Karnischer Höhenweg: A 1-2 week trek on the Carnic Peace Trail, Austria and Italy

The Karnischer Höhenweg, a 170km long hike through the beautiful Carnic Alps straddling the Austrian-Italian border from Arnbach near Sillian to Arnoldstein near Villach. Following a high mountain alpine trail along the main ridge, the route is clearly signposted and requires a reasonable level of fitness, good altitude awareness, but no special equipment or technical expertise. It can be walked between mid-July and the end of September and lasts up to a fortnight, although it is possible to design shorter itineraries that include the highlights.

Also known as the Friedensweg ("Peace Trail"), the route follows the front line of the First World War, and there are reminders of the conflict everywhere. But the trail is not only rich in historical interest: it is an alpine walk at its best, with spectacular views of the mountains and the Dolomites, Hohe Tauern and Julian Alps.

The route can follow two key variants of the trail, one on the Austrian side of the border and the other on the Italian side. An optional ascent of Mount Coglians, the highest peak in the Carnic Alps, can be added to the route, and we recommend a visit to the open-air museum on the Plöckenpass.

Practical guide

When to go?

The Karnischer Höhenweg is a high mountain trekking and can only be walked in summer between mid-July and the end of September.

Cities & Services

The Karnischer Höhenweg is a linear ridge walk that starts in Sillian in the west and ends near Arnoldstein in the east, and crosses the main road passes at Plöckenpass and Nassfeld.

Difficulty and tips

The Karnischer Höhenweg is a clearly signposted and well-supported trail. The key requirements for its enjoyment are a reasonable level of fitness, a sense of adventure and a head for heights. There are some places where steel cables and ladders must be negotiated, but these do not require any special equipment or technical expertise.

Not to be missed

Remains of the First World War; the Plöckenpass open-air museum; views of the Dolomites, Hohe Tauern and Julian Alps; the unique geology of the UNESCO geopark of the Carnic Alps; Mount Coglians - the highest peak of the Carnic Alps and home of the Peace Bell.

The stages

• Stage 1 Arnbach to Obstanserseehütte
• Stage 2 Obstanserseehütte to Porzehütte
• Stage 3 Porzehütte to Hochweißsteinhaus
• Stage 4 Austrian Route: Hochweißsteinhaus to Gasthof Valentinalm
• Stage 4A Italian Route: Hochweißsteinhaus to Rifugio Marinelli
• Stage 5 Austrian Route: Gasthof Valentinalm to Zollnerseehütte
• Stage 5A Italian Route: Rifugio Marinelli to Plöckenpass
• Stage 5B Italian Route: Plöckenpass to Casera Pramosio
• Stage 5C Italian Route: Casera Pramosio to Zollnerseehütte
• Stage 6 Zollnerseehütte to Nassfeld
• Stage 7 Nassfeld to Gasthaus Starhand
• Stage 8 Gasthaus Starhand to Arnoldstein