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7 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Walk between two alpine cultures as you journey from Germany’s Bavarian Alps to Austria’s Tyrolean landscapes. This immersive hike follows well-marked mountain paths through the majestic Wetterstein and Karwendel ranges – with panoramic balcony trails, narrow gorges and forested valleys revealing new scenery each day. Along the way, discover landmarks like Schachen Castle, and explore the historic Olympic towns of Garmisch and Innsbruck. This is a rewarding hike for confident walkers with alpine experience, offering a mix of comfort and mountain charm thanks to cosy country hotels and remote mountain huts.
Germany, Austria
Garmisch Partenkirchen
Innsbruck
16kg of CO2-e PP per day
(98kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Garmisch-Partenkirchen
On arrival in Garmisch make your way to the joining hotel. At the hotel you will be provided with your cable car tickets and route book (one of each per room). The rest of the day is free to explore the town. Overnight in hotel in Garmisch.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Balcony path through the impressive Höllental Gorge (5hrs)
The hike begins with an interesting ascent through the impressive Höllental (or Hell Valley) gorge. The route takes you through a series of canyons and tunnels hewn from the rockface and follows the thundering river below. Out of the canyon you reach the mountain cabin Höllentalanger hütte which has an impressive location surrounded by stunning alpine scenery including a view to the highest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze (2962m). Here you can take a rest before the final ascent to the Kreuzberg following a high trail above the gorge. Descend to Garmisch by cable car. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Hiking: 10.9km/6.7mi, 950m/3117ft ascent (descent by cable car). Highest point: 1747m/5731ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Ascend trails on Wetterstein Massif to a mountain hut, visiting Schachen Castle enroute (4.5hrs)
The day begins with a hike through another gorge to the foot of Wetterstein Massif. There is a steep climb to reach the “Kings Path” to Castle Schachen, King Ludwig II’s mountain cabin. The last stage to the mountain cabin where you stay tonight offers hikers incredible mountain views and is an absolute delight. Hiking: 9.5km/5.9mi, 1500m/4921ft ascent. Highest point: 1863m/6112ft *Note – on this day there is no luggage transfer available so you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your day pack. The rest of your luggage will be transferred to tomorrow's accommodation in Scharnitz or Mittenwald.
Day 4
View sunrise over the mountains before descending to Scharnitz or Mittenwald (7.5hrs)
To view the sunrise in these mountains is spectacular and we recommend rising early! In the morning you will ascend to the mountain pass where the Meilerhütte (hut) is next to the border. From here you head down through an impressive rocky landscape to the green Leutasch valley. Continuing upwards and through a gorge you will hike to Scharnitz at the edge of the national park of Karwendel. Or if you are booked to stay overnight in Mittenwald, you will hike from Leutasch through the gorge to Mittenwald. Overnight in Scharnitz or Mittenwald, where your luggage will await your arrival. It's possible to shorten today's hiking by taking a bus transfer. Hiking: 17.9km/11.1mi, 910m/2986ft ascent, 1820m/5971ft descent. Highest point: 2375m/7792ft
Day 5
Transfer and hike in the Karwendel Valley (2.5 with transfer or 5hrs)
The day begins with a vehicle transfer deep into Karwendel valley. The relaxed walk takes you to Halleranger alpine pasture which you will reach after about 2 hours. The day is designed for you to relax and soak up the scenery. Option to take a walk up to Sunntiger Spitze. Overnight comfortable mountain cabin. The hiking times and ascent will be greater if you choose not to take the vehicle transfer at the start of the day: Hiking with the transfer: 5.6km/3.5mi, 550m/1804ft ascent Hiking without the transfer: 19km/11.8mi, 850m/2789ft ascent. Highest point: 1765m/5790ft *Note – on this day there is no luggage transfer available so you will need to carry your overnight requirements in your day pack. The rest of your luggage will be transferred to Innsbruck.
Day 6
Balcony path to the famous Nordkette of Innsbruck (6hrs)
A marvellous balcony path brings you across several ridges (passes) to the famous Nordkette of Innsbruck. A short but steep ascent requires sure-footedness and stamina. After the ascent the walk becomes easier to the summit station of Hafelekar cable car, which you take down to Innsbruck. Your luggage will await your arrival. Hiking: 12.2km/7.6mi, 1150m/3773ft ascent, 720m/2362ft descent. Highest point: 2224m/7296ft
Day 7
Trip concludes
Arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with additional night in Innsbruck, please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
Overnight in 3 star traditional mountain hotels. All rooms with ensuite facilities. In Austria note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.
The mountain huts are surprisingly comfortable, generally with excellent mountain views, hearty cuisine and a warm and engaging atmosphere. Depending on the hut you will usually be allocated a double or four bedded room but they can have up to 12 hikers and bathrooms are shared.
Hiking along high mountain trails, gorges and balcony paths. Can be stony and or muddy underfoot or have steep drops close to the paths. Must be sure footed and comfortable walking in alpine environments.
GRADE 5 - Anyone undertaking a challenging trip should be aware of the physical and mental demands involved. This trip is designed for experienced hikers who are seeking a challenge. No previous climbing experience is required to undertake this trip. An above average level of fitness is required as days can involve up to 7.5 hours of strenuous exercise in rugged terrain. You need to be sure footed and have a head for heights as there are some steep drops close to the paths. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable hiking in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise 3-4 times a week. The best exercise for trekking is long bushwalks/hill walks involving relatively steep ascents and descents.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
hotel, inns
hotel, guesthouse
Challenging