Alpe-Adria-Trail | Eurohike Walking Holidays

Alpe-Adria-Trail

From Glacier to Sea

750 Kilometers

From Heiligenblut at the Großglockner to Muggia on the Adriatic

2.370 meters

Highest point: Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe

Three countries – one trail

Austria, Slovenia, and Italy

April to October

Best time to travel

Route & Itinerary

The Alpe-Adria Trail begins at the foot of Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner, and stretches some 750 kilometers (466 miles) through Carinthia, Slovenia, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ending at the coast in Muggia. Forty-three stages connect alpine landscapes with Mediterranean charm—a long-distance trail that celebrates variety.

The paths are easy to walk and well-secured, making them suitable even for leisurely hikers and walkers. Along the way, the trail passes tranquil mountain lakes, impressive gorges such as the Soča Gorge, traditional alpine huts, and sunny vineyards leading all the way to the sea. Each stage offers a “landscape gem”—a small landmark that brings the region’s nature, culture, and history vividly to life.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All tours on the Alpe-Adria-Trail

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All tours on the Alpe-Adria-Trail

Questions and Answers about hiking the Alpe-Adria-Trail

How long is the Alpe-Adria-Trail?

The Alpe-Adria-Trail is a total of 750 kilometres long.

What special highlights can be found when hiking on the Alpe-Adria-Trail?

There are plenty of highlights when hiking on the Alpe-Adria-Trail. One of the highlights of our mountain hiking holiday Alpe-Adria Border Triangle Tour is the circular hike to the pilgrimage mountain Monte Lussari on day four of the tour. As the name Santuario dei Tre Popoli (Church of the Three Peoples) already suggests, this magical place is still a symbol of the solidarity between the three countries of Austria, Slovenia and Italy.

Another thing that makes hiking on the Alpe-Adria-Trail special is the culinary variety that can be discovered along the hiking paths. From Austrian delicacies to the unmistakable specialties in Italy or Slovenia - this is where hungry hikers encounter the multifaceted, culinary life of the respective regions.

Where is the Alpe-Adria-Trail located?

The Alpe-Adria-Trail extends over the three countries Austria, Italy and Slovenia.

Who is hiking on the Alpe-Adria-Trail suitable for?

The Alpe-Adria 3-Country Round Trip and the Alpe-Adria-Trail Slovenia fall under our hiking category mountain hiking, the Alpe-Adria-Trail Italy under the category hiking. The routes lead you over well-marked hiking paths, as well as mountain, forest and meadow trails. With a good basic level of fitness, our hiking tours on the Alpe-Adria-Trail are guaranteed to be a successful active experience.

How long are the daily stages on the Alpe-Adria-Trail?

On the daily stages of our hiking tours on the Alpe-Adria-Trail, you cover between 10 and 29 kilometres of hiking per day, depending on the journey. Note: some of the daily stages can be shortened using public transport.

When can you hike the Alpe-Adria-Trail?

The best time to travel for a hiking holiday on the Alpe-Adria-Trail is, depending on the tour, from April or May or June to September, October or even into November.

How is the route/stages on the Alpe-Adria-Trail?

The routes on our hiking tours on the Alpe-Adria-Trail vary depending on the individual hiking holiday – here is a brief overview:

Mountain hiking holiday Alpe-Adria Border Triangle Tour: You can explore three countries in just eight days and six daily stages on this hiking tour. From Villach the route leads to Feistritz an der Gail and on to Camporosso in Italy. After a circular hike on Monte Lussari, you continue to Kranjska Gora in Slovenia and finally back to Villach in Austria.
Mountain hiking holiday Alpe-Adria-Trail Slovenia: Over seven days and five stages you hike starting from the Vrisic pass near Kranjska Gora and accompanied by the Soča to Bovec, past the Boka waterfall to Deznica and Tolmin. The hiking tour ends at Refugio Solarie, from where you travel back to Kranjska Gora using a transfer.
Hiking holiday Alpe-Adria-Trail Italy: You hike the picturesque landscapes of Northern Italy on this trip. From Cividale del Friuli it goes first to Prepotto and to Šmartno, on to Cormons, Gradisca d’Isonzo, Duino / Sistiana and finally to the final stage destination to Trieste.

In which hotels/accommodation do you stay while hiking the Alpe-Adria-Trail?

On our hiking tours on the Alpe-Adria-Trail you will spend the night in cosy hotels and accommodation.

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Alpe-Adria-Trail

Heiligenblut at the Großglockner

This legendary mountaineer’s village, with its pilgrimage church, serves as the gateway to Hohe Tauern National Park. From here, many hikers set out along the trail, surrounded by the breathtaking panorama of the three-thousand-meter peaks.

Triglav National Park

Home to waterfalls, the turquoise Soča River, and Slovenia’s highest peak—the 2,864-meter (9,396-foot) Triglav—this is the country’s only national park in all its splendor. A true paradise for nature lovers.

Monte Lussari

Rising above Tarvis, the pilgrimage mountain Monte Lussari is crowned by a quaint church village. The site unites the cultures of three countries and offers both spiritual and scenic highlights.

Cividale del Friuli

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Lombard culture. The old town, with its famous Devil’s Bridge and charming winding streets, radiates the spirit of Italian dolce vita.

Trieste

This lively Adriatic port city blends its Austro-Hungarian past with Italian flair and Mediterranean ease. From the very first espresso at Piazza Unità d’Italia, you’ll feel it: you’ve arrived.

Muggia

A tranquil fishing village just beyond Trieste, with colorful houses and narrow streets right on the sea. It marks the end of the trail—or the beginning of a journey from the sea back to the mountains.

The Most Scenic Stages on the Alpe-Adria Trail

Heiligenblut – Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe

13,9 Kilometers | ↗ 106 Meters | ↘ 1.189 Meters

This stage starts at the Großglockner and winds through varied mountain landscapes to Heiligenblut. Along the way, you’ll pass the Briccius Chapel, known for its small spring, said to have healing powers. In Heiligenblut, be sure to visit the church and discover the story of the Blood of Christ, which Prince Briccius is said to have hidden here.

Mallnitz - Obervellach

↔ 18,6 Kilometers | ↗ 206 Meters | ↘ 713 Meters

From Mallnitz to Obervellach, the trail leads through peaceful nature and past historic sites. The route passes Stappitzer See, the Rabisch Gorge, and the Groppenstein Gorge with its waterfalls. In Obervellach, you can stroll through the historic town center, reflecting the region’s gold mining heritage.

Hühnersberg - Artist Town Gmünd

↔ 12,6 Kilometers | ↗ 151 Meters | ↘ 444 Meters

This stage begins at tranquil Hühnersberg and ascends to the mountain village of Altersberg. The small St. Lucia Church and the “Augenwasser” (Eye Water) spring offer a perfect spot to pause. Adventurous hikers can cross the suspension bridge in the Dragon Gorge for an added thrill. The stage concludes in the lively artist town of Gmünd, filled with galleries, studios, and creative energy.

Kranjska Gora – Trenta

↔ 22,6 Kilometers | ↗ 952 Meters | ↘ 1.116 Meters

This stage crosses the Vršič Pass, the highest in the Julian Alps, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The trail then winds through the Soča Valley, with its emerald-green rivers and dramatic gorges. The hike ends in the idyllic village of Trenta at the foot of the mountains.

Trenta – Bovec

↔ 21,3 Kilometers | ↗ 121 Meters | ↘ 276 Meters

One of the most scenic stages of the trail runs through the Soča Valley. Dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and small swimming spots make this section especially refreshing. Hikers can enjoy the serenity of unspoiled nature before arriving in the village of Bovec.

Bagnoli della Rosandra - Muggia

↔ 23,7 Kilometers | ↗ 946 Meters | ↘ 1.010 Meters

The final stage of the Alpe-Adria Trail leads from Val Rosandra, past the Socerb castle ruins, through the Osp Valley, and onward to Muggia on the Adriatic. Along the way, enjoy frequent scenic views before gently descending through the small village of Tinjan toward the coast. At the finish, a well-earned reward awaits: fresh seafood, the Mediterranean, and a refreshing swim in the sea.

Why Choose to Hike the Alpe-Adria-Trail?

Three Countries – One Route

Austria’s Alps, Slovenia’s wild landscapes, and Italy’s Mediterranean charm.

Culinary Delights

Carinthian Kasnudeln, Slovenian cheese, and Italian wine – a treat at every stage.

Water as Your Companion

Glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and the Adriatic – a route connecting mountains and sea.

Cultural Diversity

Alpine huts, pilgrimage sites, vineyards, and port cities – each region tells its story.

Varied Elevation

Gentle hills, steep climbs, and coastal paths – the Alpe-Adria Trail challenges and rewards.

Travel Stories on the Alpe-Adria-Trail

April 8, 2025

Wanderbare Auszeit in Slowenien

Unbändig, malerisch und spektakulär – diese drei Worte bringen die Bergwelt der Julischen Alpen auf den Punkt. Kein Wunder, dass sich Slowenien in den letzten Jahren zu einem echten Trendziel für Outdoor-Abenteurer entwickelt hat. Wanderer bekommen hier unglaublich viel geboten: einzigartige Natur, malerische Pfade und grenzenloses Freiheitsgefühl. Wir nehmen Sie mit in die Julischen Alpen und ins wilde Soča-Tal. Lassen Sie sich inspirieren und tauchen Sie ein in faszinierende Berg- und wilde Wasserwelten.

March 28, 2023

Guests on Tour

Cross the Alps with your dog from Königssee to Wörthersee

On his blog UrbanHiker.de (in German language), Nick provides tips for beginners and experts about hiking tours, destinations and outdoor adventures with a dog. His aim is to give people confidence to explore the world by foot, whether that be town, countryside or from hills to the Alps. He loves getting out and about with his dog Asta, particularly on long-distance trails and in the mountains. Nick tells us about his first crossing of the Alps with a dog from Königssee to Wörthersee, organised by Eurohike.

Kärnten Werbung Carlo Spaliviero

October 25, 2022

Time for New Paths

One of the most important components for a successful hiking holiday is the precise selection of hiking paths. The routes should not only be signposted well, but also ensure the right form of active movement, tailored to the respective level of difficulty. For easier maneuvering, we have assigned our individual hiking tours general levels of hiking. Ranging from moderate walking to trekking you can hike on our holidays on easy-to-walk, well-developed paths or experience routes which require good stamina, a head for heights and surefootedness from experienced mountain hikers. Either way, you will experience the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe on our hiking tours with luggage transfer, entirely at your own pace and hiking rhythm. With their wealth of experience and insider knowledge, our experienced experts in product management and our professional travel specialists ensure that you can enjoy precisely these special hiking trails – far away from the crowds. So let’s go and set off on the most wonderful hiking paths in Austria, Germany, Spain and Italy.

Hiking tour Alpe Adria Trail with seaview

April 5, 2021

This is how beautiful a hiking holiday in Friuli-Venezia Giulia is

If you are looking for a destination for a successful hiking holiday that combines active and healthy outdoor activities with wonderful moments of pleasure you will definitely find it in the beautiful Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy. If you combine these special features with a wonderful natural landscape and lots of well-marked hiking trails, you can label it the perfect active travel destination with a clear conscience. Our Eurohike team has packed the most beautiful hiking routes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia into pleasant hiking tours for you, always taking care to show you the tastiest treasures of the region. And there will be plenty of time for that, because everything else is already taken care of with Eurohike Wanderplus. Form the detailed travel documents, the luggage transfer and our on-site support, the hotels and traditional accommodation, to being available on our service-hotline. On a hiking holiday without luggage, you can discover the beautiful Friuli-Venezia Giulia on foot – probably the most beautiful form of active holiday.

Christina on the mountain pasture in the Salzkammergut

April 27, 2020

Eurohike backstage

A long hike with the mouse

Christina usually tests our hiking tours, researches the best hiking trails and searches for the ideal route so you can finally experience a wonderful hiking holiday. But everything is different for her at the moment: instead of planning and packing her suitcase every day, Christina has been staying in ‘Hotel Home’ for several weeks now. In her report from her home office, she talks about her new daily life, reveals exciting inside information and shows us how beautiful home can be. It’s best to read for yourself:

Hiker enjoys the fantastic view of Leutasch

March 1, 2020

Cross-border hiking

From Munich to Lake Garda or even to the lagoon city of Venice? Hiking across national borders is not only a challenge, but also involves meticulous planning. Covering larger stages on foot is always an adventure. The more kilometres your calves have covered, the more experienced your feet become. As you put one foot in front of the other you enjoy the numerous highlights along the Eurohike hiking routes. Whether that’s sipping tea before sunrise on the Alpine ridge or enjoying the heavenly view of the passes and mountain ranges in the neighbouring country: crossing borders is always a pleasure.

Alpe-Adria-Trail: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.