E5: Mini-Transalp for families

Alpine Crossing from Imst to Merano

On the Mini-Transalp, you'll hike through the most beautiful sections of the E5 from Tyrol to Italy. Each day offers new panoramas and distant views, unfamiliar heights, and valleys. Climbing the mountain passes and walking the high trails under your own power will give you a great sense of achievement. From the Inn Valley to the Pitztal, continuing through the Ötztal, ascending high over the Timmelsjoch into the Italian Passeiertal, and then descending to Merano. Wherever possible, you'll follow the original E5 route, but you'll also experience other spectacular hiking sections. You'll encounter historic Roman routes on the Via Claudia Augusta, the powerful forces of nature in the Ötztal at the roaring Ache River, visits to the summer skiing area on the glacier, and cable car rides up high. With such a variety of experiences, you’ll always find something to captivate you. Tyrolean dumplings and Italian pizza taste especially delicious after all that fresh air.

A crossing of the Alps is a very special highlight for hiking enthusiasts - fantastic panoramas, boundless freedom and the joy of having made it at the end. Let our experts advise you on your personalised option!

Details of the hiking tour across the Alps on the E5

Your crossing of the Alps begins in Imst, where you can spend your arrival day at the outdoor pool. After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off on a circular tour along the Venet Höhenweg trail, which enchants you with beautiful views from the very start. Day three is dedicated to the Ötztal, where you'll explore the beauty around Piburger Lake.

After spending the night in the famous ski resort of Sölden, the route leads to the glacier. You’ll hike along the Rettenbach towards the valley, and for the final ascent, you’ll take the cable car. Day five features a special segment, particularly because you’ll be crossing the border into Italy. Old smuggler trails lead over the Timmelsjoch, offering not only historical insights but also stunning views of the alpine landscapes.

On the last day of your stage, you take the cable car back up to the Hirzer. You hike once again through breathtaking rock formations and across flowering alpine meadows before taking the airy chairlift up to Merano. 

Useful information about the stages from Imst in Tyrol

On the E5 long-distance hiking trail, you'll encounter breathtaking alpine landscapes and spectacular views. The daily stages are designed for smaller distances, with a maximum length of 12 kilometers. Each day's hike is complemented by bus transfers and cable car rides. When the ascents become too challenging, you can easily hop on public transportation to keep the adventure going without missing a beat!