Hike the Alpe Adria Trail: A European Adventure Awaits

Tarvisio

This exciting Alpine walking vacation begins in the charming town of Tarvisio. Nestled in the hills of Northern Italy, the settlement boasts the very best of Italian and Austrian culture and cuisine. Red-roofed cottages and the odd church spire dominate the picturesque skyline, and the way of life is rooted in centuries of history. Make no mistake; this is a beautiful place to begin the Alpe Adria Trail.

Make your own way to Tarvision by car or train, and make your way to your accommodation — usually a quaint, family-run B&B. We’ll provide you with a detailed itinerary and all the necessary information you need to get started.

Tarvisio – Rifugio Zacchi

After a hearty breakfast in Tarvisio, the first full day of Alpine hiking begins with an interesting walk through lusciously green pastures and meadows. We’ll stick to the paths as we wind our way through the region on our way to Rifugio Zacchi.

Our accommodation for the night is a newly renovated mountain hut, which offers all the trappings of modern living. Located at an altitude of more than 1300 metres, this quaint lodge offers great views of the Giulian Alps. There’s also a traditional room service hearty, family recipes, mountain dishes and Friulian delicacies.

Data:
Length: 18.5 km
Duration: 7 hours
H+: 982 m
H-: 353 m

Zacchi – Kranjska Gora

Following a classic Italian breakfast, we set off for another challenging day of Alpine walking. This leg takes us further up into the Alpine mountains, where we’ll pass by swathes of forestland, mountainous vistas and glacial lakes. 

This leg involves a relatively challenging route of approximately 20 km. But the reward for completing it is a night in the picturesque Alpine skiing resort of Kranjska Gora. Your accommodation for the evening will be a premium resort hotel — hosting Alpine walking enthusiasts rather than skiers at this time of year.

Data:
Length: 16.2 km
Duration: 7 hours
H+: 618 m
H-: 1187 m

Kranjska Gora – Baumgartnerhohe

Day 4 takes us on a mostly downhill Alpine hiking trail that, once again, offers some spectacular views of pastures, valleys, mountainous backdrops and glacial lakes. There’ll be plenty of photo opportunities, so don’t forget to pack your camera!

Your reward for a long day of Alpine walking is a night in the charming settlement of Baumgartnerhohe. Located around 900 m above sea level, it offers views across the Karawanken mountains, Carinthia, Lake Faaker See and Finkenstein Castle. A family-run hotel serving local cuisine will be your home for the evening.

Data:
Length: 21.4 km
Duration: 8.5 hours
Height+: 1212 m
Height-: 1090 m

Baumgartnerhof – Villach Warmbad

Another day of spectacular vistas, cultural landmarks and challenging walking awaits you on this leg of your Alpine hiking holiday. You’ll wind your way along the paths of the Alpe Adria Trail until you reach the thermal spa resort of Villach Warmbad — located in the city of Villach.

People have been travelling to this part of the world for centuries — drawn to the area by the thermal waters that are said to possess healing qualities. After an arduous day of Alpine walking, you’ll probably be ready for a little relaxation. And there’s no better way to relax in this part of the world than with an hour in one of the natural spas. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Italian cuisine, too.

Data:
Length: 15.1 km
Duration: 4.5 hours
H+: 75 m
H-: 494 m

Villach – Nötsch

Day 6 of this historic Alpine walking route takes you across the border and into another country — Austria. You’ll get to walk through yet another selection of beautiful landscapes along the way. And there’ll be plenty of opportunities to investigate the many landmarks and architectural gems in the area along the way. 

They say that Feistritz an der Gail in Nötsch is where the Alps meet the Mediterranean. And that’s because there are influences from both Italian and Austrian cultures sharing the same streets. Once you’ve settled into your hotel for the evening, the rest of the day is yours. Wander the pretty streets of the town or enjoy a few well-earned drinks as you watch the world go by — the choice is yours.

Data:
Length: 19.9 km
Duration: 6 hours
H+: 222 m
H-: 157 m

Nötsch – Valbruna

The final full day of your hiking holiday in the Alps takes you from Nötsch to the charming settlement of Valbruna. Once again, Alpine views will be the backdrop for your adventure. Think The Sound of Music, and you’ll know what to expect in terms of vistas and experiences.

Valbruna is a stunning village that encapsulates the essence of Austrian architecture. Characterised by its white cottages and red-roofed architecture, this hidden gem is the perfect place to spend the final night of your Alpine walking vacation.

Data:
Length: 23.4 km
Duration: 7.5 hours
H+: 1321 m
H-: 1055 m

Valbruna – Tarvisio

Our final day involves a relatively short walk back to the place where it all started — Tarvisio. If you want a little extra time to explore the town and the surrounding areas of outstanding natural beauty, talk to us about a few extra nights in your accommodation.

Data:
Length: 13.7 km
Duration: 5 hours
H+: 995 m
H-: 1061 m