From Lake Constance in Germany, this guidebook describes walking the E5 trek that runs 600km through a remarkable kaleidoscope of landscapes and culture in Switzerland, Austria and Italy, to its destination at Verona. It traverses the Allgauer, Lechtaler and Ötztaler Alps. There is a good network of alpine refuges and guesthouses on the route.
Launched on the shores of beautiful Lake Constance, this well-established long-distance European pathway (600km) takes 30 days to make its way through a remarkable kaleidoscope of landscapes and culture spanning rural alpine regions in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
Passes as high as 2900m above sea level are crossed en route to the northern Italian city of Bolzano. Gentler gradients follow as the E5 bears south parallel to the mighty Adige river through the Lagorai, Pasubio and Lessini groups. The final destination is marvellous Verona, romantic city par excellence.
A well-organised network of alpine refuges and cosy guesthouses welcome walkers along the route, and convenient transport links make it possible to join or leave the trek at virtually every stage to fit in with individual holiday needs.
Traverses the Allgauer, Lechtaler and Ötztaler Alps
Visits spectacular geological sites and First World War remains
Can be easily split into shorter stages
Seasons
Summer to avoid snow on high passes. Accommodation open late June through to late September.
Centres
Lake Constance, Bozen, Verona, Oberstdorf, Sölden, Moos, Levico Terme, Carbonare
Difficulty
600km route over 30 days. High-altitude alpine walking and simpler hill-walking. 21,000m height gain and 23,000m height loss.
Must See
Spectacular geological sites and First World War remains; varied traditional mountain cultures; stunning alpine and glacial scenery
