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Starting your journey in the legendary mountaineering hub of Oberstdorf, this 5-day high-alpine circuit offers a premier cross-border trekking experience that bridges the lush, green ridges of the German Allgäu with the rugged, limestone cathedrals of the Austrian Lechtal Alps. This is a trek of dramatic transitions: you’ll begin with a soaring cable car ride to the Fellhorn’s flowery "balcony" trails before diving deep into a world of jagged peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and remote mountain huts that feel worlds away from civilization. Characterized by technical ridgelines, steep scree slopes, and the warm hospitality of traditional Alpine Club huts, this circuit is designed for sure-footed adventurers who want to experience the raw, vertical heart of the Eastern Alps while crossing national borders on foot.
The trip starts and finishes in Munich, with a full day saved for visiting and exploring Fussen Germany a true alpine paradise on the Austrian Border.
The trip starts and finishes in Munich, with a full day saved for visiting and exploring Fussen Germany a true alpine paradise on the Austrian Border.
Schedule
Everyone is requested to arrive in Munich on Saturday July 4th or in the early morning (Before 8 a.m.) of Sunday July 5th.
There are a number of flights departing on Friday evening and Saturday that arrive between Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon, so please select your flights accordingly. If you arrive early on Saturday there will be time to explore Munich, try some amazing food and beer gardens, and visit some museums and cathedrals.
*Saturday lodging is not included in Munich - Meetup will be near the central station.
Everyone is requested to arrive in Munich on Saturday July 4th or in the early morning (Before 8 a.m.) of Sunday July 5th.
There are a number of flights departing on Friday evening and Saturday that arrive between Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon, so please select your flights accordingly. If you arrive early on Saturday there will be time to explore Munich, try some amazing food and beer gardens, and visit some museums and cathedrals.
*Saturday lodging is not included in Munich - Meetup will be near the central station.
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July 5 (Sun) - Fussen
Lodging: Bavaria City Hostel Before trading civilization for the remote high-alpine huts of the Lechtal, immerse yourself in the storybook landscape of Füssen. Located at the southern end of the Romantic Road, this charming town sits at the intersection of jagged alpine peaks and rolling emerald hills, offering a slightly more "regal" start to your Austrian adventure.
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July 6 (Mon) - Oberstdorf - Fiderpassehutte
Distance: 11.4km - Elevation Gained: 550m Elevation Lodging: Fiderpassehutte Our adventure begins in the legendary mountaineering village of Oberstdorf. After a final gear check, we head south into the Stillachtal to catch the Fellhornbahn. By taking the cable car to the Middle Station (Schlappoldsee), we bypass the dense forest and start our trek at 1,706m, right in the heart of the alpine meadows. Today is all about the "High Way." We’ll traverse the ridge lines that form the border between Germany and Austria, offering sweeping views of the Allgäu High Alps. This route transitions from the soft, green slopes of the Fellhorn to the rugged, grey limestone cathedrals of the Lechtal. *No Meals Included Hiking Level: 1B |
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July 7 (Tue) - Fiderpassehutte to Meindelheimer Hutte
Distance: 6.5 km - Elevation Gained: 450m Lodging: Meindelheimer Hutte Day 2 is a stunning high-altitude traverse along the famous "Krötenkopf" ridge, staying consistently between 2,000m and 2,100m. This route is a masterclass in limestone geology, taking you through the heart of the "Wilderwirre". Leaving the Fiderepasshütte, the trail winds through dramatic rock towers and karst landscapes. The path is characterized by short, steep climbs and technical descents over rocky terrain, offering constant 360-degree views. You’ll look down into the Kleinwalsertal valley on one side and the deep valleys of the Allgäu on the other. The day concludes at the Mindelheimer Hütte, a modern and iconic mountain refuge perched on a spectacular rocky shelf, famous for its incredible sunset vistas and its proximity to the Mindelheimer Via Ferrata. **Optional Via Ferrata is available after arriving at the hut *No Meals Included *Hiking Level: 2B |
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July 8 (Wed) - Meindelheimer Hutte - Rapensee Hutte
Distance: 12km - Elevation gained 1250m Elevation Lost 1150m Lodging: Rappensee Hutte Day 3 takes you deep into the heart of the Allgäu High Alps, traversing rugged rocky terrain and crossing historic mountain passes. The day begins with a descent from the Mindelheimer Hütte through the Mutzentobel, a steep, scenic ravine that requires focus and sure-footedness. You’ll eventually reach the Schrofenpass (1,688m), a famous pass that has served as a trade route between Germany and Austria for centuries. The Biberkopf Sidetrip (2,599m): From the trail near the Schrofenpass, we begin the ambitious ascent of the Biberkopf. Known as Germany’s southernmost mountain, this peak offers a 360-degree view that is unmatched in the region. The climb is semi-technical (Grade I scrambling) and with cables for support; you’ll navigate narrow rock ledges and steep gullies to reach the summit cross. After soaking in the views of the Lechtal and the high peaks of the Vorarlberg, we descend back to the main trail. The final leg of the day is a steady climb toward the Rappenseehütte. As you crest the final ridge, the stunning Rappensee lake comes into view—a turquoise jewel sitting at 2,047m. This is one of the most photographed spots in the Alps and provides a refreshing (if icy!) swim for brave hikers before settling into the hut for the night. *No meals included *Hiking Level: 2D |
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July 9 (Thu) Rapensee Hutte - Kemptner Hutte
Distance: 11km - Elevation gained and lost 1150m Lodging: Kemptner Hutte This is the "Queen Stage" of your trek. Built in 1899, the Heilbronner Weg is the oldest and most famous high-altitude trail in the Allgäu Alps. It is not just a hike; it is an alpine masterpiece that dances along the jagged main ridge between Germany and Austria, consistently staying above 2,400 meters. Leaving the Rappenseehütte, the trail quickly enters rugged limestone terrain. The day is defined by spectacular "scrambling" sections, including a famous ladder and a narrow steel bridge over a deep rocky chasm at the Steinschartenkopf. You will pass through the Heilbronner Törle, a narrow natural rock gateway, and navigate secured wire-rope sections that require focus and a steady hand. For the ambitious, an optional detour leads to the summit of the Hohes Licht (2,651m), offering one of the finest 360-degree views in the entire region. After traversing the Bockkarscharte, a long and scenic descent brings you down to the Kemptner Hütte, one of the largest and most historic huts in the Alps. *No meals included *Hiking Level: 3C |
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July 10 (Fri) Kemptner Hutte - Oberstdorf
Distance: 14km - Elevation gained: 100m Elevation lost 1,150M Lodging: Jugend- und Familienhotel Augustin The final day of your journey is a spectacular transition from the jagged limestone of the high peaks back to the vibrant meadows of the Allgäu. The day begins with a dramatic descent through the Sperrbachtobel. This deep, wild ravine is famous for its massive rock walls and is often filled with old snow late into the summer. The trail is expertly carved into the rock, providing a thrilling but safe passage as you drop nearly 1,000 meters in elevation. Once you reach the mountain hamlet of Spielmannsau, the terrain levels out. The final stretch is a peaceful, scenic "victory lap" through the Trettachtal. You’ll walk alongside the crystal-clear Trettach river, passing traditional Bavarian farmhouses and the emerald waters of the Christlessee—a lake so clear it never freezes. The journey concludes as the church spires of Oberstdorf come back into view, marking the completion of one of the most challenging and rewarding loops in the Alps. Then we will return back to Munich for celebratory beers. *Hiking Level: 2B |
July 11 (Sat)
You'll have the morning available to explore Munich. Depending on flight schedules there may be a possibility of a ride to the airport before we return rental cars.
*No meals included
July 12 (Sun)
Depending on your flight schedule you will arrive at either Narita or Haneda in the afternoon to early evening.
You'll have the morning available to explore Munich. Depending on flight schedules there may be a possibility of a ride to the airport before we return rental cars.
*No meals included
July 12 (Sun)
Depending on your flight schedule you will arrive at either Narita or Haneda in the afternoon to early evening.
*You are also welcome to arrive on an earlier day or depart at a later day if you wish to explore more in the area before coming back to Japan.
Payment Details
50% of the trip fee is due within 1 week of booking, and the remainder will be due 1 month before the trip.
Showers: There will be showers available on July 6th, 7th, 8th. July 9th hut has no shower faciltiies.
Cancellation Policy:
Any cancellations less than 30 days before the departure date will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee. 31 to 60 days before the departure date will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
Payment Details
50% of the trip fee is due within 1 week of booking, and the remainder will be due 1 month before the trip.
Showers: There will be showers available on July 6th, 7th, 8th. July 9th hut has no shower faciltiies.
Cancellation Policy:
Any cancellations less than 30 days before the departure date will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee. 31 to 60 days before the departure date will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
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This trip includes
-Experienced and Certified Trip Leader -Local Transportation -All hotels and mountain huts Participation Fee: 99,400yen + tax *airfare is not included If you do not enroll in a European Alpine club membership before the trip, there will be an additional 75 Euro charge you will need to pay for four nights in the mountain huts. |
・Required Equipment: Trekking boots, rain jacket and pants, warm layers, 35L backpack, headlight, 2L water, helmet, *optional Via Ferrata set
*European Alpine Club Membership is required to participate - The best deal is through the Austrian Alpine club UK Branch. |