Nockberge-Trail From the mountain to the lake: long-distance hiking in Carinthia

During the day, long-distance hikers on the Nockberge-Trail hike through untamed natural spaces, gaze into the distance from dozens of peaks, take a break under centuries-old stone pine trees, are accompanied by the nutcracker and enjoy the lush flowering mountain meadows. In the evening, they usually reach tourist centres that offer every comfort. The Katschberg, Innerkrems, Turracher Höhe, Falkert and Bad Kleinkirchheim are all along the way. The eight-day long-distance hiking tour over the gentle green giants of the Nockberge mountains ends in Seeboden on Lake Millstätter See.
 

Hikers need to plan three to seven hours for the daily stages on the Nockberge-Trail. At the end of the day, cosy huts and regional specialities await the long-distance hikers. On the Turracher Höhe, in Bad Kleinkirchheim or in Seeboden on Lake Millstätter See, there is also a comfortable hiking hotel for the night. The Turracher Höhe and Bad Kleinkirchheim offer the best opportunity for a day's rest. A sauna session and a relaxing bath in the Römer Therme or the St. Kathrein thermal spa will motivate you for the remaining three stages.

The "Speik", a small, strongly scented medicinal plant, thrives magnificently in the Nockberge mountains. It is strictly protected and the amount harvested is strictly regulated. Digging for the speik roots is reserved for a few farmers. Hikers like to pack the foot balms and spit deodorants produced from them in their rucksacks. 

At the end of June to mid-July, the still green cones of the Swiss stone pine are harvested and processed into high-proof spirits. External application is said to accelerate regeneration. A "Stamper" Swiss stone pine liqueur is often served as a snack in the huts.

In winter, the Nock mountains turn into icing sugar mountains and the ski touring adventure becomes the perfect mix of deep snow descents and leisurely piste cruising. Lonely and sometimes very long ski touring days lie ahead of tourers when they set off on the first ski touring trail that can be booked online. The stages on the Nockberge-Trail ski tour follow the first five stages of its famous brother of the same name from Katschberg to Bad Kleinkirchheim. Cosy huts, wellness and plenty of comfort await along the way.