Across Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein & Austria
Hiking Bergamo to Innsbruck
Overview
This is a superb four-nation odyssey of hikes in the Alps—and in true WT style, we’ll cross all international borders on foot! We hike through the vineyards of northern Italy’s Valtellina region, famed for viticulture since Roman times, and into Switzerland’s sunny Engadine Valley, with its ice-blue skies. Crossing into tiny Liechtenstein, a land of mountain panoramas and turreted castles, we make our way into the Alps of Austria as we hike the ridgetop Eschnerberg Trail, enjoying views into the Rhine Valley. As we move from country to country, we’ll enjoy Romanesque architecture, ancient spa towns, and culinary delights, with a special wine tasting at the renowned cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein.
Arrive: Bergamo, Italy
Depart: Innsbruck, Austria
Highlights
- Unique hiking journey through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria, crossing borders on foot
- Wine tasting at the wine cellar of the Prince of Liechtenstein, delicious meals at agriturismos and family farms
- Terraced vineyards, tiny alpine villages, snowy peaks of the Alps
- Medieval Bergamo, with its perfectly preserved Venetian walls
- The spa town of Bormio, renowned for its nine natural springs
- Innsbruck's architectural gems, including the Hapsburg-era Imperial Palace
- Superb accommodations, from an atmospheric spa hotel to a mountain-top aerie we reach by funicular
Itinerary
After exploring medieval Bergamo in the foothills of the Italian Alps, we head into the green Valtellina Valley to see the World Heritage-listed petroglyphs at Valcamonica. Our first mountain hike leads down to beautiful Bormio, a hot springs spa since Roman times. Bormio’s mineral springs also warm the spa baths of our hotel.
Our hike in the Valle di Fraele leads to a wonderful “alm,” a mountain chalet where cattle graze, and to the village of Livigno, close to the Swiss border. Hiking into the pristine wilderness of Swiss National Park, we head by train to Davos, take a funicular ride up to our hotel, then set out on a breathtaking ridge hike to the summit of Weissfluhjoch (8,835').
We cross the Liechtenstein border on foot, then walk to the 12th century Gutenberg Castle in Balzers for sweeping views. Peaceful trails link Liechtenstein’s villages, farms, and forests, and we explore Vaduz, the capital, with its atmospheric castle perched on a hill. The Prince of Liechtenstein resides in the castle, and we’ll savor dinner and a tasting at his winery.
Hiking into Austria, we follow the Eschnerberg Trail to the enchanting medieval town of Feldkirch, right on the border between Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. In marvelous Innsbruck, a funicular carries us up a mountain for our last hike. Depart on Day 12.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated a Level 3+, Moderate. You will need to be comfortable hiking 8 miles a day, being on your feet for 3-5 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces including downhill over loose scree. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
- 5-6 miles
- 3-4 hours
- 500-1,000 feet gain/loss
- Altitudes up to 8,800 feet
- Day 7: 8 miles, 5 hours, 1,700 feet gain, and 2,500 feet loss
While not technically difficult and staying in moderate to low altitudes, this trip is aimed at those who have at least some experience mountain hiking. We will hike on variable hill and mountain trails, with occasional steep, uneven sections with loose scree, so participants must have good balance and be confident on their feet. Hiking poles are highly recommended.
As with all mountain environments, the weather can be unpredictable. Summer temperatures can range from the low 70s°F to 80s°F, with nighttime temperatures in the mid-40s°F. Rain showers are a possibility at any time.
We spend our nights in picturesque inns, full of charm and character. All hotels are chosen for their local history and central locations. Since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
Each day, we'll sample the culinary delights that these countries have to offer. The meals included in the trip itinerary will be taken at our hotels, at rural agriturismos, and at restaurants in the towns, with the occasional packed lunch to enjoy in a scenic spot on our hike. For lunches and dinners “on your own,” the Trip Leader will be happy to recommend options for local restaurants. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).
Client Testimonials
"Another memorable trip with Wilderness Travel! We took the entire family and they loved it."
David R.
Kenosha, WI
"Of my 22 WT trips the food on this was the best!"
John L.
Highland Park, IL
"Fun trip, nice group of people, and the food was exceptional. I gained weight despite the exercise."
John S.
Monona, WI
"I've traveled all over the world with many outfitters/trip operators and find that my first experience with Wilderness Travel to be one of high caliber."
Lynda B.
Villa Ridge, MO
"Just a great Itinerary! We really enjoyed all of the locations."
Mike D.
Aurora, OH
"We had a great time hiking the Italian Alps and especially loved the variety of the hikes and the four different countries and cultures we experienced. Liechtenstein was an unexpected jewel and the hikes there, the winery, and the dinner were fabulous! Once again, Wilderness Travel has exceeded our expectations and has shown why they continue to rack up awards as the best travel company for hiking experiences! Thanks to the entire company for never failing to delight us!"
Nancy F.
Sarasota, FL
"Would do this trip all over again. It went by too fast."
Sandy M.
Prescott, AZ
"Lovely hikes. wonderful guides, great food and drink—what could be better?!"
Sharon T.
Abingdon, VA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.