5
challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights mountain hotels
  • 2 nights mountain huts
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days£960GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: TGI

Trip highlights

  • Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wetterstein & Karwendel ranges
  • Explore Schachen Castle
  • Stay in charming mountain hotels and cabins brimming with warm hospitality
  • Enjoy some of the best hiking in the alps including through impressive gorges and along balcony paths

The border between Austria and Germany is home to two exceptional mountain regions - the Bavarian Alps and the Tyrol, an area extending from Austria through to northern Italy. Isolated for long periods, this region is home to the Wetterstein and Karwendel Mountain ranges, with their pristine alpine landscapes and a well maintained network of walking trails. The hike from Garmisch in Bavaria to Innsbruck in Austria is demanding at times and requires a good level of experience in alpine terrain. Impressive gorges and balcony trails, Schachen Castle, the Olympic towns of Garmisch and Innsbruck and the Karwendel Massif National Park are a few of the highlights of this walking holiday. Staying in a combination of atmospheric mountain cabins and country hotels, this trip offers a perfect balance of comfort and alpine hiking.

Countries:

Germany and Austria

Starting Point:

Garmisch Partenkirchen

Finishing Point:

Innsbruck

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

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

The walk 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. Walking: 10.9km/6.7mi, 950m/3117ft ascent (descent by cable car). Highest point: 1747m/5731ft

Meals:  B

The day begins with a walk 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. Walking: 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.

Meals:  B

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 walk to Scharnitz at the edge of the national park of Karwendel. Or if you are booked to stay overnight in Mittenwald, you will walk 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 walking by taking a bus transfer. Walking: 17.9km/11.1mi, 910m/2986ft ascent, 1820m/5971ft descent. Highest point: 2375m/7792ft

Meals:  B

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 walking times and ascent will be greater if you choose not to take the vehicle transfer at the start of the day: Walking with the transfer: 5.6km/3.5mi, 550m/1804ft ascent Walking 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.

Meals:  B

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. Walking: 12.2km/7.6mi, 1150m/3773ft ascent, 720m/2362ft descent. Highest point: 2224m/7296ft

Meals:  B

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. We can assist with additional night in Innsbruck, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, meats, cheeses, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 3 nights accommodation in 3-4 star mountain hotels, 1 night B&B & 2 nights in mountain cabins or huts (dorm rooms with up to 12 people in bunks, usually less)
  • Luggage transfer,1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess (except to the mountain huts on days 3 & 5 - carry your overnight needs on these days)
  • Cable car Garmisch-Partenkirchen on day 2
  • Transfer in Karwendel Valley on day 5
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Garmisch Partenkirchen and from Innsbruck
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Entrance fees into gorges
  • Guide – this is a self guided trip. For a supplement you can join a guided departure
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Luggage transfers to and from mountain huts - you need to carry your overnight requirements in your day pack on days 3 & 5
  • Hut sleeping pack: mandatory is a lightweight cotton/silk sleeping bag liner (blankets are available in the huts)
  • Cable car Nordkette Innsbruck - allow EUR20-25pp
  • Local city tax
  • Excess luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

3 star traditional mountain hotels

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. Please accept our apologies for this, but having inspected many hotel rooms, there are not many twin rooms which have two separated beds, except in more modern or international style hotels.

Mountain huts

The mountain huts are surprisingly comfortable, generally with excellent mountain views, hearty cuisine and a warm and engaging atmosphere. In the mountain huts you will generally can have up to 12 hikers per room but usually less and bathrooms are shared.

Trail Surface

Alpine & Mountain Trails

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.

Suitability

challenging

5

GRADE 5 - Anyone undertaking a challenging trip should be aware of the physical and mental demands involved. This trip is designed for experienced walkers 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 walking 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.

Departure dates

Sunday & Monday from 15 Jun to 21 Sep

Notes

Note:
Combine this trip with our Trans Tyrol - Innsbruck to the Dolomites.

Priceper person from

£960GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement - Hotels OnlyGBP£190
  • Solo traveller supplement - Hotels OnlyGBP£390
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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