Carnic High Trail (Karnischer Höhenweg)
Carnic High Trail (Karnischer Höhenweg): A High Border Traverse
The Carnic High Trail, or Karnischer Höhenweg (KHW 403), is a 155 km hut-to-hut traverse along the Carnic Main Ridge on the Austrian-Italian border. Running from Sillian in East Tyrol to Thörl-Maglern / Arnoldstein in Carinthia, it is typically walked in 10 days. This is a hard alpine route for fit, experienced mountain walkers: expect exposed ridges, rocky passes, scree and short cable-protected sections. For more multi-day routes in Austria, it sits among the country’s classic high-level hut hikes.
Route Overview
The route is a point-to-point traverse, usually walked west to east from Sillian to Thörl-Maglern / Arnoldstein. It follows waymarked route 403 along the frontier between Austria and Italy, crossing high passes and ridges rather than dropping frequently to towns. Early on, the trail climbs towards Sillianer Hütte, then continues along the Carnic ridge with views towards the Sexten/Lienz Dolomites. Key places include Wolayersee and the Plöckenpass area, before the eastern half becomes broader and generally easier towards Nassfeld. Plan logistics around separate start and finish points, and book huts or rifugi ahead. If you want a less exposed long-distance option, compare the Alpe-Adria Trail.
Why It Is Called the Way of Peace
The Karnischer Höhenweg owes much of its line to the First World War. From 1915, the Carnic ridge formed part of the mountain front between Austria-Hungary and Italy. Both sides built supply paths, fortifications, gun positions, tunnels and shelters along the frontier. Many of those wartime traces still sit close to the modern trail. From the 1970s, the old military routes were restored and linked into today’s long-distance path, now promoted as the Friedensweg, or “Way of Peace”.
Notable highlights
- Way of Peace (Friedensweg) WWI heritage: The trail follows the former First World War front line, with old supply paths, gun emplacements, tunnels and bunkers still visible along the ridge.
- Wolayersee: A deep-blue alpine lake beside Wolayersee-Hütte at about 1,960 m, enclosed by steep mountain walls and one of the best-known scenes on the route.
- Sillianer Hütte: The first major hut after leaving Sillian, at about 2,447 m, with a wide panorama towards the Sexten Dolomites.
- Dolomite panorama: Long ridge sections give repeated views west to the jagged Sexten/Lienz Dolomites and across the Carnic peaks.
- Plöckenpass open-air museum: This open-air war museum preserves restored trenches and positions from the 1915–1918 mountain front, adding context to the route’s military history.
Challenges to expect
This is a hard alpine traverse, not a valley walk. Some stages involve more than 1,500 m of ascent or descent, with exposed grassy and rocky ridges, scree, alpine passes and short cable- or via ferrata-protected sections. Weather can change quickly on the border ridge, and high passes need to be snow-free. Hut reservations are important in high summer. For another demanding Austrian hut route, see the Karwendel Höhenweg or the Eagle Walk (Adlerweg).
Austria - Alpine
- Mountainous
- Rocky
- Gravel
- Huts
- Pet Friendly
- Restrooms
- Water Sources
- Campsites
- Shelters
Begin the Carnic High Trail with a climb from the town of Sillian up through alpine woods and pastures to reach the panoramic Sillianer Hütte. The route follows well-marked paths and offers sweeping views of the Dolomites as you gain elevation quickly.
Traverse high above the valleys along exposed ridgelines, passing various war relics and expansive mountain vistas. The day concludes at Obstansersee Hütte, located beside the picturesque Obstansersee lake.
This section presents more ascents and descents over rugged terrain, with trails winding through rocky high alpine landscapes and intermittent remnants of World War I fortifications, ending at Filmoor Standschützenhütte.
Travel through undulating ridges and grassy plateaus, taking in constant views of the Carnic Alps. The well-marked path brings you through historical sites and across alpine meadows before arriving at the welcoming Porzehütte.
Continue along the border ridge, passing below towering crags with occasional steep segments. The scenery becomes distinctly rugged before you reach Hochweißsteinhaus, nestled at the base of Monte Peralba.
This stage involves scenic and remote stretches of alpine wilderness, moving past summer pastures and sparkling streams. End your day at the idyllic Wolayersee Hütte, located beside the beautiful Lake Wolayersee.
Descend from the glacial lake through rocky outcrops and grazing lands, passing through sections that offer both open views and intimate valleys. Arrive at the charming Valentinalm for a restful evening.
Follow meandering trails that alternate between alpine meadows and rugged, rocky passages. The route includes the chance to see open-air war museums before finishing the day by the tranquil Lake Zollnersee.
Experience a gradually rolling profile as you leave high alpine terrain for less severe but still scenic stretches. The trail passes through protected nature areas and lush pastures, arriving at Straniger Alm.
Complete your journey with a scenic descent following the ridges and forested slopes towards Thörl-Maglern. The final stage offers gentler terrain and a celebratory ending as you exit the high mountains.