The Trans Tirol a classic Austrian hiking route
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Trans Tirol Trail or Tirolerweg, traversing two stunning mountain ranges - the Bavarian Alps and the Austrian Tirol. Follow well-maintained paths through the Wetterstein and Karwendel ranges, winding through flower-filled alpine valleys and beneath dramatic peaks. Each evening, rest in welcoming mountain huts full of character or in cosy alpine hotels.
Highlights
- Hike the historic and stunning Höllental Gorge
- Enjoy views of the Zugspitze, highest mountain in Germany
- Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wetterstein & Karwendel ranges
- Visit the famous village of Mittenwald, making violins since 17th century
- Explore Schachen Castle, historic home to a King
This iconic hike links the historic Olympic towns of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Germany, with Innsbruck in Austria. Along the way, breathe in crisp mountain air, encounter vibrant alpine flora, and enjoy sweeping panoramas that make this route a walker’s paradise. The trail is occasionally demanding, requiring prior alpine hiking experience and a solid level of fitness - but the spectacular scenery and sense of achievement make it truly worthwhile.
Discover Austria walking holidays that lead you through alpine peaks, valleys, and along stunning trails, all while immersing yourself in the charm and traditions of mountain villages. It’s an adventure where every step offers both exhilaration and a glimpse of authentic alpine life.
Holiday Reviews
Grade: Expert
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2366m (7760ft) |
| Countries Visited | Germany |
| Meet In | Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany |
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Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
2028 Departures
What's Included
- The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader
- 4 nights half board accommodation ranging from guest houses to 4 star hotels: based on two people sharing
- 3 nights half board in mountain cabin accommodation
- Guides accommodation and expenses
- Luggage transfers to next accommodation, not including the 3 mountain huts
- Transfer to the Karwendel Valley from Mittenwald
- Entrance fee to the Hell Valley gorges
- Admission to Kings House Museum
- Cable cars fees to Innsbruck
What's Not Included
- Lunches
- Travel insurance - required
- Miscellaneous personal spending
- Travel to meeting point & from departure point
Itinerary
This evening, at approximately 1830 hrs, your guide will meet you and brief you on the journey ahead. for many centuries the towns were two separate communities, Partenkirchen and Garmisch, and still retain their own identities. Partenkirchen was on the trade route from Venice to Augsburgh and is mentioned in AD15. Garmisch was first mentioned some 800 years later. However, in 1935 Adolf Hitler forced the mayors to combine the two market towns in anticipation of the 1936 Winter Olympics. Today the town is often referred to as simply Garmisch, much to the dismay of Partenkirchen’s residents!
If you arrive early and wish to explore further a field we can recommend visiting Neuschwanstein Castle apart from it's architectural beauty, history and location it was also made famous for being in the children's film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
A truly spectacular first day of hiking. We begin with an ascent of the impressive Höllentalklamm, which translates as ‘Hell Valley Gorge’. The route follows the thundering river via a series of tunnels and walkways hewn from the rockface. In 1900 the local alpine club had the idea to create the route to shorten the walk to the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany, at 2962 m (9,718ft). After four years of hard labour it was possible to climb through the gorge. Once out of the Höllentalklamm we reach the Höllentalanger Hütte which has stunning views of the Zugspitze north face. Here we have a true Bavarian lunch before the final ascent along a high balcony trail to the Hupfleitenjoch, a high pass. The trail clings to the mountainside and at times is exposed, but always with a cable which can be used as a handrail when required. At the end of the day we spend the night on the mountain at Kreuzeck.
Ascent: 1244m (4081ft) Descent: 376m (1233ft) Distance: 10.3km (6.4 miles) Duration: 6-7 hrs
No access to luggage tonight.
Today we leave our mountain hut and head out along the Bernadeinsteig trail. This is a lovely path which begins by traversing the eastern slopes of the mighty Alpspitze. The summit of the Alpspitze which sits at 2628m (8619ft) has a distinctive pyramidal peak which is the symbol of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is one of the best know and most attractive mountains in this part of the world, and is predominantly formed from Wetterstein limestone. We turn a shoulder just at the treeline and then it's a decent descent as we make our way to the Bockhütte. This hut is in a great position beside the Partnach river, and makes a lovely coffee stop or early lunch. The history of the hut can be traced back 300 years, and is closely linked to the gazing laws of the area which date back to 1408. Once we have refuelled we have a steep climb up through the Oberreintal, which sections of narrow balcony trails and rocky steps. Once above the trees the views are very special, and eventually we pop out at the viewpoint above Castle Schachen. This was King Ludwig II’s mountain cabin which sits just above our accommodation at Schachenhaus. It is no surprise that the King decided to build his cabin on this spot, the views are incredible!
Ascent: 905m (2968ft) Descent: 697m (2286ft) Distance: 10.7km (6.7 miles) Duration: 5-6 hrs
No access to luggage tonight.
To view the sunrise in these mountains is spectacular and we recommend you rise early to witness it! This is a spectacular day, and we begin with a steady climb up the narrow limestone ridge line behind the hut. At times the trail it narrow and there is a sense of exposure, but the trail is good and does not pose any particular difficulties. At all times you are surrounded by limestone spires and peaks as you make your way to the Meilerhütte, at 2366 m (7,760ft). This historic hut sits right on the frontier between Germany and Austria and has been offering hikers and climbers hospitality since 1898. From here it’s downhill for the rest of the day as we enter what feels like a remote valley, and descend on trails that are sometimes loose and rocky. At all times we are surrounded by sculpted limestone ridges on the skyline. The descent into Leutasch is sustained, but we are heading for a comfortable hotel and a gorgeous Austrian village which makes up one of the 26 hamlets that create the municipality of Leutasch.
Ascent: 561m (1840ft) Descent: 1312m (4303ft) Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles) Duration: 6-7 hrs
From the Leutasch valley we hike over to the beautiful Bavarian village of Mittenwald as we re-enter Germany where we will spend the night. Today begins with a steep forest track which certainly stretches the calf muscles, until it levels off at the Hoher Sattel, a gentle pass where various trails meet. Here we start our day proper with a traversing trail which climbs steadily across the mountainside. This trail will definitely keep you focused as there are sections with exposure, and you may find you are also using your hands with some brief scrambling. What we would call a true Alpine hike that will be enjoyed by those who love to feel they are truly in the mountains. We eventually pass the Arnspitzhütte which is a small unstaffed bivouac hut which is useful for a rest or lunch stop. After the hut the trail becomes easier and follows a magnificent ridge line offering views all the way back to the Zugspitze which we saw on the first day. We are then descending to our overnight stop at Mittenwald. The village is know for its colourful painted houses and its violin-making history. It is also know for the pink 18th-century church of St. Peter and St. Paul Church which has beautiful frescoes.
Ascent: 1010m (3312ft) Descent: 1202m (3942ft) Distance: 14.3km (8.9 miles) Duration: 7-8 hrs
We have an easy ride to begin with today, as we take a taxi up to Isar-Ursprung, the source of the River Isar, and here we begin our hike which takes us first to Kastenalm, a popular lunch destination, which is the end of the public road. We are now on the Adlerweg, the Eagle's Way, as we head deeper into the mountains. The Adlerweg is a new route set up by the local tourism authority to show the best of the region, and we follow it today to the beautifully situation Hallerangeralm hut. On the way we pass meadows with livestock grazing, and overall this is a more mellow day, though the cart track after Kastenalm is steep! We aim to reach our hut around lunchtime and you can then choose to relax on the sun loungers on the terrace or join your guide for an ascent of the Sunntigerspitze with a summit at 2321m (7613ft) which offers spectacular views of the Karwandel range. If the weather is good this is well worth the extra effort knowing that you will return to this gorgeous hut for good food and perhaps a beer! The statistics below include the summit of the Sunntigerspitze, otherwise the day has 547m (1794ft) less of ascent and descent, and 5km (3 miles) less in terms of distance.
Ascent: 1194m (3916ft) Descent: 591m (1938ft) Distance 12 km (7.5 miles) Duration: 6 - 7 hrs
No access to luggage tonight.
Today is our final day of hiking and early morning we leave the lovely meadows of the Hallngeralm as we head for our first pass, or joch, at Lafatscher at 2081m (6,825 ft). Once over the pass its down and around to a high traversing line across rocky terrain on a balcony trail to the spectacular Stempeljoch. Once through the pass we continue on the Adlerweg towards the Pfeishütte where we will aim to have a break. The terrain today feels wild, rough and rocky, and you are definitely 'in the mountains'. The Pfeishütte sits on high ground at the end of the Samertal valley in the middle of the southern Karwendel range at 1,922m (6304 ft), and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of Rumer Spitze, Stempeljochspitze, and Bachofenspitze to name just a few. From here we will meet the day hikers coming up from Innsbruck and it is often a shock to suddenly be in amongst the crowds, but you cannot blame them for hiking to this destination because it is simply stunning. After lunch we make our way along the Goetheweg trail to the Top of Innsbruck, and the highest viewing point of the 2300m (7544ft) Hafelekar. Then we literally 'drop' into Innsbruck on the cable car, and we have arrived at our destination. The city of Innsbruck is the capital of the Tirol, and the 5th largest city in Austria. It is a beautiful place to spend some time, and you might want to consider an extra day at the end of your trip to explore.
Ascent: 1405m (4608ft) Descent: 905m (2968ft) Distance 15.4 km (9.6 miles) Duration: 07h00 - 08h00
Today is your departure day. Tracks and Trails services end after breakfast.
It is our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
Accommodation
We aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. A single room may be available for your private use, but requires early booking and will incur a supplementary charge. For further details refer to Trip Information > Single Supplements. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking and is an indication of our accommodation, not a guarantee. Note it is unusual to have air conditioning in bedrooms in the mountain areas where our trips take place. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
On this trip we will spend four nights in hotels, and three nights in mountain huts when we will not have luggage access. The huts in this area are very lovely and provide very comfortable mountain accommodation. They have showers, and the food is excellent.
Atlas Grand Hotel, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
There is no better way to start your week than indulging yourself whilst staying at the wonderful 4* Atlas Grand Hotel.
The Atlas Grand Hotel is located in the old town and provides an ideal place to explore the local area when you arrive in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. You may, however, just want to spend the afternoon in the hotel and enjoy a visit to the wellness centre, a coffee and cake in their cafe, or perhaps head down for a cool beer or delicious wine in the tavern. We are sure you will enjoy the traditional welcome from the hotel team and enjoy the opulent surroundings.
Kreuzeckhaus, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The historic Kreuzeckhaus sits at 1652m (5418ft) above Garmisch-Partenkirchen offering stunning views of the Wetterstein mountains.
The Kreuzeckhaus is a traditional style mountain hut serving typical Bavarian food. Accommodation is in large bedrooms with up to 3 people per room. We avoid the larger dormitory style rooms whenever possible, but the cannot be ruled out during busy periods. Enjoy a Bavarian beer while sitting on the terrace and watching the sun go down. There are a total of six showers available to guests.
Schachenhaus Hütte, Schachenweg
The Schachenhaus Hütte is a wonderfully historic mountain hut situated next to the former summer mountain hut of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
The hut itself is characterful and offers traditional dormitory style rooms, as well as some bedrooms. It is a fabulous place to see the sunrise. The family who run the hut have been doing so for several generations and on arrival it is a treat to sample the home made cakes! There is a washroom and a toilet block in a separate building. The washroom has separate areas for males and females, which means you can get a decent wash while preserving your modesty! There is also a drying room for any wet kit.
Hubertushof Hotel, Reindlau
The Hubertushof Hotel is in the village of Reindlau, in the Leutasch Valley on the famous Seefeld Plateau, which is home to many winter cross country ski trails.
The Pfeffel family who run the hotel, are originally from Wachau, in Lower Austria, and moved to the mountains in 1991. The hotel is bordered by the Wetterstein and Mieminger mountains, as well as the Gaistal mountain pastures. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation and also has a swimming pool and spa area.
Post Hotel, Mittenwald
The Post Hotel is to be found near the centre of the lovely village of Mittenwald. The hotel is run by the Rademacher family.
The hotel is decorated in a traditional Bavarian style, and has a new wellness centre that comprises of a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. You can also relax in the lovely rose gardens. The local chef produces wide range of local Bavarian dishes and a buffet breakfast.
Halleranger-Alm, Karwendel
We adore the Halleranger-Alm mountain hut which was built 400 years ago. It is in a stunning location and the sunsets can be glorious.
The Halleranger-Alm is truly one of the most spectacular places we have stayed with wonderful and amusing hospitality from Evi and Horst Schallhart who's family have run the hut for 180 years. There are even rocking chairs on the terrace! The hut has traditional dormitory style bedrooms, but also some bedrooms. The toilets and showers were new in 2021 and there is a drying room for any wet hiking gear. The food is traditional for this part of Austria and you will not go hungry.
Central Hotel, Innsbruck
The 4* Central Hotel will provide a quiet oasis to relax after your week of trekking. It blends styles under a single roof, with a traditional cafe and a contemporary feel to the hotel rooms.
The hotel is set in the hearts of the town it provides a great base to explore Innsbruck in the evening and provides easy access to the transport hubs as you head on from your holiday.
Trip Information
This tour travels north to south starting in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany and ends in Innsbruck in Austria. Both destinations are easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.
Travelling around Europe by train or coach is very easy. We recommend using Trainline and RailEurope to plan your train travel, and Flixbus or Eurolines if you prefer to travel by coach. Please refer to our blog for more information on travelling by public transport.
Innsbruck and Munich are the closest international airports to the starting point making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. At the end of the tour Innsbruck airport is 20 minutes away and Munich 2 hours 15 minutes by road.
Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Equipment
Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with a good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary!
Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
Rucksack – 30-35 litres, ideally with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
Umbrella - optional - useful for shade/rain showers
Emergency foil blanket
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
Shorts/skort
Sun hat
Warm hat
Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
Fleece jacket/shirt
Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
Thermal leggings - optional
Comfort
Sunscreen
Lip salve
Insect repellent - recommended
Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
Tissues
Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
Book/Kindle/Music
Documentation
Passport, plus a paper copy
Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
Travel Insurance
Credit Card
Cash - Euros
Waterproof bag for documents
GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Personal First Aid
Personal medication - if required
Antiseptic cream/spray
Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
Glucose tablets
2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
A few throat lozenges
Blister plasters
Blister tape eg. Strappal
Bandaid plaster
Items for the nights in mountain huts
Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ to be used under the blankets/duvet. You can buy one at the first hut if necessary for approximately 18 euros
Ear plugs - optional, but advised
Head torch - plus batteries
Lightweight towel
Teabags – optional, tea is expensive, whereas ordering hot water is less so
Sandwich bag - to carry your packed lunch from the huts
Additional Items
Slippers for use in accommodation
Clothing for use in accommodation
Toiletries - including shampoo/shower gel as not all accommodations provide this
Swimwear for pools and spas
Camera
Padlock - for luggage being transferred
1 Medium sized - kitbag/holdall/suitcase
Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. Please restrict yourself to one bag of approximately 15kg (33lbs) per person. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs. There may be a charge imposed by the taxi company if you have more than 1 bag, and we would ask you to cover this.
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible . Please note that single occupancy rooms are not available for the two nights spent in the mountain huts. The cost of a single occupancy room is £350 in 2026 and £360 for 2027.
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.
This trip is graded 'Difficult'. It is suitable for those of you who consider yourself ‘hill-walkers’, these trips involve longer days at an altitude of up to 2800m (9184ft) on good paths and tracks. A good level of fitness is required as these treks can involve considerable amounts of ascent and descent and the occasional difficult day on rougher paths. There may be an occasional day with ascents/descents of up to 1350m (4428ft). We would expect you to have previous experience of walking on consecutive days in the mountains, and have experience of hiking in bad weather. Expect to walk 5-7 hours per day.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on all but 2 of the nights, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required. On the nights you are in the mountain huts, you will need to carry just a few extra items in your rucksack.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you will find that those listed below cover the route:
Alpenvereinskarte 2014: Bayerische Alpen 1:25,000
Alpenvereinskarte 2015: Karwendelgebirge Mitte 1:25,000
Alpenvereinskarte 2013: Karwendelgebirge West 1:25,000
Alpenvereinskarte 2011: Wetterstein -und Mieminger Gebirge Ost 1:25,000
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In the summer it is generally good, but it can be everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes. Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow.
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who hike in summer, and continue to do so in winter on snowshoes:
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. Most people have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply. Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic/sandwich from your accommodation, or your guide/instructor will advise you of options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
