About THE Central Alps Odyssey

An extraordinary leg awaits, and with a bit of luck, you might see dozens of chamois (alpine mountain goats) in the incredible landscapes that surround you. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready!

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head off on today’s journey, crossing the Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) pedestrian bridge. Named after Queen Mary, the bridge — which crosses the Pöllat gorge — was originally constructed in 1845 by the order of King Maximillian II. The bridge was originally built of wood, but Max’s son, King Ludwig II, decided to have it rebuilt in iron and reopened in 1866. The Marienbrücke is about 115 feet long and sits 295 feet above the gorge with a unique view of Neuschwanstein. It’s been restored and reinforced over the years but still has original barristers from 1866.

After crossing the Marienbrücke, you’ll continue on for quite a while before passing through Bleckenau and eventually ending at the foot of the Ammergau massif. This wild massif will leave you speechless with its incredible ridge lines and limestone needles standing tall in abundant greenery. 

You’ll overnight in the quaint Kenzenhütte lodge.

Activity: 7 hours, +3,675 ft, -2,245 ft, 11 mi

Overnight: Mountain lodge in Kenzenhütte

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner

After breakfast, you’ll head off for today’s journey. After only about a mile, you’ll reach an intersection where you’ll take the trail on the right that leads to the Lösertaljoch (5,520 ft). After ascending and descending it, you’ll trek further to reach the Scheinbergjoch. This “mock mountain” (English for the German “scheinberg”) reaches 5,790 feet and is a great summit if you’re up to the challenge. It’s optional, but — other than weather issues — why would you choose not to? As an added bonus, you’ll likely see chamois frolicking in the grass as you hike.

From the pass between these two mountains, you’ll have a stunning view across the entire Linderhof valley and all the way to Ettal, where you’ll end up staying for the night. But first. . .

Descend through the heart of the Ammergau to the Linderhof Palace, where you’ll take a 25-minute tour of this future (will be voted on in 2025) UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built under the command of King Ludwig II (“The Mad King”), construction began in 1868 as a hunting cottage for his father, Maximillian II. Although Ludwig eventually expanded and redesigned it into the masterpiece it is today, it is still much smaller than your “typical” palace. His final project in the castle was to increase the size of the master bedroom but unfortunately, he died in 1886 before this final stage of construction was complete. 

The gardens on site are amazing. They include a huge pond with a fountain, a chapel, a Moorish Kiosk, and a Moroccan House. You’ll also find Venus Grotto here, an artificial dripstone cave with a waterfall inspired by one of Richard Wagner’s operas. It’s just as opulent as the rest of the palace.

Ludwig had several unrealized building projects on this property, including a Byzantine palace, a theater, a neo-baroque domed church, a pavilion, and a Chinese summer palace. In the forest at Linderhof, there are information boards that provide more info about each of these projects.

Linderhof Palace is often referred to as a “small Versailles” because Ludwig loved Versailles and wanted to model this palace and gardens after it; however, that didn’t happen because of financial issues. The palace is small, but luxurious, colorful, and grandiose inside. It’s very much worth the visit.

From Linderhof, you’ll take a bus to the village of Ettal, where you’ll visit the superb Benedictine Monastery. Here there are several options available, including a tour of the basilica, the brewery, and the liquor manufacturing center.

This evening, you’ll have several great options for dinner. Enjoy!

*These first three days will have given you some insight into the history of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Unfortunately, though his legacy is more often that of the “Mad King,” he was a poet, a friend of Wagner, and a lover of architecture and culture. Also a lover of nature, he enjoyed exploring the very same paths that we walk today. 

Additional transfers: Linderhof to Ettal via bus: around $2

Activity: 6 hours, +1640 ft, -2790 ft, 9.25 mi (or 4-5 hours, 6.75 mi if skipping the ascent to Scheinbergjoch)

Activity fees: Linderhof Palace: $9; Ettal Monastery: $5.50 for basilica tour, $9.50 for liquor manufacturing center tour (includes tasting), $13 for brewery tour (includes tasting)

Overnight: Hotel with sauna, close to the monastery or in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, you’ll hop on a bus to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This 1936 Olympic city lies at the bottom of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain at 9,680 ft. It’s from here that you’ll begin this leg of your hike, first with a short stroll through the city, enjoying its beautifully painted houses. 

You’ll stop next at the Partnach Gorge (also called “Partnachklamm”). The gorge was declared a natural landmark in 1912, and since that time has been reinforced for safety. At 2,295 ft long, the gorge is a noteworthy stop on today’s hike. There are two paths through the gorge that allow you to experience the wonders of this natural gem. Take your time here; it’s gorgeous.

Once you’re done taking photos at the gorge, continue on until you reach the Wettersteinwand, with its majestic gray cliffs. This massive mountain sits on the border of Germany and Austria, but you’ll stay in Germany a bit longer because Mittenwald awaits.

Mittenwald, your home for the night, is the German alpine village you picture when you close your eyes. Cobblestone streets, colorfully painted houses on narrow streets always within view of the Alps, Bavarian architecture, and flowerboxes and wooden shutters on homes and storefronts. The village is also known for its violin, viola, and cello manufacturing, which was started in the mid-1700s by the Klotz family. There’s even a museum and school for violin-making here.

Within walking distance of Mittenwald are Lakes Ferchensee and Lautersee. Rumor has it that the best time to visit these lakes is in the evening when the sun hits the lake diagonally and brings out the water’s true colors. Lautersee at sunset is a treat that shouldn’t be missed.

There are tons of tempting dinner options in Mittenwald, so take your time choosing. Again, you really can’t go wrong.

Additional transfers: Ettal to Garmisch-Partenkirchen via bus: $5.50

Activity: 5 hours, +1,310 ft, -655 ft, 11 mi

Activity fees: Partnach Gorge: $6.50; 

Overnight: Traditional hotel in the center of Mittenwald

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you’ll follow the trail that descends to Hochzirl in the Inn Valley. This leg of your journey can be steep in places, but it’s nothing technical and mostly just a beautiful walk. You’ll travel gravel roads, small paths, and even dirt roads through forests and across gentle pastures. You’ll be at your next destination by lunchtime!

Continue on the trail until you reach Hochzirl. From here, you’ll catch the train to Innsbruck (about 25 minutes), where you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the incredibly charming old town. Its locals call Innsbruck “nothing more than an oversized village,” which means you’ve got all the modern conveniences of a city (it’s the fifth largest in Austria, after all) but with a small-town feel. 

Here are a few “do not miss” attractions in Innsbruck:

• Helbling House – Originally constructed in the 15th century, the Helbling House is the only elaborate Baroque-style building among its medieval neighbors; it’s a beautiful but distinct “icing-like” building that contains businesses on the bottom floors and residences above.
• Goldenes Dachl – “Golden Roof” in English, this is considered the city’s most famous symbol; it contains 2,657 fire-gilded copper tiles and many sculpted reliefs and murals depicting Maximillian’s life.
• St. James Cathedral – Also referred to as “Innsbruck Cathedral,” this 18th-century baroque cathedral has a history dating back to 1180; the interior includes beautiful frescos, incredible stucco work, nine altars, a gorgeous organ loft, and its most precious treasure – the painting Maria Hilf (Mary of Succor) by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1530.
• Hofkirche – Also called “Court Church,” this Gothic church was built in 1553 as a memorial to Maximillian, whose cenotaph lies within, as well as a remarkable collection of German renaissance sculpture; the Silver Chapel within the church is definitely worth the cost of admission (around $5.50).

Plus, you definitely do not want to miss out on having a coffee and a slice of Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) on a sunny terrace in the city.

Your luggage will be waiting for you when you arrive at your hotel. Your stay tonight is in a 3* hotel and you’ll have plenty of restaurants nearby to choose from. What are you in the mood for?

Additional transfers: Hochzirl to Innsbruck via train: $4

Activity: 3 hours, -3,085 ft, 4.5 mi

Activity fees: varies depending on what you visit

Overnight: Hotel in Innsbruck

Meals included: Breakfast

Saying goodbye to Innsbruck after breakfast this morning, you’ll hop on a train that will take you to Krimml, about 120 miles away. This train ride will last most of the morning but you’ll enjoy the incredible trip through the breathtaking Austrian landscapes. One of the postcard villages you’ll pass along the way is Zell am See. This picturesque lakeside village surrounded by mountain peaks is what dreams are made of, and you’ll be tempted to get off the train and spend a few days by the water here. Trust us when we say to stay on the train.

You’ll arrive in Krimml (which means “criminal” in English) and take off on the trail that approaches the Alpine massif that separates Austrian Tyrol from the former “South Tyrol,” which now is part of Italy. You’ll hike to the spectacular Krimml Waterfalls. It would be “criminal” to not have the opportunity to see these falls (get it?). These tiered falls are the highest in Europe at 1,310 feet. The three levels of this awe-inspiring waterfall put out as much as 5.3 million gallons of water per hour. It’s an amazing sight and you’ll be glad you didn’t get off the train in Zell am See.

You’ll hike up along the waterfalls in the spectacular Krimmler Achental Valley and continue on until you reach the Krimmler Tauernhaus Refuge, your stop for the night. Take some time to enjoy the spa that’s included with your 3* hotel this evening.

*NOTE: Today, you’ll need to carry with you the things you’ll need for the night. Your luggage will meet you again tomorrow night.

Additional transfers: Innsbruck to Krimml via train: $28

Activity: 4 hours, +1,970 ft, -165 ft, 6.75 mi

Activity fees: Krimml Waterfalls entrance fee: $3.25

Overnight: Hotel with spa in Krimmler Tauernhaus

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner

Well-rested after your first night in Italy, you’ll enjoy breakfast before taking a bus to the trailhead for today’s hike. You will start at the Lago di Creta at 4,160 feet in the south of San Vigilio. The path winds between high cliffs forming the Ciastlins Valley, and you’ll follow it to the Passo di Cacagnares (Cacagnares pass) at 7,530 feet. 

Crossing over the pass, you’ll have an enjoyable descent through the Val de Cacagnares, the Val de dal Lercs, and the expansive green valley leading to the famous Lago di Braies, your home for tonight.

Additional transfers: Bruneck to Lago del Cretta via bus: $6.50

Activity: 7 hours, +3,445 ft, -2,625 ft, 8.5 mi

Overnight: Lakeshore hotel in Lago di Braies

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner

You won’t want to leave the lake this morning, but you must. Enjoy a delicious breakfast first before heading toward the Croda del Becco pass. After the pass, you’ll trek through alpine pastures on your way to Prato Piazza, your stopping point for tonight. Before you get there, you’ll go around the Croda Rossa – but don’t worry because you’ll have a great view of it tonight. 

The 3* hotel where you’ll stay overnight faces the blood-red Croda Rossa, which creates a stunning contrast against the green pastures of this magnificent high plateau. The Croda Rossa (or “red crag) is aptly named for this part of the massif has red – instead of gray – rocks. The rocks are colored by iron oxide, commonly called “rust.” 

You’ll have plenty of options for dinner tonight, no worries.

*NOTE: Today, you’ll need to carry with you the things you’ll need for the night. Your luggage will meet you again tomorrow night.

 Activity: 5 hours, +3,085 ft, -1,150 ft, 9 mi

Overnight: Hotel with pool and spa in Prato Piazza

Meals included: Breakfast

Fuel up at breakfast because today you’ll enjoy a great hike through the iconic Tre Cime de Lavaredo.

You will pass the StrudelSattel (7,215 ft) where you’ll find the remains of a small WWI barracks. This isn’t unusual because this area of Italy was active during the Great War. You’ll pass several similar ruins from that era, and you’ll probably want to do some research on the history and significance of this region before you get here. It’ll make it that much more meaningful when you’re there in person.

After crossing the StrudelSattel, you’ll descend into a valley called Valle di Landro (4,610 ft) — quite a drop in altitude. Try to visit the Lago (lake) di Landro. Framed by craggy mountains and forested valleys, it’s quite something. 

From Valle di Landro, you’ll hike up the Rienza Valley toward the Tre Cime and then through the Rin Bianco Valley to reach the end of the day’s hike. You’re in for a treat tonight as you stay at a 3* lakefront hotel at Lake Misurina (6120 ft).

Your luggage will be awaiting your arrival at the end of the day.

Activity: 6-7 hours, +2,495 ft, -3,215 ft, 11.25 mi

Overnight: Lakeshore hotel at Lake Misurina

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner

You’ll hop on a public bus this morning to get to Auronzo and the start and end of the Tre Cime trail. This hut belongs to the Club Alpino Italiano (Italian Alpine Club), or CAI. Those who travel here by car are often unable to park because the lot is full early in the day, but you won’t have any trouble at all because this is your home for two nights. Easy!

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (also called Drei Zinnen) is the symbol of the Italian Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably the most iconic hike in the Dolomites. This is quite a way to finish your trek through Germany, Austria, and Italy!

After breakfast, you’ll head out for this mythical stretch in the middle of mountain needles, towers, and peaks. You’ll start on the wide gravel path from the Refuge that leads to Cappella degli Alpini, a quaint little alpine church at the foot of the three peaks towering above. Stop here and look around — it’s a great view.

Continue to the Lavaredo pass underneath the Tre Cime. Forcella Lavaredo has one of the best views you’ll experience today so take a few minutes here before moving on. When you come to a split, choose the upper path that cuts through the rockfalls of Croda Passaporto and Monte Paterno. This is a truly amazing route and will reward you with some epic views. 

You’ll also want to take time to explore the WWI remains that are in this area. It’s mostly bunkers and trenches, but there are a few tunnels that you can walk through, as well as some other undefined ruins. Put yourself in the shoes of the soldiers of that time. This is a unique and eye-opening experience. 

Continuing on, you’ll cross near the lakes of Cengia and the Pian Pass of Cengia in the heart of the dolomitic peaks. From here, you’ll return to the Auronzo Refuge, passing the northern faces of the Tre Cime underneath the Zinnenkopf and over the Medo Pass. You’ll have a choice of two different routes, each with a different length.

Tonight you’ll stay again at your hotel on the shore of Lake Misurina. You’ll take the same public bus back to your hotel this evening.

Additional transfers: Lake Misurina to Auronzo via bus: $8.50, and return trip: $8.50

Activity: 5-6 hours, +1,870 ft, -2,460 ft, 9 mi

Overnight: Lakeshore hotel at Lake Misurina

Meals included: Breakfast, dinner