A crossing of the Alps between pleasure, adventure and friendship

Franziska's hike from the Zugspitze to South Tyrol

Sometimes it feels like a lifelong dream: crossing the Alps on foot. Together with my husband Thomas and our friends Claudia and Martin, we made this dream come true on our long-distance hike from Garmisch to Meran. Eight days that not only took us over mountains and valleys, but also through culinary highlights, wellness moments and countless moments that will stay with us for a long time to come.

From the Zugspitze to adventure

Even the journey to Garmisch-Partenkirchen whetted our appetite for more. A walk along the turquoise-blue Eibsee lake and dinner with a view of the Zugspitze - a trip could hardly get off to a better start. On the second day, we headed straight for the heights: we took the cog railroad to the Zugspitze massif, and anyone who has ever experienced the summit under a clear sky knows that this panoramic view is one of the most impressive moments in the Alps. The large cable car gondola then took us down to the Rifflriss, after which we hiked leisurely down into the Ehrwald basin - meadows, cows, flowers and that feeling of finally being in the middle of it all. Once we arrived at the fine hotel, we moved into the spacious and comfortable rooms, and Claudia and I immediately stormed the wellness area before an enjoyable dinner let us review the first stage.

Alpine dreams & Tyrolean hospitality

The next day we took the cable car to the Ehrwalder Alm. Past the Igelsee lake, where the peaks were reflected in the water, our stage led us into the extensive Gaistal valley, where we saw wild animals as well as sheep and young cattle. Accompanied by the Leutascher Ache river, we finally reached the Tillfussalm for a refreshment stop: a snack, a shandy and a slice of apple strudel - the taste of a hiker's happiness. After the last section on the Ganghoferweg, we took the bus to Seefeld and - after the long alpine variant we had chosen - we answered the call for a pool and sauna at the hotel - this time all four of us.

High up in the Stubai Valley

Day 4: A panorama that left us speechless. We hiked from the mountain station above Fulpmes to the Stubai-Blick viewing platform. Karwendel, Kalkk?gel, Zillertal and Stubai Alps - a whole sea of peaks lay at our feet. On the descent through Swiss stone pine forests, the scent of alpine roses filled the air, and at lunchtime we fortified ourselves with a Wiener Schnitzel and Gr?stl at a mountain hut. The next 4-star hotel with a wellness area was already waiting for us in the valley - perfect for resting our legs. The mishap of the forgotten cell phone charger: After calling the DIWA service phone the day before, Martin was able to put it back in his luggage transfer case when he checked out in the Stubai Valley. Really a super-fast service!

Welcome to South Tyrol

The fifth day took us on the new cable car to the Rosskopf and on towards the Ridnaun Valley. Two of us opted for the easier option to the Ochsenalm, while the two men took the more challenging route. In the end, we all arrived happily in Sterzing, a charming old town with a southern flair. A glass of Vernatsch and South Tyrolean dumplings in the open air - now we had really arrived in Italy. And even though we girls checked into the hotel in the early afternoon, our suitcases were already waiting for us in our rooms!

Waalwege, larch meadows & views of the Dolomites

What followed was pure variety: sometimes Mediterranean along the Waalwege near Merano, where vineyards and orchards lined the way. Then again wide and quiet over the larch meadows of the Salten, with a stop at the Gasthof St. Jakob - Kaiserschmarrn with panoramic views included.

Finale in Merano and Bolzano

But then this: separation! Claudia and Martin really wanted to walk the original stage, we both set off on the Merano High Mountain Trail. A real hiker's dream, with two cable car rides to take the edge off - views galore! Our friends chose the last stage high above Bolzano to Jenesien. In the evening, they talked about gentle vineyards and views of the extensive valley and the Rosengarten, while we countered with panoramic views over 2,000m. The next morning we enjoyed a cappuccino under the arcades of Bolzano, then it was time to say goodbye to the splendor of South Tyrol and a unique week of hiking.

Our conclusion

This crossing of the Alps was not a race or a borderline sporting experience. It was an experience in stages - with room for enjoyment, relaxation and the little moments of happiness that only come along the way. The fact that we could choose between easy, classic and alpine variants every day made it perfect for the four of us: each day was individual, at our own pace and rhythm and yet we always experienced the journey together.

Thank you DIWA - for the organization, the choice of hotels, the smooth luggage service and the good feeling of being well looked after at all times. You can be sure of our next hiking trip!

Franziska with Thomas, Claudia and Martin

This tour can be booked with DIWA DIE WANDEREXPERTEN as a COMFORT or TREKKING variant (backpacking) for summer 2026. But watch out: There are many Alpine crossings, a daily route selection for each stage and flexible additional stops - for extra tours or rest days as required - but only with DIWA.

https://die-wanderexperten.com or +49 151 2900 4480.

tourism experts - Die Wanderexperten
G?ldens?llerweg 6
61350 Bad Homburg
Germany

https://die-wanderexperten.com

Herr Reinhard Brunner
+49 151 2900 4480

info@die-wanderexperten.com

About DIWA - DIE WANDEREXPERTEN
DIWA - Die Wanderexperten was founded as a provider of individual (self-guided) hiking tours by long-time tourism experts Reinhard Brunner and Uli Edelmann to make the dream of crossing the Alps accessible to everyone. In addition to individual DIWA Originals tours with a choice of easy, classic and alpine routes for each stage as well as flexible additional overnight bookings in all stage towns, DIWA PartnerTours are also offered - individually or guided. Thanks to the second location in Tyrol, optimum on-site support is guaranteed.

This release was published on openPR.