Hike the spectacular high-altitude paths of the Dolomites as you walk the Karnische Höhenweg
The Carnic High Trail Hiking Tour follows the Karnische Höhenweg through the spectacular Dolomites, revealing one of the most special hiking routes in these mountains. This 8-day self-guided hiking holiday explores the high alpine trails between Alta Pusteria and the city of Villach.
You’ll love the leisurely hikes through the mountainside that show off the beautiful meadows, peaceful forests, and shinning lakes of the Southern Alps. On this walking tour, you’ll also get to experience the local alpine farming culture as you visit different mountain villages along your route. This trip is the perfect way to take in all the amazing scenery in the beautiful Dolomites as you walk between northern Italy and Austria.
Highlights of the Carnic High Trail Hiking Tour
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Carnic High Trail Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Dobbiaco
Once you’ve arrived in Dobbiaco, you can check in to your hotel and explore the town or just relax before your hiking begins tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Dobbiaco
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cable Car Ride and Carnic Ridge Hike
Before your hike, you’ll need to take a quick transfer to Sesto. A cable car will bring you from the village to your path on the Helm. From your trail, you’ll have absolutely stunning views of the Sesto Sundial and the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
As you hike the Carnic Ridge, you’ll enter Austria and then cross back into Italy. You’ll reach the Kreuzberg Pass and then arrive in Padola for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Padola
Distance: 4.5-5.5 hours, 475m of ascent, 875m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Mountain Walk to Val Visdende
A transfer will pick you up this morning to bring you to your trail. You’ll be hiking in tranquil woods and mountain meadows with beautiful views of Kinigat rising before you. You’ll walk into Val Visdende to end the night, and this is where you’ll spend tonight.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Val Visdende
Distance: 4.5-5.5 hours, 575m of ascent, 775m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Explore Spectacular Mountains and Lakes
Today you’ll continue hiking through the Val Visdende until you gradually begin climbing towards the Monte Rinaldo Mountains. The views today will be incredible and will feature spectacular Hochweistein, Monte Chiadenis, and Monte Avanza.
You’ll be hiking by beautiful mountain lakes until you begin to cross the shoulder of Sasso Alto. Here you can choose to continue your hike up and over to Sappada. Alternatively, you can take the shorter route that leads to a stop where you can take the public bus to Sappada.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sappada
Distance: 6-7 hours, 1125m of ascent, 1150m of descent
Short option: 3 hours, 575m of ascent, 25m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hike the Wolayer Pass
A shuttle will bring you to a mountain refuge where you’ll begin your hike. Follow the path through the trees until you immerse into a rocky clearing for an amazing view of the Hohe Warte and Seekopf peaks. You’ll hike up to the beautiful lake at Wolayer Pass, then start your descent to Valentinalm.
You’ll take the public bus to reach your final destination of Kötschach Mauthen.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kötschach Mauthen
Distance: 5-6 hours, 775m of ascent, 1075m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Walk the Carnic High Path
Take the transfer to Staninger Alm and begin your hike along the Carnic High Path, also known as Karnische Höhenweg. Enjoy your walk through flower-filled alpine meadows and past serene lakes and streams. This area is known for its alpine dairy farms, and it’s a great place to stop and sample some local cheese!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nassfeld
Distance: 5-6 hours, 875m of ascent, 875m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Hike the Mountain Farms
Leave Nassefeld Pass in the morning as you hike towards Eggeralm. Here you’ll find a community of Gailtaler farmers. Your hike finishes in Villach, a lovely town known for its carnival. It’s the perfect place to stop for the night and celebrate your successful hikes!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Villach
Distance: 4.5-5.5 hours, 475m of ascent, 875m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
Your tour finishes this morning after breakfast. You may choose to add additional nights if you wish to spend more time in Villach.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Carnic High Trail Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in Italy and Austria is run as a custom tour for your group and the price depends on the time of year in which you choose to travel and the number of people in a room.
The best time to hike this trail is the warm summer months of June, July, and August.
Private Self-Guided Carnic High Trail Hiking Tour
Have your own private tour with just your group! Prices below are per person.
Important note: The departures for this tour are only available on Saturdays. In some cases, it’s available to arrange the departures on different weekdays for groups of 5 and more (please enquire).
Low season (from June 19th to September 12th to 18th):
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,050 USD per person
- Price per person staying in a double room (min 2 travellers): $850 USD per person
High season (from July 11th to September 11th):
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,095 USD per person
- Price per person staying in a double room (min 2 travellers): $895 USD per person
Accommodation on the Carnic High Trail Hiking Tour
This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels on this trip are 3 or 4-star with welcoming comfortable rooms conveniently located on your route. You’ll spend one night in a charming guesthouse high in the mountains.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, the required supplement is included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Dobbiaco
Spend the night in a cozy local 3 or 4-star hotel along your route.
Hotel in Padola
Spend the night in a comfortable 3 or 4-star hotel.
Hotel in Val Visdende
Sleep on the mountainside in a charming mountain guesthouse.
Hotel in Sappada
Spend the night in a comfortable 3 or 4-star hotel.
Hotel in Kötschach Mauthen
Spend the night in a comfortable 3 or 4-star hotel.
Hotel in Nassfeld
Spend the night in a comfortable 3 or 4-star hotel.
Hotel in Villach
Stroll the streets of the seventh-largest city in Austria and absorb the almost-eastern European vibes. Settle into your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
What’s Included in the Carnic High Trail Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Dobbiaco and after the tour in Villach are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour as outlined in the itinerary. Airport transfers are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Also Included
- Pre-planned hiking route
- Detailed documents, guides and trail maps
- Tickets for transfers as outlined in the program (includes cable car and bus)
- Emergency telephone support hotline for the duration of the tour
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Free parking at an unguarded parking lot near Dobbaico hotel for the duration of the tour
Not included
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Tourist hotel tax, payable each night at the hotel
- Visas if required
- Gratuities for drivers, servers, or other staff if desired
- Anything not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Transfer from Villach to Dobbiaco every Sunday
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Airport transfers
Frequently Asked Questions about Carnic High Trail Hiking Tour
FunActive Tours operates adventure tours in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. Thanks to the ideal
location of FunActive headquarters right in the Dolomites and branch offices in Venice Mestre and
Trieste, FunActive Tours can offer excellent walking and cycling tours not only in the mountains, but
also towards Austria, Slovenia, and Istria.
FunActive offers efficient, high-quality service to clients from all over the world, making it one of the
best choices for those seeking an experienced local provider. Attention is given down to the smallest
details, and the tours are designed to suit travellers of many abilities according to how adventurous
they wish to be. FunActive can find you an incredible tour regardless of age, skill level, or time of
year. Come discover Italy and beyond!
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