Three long-distance hiking trails. Three characters. One region.
Whether it's a two-day hike with overnight accommodation, three days from hut to hut, or eight stages through the UNESCO Biosphere Park – some of Austria's most popular long-distance hiking trails converge around Lake Millstatt and Bad Kleinkirchheim.
This is where long-distance hiking begins.
All trails offer multi-day hikes with overnight accommodation and are also suitable for star hikes.
The trails are marked with a red dot and are well signposted.
Perpetual ice, thundering waterfalls, seemingly endless vistas, places steeped in history and sections of the trail that invite you to pause for reflection. This is how the Alpe Adria Trail can be described in atmospheric terms.
From the foot of the Großglockner – Austria's highest peak – to the sea, the long-distance hiking trail winds its way through
43 stages through the natural and cultural landscape on the southern side of the Alps. Eight stages lead from west to east through the Millstätter See – Bad Kleinkirchheim – Nockberge region.
Ideal for anyone planning a multi-day hike in Austria or wanting to combine individual 2–4-day sections.
From north to south through the UNESCO Carinthian Nockberge Biosphere Park: on the Nockberge Trail, hikers can expect more than a dozen gentle, green peaks, one of the most extensive Swiss stone pine forests in the Eastern Alps, a personal encounter with nature and, at the end, a relaxing swim in Carinthia's deepest lake.
Suitable for experienced long-distance hikers with a focus on nature. Four stages are possible as ski tours in winter.
55 kilometres, four stages, moderate elevation gain. The Via Paradiso is one of the most popular multi-day hikes for beginners in Austria.
“People don't need much, just peace and authenticity. These two things are essential for a good life.”
The waves of Lake Millstatt, shady gorges, sunny flowering meadows, pretty farmhouses and wonderful views of Lake Millstätter See accompany long-distance hikers on the Via Paradiso and allow them to forget their everyday lives. Technically mostly easy to moderate. Good basic fitness recommended.
With its moderate elevation gain and clear route, the Via Paradiso is ideal as a first stage hike. Four stages allow for a flexible 2- or 3-day hike with overnight stays – also suitable for families with children aged 10 and above.
Selected sections of the Alpe-Adria Trail and the Nockberge Trail also offer suitable options for long-distance hiking beginners.
Multi-day tours with luggage transfer can be organised through the Trail Angels' official trail information and booking centre. Advice, accommodation booking, station shuttle and stage recommendations for 3 to 5 days are included.
A hotline available daily provides additional security while on the trail.
The "Digitale Kärnten Almhütten Guide" provides an overview of around 290 alpine huts and mountain inns along the long-distance hiking trails. Current opening hours, catering information and contact details make it easy to plan your own 3-day hike from hut to hut.
Where can I book guided long-distance hiking trails in Austria?
The "Official Trail Information and Booking Centre", run by the award-winning Trail Angels team, is available to hikers to help them plan their individual tours on all three long-distance hiking trails, offering a comprehensive range of services.
The region is a hub for several European pilgrimage routes. Long-distance hiking trails connect places of pilgrimage, lakes and mountain landscapes.
Walking four to five kilometres per hour. Carrying everything I need in my rucksack and constantly alternating between self-reflection, dialogue with myself and listening to my inner voice. This is how Ulrich Grober (Vom Wandern – neue Wege zu einer alten Kunst) aptly summarises long-distance hiking.
What should be done? Just set off on the long-distance hiking trails in Austria!
Alpe-Adria Trail, Nockberge Trail, Via Paradiso and other long-distance and pilgrimage routes.
The Via Paradiso or selected sections of the Nockberge Trail are ideal for a 3-day hike with overnight stays.
The Via Paradiso and selected stages of the Nockberge Trail and the Alpe Adria Trail.
Yes, via the official Trail Angels trail information and booking centre.
Four stages are possible as a multi-day ski tour.
Mid-May to October.
The Via Paradiso is particularly well suited for long-distance hiking with dogs.