Alpe-Adria-Trail: Großglockner – Kranjska Gora

Heiligenblut welcomes you at the foot of the Grossglockner. The pilgrimage church, visible from afar, is considered the landmark of this mountain village. Visitors are also drawn to the Mountaineers’ Memorial and the House of the Ibexes.

Hotel example: Hotel Kaiservilla

A scenic bus ride takes you to the starting point at the Glocknerhaus. The short ascent to the Franz-Josefs-Höhe leads you to the official start of the Alpe Adria Trail, offering spectacular views of the Großglockner and the Pasterze Glacier. Now you head off into the wilderness: along alpine trails and paths, you’ll hike down to Lake Sandersee and across the suspension bridge to Lake Margaritzensee. Other highlights include the Leiter Waterfall, the Briccius Chapel with its healing waters, the impressive viewing platform, and finally, the Haritzersteig trail to the finish. A break at the Sennereihütte is also a must. In Heiligenblut, a visit to the mountaineers’ memorial and the House of the Ibex is a must see.

Hotel example: Hotel Kaiservilla

A bus ride takes you to the starting point in the Möll Valley. The long, secluded ascent through forests and mountain meadows leads you to the alpine pastures, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of numerous mountain ranges. A narrow high-altitude trail leads you to the Himmelbauer; a stop on the terrace for Carinthian specialties will give you the energy you need to continue on your way. The Theatersteig trail takes you on an impressive ascent and across idyllic meadow paths to Mallnitz, where a visit to the National Park Museum is well worth your time.

Hotel example: Kärntnerhof

Past traditional water mills and the imposing tunnel entrance into the heart of the national park. The crystal-clear waters of the Seebach and the tranquil Stappitzersee are true natural gems nestled among the high peaks of the Ankogel. The route leads leisurely out of the valley to the start of the Schluchtenweg trail. You’ll hike through two spectacular gorges, crossing waterfalls, pools, and cascades via bridges and footbridges as you descend into the Möll Valley, where you’ll take the bus to your final destination. In Spittal, it’s worth visiting the old town and the beautiful parks.

Hotel example: Post Hotel mit EigenART*

A shuttle takes you high up to the Lammersdorferhütte at an elevation of 1,700 meters. You’ll hike along beautiful mountain trails to the summit cross of the Millstätter Alpe, in the heart of the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. On the “Path of Love,” you’ll cross the mountain ridge and soon after pass through Granattor, the impressive landmark of the Alpe Adria Trail. The long descent is repeatedly accompanied by breathtaking views of Lake Millstatt. From the Hohe Wand, a trail leads directly to the lakeshore, where a dip in the cool water beckons.

Hotel example: Hotel zur Post Döbriach

Today’s itinerary features a unique lake tour: At Lake Ossiach, you’ll hike through the bizarre Bleistätter Moor and gaze down from the observation towers onto a nature reserve teeming with birds. This is followed by a challenging ascent through the steep Rappitsch Gorge. Afterward, you’ll hike leisurely through expansive forests to Lake Tauern and Lake Saisser, where dark, warm moor lakes invite you to take a dip. From the “picture frame” with its panoramic view of Lake Wörthersee, the trail leads through the Teufelsgraben down to the elegant resort town of Velden. Passing the casino, you’ll reach the palm trees on the turquois green shore.

Hotel example: Pachernighof

On the queen stage, you’ll climb high up to the peaks of the Karawanken, stunning views down to Lake Faaker See await you. A beautiful high-altitude trail along the mountain slopes leads you into Slovenia. Time and again, the rocky peaks of the Julian Alps come into view. Kranjska Gora, the popular ski and vacation resort, welcomes you with Slovenian charm. Raise a toast to your adventure-filled week of hiking! The next leg of the journey to the Adriatic Sea is already waiting.

Hotel example: Hotel Lipa