Zu Fuß über die Alpen

For Steffen Hoppe, the untamed mountain landscape in Berchtesgaden National Park, surrounding Königssee, is wilderness in its purest form. It’s the ideal starting point for crossing the Alps. Then head south—all the way to the Mediterranean-like Lake Garda! Wind down the journey in the shade of cypresses and olive trees; sip a glass of red wine on the lakeshore on a warm summer evening. Simply irresistible. In between lie 30 exciting days of hiking and 45,000 meters of elevation gain. But those are just numbers. Along the way, people tell him about their personal paradises; he hikes with friends under a blazing sun, through billowing clouds, and in the icy wind toward the southern horizon.
The route takes him over the limestone waves of the Steinernes Meer, the green Hundstein, and the icy Tauern Mountains all the way to the gateway to South Tyrol at the Gsieser Törl. Next come the bizarre Dolomites and the gentle Judikaria region. Let yourself be inspired: maybe you’ll soon be on the trail yourself, heading toward the sun. It doesn’t take much: a backpack, hiking boots, and plenty of curiosity about wild landscapes, exciting encounters, and your own “ups and downs.”
“If you truly want to hike with joy, walk toward the sun.” (Emanuel Geibel, German poet)