Alpe-Adria-Trail Overview
Imagine a trail journey from the glacier to the sea. Along a hiking or cycling trail that leads through unforgettable landscapes with rich culture, regional cuisine and inspiring encounters in the three countries Carinthia, Slovenia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Beginning at the foot of the ice-crowned immensity of the Grossglockner and ending in the tranquil fishing harbour of Muggia on the Adriatic coast. This is the Trail. What a journey! Pension Carinthia is one of the stops during your breathtaking walking tour or cycling tour.
Highlights
• Hohe Tauern National Park: Großglockner and Pasterzen Glacier
• Mölltal: Groppenstein gorge and cult site Danielsberg
• City of artists Gmünd with museums, galleries and vernissages
• Granattor am Sentiero dell´ Amore on the Millstätter Alpe
• The alpine pasture landscape of the UNESCO Nockberge Biosphere Reserve
• Cooling down in the turquoise blue Carinthian lakes
Best travel time
The best time of year for a hiking tour along the Alpe-Adria-Trail in Carinthia is from the end of May to the beginning of October.
Spring (March, April, May): Some stages at higher altitudes are not free of snow before the end of May and therefore cannot be walked on. The hike through the different altitudes with the awakening nature is especially charming.
Summer (June, July, August): Refreshingly cool air in the high altitudes, while the heat in the valleys can be met with a jump into the cool water of the Carinthian lakes.
Autumn (September, October, November): Crystal clear air, changing forests and cool temperatures. Hiking in autumn is an insider tip on the Alpe-Adria-Trail. However, premature onset of winter with snow at high altitudes can cloud this pleasure for a short time. The hiking season on the Alpe-Adria-Trail ends at the end of October.
Winter (December, January, February): The stages in Carinthia are not accessible in winter.
Requirements
Technically speaking, the Alpe-Adria-Trail in Carinthia has moderate difficulties, which are no problem for the sure-footed and experienced mountain hiker. The stages in Carinthia run on the mountain paths with a red dot (classification Alpenverein Österreich.) There may be short insured walking passages. Difficult parts of the path are mostly narrow and often steep.
In terms of fitness, the Alpe-Adria-Trail is somewhat more demanding: in constant ups and downs, individual stages have ascent performances of up to 1,600 metres in altitude, while on other stages equally long descents have to be mastered. Appropriate conditional preparation is therefore recommended.
The Alpe-Adria-Trail is suitable for children from 12 years of age with very good condition.
Long distance trails and trekking routes are unsuitable for people with reduced mobility due to their requirements. In order to clarify individual cases (degree of restricted mobility), it is recommended to contact the Trail Info & Booking Centre before booking.
Pictures: © Kärnten Werbung, Franz Gerdl