Active & Hiking Vacations
Compare the best active travel providers for hiking, trekking, and cycling adventures. From gentle walking tours to challenging mountain expeditions - find your perfect outdoor escape.
Why Choose an Active Package Holiday?
An active vacation combines the adventure of outdoor sports with the convenience of an organized trip. Instead of spending your holiday planning logistics, navigating unfamiliar terrain alone, or worrying about accommodation, you can focus on what you came for: the experience.
German tour operators have decades of experience organizing hiking, trekking, and cycling tours worldwide. They offer everything from gentle walking holidays perfect for beginners to challenging alpine expeditions for experienced mountaineers.
This guide compares the leading active travel providers, helping you choose the right partner for your outdoor adventure based on your activity preferences, fitness level, and travel style.
Understanding Activity Levels
Walking Tours
Easy (1-2)Gentle paths, often coastal or valley routes with minimal elevation gain.
Daily distance: 8-15 km
Suitable for: Beginners, seniors, those with moderate fitness
Hiking Tours
Moderate (2-3)Mountain paths, some elevation gain, good footwear required.
Daily distance: 12-20 km
Suitable for: Regular walkers with good fitness
Trekking
Challenging (3-4)Multi-day routes, significant elevation, mountain huts or camping.
Daily distance: 15-25 km
Suitable for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness
Mountaineering
Expert (4-5)High altitude, technical terrain, glaciers, ropes may be needed.
Daily distance: Varies
Suitable for: Very experienced with alpine skills
Active Travel Provider Comparison
Wikinger Reisen
Hiking and walking tours
Hiking, Walking, Trekking
1-5 (Easy to Challenging)
8-20 people
Key Features
ASI Reisen
Alpine and adventure travel
Mountaineering, Trekking, Ski touring
2-5 (Moderate to Expert)
4-15 people
Key Features
DAV Summit Club
German Alpine Club travel
Mountaineering, Hiking, Climbing, Ski touring
1-5 (All levels)
6-16 people
Key Features
Hauser Exkursionen
Trekking and cultural adventure
Trekking, Cultural hiking, Expedition-style
2-5 (Moderate to Expert)
6-15 people
Key Features
Frosch Sportreisen
Multi-sport active holidays
Cycling, Tennis, Golf, Skiing, Hiking
1-4 (Beginner to Advanced)
Varies by activity
Key Features
Eurotrek
Self-guided walking and cycling
Walking, Cycling, E-biking
1-3 (Easy to Moderate)
Individual/couples
Key Features
Popular Hiking Routes
| Route | Location | Difficulty | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camino de Santiago | Spain | Moderate | 1-5 weeks |
| Tour du Mont Blanc | Alps | Challenging | 7-11 days |
| Dolomites Alta Via | Italy | Challenging | 6-10 days |
| Cinque Terre Coastal | Italy | Easy-Moderate | 4-7 days |
| Scottish Highlands | Scotland | Moderate | 5-10 days |
| Madeira Levada Walks | Portugal | Easy-Moderate | 1 week |
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level do I need for a hiking vacation?
Are guided or self-guided hiking trips better?
What is luggage transport in hiking tours?
What equipment do I need for a hiking vacation?
Can beginners join hiking tours?
What is the difference between hiking and trekking?
Find Active Vacation Packages
Compare hiking and active holiday deals from top providers
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