Step by step through the impressive Alpine landscape from Germany to Italy: the desire to cross the Alps on foot lies dormant in many of us.
The thought of crossing the Alps can be intimidating for beginners. A thought that will hopefully disappear after this blog post.
My first crossing of the Alps is now behind me. It wasn’t my first multi-day hike, but I still remember my very first one well and know what thoughts pop up: Is my fitness sufficient? What is the best route? Where do I spend the night? Questions upon questions that pop into your head and prevent you from having perhaps one of the most beautiful experiences.
The best route across the Alps for beginners
There are now many Alpine crossings, most of which lead through challenging terrain and require a certain amount of experience in the mountains. But there are also easy to moderately difficult variants for crossing the Alps on foot.
The Alpine crossing from Tegernsee to Sterzing is one of the most beautiful routes across the Alps. It is not a hike that is measured by kilometers or altitude meters, but by unforgettable moments. Because the focus here is on enjoyment and not the sporting challenge.
The route from the Bavarian Oberland to South Tyrol is considered a beginner-friendly, easy crossing of the Alps and is therefore ideal for beginners who have a certain basic level of fitness and surefootedness and want to experience the adventure of a multi-day hike.
Easy crossing of the Alps from Tegernsee to Sterzing
The route from Tegernsee to Sterzing is the wrong one for those who want to cover many kilometers and altitude meters. At a maximum of 20 km, the daily stages of this route are not too challenging physically or in terms of fitness without experience in mountain hiking. Although the hike mostly leads along impressive high-altitude paths through the Alps, you never have to conquer more than 850m. Rather less.
When I look back on the hike now, I don’t think of twinging muscles, energy-sapping climbs and dizzying heights, but of the mountain ridges strewn with alpine roses, the babbling brooks, the rugged mountain flanks in the background and the many places I found to take a break along the way.
The stages of the crossing have been chosen with beginners in mind. There are no major challenges, such as exposed sections or technically difficult sections. Orientation on the hiking trail is also very easy for beginners: always follow the “Ü”, from Tegernsee to Sterzing. It is almost impossible to lose your way. Feuer und Eis Touristik also provides GPX tracks for your cell phone and an analog map with your travel documents. If you want to be on the safe side, you can join a guided tour from Gmund am Tegernsee to Sterzing in South Tyrol. With a hiking guide, you not only have a certain level of safety when hiking in the mountains, but also get to know more about the region.
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that sleep is extremely important when crossing the Alps on foot in order to be able to go through the day full of energy. Instead of spending the night in overcrowded huts, cozy hotels and guesthouses provide good rest between stages on this crossing of the Alps.
Hiking is more relaxed with light luggage. Especially when crossing the Alps for the first time, there is no way around luggage transport for many beginners. Feuer und Eis Touristik offers the option of booking a luggage transfer so that you can save energy and concentrate exclusively on the experience.
The stages of the crossing of the Alps can be shortened as required. Extremely long descents or long routes can be covered in a relaxed manner using public transport.
Even if the Alpine crossing is suitable for beginners and the stages are rather leisurely, the route leads through impressive scenic highlights in an Alpine ambience. From the gentle hills in the foothills of the Alps to the impressive Tyrolean fjord, Lake Achensee, via the most beautiful high-altitude trails in the Zillertal Alps to the rugged mountain world just outside Italy. The vegetation changes step by step.
What makes crossing the Alps on foot so special?
The longing for nature, freedom and adventure. When I went on my very first multi-day hike, I didn’t know what to expect. The slight nervousness at the beginning evaporated after just a few kilometers. Because there was only one thing left: nature and me. All day long, all I had to do was put one foot in front of the other and soak up the wonderful natural surroundings. And with every step, my thoughts become quieter and everyday life recedes into the distance. But one feeling becomes stronger: the feeling of living in the moment. To feel the freedom. All that matters is the here and now.
If you would also like to enjoy this feeling, here are a few tips for your first crossing of the Alps.
Tips for crossing the Alps for the first time
- Preparation: Crossing the Alps requires a lot of organization and planning, which can be quite overwhelming at first. Fortunately, however, there are experts like Feuer und Eis Touristik who take care of all the organization. This means that all you have to do is check the travel documents, keep an eye on the weather on site and start hiking. The easy Alpine crossings are generally also possible on your own. For the first tour, however, I recommend taking a guided tour, as weather conditions and old snowfields are still dangers that must be taken into account even on tours of the “easy to moderate” level.
- Equipment: The right equipment is crucial for a successful and enjoyable crossing of the Alps. The motto is: as much as necessary, as little as possible. The lighter the rucksack, the more pleasant the hike and the more energy you have left to enjoy yourself. Well-worn hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, a comfortable rucksack and plenty of water are essential (more on the packing list for crossing the Alps).
- Luggage transfer: A great way to take the weight off your shoulders is the optional luggage transfer from Feuer und Eis Touristik. Only what you need during the day goes in your daypack, everything else is conveniently transported to your next accommodation.
- Fitness: Even if the stages are mostly moderate, a crossing of the Alps should not be underestimated. Hiking in the Alps for seven days in a row requires a certain basic level of physical fitness, as well as surefootedness and a head for heights. Regular endurance training and strength training are important to prepare the muscles for the strain. The leg and core muscles in particular should be trained.
- Break times: Crossing the Alps is not a race, but an experience. The individual stages of the hiking route are laid out in such a way that they can be hiked at a relaxed pace. Regular breaks in the mountain huts or in the middle of nature ensure that energy reserves are replenished and feelings of happiness are further increased.
- Moments of pleasure: For many, crossing the Alps is not just a physical journey, but also a mental one. It offers countless moments of happiness that make the heart beat faster. It is the big moments, but especially the small ones, that make the journey special. The first glimpse of the majestic peaks, the fresh mountain air that blows around your nose, the alpine roses that nestle against the slopes like a sea, or simply the feeling of freedom that increases with each passing day.
Crossing the Alps on foot — our conclusion
I hope that this article has dispelled any thoughts of uncertainty. The Alpine Crossing from Tegernsee to Sterzing is a fantastic opportunity for beginners to cross the Alps on foot and experience nature in the mountains over several days. With moderate stages, fantastic views, comfortable accommodation and well-marked trails, this route offers everything your heart desires.
Whether alone, in a guided group or with friends — this trip promises unforgettable experiences and deep moments of happiness.
During the hike, you will not only get closer to nature, but also to yourself. This Alpine crossing is just the thing for anyone who longs for freedom, fresh mountain air and a break from everyday life.
Guest article by Lisa Feucht from Abenteuermomente.de