Forget the gym when you arrive in Carinthia: alongside swimming, hiking is one of the key activities here. 74 percent of guests head out into the Carinthian countryside and 49 percent are families. Everyone wants to have a good meal at the end.
From the mountain to the alpine hut
Forget the gym when you arrive in Carinthia: alongside swimming, hiking is one of the key activities here. 74 percent of guests head out into the Carinthian countryside and 49 percent are families. Everyone wants to have a good meal at the end.
This extreme environment can easily be explored along the Gamsgrubenweg, a roomy and surprisingly flat trail. The panoramic route leads you above the spectacular glacier streams opposite the Großglockner into the heart of the national park. Those who would like to learn more about the unique surroundings can enjoy a free guided tour with a national park ranger at 11 am throughout summer. And nowhere else will you dine with a view quite like that from the sun terrace of nearby Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Haus, looking out at the Großglockner.
takes you into the depths of the Maltatal, which shows itself from its wild and romantic side. An approximately 2 h hike leads around 5 km along the river from the toll station at Restaurant Fallerhütte into the valley. Streams and waterfalls adorn the way, including the particularly idyllic Blauer Tumpf (Blue Pool) in Schönau. The best place to stop for a break is the Gmünder Hütte that draws with its hearty Jause platters.
And close together, with various leisurely mountain walks leading around Lake Turrach (30 min). Further along you will find Lake Grünsee, which brings you back to Turracher Höhe (45 min). True outdoor enthusiasts take in the third lake too, the Schwarzsee (approx. 2 h). The path is the goal – or the best meal is. This can be found at Mei Zeit Hut: down-to-earth home cooking and wonderful regional delights.
The Three Lakes Trail
– still a stream here – into the Pöllatal nature reserve. 11 information boards line the way, encouraging hikers of all ages to watch, listen and discover. There’s a special quiz or game on each board for the kids. The Kochlöffelhütte is the place to stop and savour some of the local specialties.
More information
leads through the mountain pastures, starting in the high alpine terrain of the Nockberge. This is made possible by ascending to 2,039 metres above sea level with the Kaiserburgbahn. From here you head down to the expansive pasture region at around 1,500 m. After a rustic break at the Klamerhütte, a gentle uphill walk takes you back to the starting point.
More information
Water reigns here, steadily making its way through the wild rocks. The rugged gorge has four short sections that can be accessed individually. Those looking for more: the path leads on from the end of the gorge to Garnitzenhöhe, back to the Garnitzenklamm and then on to the Watschiger Alm and Nassfeld (approx. 3 - 4 h). A must: the Garnitzenklammwirt, the ideal place to refuel after your tour.
More information
Dedicated to love and togetherness, the hike begins at the Wall of Love. There are various stops along the trail with benches that invite you to rest for a moment and books encouraging you to write down your thoughts on love. The landscape is lovely too, with wonderful views of Lake Millstätter See and into the surrounding mountain world accompanying hikers all the way. And because we know that the way to the heart is through the stomach, be sure to stop at the Alexander Alm for a bite to eat.
More information
leads from the peaks of the Gerlitzen Alpe down to Neugarten Almsee and its water world. From there you walk past the Kammerhütte to the Kanzelbahn mountain station. Here you have to decide whether you head straight down to the valley or take the chairlift back up to the summit to enjoy the spectacular view in full. Head to the Almseehütte for wonderful food or the Huaba Hüttn, which can be reached via a small detour.
More information
The Granitztal, flanked by the St. Paul mountains in the south, runs west from St. Paul im Lavanttal, before curving towards the north up to the foot of the Griffner mountain. Agriculture, interspersed by the many orchards rich with fruit, characterises the landscape. The highest point is the Martinikogel at 841 metres above sea level. The Granitztaler Blütenwanderung (Granitztal blossom hike) is held annually on 1st May. Sample the cider at Buschenschank Neuhauser – along with a proper Jause of course.
It leads from Siebenhütten down to the tree line. First stop is the Feistritzer Spitze (Hochpetzen) summit cross, followed by Krischa-Kar. After a slight ascent you pass the reservoir before reaching the gondola’s mountain station. A classic place to stop is the Alte Zollhütte, winner of the Kärntner Hüttenwahl award multiple times.
More information