Experience the essence of the Alps on the new Alpine crossing from Fügen to Merano. Starting in the traditional Tyrolean Zillertal, you cross the border to South Tyrol on the main Alpine ridge and then immerse yourself in the Mediterranean flair of Sterzing and Meran. In eight days, 90 kilometers and a good 3000 meters of altitude are covered, with mountain railroads, buses and other transfers making the ascent and descent easier and providing support for particularly long distances — nevertheless, surefootedness and basic fitness are a must for this moderately difficult long-distance hike.
Hiking across the Alps once is a unique adventure — and from June 2025 there will be another opportunity with Feuer & Eis Touristik. On the new Alpine crossing from Fügen to Merano, you can experience the essence of the Alps. The tour begins in Fügen, surrounded by mighty three-thousand-metre peaks and breathtaking mountain landscapes, and leads over the rocky main Alpine ridge to Merano. The Merano — Fügen Alpine crossing takes 8 days and covers 90 kilometers and a good 3000 meters of altitude. Some transfers are included and make this moderately difficult tour a pleasant experience. Four-legged companions are also welcome. The tour can be undertaken from June 2025 and can already be booked now with or without a luggage transport service and as a charming variant with overnight stays in the 4‑star category.
From the Zillertal to the Pfitscher Joch
The small, picturesque village of Fügen at the entrance to the Zillertal is the starting point for this Alpine crossing. Arrival is on the first day of the trip. The gondola takes you comfortably up to Spieljoch, where you can enjoy the panorama of the Zillertal and Kitzbühel Alps as well as the Rofan and Karwendel mountains along the high-altitude trail. The route continues to Hochfügen — the end of the second day and the short first stage. On the third day, the route continues over wide alpine pastures at the Sidanjoch and the Rastkogelhütte on stage 2 with views of the Tux Alps — the descent into the valley to Mayrhofen or Aschau is made easier by bus and train. The start of the fourth and final day in the Zillertal is accelerated by a fire & ice transfer, which leads via a toll road to the impressive Schlegeis reservoir at 1,800 meters. The highlight of the long-distance hike awaits here: crossing the main Alpine ridge — the highest point of the tour at 2,275 meters.
From the main Alpine ridge across the border to Italy
The route continues through the Pfitsch Valley across lush green meadows to Sterzing with its famous clock tower in the small, historic old town. On the fifth day, the route first continues by bus to Brixen/Bressanone, then hikes past traditional mountain farms with views of the Dolomites to Feldthurns/Feldthurns and past the historic Säben/Säben monastery to Klausen/Chiusa. The next stage is a short bus ride to Barbiano/Saubach, where the hike to the Ritten high plateau above the Isarco Valley leads to the famous earth pyramids — one of Europe’s natural wonders. On this stage, the imposing Schlern presents itself in the background. Floating by gondola, the route descends to Bolzano — a place where Italian and German culture come together in a fascinating way. At 19 kilometers, the final stage on the seventh day is also the longest of this crossing of the Alps. The train takes you to Lana — the ticket is included — and from there along the Marlinger Waal to Forst. This irrigation channel (historical irrigation system) is one of the longest in South Tyrol. The day ends with the famous Tappeinerweg trail below Tyrol Castle, which leads to Merano — Empress Sisi already appreciated it… Historic arcades and magnificent parks invite you to relax and round off the new Alpine crossing route from Feuer & Eis Touristik. On day 8, the return journey to Fügen is on the program, during which you can put your feet up — you’ve earned it after this route.
With or without luggage transfer, or with charm? Alpine crossings for every taste
Feuer & Eis Touristik has something for everyone: that’s why the new Fügen — Merano route can also be booked with or without a luggage transport service. The eight-day hiking tour includes 7 nights’ accommodation in selected hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&Bs in the 3*/4* category as well as breakfast and dinner. If you don’t want to travel without your beloved furry friend, Feuer & Eis Touristik has the right accommodation for you. And those who want to treat themselves to a little more luxury on the Alpine crossing should opt for the charm option: Here, 4‑star hotels await you after the daily hiking stages, where you can relax and be pampered in the evening.
Booking reference:
Book the new Alpine crossing Fügen — Merano here:
P.S. You can cross the Alps in particular comfort with the Fire & Ice luggage transfer service or with the Mit Charme option.