Across Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and 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 across four high alpine countries, crossing borders on foot!
- Wine tasting at the wine cellar of the Prince of Liechtenstein, delicious meals at agriturismos and family farms
- Medieval Bergamo, with its perfectly preserved Venetian walls
- The spa town of Bormio, renowned for its nine natural hot springs
- Innsbruck’s architectural gems, including the Habsburg-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. The Valtellina is a land of traditional flavors—typical dishes include pizzoccheri (a buckwheat noodle), polenta taragna, and delicious alpine cheeses like casera, bitto, and scimudin. From our hotel in a stunning mountainside location, we follow a trail down to the medieval town of Bormio, renowned for its natural hot springs, which also fuel the spa baths of our Bormio hotel.
Our hike in the Valle di Fraele leads to a wonderful “alm,” a mountain chalet where cattle graze, and to the beautiful alpine village of Livigno, close to the Swiss border and possessing an “end of the road” ambiance. We hike in the pristine wilderness of Swiss National Park, the oldest park in the Alps, then take the train to Davos. A funicular ride carries us up to our charming and remote mountain resort, and the next day we set out on a breathtaking ridge hike from the hotel.
We cross the Liechtenstein border on foot, hiking through vineyards and villages that were the settings for Johanna Spyri’s classic book, Heidi. Our walking tour of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, with its castle perched high on a hill, reveals many medieval, gothic, and baroque structures. A day hike along a mountain stream brings us to the quiet haven of Malbun and the picturesque hamlet of Steg. The Prince of Liechtenstein resides in the Valduz 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, we explore the Old Town, then catch the Nordkettenbahn funicular all the way up to 7,400 feet for a short hike with fine mountain panoramas. 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
"This was the second time I have done the Bergamo to Innsbruck trip! Last year in July and this year in cooler and more pleasant weather. I am convinced that Wilderness travel is THE BEST of any of the tour companies I have ever used. Most generous at meal time, creative in itinerary, and guides are THE BEST!"
Cia W.
Denver, CO
"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
"I loved this trip! I can't imagine a better way to immerse oneself in the beauty, terrain, history and culture of this region. "
Peggy S.
Piedmont, CA
"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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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.