From a beer garden in Munich to a spritz by the canals in Venice—this 15-day self-guided tour takes you on foot through some of Europe’s most scenic landscapes and culturally rich regions, all at your own pace. So, in just 2 weeks, you’ll hike across Germany, Austria, and Italy, discovering centuries of history, food, and alpine culture along the way. You’ll stay in places that feel like part of the story, skip schlepping your bag most days, and follow a route that feels less like a trail and more like a guided walk through a living postcard. It’s the trip you’ve been meaning to take for years—and the one you’ll keep talking about for years after.
The Munich to Venice self-guided hiking tour invites you to cross three countries on foot, from Bavaria’s rolling meadows through Austria’s dramatic peaks to Italy’s stunning Dolomites! Over 15 days, you’ll walk quiet trails, stay in cozy alpine inns, and soak up centuries of history and culture—from King Ludwig’s castles to Venice’s canals. With your luggage taken care of and freedom to set your own pace, this trip combines epic scenery with total flexibility.
Arrival in Munich, the beautiful capital of Bavaria in Germany. Your hotel will be located near the main train station in the city center, making it easy to reach from the airport and convenient for your departure on Day 2. This central location also puts you within easy reach of Munich’s cultural sites. Today is mainly set aside for you to rest from your travels and take some time to explore the city.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Munich
Departure to Füssen after breakfast, followed by a scenic 130 km (80 mi) train ride (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, not included) from Munich, and a short 10-minute bus ride (not included) to Hohenschwangau. Today you arrive in the romantic fairytale world of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Upon arrival at the hotel—located at the foot of the iconic Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles—you can check in (after 3pm) or drop off your bags if you arrive earlier. The afternoon is free for you to visit the castles or enjoy a relaxed walk to the nearby lakes: Schwansee, Alpsee, and Hohenschwangau.
Depending on your arrival time and wishes, you’ll be able to add or swap out activities/visits to the program. You can also choose to spend an extra night in Hohenschwangau (let us know), and that way you can visit many or all the options from the following list:
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 6 km (3.7 mi), ~3 hours
Elevation: +160 m (525 ft), -160 m (525 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Hohenschwangau
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Leaving directly from the hotel, you’ll climb toward Neuschwanstein Castle, passing the iconic Marienbrücke for a spectacular view. From there, the trail continues up to the Bleckenau hut before entering the rugged beauty of the Ammergau Alps. This extraordinary hike leads you through a dramatic landscape of ridgelines and towering limestone spires, with the chance to spot chamois along the way. The mix of lush forests and striking rock formations makes for a truly memorable mountain day.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 17.4 km (10.8 mi), ~7 hours
Elevation: +1,120 m (3,675 ft), -685 m (2,247 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut (Kenzenhütte), shared dormitory (2 or more beds)
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Today’s hike ascends to the Lösertaljoch (1,682 m / 5,518 ft), with the option—weather permitting—to continue to the Scheinbergjoch (1,764 m / 5,787 ft), where you may spot chamois grazing in high alpine pastures. From the pass, you’ll take in sweeping views over the Linderhof Valley toward Ettal before descending through the scenic heart of the Ammergau Alps to Linderhof Castle. Known as a miniature Versailles, the castle features ornate gardens, a Moorish pavilion, and King Ludwig II’s famous grotto. After the visit, take a local bus (not included) to the village of Ettal, home to a beautiful Benedictine monastery.
Days 2–4 explore the life of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the “Fairy-tale King”—a reclusive yet visionary patron of the arts, admirer of composer Richard Wagner, and lover of architecture, culture, and nature. His legacy endures in the scenic paths he once wandered and the captivating homes he left behind.
Shorter hike option: 11 km (6.8 mi), ~4–5 hours, skipping Scheinbergjoch ascent.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi), ~6 hours
Elevation: +500 m (1,640 ft), -850 m (2,789 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ettal (Garmisch-Partenkirchen hotel used as backup)
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Take a public bus to Oberammergau (10 minutes, not included) and explore the town with its iconic, beautifully painted houses. Just a 20-minute walk from the town center, you can enjoy an exhilarating ride on the Alpine Coaster. Alternatively, instead of the Alpine Coaster, you can take the Laberberg cable car (20 minutes from the town center, not included) and hike back down to Oberammergau. Let us know if you’d like us to arrange an extra night (at an additional fee).
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Oberammergau
After breakfast, take a short bus ride (20 minutes, not included) from Ettal to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a lively mountain town nestled at the foot of Germany’s tallest peak, the Zugspitze (2,950 m / 9,678 ft). Hike through the dramatic Partnach Gorge before heading toward the Wettersteinwand cliffs and onward to Elmau. The route winds past the serene Ferchensee and Lautersee lakes, then drops through another scenic gorge into Mittenwald, a postcard-worthy Alpine village famous for its colorful Lüftlmalerei (painted facades).
Shorter hike option: 8.7 km (5.4 mi), ~3 hours, +305 m (1,000 ft), -283 m (930 ft), with private transfer (not included) from Garmisch to Mittenwald.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 19 km (11.8 mi), ~5–6 hours
Elevation: +500 m (1,640 ft), -300 m (984 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Mittenwald
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
After breakfast, take a short train ride (10–15 minutes, not included) to the start of your hike at the foot of the Karwendel Mountains, a dramatic range straddling the German-Austrian border and part of a protected National Park. You have two excellent hiking options today, each offering a unique experience of the Karwendel Mountains.
Option 1: Eppzirlscharte Pass — begin your hike through peaceful forests of pine and larch, ascending the scenic Giessenbach Valley to the Eppizirl Alpage (1,459 m / 4,787 ft), where you might find fresh local cheese and yogurt in season. The trail then climbs to the Eppzirlscharte pass (2,072 m / 6,798 ft), offering breathtaking views over the Karwendel massif and a chance to spot chamois. A gentle descent through pristine alpine meadows leads you to the Solsteinhaus mountain hut.
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), ~5 hours
Elevation: +1,100 m (3,609 ft), -360 m (1,181 ft)
Option 2: Gorge Trail via Scharnitz — this gentler, cooler option begins in Scharnitz and follows rivers and gorges most of the way. Start along the Isar Gorge, then continue through the Gleirschklamm Gorge, traversing charming wooden footbridges. As you ascend toward the Solsteinhaus hut, the scenery opens into lush alpine meadows.
Hiking: 17 km (10.6 mi), ~6 hours
Elevation: +1,000 m (3,281 ft), -185 m (607 ft)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mountain hut (Solsteinhaus), dormitory
Luggage access: No, overnight pack to carry
Descend from the Solsteinhaus through forested slopes and open meadows toward the village of Hochzirl, located in the scenic Inn Valley. From there, take a short train ride (25 minutes, not included) to Innsbruck. You’ll have time to explore the historic old town, known for its colorful medieval buildings and alpine charm. Highlights include the ornate Helbling House, the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), St. James Cathedral, and the Hofkirche with Emperor Maximilian I’s impressive tomb. Be sure to enjoy a traditional Apfelstrudel and coffee on a sunny terrace before your day ends.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 7 km (4.4 mi), ~3 hours
Elevation: -940 m (3,084 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Innsbruck
Luggage access: No, overnight pack to carry
In the morning, take a scenic train journey (not included) from Innsbruck to the spectacular Krimml Waterfalls, among the highest in the Alps at 400 m (1,312 ft). The route passes through Zell am See and showcases some of Austria’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes, making the ride itself a highlight. From the base of the falls, begin your hike through the stunning Krimmler Achental Valley, climbing alongside the cascading water and deep into the Austrian Alps toward the Krimmler Tauernhaus.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 11 km (6.8 mi), ~4 hours
Elevation: +600 m (1,970 ft), -50 m (165 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain lodge (Krimmler Tauernhaus), private room (shared or private bathrooms)
Luggage access: No, overnight pack to carry
Today, you cross into Italy via one of two historic alpine passes: the Krimmler Tauern Pass or the Birnlücke Pass. These routes, nestled between the Zillertal Alps and the Großer Venediger, offer some of the most scenic glacier views in the region. Hike past the Krimmler, Prettau, and Lahner glaciers with panoramic views of the Großer Geiger (3,360 m / 11,024 ft), Gammsspitzl (2,888 m / 9,475 ft), and the towering Venediger (3,667 m / 12,031 ft). After reaching Kasern or Prettau in South Tyrol, you’ll take a 1.5-hour bus to Bruneck, where your luggage awaits.
Meals: Breakfast
Option 1 (Krimmler Tauern Pass): 18.3 km (11.4 mi), ~6.5 hours, +1,015 m (3,330 ft), -1,040 m (3,410 ft)
Option 2 (Birnlücke Pass): 19.2 km (11.9 mi), ~7 hours, +1,052 m (3,450 ft), -1,070 m (3,510 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Bruneck
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Take a bus (1 hour 10 minutes, not included) to the trailhead at the Pederu mountain hut—welcome to the Italian Dolomites! Today’s route leads you past the Fodara and Senes huts and over the Riciogonogn Pass. You’ll enjoy sweeping views from the Senes plateau before descending to the stunning Lago di Braies, a crystal-clear lake nestled in a dramatic natural cirque.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 13.5 km (8.4 mi), 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: +800 m (2,625 ft), -850 m (2,789 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel at Lago di Braies in private hiker rooms (shared bathrooms)
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
From your hotel at Lago di Braies, hike up toward the Croda del Becco pass, winding through alpine pastures with ever-expanding views. You’ll circle around the dramatic red-tinged Croda Rossa and arrive at the sweeping high plateau of Prato Piazza—where vibrant green meadows meet jagged peaks. After soaking it in, take a short public bus ride (15 minutes, not included) down to your hotel in Brueckele.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi), 5 to 6 hours
Elevation: +940 m (3,084 ft), -350 m (1,148 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Brueckele
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
A spectacular day of hiking through the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo awaits! After a short bus ride (15 minutes, not included) from your hotel to Prato Piazza, begin your hike through a scenic alpine valley and over the Strudelsattel (2,200 m / 7,218 ft). Descend into the Valle di Landro, then climb up the Rienza Valley toward the towering Tre Cime peaks. Finish the day with a descent through the Rin Bianco Valley to Lake Antorno.
Shorter hike option: 8.2 km (5.1 mi), 3 hours, +280 m (920 ft), -860 m (2,822 ft) with bus from Drei Zinnen Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 18 km (11.2 mi), 6 to 7 hours
Elevation: +760 m (2,493 ft), -980 m (3,215 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut at Lake Antorno in private rooms
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Take a short public bus transfer (15 minutes, not included) to Rifugio Auronzo to begin a legendary loop in the heart of the Dolomites. Hike over the Lavaredo Pass beneath the Tre Cime, then loop around Monte Paterno and Croda Passaporto. You’ll pass alpine lakes near the Forcella della Cengia and Pian di Cengia, surrounded by dramatic peaks. Return via the northern faces of Tre Cime, below the Zinnenkopf and over the Medo Pass. End the day back at the Antorno or Auronzo refuge, then take a public bus (not included) back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Option 1 (shorter) — 10 km (6.2 mi), 3.5 to 4 hours, +400 m (1,312 ft), -390 m (1,280 ft)
Option 2 (longer) — 14.5 km (9 mi), 5.5 to 6 hours, +670 m (2,198 ft), -700 m (2,297 ft)
Accommodation: Mountain hut at Lake Antorno in private rooms
Luggage access: Yes, just a daypack to carry
Enjoy a private transfer from Lake Antorno to Venice (2 hours 30 minutes, included), arriving in the late morning in the heart of the city. Hotel check-in is available after approximately 3pm, but luggage storage is available upon arrival. The rest of the day is free to explore Venice at your own pace—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its canals, architecture, and rich history.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Venice
After breakfast, your self-guided tour officially comes to an end! Check out of the hotel and feel free to stay a bit longer in the stunning town of Venice—let us know if you need help with any recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast
Occasionally, adjustments to the planned itinerary may be required due to logistical factors such as fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or adverse weather conditions. Please know that any changes are made with your best interests in mind, always prioritizing your safety, comfort, and overall experience.
Excellent route in a fabulous setting, well organised and with no nasty surprises, apart from a pair of boots that disintegrated on day 3 🙂 The hotels and refuges were comfortable, the breakfasts generous and varied, and the app on your phone made it easy to follow the route. And the chamois were just right!
great trip, wonderful discovery of regions we didn’t know, good organisation, quality of accommodation and welcome, change of scenery guaranteed…
A very fine and varied route, with different landscapes and cultures in the countries and regions we crossed.
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
In order to go on this self-guided Munich to Venice hiking tour, great fitness is required as you’ll be hiking for 13 days in a row. You’ll mostly walk along main hiking trails, though there are a few technically challenging sections supported with handrails and cables—especially in the Dolomites.
Expect 3 to 7 hours of walking and 750 to 1,250 m (2,460 to 4,100 ft) of elevation gain, and 750 to 1,500 m (2,460 to 4,920 ft) of elevation loss during the day. The most you’ll hike within a day is 17.4 km (10.8 mi). Most days offer the flexibility to either shorten or extend your hike, depending on how you’re feeling.
Check out the itinerary to learn about day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
The following items are required for this self-guided Munich to Venice hiking tour adventure unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed. Luggage transfers have a limit of 33lbs/15kg—please stick to this as extra items are not easily stored by the team.
Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option — it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.
Clothing:
Gear:
First aid kit suggestions:
Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:
Optional items:
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By going on this self-guided Munich to Venice hiking tour, we take care of…
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and pricing
Self-guided Munich to Venice hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your self-guided Munich to Venice hiking tour is Munich, Germany. To get there, most people fly into Munich International Airport (MUC), one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe. From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transportation (S-Bahn), or rent a car to reach the city center.
Your hotel will be located near the main train station in the city center, making it logistically easy to reach from the airport and depart on Day 2 from the train station.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
After checkout, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Excellent route in a fabulous setting, well organised and with no nasty surprises, apart from a pair of boots that disintegrated on day 3 🙂 The hotels and refuges were comfortable, the breakfasts generous and varied, and the app on your phone made it easy to follow the route. And the chamois were just right!