Highlander Travel

What Highlander Travel does

Highländer Reisen GmbH, doing business as Highlander Travel, is a German package tour operator founded in 1993 and headquartered at Burgmauer 10, Köln (HRB Köln 24608). The company specializes in active and adventure travel, organized into three core product lines — Wanderreisen (guided hiking tours across 50+ countries), Polarlichtreisen (Northern Lights winter trips in Scandinavia/Lapland), and Erlebnisreisen (multi-destination adventure round trips and expedition cruises) — supplemented by Africa safari tours, Spitsbergen expedition cruises resold from Oceanwide Expeditions vessels (MS Hondius, MS Ortelius, MS Plancius), and a Greenland Intensiv summer product. Guided small-group departures are capped at 16 persons and include accommodation, activities, baggage transport between stays, and 100% CO2-compensated flights via atmosfair.

Revenue is generated primarily through one-time package bookings (Pauschalreisen) priced from approximately €1,295 for an 8-day Ireland hiking trip to €14,105 for a single-cabin Spitsbergen expedition, with a 20% deposit on booking and balance due 28 days before departure. Distribution combines direct website sales, phone/email consultation (Monday-Friday 10:00-14:00), and a dedicated travel-agent portal (Reisebüro-Bereich). Customer segments are B2C individuals — solo travelers, couples, and small groups — distributed across four primary personas: Active Nature Enthusiasts, Aurora Borealis Travelers, Safari & Wildlife Travelers, and Adventure Expedition Travelers. Marketing channels include Google Ads/SEO, social media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube), email via rapidmail, Trustpilot reviews, and travel trade association memberships (Forum Anders Reisen, TourCert, ASR).

The company has 11-50 employees, no external funding, no M&A activity, and is independently owned. Managing Directors Christoph Winkels and René Verkaar jointly lead the business. The technology stack is conventional marketing and analytics tooling — Google Analytics 4, Microsoft Clarity, Hotjar, Meta Pixel, Meta Conversion API via Stape.io, Google Tag Manager, Google Ads/Remarketing, rapidmail, and Trustpilot — with no proprietary platform, no app, and no public-facing API. The company's primary defensibility rests on 30+ years of brand equity, a proprietary trip-difficulty rating system, sustainability positioning, and a curated portfolio of scarce expedition-cruise capacity rather than on technology differentiation.

Name

Highlander Travel

Legal name

Highländer Reisen GmbH

Website

https://highlaender-reisen.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Highlander Travel (Highländer Reisen GmbH) is a German package tour operator founded in 1993 that sells guided small-group hiking, Northern Lights, safari, and expedition cruise trips to individual travelers across 50+ countries from its Köln headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adventure Travel / Package Tours

NAICS

Tour Operators (561520), Tour Operators (56152), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (487)

akta.pro primary industry

Adventure & Expedition Travel Agencies (THAKAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Polar & Remote-Destination Expedition Tour Operators (THAKADAM), Technical Outdoor Guiding Services (Hiking, Trekking, Mountaineering) (THAAALAA)

Keywords

• Guided hiking tours
• Northern lights travel
• Expedition cruises
• Adventure package tours
• Africa safari tours

Headquarters

HQ city

Köln

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Guided Group Tours: Small group guided tours with maximum 16 participants, including accommodation, activities, some meals, and baggage transport. Prices vary by destination and duration, ranging from approximately €1,295 to €6,295+ per person plus flight costs.
2. Individual Travel Packages: Customized individual travel arrangements including accommodation bookings, activity coordination, flight arrangements, and baggage transfer services between destinations.
3. Expedition Cruises: Specialized expedition cruise packages including ship accommodations, meals, transfers, guided landings, and lectures. Prices range from €5,445 to €14,105 depending on cabin type and season.
4. Gift Vouchers: Personalized gift vouchers available in custom amounts or for specific trips.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Highlander Travel (Highländer Reisen GmbH) is a German tour operator that sells active, nature-based package tours (Pauschalreisen) directly to travelers. Its portfolio is organized into three core lines — Wanderreisen (guided small-group hiking trips, max 16 persons), Polarlichtreisen (Northern Lights winter trips in Scandinavia/Lapland), and Erlebnisreisen (multi-destination adventure and expedition cruises) — supplemented by specialty offerings such as Afrika Safari Reisen, Spitzbergen expedition cruises, and Grönland Intensiv. Packages typically include accommodation, activities, luggage transport between hotels, and CO2-compensated flights, sold with a 20% deposit and balance due 28 days before departure.

Product overview

Highlander Travel is a German package tour operator specializing in active travel experiences. The portfolio consists of three core product lines: Wanderreisen (guided hiking tours with small groups of max 16 persons), Polarlichtreisen (Northern Lights winter trips in Scandinavia/Lapland), and Erlebnisreisen (adventure round trips and expedition cruises). Specialty offerings include Afrika Safari Reisen, Spitzbergen Expeditions-Kreuzfahrten, and Grönland Intensiv tours. The company operates on a package travel model with CO2-compensated flights, free luggage transport between accommodations, and offers supplementary services including gift vouchers and travel insurance. Since 1993, the company has served solo travelers, couples, friends, and groups through both guided group tours and self-guided individual trips.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wanderreisen (Hiking Tours) Guided group hiking tours (maximum 16 persons) and self-guided individual hiking trips to more than 50 countries. Packages include accommodation bookings, organized activities, and luggage transport between stays; prices vary by destination and duration, e.g., Irland Connemara & Burren (8 days) from €1,295 and Best of Westkanada (15 days) from €4,795, plus flight costs. Designed for active travelers seeking nature-focused vacations with expert local guides.
• Polarlichtreisen (Northern Lights Tours) Winter adventure trips focused on viewing the Aurora Borealis in Scandinavia, Iceland and Finnish Lapland. Packages typically include transfers, accommodations (e.g., glass igloos), and winter activities such as husky sledding, snowmobile tours, reindeer encounters, and northern lights observation; example prices include Iisakki Village from €1,925, Arctic Giant from €2,245, and Star Arctic from €2,845 per person plus flights. Targeted at travelers seeking guided aurora experiences in optimal viewing conditions.
• Erlebnisreisen (Adventure Tours) Multi-destination round trips combining several experiences per itinerary, including adventure, nature, and cultural components. Example trips include Namibia Highlights (15 days) from €3,845, Island Highlights (10 days) from €3,795, Neuseeland Best of (26 days) from €5,795, and Südafrika intensiv (22 days) from €4,895 per person plus flights. Designed for travelers seeking varied adventure experiences in a single package.
• Afrika Safari Reisen (Africa Safari Tours) Guided safari trips to African destinations with wildlife viewing in national parks, Big Five sightings, and nature experiences. Aimed at safari enthusiasts seeking expert-led Big Five observation and authentic nature encounters.
• Spitzbergen Expeditions-Kreuzfahrt (Spitsbergen Expedition Cruise) 10-day expedition cruise around Spitsbergen (Svalbard) aboard ships MS Hondius, MS Ortelius, or MS Plancius (capacity up to 170 passengers, German-speaking crew on MS Plancius). Includes Arctic wildlife viewing (polar bears, walruses, whales), Zodiac landings, visits to Ny-Ålesund research settlement, and lectures; double cabin from €7,845, single cabin from €12,545, with 2027 pricing from €8,295 / €14,105.
• Grönland Intensiv (Greenland Intensive Summer) 12-day summer adventure trip to Greenland covering Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Qeqertarsuaq. Includes iceberg viewing, glacier lodge stays (e.g., Glacier Lodge Eqi), dog-sled encounters, cultural experiences, and flights from Copenhagen, priced from €6,295 per person (including flights). Targeted at travelers seeking premium Greenland summer experiences.
• Themenreisen (Theme Tours) Specialized themed trips including multi-day trekking tours (e.g., Kungsleden in Sweden), Africa safaris, husky tours, and New Year's Eve trips with Northern Lights viewing. Aimed at travelers seeking particular themed itineraries not covered by the core hiking, northern lights, or adventure round-trip lines.
• Reisegutscheine (Gift Vouchers) Gift vouchers available in customizable amounts or tied to specific tours, delivered via email or post upon payment. Designed as a giftable alternative to direct booking for family members or friends.
• Reiseversicherung (Travel Insurance) Travel insurance products offered in partnership with Hanse Merkur, including travel cancellation insurance and foreign health insurance. Recommended as an add-on at the time of booking any Highlander Travel package tour.

Quantifiable outcome

• Maximum 16 participants per guided group tour
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• atmosfaircoreStrategic or Co-development Partneratmosfair is a leading CO2 compensation provider. Highlander Travel partners with atmosfair to provide 100% CO2 compensation for all flights booked through their service, demonstrating environmental commitment.
• Forum Anders ReisenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerForum Anders Reisen is a network of responsible and sustainable travel operators in German-speaking markets. Highlander Travel is a member, signaling commitment to sustainable and ethical tourism.
• Hanse MerkurminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHanse Merkur is a German insurance company providing travel insurance products. Partnership provides recommended travel insurance options for customers booking through Highlander.
• TourCertminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTourCert is a certification organization for tour operators focusing on corporate social responsibility and sustainability in tourism.
• ASR (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Südliches Afrika – Reisen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerASR is a German association of tour operators specializing in southern Africa travel, providing quality standards and networking for Africa destination specialists.
• VaudeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVaude is a German outdoor equipment manufacturer. Partnership likely involves promotional collaboration for hiking and outdoor gear recommendations.
• MS Hondius (Oceanwide Expeditions)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMS Hondius is a modern polar expedition vessel operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. Highlander resells cabin space on this ship for Spitzbergen (Svalbard) expedition cruises. The ship accommodates up to 170 passengers and features zodiac landing craft for Arctic exploration.
• MS Ortelius (Oceanwide Expeditions)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMS Ortelius is an ice-class 1A expedition vessel also operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, used as an alternative vessel for polar expeditions. Offers 108 passenger capacity with 10 zodiacs for landings.
• MS Plancius (Oceanwide Expeditions)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMS Plancius is a converted research vessel offering expedition cruises. German-speaking crew members available on board, making it suitable for German-speaking expedition groups.
• Trustpilot A/SminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrustpilot is a customer review platform. Highlander uses Trustpilot to collect and display customer reviews, enhancing social proof and online reputation management.
• Wilderness Hotel MuotkaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWilderness Hotel Muotka is a featured resort in Finnish Lapland for northern lights tours, offering glass igloos and wilderness accommodations.
• Glacier Lodge EqiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlacier Lodge Eqi is a premier accommodation in Greenland near the Eqip Glacier, offering unique glacier-front cabins for the Grönland intensiv summer tour.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Studiosus Reisen: One of Germany's largest cultural and active tour operators offering worldwide small-group tours. Overlaps with Highlander on hiking and experiential itineraries but at materially larger scale and broader product scope.
• Gebeco: Major German tour operator with broad portfolio including active and small-group tours. Comparable in DACH market presence but operates at significantly larger scale across multiple tour styles.
• DER Touristik: Largest German tour operator group encompassing multiple brands across package, active, and specialty travel. Operates in adjacent segments including active tours that overlap with Highlander's hiking product.

Direct peers

• Schöne Reisen: German sustainable tour operator focused on environmentally responsible travel and small groups. Directly comparable in sustainability positioning and product philosophy.
• SKR Reisen: German small-group tour operator offering worldwide cultural and active travel with a focus on intimate group sizes and curated itineraries. Closely comparable to Highlander in scale, model, and DACH customer base.
• Hauser Exkursionen: Munich-based trekking and adventure tour operator specializing in worldwide hiking expeditions including high-altitude treks. Comparable in product mix, German-speaking customer focus, and small-group guided model.
• ASI Reisen: Austrian adventure tour operator specializing in hiking, trekking, and mountaineering worldwide. Comparable in product, mountain/hiking focus, and DACH-region customer base; Austrian HQ gives it regional-player overlap.
• Wikinger Reisen: German adventure tour operator offering worldwide hiking, trekking, and cycling tours with small group sizes. Directly comparable to Highlander's Wanderreisen and Erlebnisreisen product lines in the DACH market.
• Poseidon Expeditions: Specialist polar expedition cruise operator offering Arctic and Antarctic voyages on ice-class vessels. Directly comparable to Highlander's polar expedition cruise segment via similar supply chain and customer profile.
• Hurtigruten: Norwegian expedition and coastal cruise operator offering polar and Norwegian coastal itineraries. Directly comparable to Highlander's Spitzbergen expedition cruises in product category and target customer.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HighlaenderReisen

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Highlander Travel