There’s something about the idea of crossing the Alps that captures the imagination of trail runners everywhere. This past June, Marcel Neumann and his friend Stephan turned that dream into reality. 

"We ran 178 kilometres, climbed nearly 10,000 metres, and crossed from Oberstdorf in Germany to South Tyrol in Italy, all in six days. What we experienced was more than just a physical challenge. It was a journey that changed the way I see the mountains, myself, and what it means to move freely through wild places."

The Dream

For years, I’d had this trip in the back of my mind. No race, no support crew. Just a pack, the bare essentials, and a line across the Alps. The route we followed was inspired by the iconic E5 long-distance trail, but we adapted it with a trail running mindset. We kept things light, moved at our own pace, and let the terrain shape each day.

The Journey: Stage by Stage

Day 1: Easing In
We left Oberstdorf and followed the Trettach Valley, gradually gaining height before climbing 1,000 metres to the Kemptner Hütte. It was the perfect way to ease into the mountains and settle into our pace.

Day 2: The Wake-Up Call
Technical singletracks and big elevation changes led us to the Memminger Hütte. We moved slower than planned, but that was part of the lesson. The mountains set the pace, not us.

Day 3: The Big One
Our queen stage. Thirty-five kilometres and over 2,300 metres of climbing. The descents were too technical to run smoothly, and the fatigue hit hard. But reaching our apartment in Wenns and sitting down to the most well-earned schnitzel and chips of my life made everything worth it.

Day 4: Up into the Clouds
We climbed through the Pitztal valley before the final push to the Braunschweiger Hütte at 2,759 metres. This was our favourite hut of the trip, with a view that felt infinite.

Day 5: Hello, Italy
Crossing into South Tyrol marked a real turning point. We followed old smuggler trails and stayed far from the busy Timmelsjoch road. A long, winding descent brought us into the Passeier Valley, where the welcome was warm and well earned.

Day 6: The Final Push
Our last day took us through the Texel Group, past alpine lakes and over the Mutkopf. From there, we looked down on Meran. The finish line. Quiet pride and tired smiles.

What It Taught Me

Six days in the Alps stripped everything back. We ran, ate simple food, and moved with purpose. We discovered that our bodies are more capable than we realise. Tackling technical terrain together built trust and showed us just how resilient we could be.

The best part was running without the pressure of a race. With no time to chase or number on our chests, we were free to move in the moment. That sense of freedom is something I’ll carry with me for a long time.

The Gear That Came With Me

When you’re out for days at a time, your gear needs to perform. My Fractel Bucket Hat was a daily staple. It kept the sun off, stood up to the wind, and added almost no weight to my pack. Comfortable, practical and reliable. Exactly what I needed.

Packing light was essential. Every gram mattered. You can find my full gear list on my blog.

The Little Moments That Stayed

It’s often the small things that linger in your memory.

• Sharing half a pizza for dessert after the queen stage
• The total stillness of the smugglers’ paths near Timmelsjoch
• That final view from the Berggasthof Hochmut, looking down on Meran with a full heart

Why the Mountains Matter

For me, trail running is more than sport. It’s how I connect to nature. Every step, every breath, every ridge brings me deeper into the landscape. You stop being a visitor and start becoming part of it. The noise of daily life fades. What’s left is clarity, presence, and a sense of real freedom.

Thinking of Your Own Transalp?

If you’re dreaming of a similar crossing, here’s my advice.

• Don’t wait. Just go
• Book your huts in advance
• Download offline maps
• Take cash, as many huts don’t take cards
• Join your local alpine club
• Pack light and move smart

What’s Next?

This journey lit a fire. I’m already thinking about the next one. If you’ve got suggestions or favourite routes, I’d love to hear them. You can follow along on Instagram @marcel.run or find more stories at neumannmarcel.de.