Carinthia hiking holidays in Austria

The Alpe Adria Trail has quickly become one of the best-known Austria hiking trails since its inauguration in 2012. The opportunity to hike through three countries from the mountains to the sea is exceptional. The trail consists of 43 stages over 750 kilometres, starting with hiking in Austria from the Grossglockner in Carinthia, then progressing through Slovenia and ending at the Adriatic Sea near Trieste. Through-hike the entire route or tackle just a few stages at a time – this is a trail that is easily customisable.

The Nockberge Trail is Austria’s first online bookable, all-season trail. A high-altitude Austria hiking trail across the delightful peaks and ridges of the Nockberge Mountains can be experienced over five days in summer, or on a multi-day ski tour come winter. Walking holidays in Austria are easy to organise and promise well-signposted tracks and a high standard of accommodation along the way. The Nockberge is no exception and hikers can plan and book places to stay, luggage transfers and shuttles with the Trail Angels Info & Booking Center.

Connect with a centuries-old custom by hiking the Four Holy Mountains in the Gurktal Alps. Here in the historical heart of Carinthia, impressive views and regional delicacies invite hikers to explore the Four Mountains Trail over three to five days. Starting from the village of St Veit an der Glan, ascend Magdalensberg, Ullrichsberg, Veitsberg and Lorenziberg before circling back to the start. As well as the beautiful landscapes there are many historic sights to see on the way, from the mighty Hochosterwitz Castle to ancient churches in remote mountain areas

Near the mountain village of Heiligenblut am Grossglockner, a mighty rock face looms above the valley. From a split in the rock, that looks like a giant once struck it with an axe, the Gössnitz River tumbles over 70 metres, sending a refreshing spray through the air. It is worth climbing to the waterfall’s vantage point for spectacular views.  This is a real highlight in the Hohe Tauern National Park. 

Learn more about the planet where we live on the Auernig Geotrail in Hermagor. Part of a more extensive high-altitude trail, this easily accessible area near the summit of Mt Auernig was once lapped by a calm sea. Here you can view in beds of limestone tiny marine creatures whose shells have been transformed by geological processes into pure quartz. It’s a fascinating site in a beautiful alpine area – add it to the itinerary of your walking holiday in Austria.

The idyllic area around Lake Weissen has no less than nine themed walks through the varied landscape and a favourite is the fairytale shore walk. Learn about the legend of Weissensee from the story boards along the lakeshore footpath on the quieter southern side of the lake. This gentle walk is around two kilometres long from Techendorf to Naggl, from where you can catch a boat back.

This family-friendly walk near Fresach gives an insight into the world of a very rare creature. The stream-dwelling stone crab – also known as the "Golden Knight" of the Weirerbach River – lives here under stones and roots. The crabs are nocturnal but stop at the crab cave to see some. Viewing platforms along the trail offer information and idyllic rest areas as the path winds through meadow, wetland and forest, crossing footbridges on the way.