Hiking Karnischer Höhenweg – in the footsteps of the Karnischen Höhenweg

Day 2: Dobbiaco/Toblach - Helm - Padola

(ascent approx. 475 m, descent 875 m / approx. 4.5-5.5 hours)

Your hiking trip starts with a short transfer. With the cable car you join to the starting point of the tour on the Helm. With a view of the famous Sesto sundial, the Dolomite peaks of Neuner, Zehner (Sesto Rotwand), Elfer, Zwölfer and Einser towering high above Sesto, you hike along the Carnic ridge. Without noticing it you cross the border to Austria and hike back to Italy. Passing the Sillianer Hütte and the Klammbachalm you reach the Kreuzberg Pass and from forward to Padola.

Day 3: Padola - Val Visdende

(ascent approx. 920 m, descent approx. 790 m / approx. 5.5 hours)

In the morning you take the frequent bus to the starting point of today‘s stage. A little below the actual high-level trail, you hike through woods and flower meadows into the Val Visdende with a view of the steeply rising flanks of the great Kinigat.

Day 4: Val Visdende - Sappada

(ascent approx. 1.180 m, descent approx. 1.190 m / approx. 6 hours;

At first, the hike continues along the Val Visdende before climbing comfortably along forest paths higher and higher towards the Monte Rinaldo mountain group. Soon you reach the beautiful Val Popera, the Forcella del Franza and Passo del Mulo. Enjoy the magnificent view of the mighty rock castles of Hochweistein, Monte Chiadenis and M. Avanza and down to the magnificent lakes Laghi d‘Olbe. The surroundings of the lakes belong to the most charming mountain areas of the Carnic Alps.

Day 5: Sappada - Forni Avoltri

(ascent approx. 1.160 m, descent approx. 1.530 m / approx. 6.5 hours - Variant: ascent approx. 560 m, descent approx. 920 m / approx. 4 hours)

You start your hike to Monte Chiadin directly from Sappada. Through sparse forests you hike to the Rifugio Piani del Cristo. Then the ascent over the grassy southern slope of Monte Chiadin starts; enjoy the magnificent view oo the surrounding mountains. The shorter variant leads over the Sella di Keser directly to Forni Avoltri.

Day 6: Collina - Marinelli Hut - Kötschach Mauthen

(ascent approx. 1.010 m, descent approx. 900 m / approx. 5.5 hours - Variant: ascent approx. 930 m, descent approx. 1.100 m / approx. 5.5 hours)

The starting point for today is Collina. There are two variants to choose from: the first one leads along the the southern side of the Carnic Alps to the Rifugio Marinelli and, with a view of Monte Crostis and Monte Pezzacul, to the Plöcken Pass. With the second one you climb to the Woyaler Pass and the deep blue lake with the same name. Enjoy a well-deserved apple strudel at the hut. The descent is via the Carinthian border trail to the Valentinalm. Public transport will take you to Kötschach Mauthen (ticket not included).

Day 7: Kötschach Mauthen - Straniger Hut - Nassfeld

(ascent approx. 890 m, descent approx. 490 m / approx. 5.5 hours)

Transfer to Stranigeralm. Along the Carnic High Trail you will hike up to the Nassfeld Pass and past various larger and smaller lakes. Fields of alpine roses, wet meadows with cottongrass and numerous orchid species, as well as many streams characterise the landscape. Enjoy the excellent cheese cheese specialities for which the region is famous and which are produced in the many alpine cheese dairies. cheese dairies. At the end of the stage, take the cable car to Tröpolach and from there on to Villach.

Day 8: Villach

Individual departure from Villach or possibility to extend your stay.