budget for buses, taxis, cable cars, drinks and the trip back from Merano.
Preparation tips
- Build fitness: from spring on, regularly hike 1,000+ m of ascent with a loaded backpack.
- Break in your boots: never test new boots on the E5.
- Pack light: aim for 7–9 kg including water.
- Check the weather daily: in case of storms or fresh snow on the Similaun pass, switch to alternatives.
- Plan your return early: book the shuttle or train from Merano back to Oberstdorf in good time.
Packing list: E5 Alps crossing
Conclusion
The E5 is demanding but doable for experienced hikers who prepare well. If it is your first time crossing the Alps, a guided or self-guided tour is the most relaxed way to go. What matters most: book huts early, keep your pack light and wear broken-in boots.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the E5 from Oberstdorf to Merano?
Around 125 kilometres in six stages with about 4,950 metres of ascent and 6,470 metres of descent.
When is the best time to hike the E5?
From mid-June to the end of September, when the huts are open and the high passes are usually free of snow.
Do I need climbing gear?
No. You need good fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights, but no climbing equipment.