TrailMap E5 - Oberstdorf - Merano

E5 from Oberstdorf to Meran, the Alpine crossing on foot along a section of the European long-distance trail E5, in six stages from Oberstdorf to South Tyrol. This TrailMap shows the route as a contour-line map, laser-engraved in solid oak, with the course as a raised 3D line on top.

From the Allgäu Alps to Meran

The trail begins in Oberstdorf and leads through the Trettach valley and the Sperrbachtobel to the Kemptner Hütte. From there it crosses from Germany into Austria and from the Allgäu Alps into the Lechtal Alps to the Memminger Hütte, then steeply and for a long way down through the Zammer Loch to Zams. Through the Pitztal come the Braunschweiger Hütte and the Pitztaler Jöchel, and it continues via Vent to the Martin-Busch-Hütte. On the Niederjoch, at 3,019 m, lies the Similaunhütte, the highest point of the Alpine crossing, and also the Ötzi discovery site. Right after that, the last descent into the valley leads to Meran at 325 m, and the Vernagt reservoir lies on this stage too. Part of the trail's history is Hans Schmidt of Sonthofen, who in 1969 hiked from his hometown to Girlan-Schreckbichl near Bolzano in nine days. The E5 was opened on July 2, 1972 as the long-distance trail from Lake Constance to the Adriatic.

The route

• Oberstdorf to Meran: six stages via Kemptner Hütte, Memminger Hütte, Zams, Braunschweiger Hütte and Martin-Busch-Hütte

What is on the map

The contour lines between the Allgäu and Meran are engraved in dark brown into the oak, with the route sitting on top as a 3D-printed line in white, light gray, anthracite or black. The map measures 30 x 30 cm, and the board has room for up to three lines of engraving, such as the year of the crossing or a dedication.

After the Alpine crossing

Sperrbachtobel, Zammer Loch and Niederjoch on one board: a memento of your own Alpine crossing from Oberstdorf to Meran, or for someone who has walked the E5.