Cross the Alps in 3 ways
Transalp! Hike or bike through an entire mountain range
By Dahn
Trips with a goal
”Transalp” has become a term of its own in our range. That label is what we put on trips that cross the Alps from north to south. These are true travel experiences where you truly get somewhere: from environment to environment, climate to climate, country to country. The satisfaction of having crossed an entire mountain range and several national borders under your own steam is as profound as it is timeless. No other modern hiking or cycling trips are as intimately connected to how we humans have traveled across our earth throughout the ages.
Our Transalp trips
Trip 1: Cycling Transalp: Munich – Lake Garda
11 days, level 3 of 5
Character: The original, which came about thanks to a cross-border collaboration with a continuous cycle route through Germany, Austria and Italy, with accompanying hotels and logistics for luggage and bikes. We arrange it, you enjoy it.
Suits you who want to embark on an epic cycling odyssey.
Trip 2: Hiking Transalp: Füssen – Merano
8 days, level 3 of 5
Character: The slightly gentler of two Alpine crossings on foot. This route starts in Füssen, Germany, right on the border with Austria, and offers, on the first day of hiking, magnificent views of Neuschwanstein, the castle that inspired Disney. With stages that fill the day without too large elevation changes, you eventually reach the spa town of Merano in sunny South Tyrol.
Suits you who want to experience the beautiful side of the Alps.
Our bloggers Gunilla and Christofer chose to do exactly this trip in the summer of 2026. Let their stories inspire you here!
Trip 3: Hiking Transalp: E5 Oberstdorf – Merano
8 days, level 4 of 5
Character: ”The most beautiful of all Alpine crossings” goes at a higher altitude and demands more of the hiker, but gives so much back: an ever-changing alpine landscape, thundering waterfalls, high alpine passes, wide meadows and welcoming mountain huts.
Suits you who want to challenge yourself a little more and get higher up.
Bonus trips: On the sunny side
Trip 4: Cycling from the Resia Pass to Lake Garda
5, 7 or 8 days, level 2 of 5 (easier than Transalp)
This cycling classic runs along well-maintained cycle paths from the border between Austria and Italy, down through South Tyrol's apple and vineyard plantations all the way to Riva del Garda. From mountain to lake.
Trip 5: Cycling through Friuli: Alpe-Adria
6 days, level 3 of 5
The Alpe-Adria cycle route is one of Europe's finest, and our favorite section goes through an Italian landscape many have missed, from mountain to sea.
Trip 6: Hiking from Mercantour to Menton
7 days, level 4 of 5
The last travel suggestion begins in the mighty Mercantour National Park and ends in the lemon town of Menton on the Mediterranean (or in the sea; it's tradition to swim with your boots on after completing the trip). A unique program created by and for Epic Trails, with many meals included.
Dahn lives near the area, which means we have particularly good local knowledge here.
In summary
Which Alpine cycling trip should I choose?
- Transalp Munich – Lake Garda if you want to cycle the whole way
- The Resia Pass – Lake Garda if you want to cycle the best part on a shorter and slightly easier trip
- Alpe-Adria through Friuli if you want to explore a lesser-known part of Italy
Which Alpine hike is best for me?
- Füssen – Merano if you long for lovely days in the picturesque Alps
- E5 if you want to experience the grand side of the Alps and get a bit more of a challenge
- Mercantour – Menton if you want to hike from mountain to sea – one of few places where you can do that
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