Get off the beaten track & explore the Alps and Great Outdoors! Welcome to 4elements!
Connect with the nature, local environment and culture, through expert guiding, that supports your safety and creates unique and unforgettable experiences! Explore, challenge and discover more about yourself, your surroundings and others through the exciting and fun adventures with 4elements! We provide opportunities for young people to develop life-skills; through engaging in their community, dev
eloping life-long interests and passions and exploring the great outdoors through the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award programme. Additionally we run team-building weekends, camps, day hikes and retreats, as well as ski camps and wellness weekends- whether you are a school, business or group of friends looking for a unique opportunity to explore and experience the culture, cuisine, environment and history.
09/01/2025
I can’t wait to hit the trails with you this year! 🏔️ If you’re thinking of joining us on our summer treks, don’t wait too long – spaces are limited, and early bird prices are only available until 12th January.
✨ Hike Across the Alps – One week, three countries- 25th July- 1st August - 1 space left
✨ Trekking through the Berchtesgaden National Park & Steinernes Meer – A women-only adventure. - 27th-31st August - 2 spaces left
Here's to another year of unforgettable adventures, magic moments connecting with nature and fabulous company. 🤩
24/12/2024
Just a note to wish you a joyful holiday season, filled with warmth, laughter, and a touch of adventure. ❄️✨😉
Thank you for being part of our 4elements community this year. Whether you joined us on the trails, followed our journey, or shared a moment of connection.
We’ll be taking a break this festive period and look forward to greeting you back in 2025 in the great outdoors and with details of the adventures that lie ahead!
Happy Holidays 🎄✨
19/12/2024
What a year it’s been! 🌟 2024 has been filled with unforgettable adventures, breathtaking trails and so many wonderful connections.
Here are is a small selection of our favourite moments of 2024:
🤩 Reaching the Zugspitze Summit, Germany’s highest peak with a fabulous group of women
🇮🇹 Sharing in the sense of accomplishment in crossing the border to Italy with a marvellous group of Australia Outdoor Ladies on the 7-day Transalp Trek from Germany to Italy
🕊️ Exploring twentieth century World History walking along WW1 frontlines in the stunning Dolomites with an international bunch of women and the poignant reminder of how precious and valuable peace is.
🏔️The first autumn snow and the ooh-la-la moment that took all our breathe away on the Wild Switzerland Trek with another group of intrepid Australian ladies
🌊 Connecting with all the senses along our final trek of the year along the Western Coast of Portugal and the shared joy of jumping over waves of the Atlantic!
I could really go on and on… marmots, edelweiss, singing and running through mountain meadows, moments of quiet, awe and wonder and I haven’t even mentioned the cake! 😜
Thank YOU for being part of this special community. Your energy, companionship, and sense of adventure make it all possible and such a joy! Here’s to all the memories we created together and to more next year! 🥳
I'm curious to hear from you - what was your 2024 highlight?
10/12/2024
Join me this winter for a magical weekend in the Chiemgau region of the Bavarian Alps. Together with a group of like-minded ladies, we’ll explore the picture-perfect winter scenery of this beautiful area.
No previous experience is needed—just a good fitness level for hiking 4-5 hours and a sense of adventure! This is a fun, friendly and supportive group where the focus is on enjoying quality time together, genuine connection and embracing the spirit of the shared journey.
We’ve spaces left for three more lovely ladies. Want to join?
Community is something we cherish at 4elements, and it takes many forms. While we focus on building a supportive, adventurous community for our guests, we also deeply value the professional connections that help us stretch, improve, and grow.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to exchange ideas with other small business owners and International Mountain Leaders who share a passion for creating high-quality, impactful, and sustainable adventures.
This week, I had the privilege of spending three incredible days in the snowy beauty of Prättigau with this amazing crew. We treated ourselves to all the things that we love to do with our groups! We cooked and ate delicious food, explored the local trails on snowshoes, we drank Glühwein around the fire pit, shared stories, talked and laughed a lot.
These few days were filled with insightful discussions, inspiring exchanges, and the kind of soul-refueling energy we all need to keep pursuing our missions.
A heartfelt thank you and shout out to these awesome individuals and their fabulous contributions to the adventure world.
02/12/2024
What a finish to our 2024 adventures! This last TFC hike of the year was pure magic and hit all the senses.
We started on icy trails, surrounded by snow-covered trees and sparkling frost. Climbing up into the sunshine, we felt the warmth on our faces and soaked up the fresh pine scents of the forest. The views of the Karwendel, Wetterstein, and Zugspitze beyond were absolutely stunning. The sun-drenched slope invited us to rest and enjoy up the glorious views.
Descending, the sounds of an Alpenhorn concert drifted up from the Christmas market below. Scents of spiced Glühwein, sizzling sausages, and melted cheese wafting through the market. Sharing christmas experiences, laughter and delicious treats with this amazing group of ladies in the golden winter sun was the perfect way to end our TFC adventures for this year! 🥰
Already excited for more adventures in 2025! 🥳
29/11/2024
Happy SUNSHINE Friday! ☀️The best deal of the day 😎☀️and on offer all weekend here in Bavaria! Go grab some!
28/11/2024
I've been a little quiet on here lately... but for a good reason! The past few weeks have been full of brainstorming, booking, and planning incredible adventures for 2025, and I’m almost ready to share all the exciting details with you. 🤗
While I’m finalising the last bits and pieces, here are a few clues to whet the appetite! Any ideas what might be in store? Drop your guesses in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think! 🥾✨
22/11/2024
🍂 Trail Fit Club: Kicking Off Another Season! 🍂
Our Trail Fit Club is back in action! 🌟 This hiking community for international women in Munich embraces all seasons, all weather, and all women. 💪 Last weekend, we celebrated the best of autumn hiking in the Bavarian Alps.
We soaked up glorious sunshine on the south-facing trails and successfully navigated snowy paths on the north side, showcasing the beauty of seasonal contrasts. No challenge is too great for these trailblazing ladies! With skills, confidence, and the right gear, we’re prepared for any condition.
This hike’s theme was autumn reflections, focusing on embracing change in both nature and ourselves as the seasons shift. Together, we:
☀️ Slowed down to find peace and space for reflection.
✨ Practiced gratitude for the big and small gifts of past seasons.
🍂 Let go of the old, choosing what to nurture in our roots for the next season.
Our next hike is a winter wonderland treat, ending with a visit to a traditional Christmas market in the Bavarian Alps! 🎄❄️ There’s one spot free—DM us to join this magical adventure!
31/10/2024
WILD PORTUGAL 2024 🇵🇹 🌊 🥾
Our guest summed this up perfectly..
"Portugal stole our hearts. 🇵🇹
It's a wrap on our incredible Wild Portugal 2024 adventure! ☀️
We conquered the Fisherman's Trail (over 88km!), shared countless laughs and epic moments, soaked up the sun (and got a healthy dose of sand in our shoes!), explored peaceful inland trails and dramatic coastal cliffs, stumbled upon hidden strawberry trees, and had some truly unexpected animal encounters.
The quest for the best Pastel de Nata & coffee was fierce (and delicious!), we indulged in both local gems and Michelin-starred feasts, and fueled our adventures with the most amazing breakfasts."
Thank you to the fun, friendly, and adventurous women who brought such warmth and laughter, making this an unforgettable journey filled with connection, inspiration, and new memories!
📷: 4elements & guest
04/09/2024
Our recent trek around the Three Peaks of the Dolomites was a really special and memorable trek. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a tourism magnet attracting visitors from across the world. However if you can steer off the main tracks you can find peace, beauty and many hidden treasures. 🌄🌼🦫🍰
The area as well bares the scars of history, as it was the front line between Austro-Hungarian and Italian forces in the First World War and battleground of some of the fiercest battles, where so many young men lost their lives.
Experiencing this area with an awesome group of international women 🇮🇪🇬🇧🇦🇺🇩🇪🇺🇸, was for me a powerful reminder to cherish the gift of friendship and freedom that we have today and that peace is never something we should take for granted 🕊️🌈
19/08/2024
What a privilege it was to collaborate with on their first European expedition, a trek across the Alps. 🌄🇩🇪🇦🇹🇮🇹
🥾We hiked, we talked, we sang, we danced, we ate and drank our way from Bavaria, through Austria and to Italy. 🌸We shared moments of beauty and silence, tears and enjoyed deep belly laughs. 💫There were even meteor showers and a festival at Sterzing to greet us at the finish! 🎺
🙏Deeply grateful for the companionship, strength and wisdom of this intrepid group of Austrialian ladies and looking forward to further adventures already. 💪
In the meantime, for those of you “down under”, I can totally recommend checking out Tatiana and 🇦🇺
04/05/2024
Another common question we get...Which gear do I invest in?
Getting kitted out for hiking can seem like a big investment when you first start out. Here are our top tips for where to splash out and where you can save:
🥾Hiking boots- this is where your big bucks should go. Solid hiking boots are the basis of happy and long hiking adventures. They should have a solid sole, be waterproof and have adequate ankle support (especially if you are multi-day hiking). Invest in a good pair of boots and these will be your friend for many years. You can even get them re-soled further down the line.
💦 Waterproofs – your protective layer, against rain and just as importantly – wind! For alpine treks a three-layer waterproof jacket with sealed seams is worth the investment and will pay off in the long run. You can save money on a lesser technical model of waterproof over trousers – still a must for multi-day alpine trekking.
🎒 Rucksacks – These are an item, where you could look for a second-hand model – just check that it’s a good fit and that all the clasps are functional. To revive its waterproofing, you can give it a wash and re-waterproof with a spray. If it doesn’t have a waterproof cover, you can pick one up at an outdoor store.
👕 Layers- Fleece, underwear, socks, hat and gloves. These just need to be functional and not cotton. And guess what...they can be used for multiple different sports too! If you’ve got a birthday coming up, these make great gift hints 😉
Remember, you don’t need all the gear all at once. Little by little, you can build up your outdoor wardrobe and will discover items that you could no longer live without!
24/04/2024
“Hiking across the Alps with Ceri and a likeminded group of hikers was an experience for the bucket list. While the trek may seem daunting Ceri, broke the trip into manageable days that were full of variety in scenery, flora, fauna, accommodation, difficulty.
The motivation and support from the group along the way meant I was excited to wake up and tackle the day, ready to see what was in store.
Celebrating at the end of the trip with Italian pizza and Aperol Spritz and thinking, "Wow, I made it across the Alps," brought me a happiness level of 10/10. 1 highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the Alps while tackling something genuinely amazing.”
- Susanna
Our next transalp hike departs Munich Friday 19th July.
⛰ Changing geology – what is incredibly special about a transalp route, is the contrast in geology that we meet along the way. As we traverse through diverse landscapes, from the limestone Alps in the North to the granite and metamorphic rock of the central Alps, witness the geological tale of the Alps' formation unfold before your eyes.
🌸 Experience the Alpine flowers in the height of the season – from the Alpenrose to the deep blue Gentian – the meadows in July are exploding with colour and fragrance.
🦅 Meet the locals – our route takes us to the realm of the toughest of alpine creatures, from the playful marmots to the majestic eagles and nimble mountain goats – giving us an insight into their distinct characteristics and incredible survival strategies.
💦 Alpine lakes and rivers – the stunning fjord-like Achensee lake provides a magnificent backdrop for our hike on day two. The captivating turquoise waters’ colour invite us for a refreshing dip or revitalising foot bath at the end of the day. Mountain streams, rivers and waterfalls along the Zillertal provide tranquil spots to rest and rejuvenate.
🌄 The night sky - we spend several nights above the valleys, where the night sky provides the best evening viewing. Whether witnessing the vivid canvas of sunset or gazing at the stars and galaxies above, immerse yourself in the awe and wonder of the natural world.
This year's Transalp trek sets off on Friday, July 19th. Will you be joining us for this unforgettable adventure?
19/04/2024
We’re looking for a new team member with a love of the great outdoors and strong organisational and administrative skills to join our fun and friendly team.
We are looking for a reliable and responsible candidate to join the team on a part-time basis to assist in office administration from June 2024.
You must be a resident of and permitted to work in Germany.
Interested? Send your CV with two references to Ceri Temple [email protected] by 30th April
Another year of Trail Fit Club comes to an end and what a wonderful year it has been!
Here a collection of moments from our 12 hikes and 2 weekend hut tours- across the Bavarian Alps and into the Austrian Karwendel.
Thank you to all the wonderful ladies that have joined us on the trail the last twelve months – for your energy, joy, strength, determination, mutual support, laughter and kindness- you are truly the best! Every hike with you, is a reminder as to why we started 4elements and why we love what we do!
The next season kicks off May 12th! Our Spring/ Summer packages are sold out, but you can sign-up to join the waiting list for single day hikes from 1st May.
Do you wonder how to gauge your hiking and trekking level? We often get asked the question – how do I assess my fitness and skills for a trek?
We find it easiest to break this down into three categories:
1. Altitude: This is the big one that is hard to assess if you live in lowlands. If you have no previous experience then it is advisable to start with a hike or a trek where altitude gradually builds up over the course of the trek, as you get stronger every day.
2. Distance: What distance are you capable of and used to walking? This gives you an idea also of your endurance capabilities- how many hours a day are you comfortable walking? Adding distance and altitude together obviously means longer walking time, than if you were walking on the flat.
3. Terrain: Hiking trails vary from wide forest tracks to narrow, exposed rocky trails and some scrambling. What are you comfortable with? Do you have a head for heights? If not, this eliminates trails that are exposed and many peak ascents. Are you sure-footed? This means do you have the balance and technique to walk on unmaintained paths, that might be slippery or uneven underfoot?
Of course, building up fitness, stamina and technique is great preparation for any trek and we are happy to help advise you if you have questions about this!
N.B. If you have any physical or health issues, it is of course advisable to check with your medical practitioner too!
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Another year of Trail Fit Club comes to an end and what a wonderful year it has been!
Here a collection of moments from our 12 hikes and 2 weekend hut tours- across the Bavarian Alps and into the Austrian Karwendel.
Thank you to all the wonderful ladies that have joined us on the trail the last twelve months – for your energy, joy, strength, determination, mutual support, laughter and kindness- you are truly the best! Every hike with you, is a reminder as to why we started 4elements and why we love what we do!
The next season kicks off May 12th! Our Spring/ Summer packages are sold out, but you can sign-up to join the waiting list for single day hikes from 1st May.
www.4elements.eu/trail-fit-club
Happy Saturday! 🤩 Whether you’re between social events or enjoying some timeout in nature this weekend, here’s one of our favourite mindfulness practices to pause, connect and appreciate the little wonders going on around us…
As you walk, sit, or move, slow your pace down and notice:
👀 5 things that catch your eye
👂4 sounds that fill your ears
✋3 sensations that you physically feel
👃2 scents that drift your way
😋1 taste that lingers on your tongue
🌿How do you feel now?
Winter track challenge- here are a few of our favourite winter animals tracks – which ones can you identify?
#wildlifediscovery #winterwonders #explorenature #bavarianwinter
🏔️ What's your favorite thing about hiking in the Alps? 🥾
Is it:
😎The breathtaking views?
💪The invigorating physical challenge?
🌸 The deep connection with nature?
🐐 Encounters with alpine animals?
🤩 The camaraderie and laughter shared with great company on the journey?
🍰The sweet reward of a slice of cake?
🍰✨ Or perhaps, it's the joy of experiencing ALL of the above!
Comment below and let us know what gets you up the mountains! ⛰️💬
#alpadventure #hikingfavourites #MountainMagic
We are passionate about the powerful role adventures- big and small can play in personal development, as well as physical and mental wellbeing. We believe that through exploring and connecting with nature and experiencing the wonders of nature first hand as well as a different pace from tech-driven daily life we have opportunities to expand our awareness of ourselves, our environment and the society in which we live.
“No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”- Sir David Attenborough
Our mission is to organise and lead amazing events in wonderful and wild locations that send many positive ripples into the world- unlocking personal potential, deepening intercultural understanding, experiencing the wonders of nature and spreading awareness of our place in the world and our responsibility to it. And always in fun and authentic ways!
We are situated in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps and have a wonderful playground of forests, lakes and mountains on our doorstep - as well as a great cultural heritage and many points of historical interest.
Our programmes, events and tours are designed to be fun, informative and safe. With first-hand in-depth knowledge of both the travel industry, the field of education and exceptional local knowledge, we are experts at creating unique and authentic experiences, as well as events tailor-made to your specific needs or those of the group.
We also strongly believe in providing impactful opportunities for young people to develop life-skills; through engaging in their community, developing life-long interests and passions and exploring the great outdoors through the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award programme and further study trips.
Additionally we run team-building weekends, outdoors skills training, day hikes and retreats, as well as workshops and talks. Whether you are a school, business, individual or group of friends looking for a unique opportunity to explore and experience the culture, cuisine, environment and history we would love to work with you!
