7-Day Austria and Germany Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Austria And Germany tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaAustria and Germany travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days Alps Crossing, incl. Oberstdorf and Merano

  This week-long hiking tour crosses 4 countries following historic Walser trails through Austria's Kleinwalsertal and the rugged Lechtal Alps. You'll see Tyrol's tallest waterfall—the 159-meter Stuiben Falls in Umhausen—and stay in 3-star spots like Hotel Gasthaus Bären.

  

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  • Day 1

    Oberstdorf, Germany

    Start in the Bavarian town of Oberstdorf. Take the cable car up the Nebelhorn (2,224m) for panoramic views of the Allgäu Alps. Book your cable car ticket online to skip the lines and bring warm clothing. The temperature at the summit can be surprisingly cold even in summer. A 6km evening walk through town with 100m elevation helps you adjust to the altitude.

    
  • Day 2

    Kleinwalsertal to Lechtal

    Your first full hiking day follows historic Walser trails through the Bärgunttal valley. The climb to Hochalp Pass (1,938m) is a 12km trek with 770m elevation gain. Bring hiking poles for the descent to Warth. A short bus ride takes you to your accommodation in the Lechtal valley.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Lechtal Alps to Ötztal

    These days offer some of the most impressive views. Crossing the Scharnitzjoch (2,441m) gives you stunning views of the Ötztal Alps. The descent includes loose scree so waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential. On Day 4 you'll see Tyrol's highest waterfall, the 159m Stuiben Falls. Watch your step on the bridge system as it can get slippery.

    
  • Day 5

    Timmelsjoch Pass Crossing

    This challenging stage takes you from Austria into Italy via Timmelsjoch (2,474m). Start early for the 11km route with 825m elevation gain. It takes about 5 hours and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. As one experienced hiker noted: "The views from Timmelsjoch are incredible, but the weather changed quickly. Having layers and rain gear was crucial."

    
  • Day 6

    Merano High Mountain Trail

    The last full hiking day follows the Merano High Mountain Trail. The 14km path past mountain farms provides constant views of the valley and hints of the Mediterranean landscape ahead. Take the cable car from Hochmuth (1,400m) to Dorf Tirol to give your legs a break.

    
  • Day 7

    Merano

    Finish in Merano where palm trees meet Alpine peaks. The organized shuttle back to Oberstdorf (8:00 AM to 2:00 PM) is simpler than navigating train connections.

    

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• 7 Days Lake Constance, incl. Überlingen and St. Gallen

  Lake Constance's beauty unfolds over 7 days between Germany and Austria. Überlingen's medieval center, Meersburg Castle, and Lindau's iconic harbor highlight the route. Premium hotels welcome cyclists after 22-32 daily miles of scenic riding.

  

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  • Day 1

    Überlingen, Germany

    Plan to arrive in Überlingen by early afternoon to join the 4:00 PM city tour. You'll be staying at the Parkhotel St. Leonhard, which sits on a hill with beautiful views of the lake. Remember to pack light layers since the evenings can get cool, even during summer months.

    
  • Day 2

    Überlingen to Salem (35 km)

    Start your day cycling downhill from Überlingen toward Meersburg. Visit the Birnau Rococo church early - get there before 11 AM to beat the tour buses. The medieval town of Meersburg is perfect for a break, and climbing up to the castle rewards you with stunning views. Continue through rolling farmland to Salem Monastery. A fellow cyclist shared: "The undulating terrain between Meersburg and Salem was challenging but manageable. Stop at one of the small farm shops along the way for fresh apple juice—this region is famous for its orchards."

    
  • Day 3

    Markdorf to Lindau (51 km)

    Take a short transfer to Markdorf to start your ride. The route follows quiet inland roads before going down to Wasserburg Peninsula. You'll enjoy car-free paths all the way to Lindau. If you're traveling in July or August, start early to avoid heat and crowds at Lindau's harbor. Stay at the Lindauer Hof right on the island for easy evening exploring.

    
  • Day 4

    Lindau to St. Gallen (32 km)

    Today you'll cross from Germany into Austria, then into Switzerland. The morning ride along Bregenz's shoreline is flat and easy to follow. Look for migratory birds when you reach Rohrspitz nature reserve. Taking the train up to St. Gallen is recommended - the climb is quite steep after a day of cycling.

    
  • Day 5

    St. Gallen to Gottlieben (37-44 km)

    Start your day with a tour of St. Gallen's UNESCO-listed abbey library. For the cycling portion, you can choose between a challenging hill route or an easier option with a transfer. One cyclist noted: "The descent from St. Gallen offers incredible views, but the paths can be slick after rain—make sure your bike has good tires." You'll spend the night at Hotel Porto Sofie in Gottlieben by the Seerhein.

    
  • Day 6

    Reichenau Island and Stein am Rhein (36 km)

    Take a morning boat to Reichenau Island. Plan to cycle around the island before it gets too hot in the vegetable fields. In the afternoon, ride to Stein am Rhein on good quality paths. Watch the weather forecast since this section can get windy in the late afternoon.

    
  • Day 7

    Constance to Überlingen (22 km)

    Your final day combines cycling with a ferry ride. Plan to reach Wallhausen for the 1:42 PM ferry to Überlingen (based on 2024 schedule). The morning route through Constance is clearly marked but busy - stay on the bike paths. If you're leaving from Constance train station, book a late afternoon departure to allow for any delays.

    

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• 7 Days Alps Hiking, incl. Oberstdorf and Merano

  The E5 trail connects German Bavaria to Austrian Tyrol over 7 days. Starting in Oberstdorf, hikers cross the Allgäu Alps and enter Austria at Mädele Pass (1,973m). Mountain huts provide shelter during ascents of peaks like the Glanderspitze (2,512m).

  

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  • Day 1

    Oberstdorf to Kemptner Hütte

    Start in Bavaria's Oberstdorf. Take the local bus to Spielmannsau before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Your first ascent to Kemptner Hütte involves a 1,000m elevation gain. Pack light and bring trekking poles for steep sections. Mountain huts serve evening meals at 6 PM sharp.

    
  • Day 2

    Kemptner Hütte to Memminger Hütte

    Cross into Austria via Mädelejoch pass at 1,973m. Start early to catch the best morning views over the Allgäu Alps. After going down to Holzgau take the shuttle to Madau then climb to Memminger Hütte at 2,242m. The hut sits next to an alpine lake. Bring a quick-dry towel if you want to swim.

    
  • Day 3

    Memminger Hütte to Zams

    Your main challenge is crossing Seescharte pass at 2,599m. Start by 7 AM to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The route down through Zammer Loch gorge needs careful footing on exposed trails. Stop at Unterlochalpe for their local mountain cheese. You'll need the energy for this long hiking day.

    
  • Day 4

    Zams to Braunschweiger Hütte

    Take the Venetbahn cable car up and hike Glanderspitze at 2,512m for stunning Tyrolean views. Go down to Wenns then catch the post bus to Mittelberg. The steep climb to Braunschweiger Hütte at 2,759m gives you your first close look at the glaciers. Bring 2€ coins for the hut's hot showers.

    
  • Day 5

    Braunschweiger Hütte to Martin-Busch-Hütte

    This technical day takes you over Pitztaler Jöchl at 2,996m with some cable-assisted sections. Start early. After the Rosi-Mittermaier tunnel bus transfer walk the scenic Venter Höhenweg to Vent village. Then make your final climb to Martin-Busch-Hütte at 2,501m.

    
  • Day 6

    Martin-Busch-Hütte to Merano

    Summit day takes you to Similaunhütte at 3,019m with amazing views of Similaun glacier. The long walk down into Italy's Tisental valley shows how the landscape changes to Mediterranean plants. Take the afternoon bus to Merano where you can enjoy some well-deserved South Tyrolean wine.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Merano

    You can take the morning shuttle back to Oberstdorf at 8 AM for $60 or stay longer to enjoy Merano's thermal baths. Perfect for sore hiking muscles. Book early during peak season from July to September.

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