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Czechia fl Austria Spain

Upcoming Trips

Northern Italy

Biking in Northern Italy

September 15 - 24, 2024

This trip will take us to South Tyrol and Trentino, in the northernmost part of Italy near the Austrian and Swiss borders. The area was part of the Austria-Hungary Empire until the end of World War I, when it was ceded to Italy. This lead to a mixing of Italian flair with Austrian customs, which is reflected in habits and food..

Umbria

Biking in Umbria and Tuscany

September 25 - October 3

If you are looking for a biking trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful and charming places in Italy, then Umbria and Tuscany are the perfect destinations for you. You will get to explore the amazing landscape of these regions, with rolling hills and their cypresses, villas and their vineyards, historic hill towns and their castles and cathedrals. You will also get to taste famous and tasty local food of Umbria and Tuscany, which is based on simple ingredients, but rich in flavor and variety. And you will get to learn about the long history and culture of these regions, especially of Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals and ecology.

Portugal

Biking in Portugal

October 7 - 16, 2024

On your bike you will see horses and carriages, gypsies with mules, Moorish-inspired houses with big chimney pots and whitewashed villages stretching over hills. We´ll cycle through Medieval towns clustered with churches and castles that were part of the fortifications against the Spanish. Medieval hilltop towns are simply magnificent. Local crafts and arts are flourishing, especially pottery and paintings. History is plentiful; there are prehistoric remains and Roman ruins abound. Great wines that are unknown in the USA are abundant. We will learn about the varieties and taste all we wish.

Ireland

Biking in Ireland

May 12 - 21, 2024

Cradled between the ocean and green rolling hills, this route through western Ireland unveils the county’s outstanding natural beauty. On this trip, you will explore Ireland's rugged west coast with its fjords, its ancient castles, pre-historic sites and charming villages. Bicycling in this country is a delight; the ocean is never far away. It might rain or be windy, but the sun always shines in the pub!

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Hiking & Walking in Southern France

October 19 - 29, 2024

This trip will take us first to the Cathar Land and its wonderfull cities like Carcassonne and its gorgeus Castles. Then we will see the wild coast close to the Spanish border, followed by white beaches and horses and Roman Amphitheatres. Our last stop will be then a NP with its picturesque hill-villages surrounded by the typical Lawendel colors of the Provence and wild-romantic gorges.

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Hiking in the Dolomites and Austria

June & September '24

Where dramatic rock cliffs and majestic peaks meet enchanting, picturesque villages - the Dolomites is a region of contrasts. The local Ladin population have clung to their proud agricultural and craft heritage despite the pressures of modern life. During World War I, the Dolomites were the theater of fierce battles between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies, and the scars are still visible.

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Hiking in Northern Spain

Fall 2024

Imagine breathtaking views of mountains falling into the ocean. Go eagle-watching on some of the range's highest peaks, and enjoy a glass of wine on a sandy beach a couple of hours later. The mountains of Northern Spain offer a unique range of natural, cultural and gastronomic experiences. From the Altamira caves and their amazing Upper Paleolithic paintings to the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, Northern Spain is one of the best kept secrets in Western Europe.

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The High Tatras - Slovakia and Poland

12 days in October 2024

The Tatras trip covers a stunning spectrum of cultural and natural highlights, from Krakow—a historical gem with
one of Europe’s oldest universities—to the romantic lake Štrbské Pleso. The area is of outstanding recreational
value with its exceptionally clean air and unique climate and is an Eldorado for spa goers.

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Hiking in the Austrian Lake District and Bohemia

From Salzburg to Prague
12 days June 2024

This trip is all about lakes and mountains, it will take you through time from The Sound of Music and the Emperors of the Austrian Monarchy to Celtic people from the Iron Age. The Salzkammergut (The Austrian Lake District) will enchant you with its natural and cultural gems. Cesky Krumlov „The Jewel of Bohemia“ offers a cute medieval old town surrounded by a farytale-like river and high castle.

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Hiking in Liechtenstein and Switzerland

12 days | End of August 2024

Our village is situated at the very end of a valley just below the timer line at 5000ft above sea level. With its 32 inhabitants, even less cars and our picturesque hotel it is one of the best places all over for relaxing. Most of the hikes we will start directly from our hotel as it is only about 600ft below the timber line. Our hotel will be a real Alpenhotel: the original building is over 100 years old and was the first one there in 1908. Your rooms are of course up to date and you will have a excellent dinners and a sauna at your disposal.

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Hiking Trip to Slovenia and the Austrian Lake District

On the footsteps of real 'Trapper-family'

June 2024

One day we will follow the track of "THE SOUND OF MUSIC": Most of you will remember that story: A family (parents with their two sons and their daughter) fled from Czechoslovakia to Austria in 1982. They fled through Slovenia (by that time it was a part of Yugoslavia). It was winter, there was loads of snow and us three kids did not like it at all. On the Austrian side then, their father had to use a rope to get is family of the mountain. I will take you there and we will follow exactly the same way we took in 1982 across that border...

Trips in 2025

January

April:

May:

June:

September:

October:

  •     Greece
  •     Puglia - ­Southern Italy

Meet the Team

Northern Italy

Like many great adventures, Wandermeister started from a chance encounter. David Gerstel met a group of hikers from Colorado looking for a guide to lead them through the mountains of Liechtenstein. David's knowledge of the area and his infectious enthusiasm for the mountains rubbed off on everyone in the group. The excursion was a great success. Wandermeister was born. Originally from the Czech Republic, David grew up in Vorarlberg where he developed his passion and great respect for all things alpine. A professional ski instructor, David heads up all our hiking expedition activities all year round. Born and bred in Tyrol, David's wife Julia is a mountaineer by nature. Today this trained school psychologist is a central figure in Wandermeister activities. Julia's patient and cheerful nature makes her a very popular guide in all our trips. Nowadays we are proud to take you not only on hiking tripd, but we take you on biking, canoeing and skiing trips as well. Try us: we blend of recreation and relaxation through exceptional tours.
Person 1

Erik

David's brother Erik built up a wealth of experience in the harsh local conditions of Vorarlberg by climbing all the 9,000+ ft summits. Erik's passion for mountaineering has also taken him to the top of Dachstein and further afield to the Julian Alps of Slovenia.

Person 2

Hannes

Born in Vorarlberg, Hannes now lives in Innsbruck where he teaches mathematics. A passionate mountaineer and mushroom picker, Hannes has all the Tyrolean 9,000+ ft peaks under his belt. Hannes' love for travel has also taken him to the top of Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Popocatepetl (Mexico).

Person 4

Eva

Eva started climbing in 1966 in and around Czechoslovakia. Back then this daredevil would climb technical sandstone ascents with just a rope around her waist. Today Eva teaches sport in Feldkirch and likes to take things a bit more leisurely. A great hostess by nature, she ensures the group is well looked after.

Person 3

In memoriam: Petr

A central figure in the Czech climbing scene in the seventies, David's father Petr fled communist Czechoslovakia with his family in 1982 and established in Feldkirch where he now teaches psychology, philosophy and sport. With major Alpine summits to his credit - including Mont Blanc - Petr brought years of mountaineering experience across the Alps and the Tatras to the team.