Carnic High Mountain Trail
The Peace Trail / Via della Pace One of the most beautiful and historic high-altitude trails in the Alps
6 days / September 12–17, 2026
The Carnic High Trail, also known as the Peace Trail or Via della Pace, is a historically significant hiking trail along the majestic Carnic Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. This route offers a unique combination of alpine tranquility, impressive vastness, and historical depth. On this unforgettable journey across the peaks and valleys of this breathtaking mountain range, you will encounter silent reminders of the past that are anchored in the landscape. Remnants of fortifications and trenches from World War I are reminders of past conflicts. A truly magnificent tour!
Come along on one of the most beautiful and historic high-altitude trails in the Alps!
Facts & Highlights
one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in the Alps
A fusion of European history and Alpine beauty
6 days from Saturday to Thursday
small travel group with a maximum of only 8 participants
Difficulty level 4 out of 5 (challenging adventure trekking)
Are you ready for one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in the Alps? Then get in touch with me!
Carnic High Mountain Trail
"Discover the quiet history of the Carnic Alps on the Peace Trail, where alpine tranquility and historical significance merge into an unforgettable hiking experience."
Itinerary of the trip
Day 1 – Sillian – Heimatsteig trail – Sillianerhütte hut
We begin the Carnic High Trail from Sillian in East Tyrol. From here, we start our long-distance hike. Before heading along the picturesque Via Della Pace high trail, we hike through the forest on the Heimatsteig trail towards the Carnic Ridge. Once we reach the top between Helm and Sillianerhütte, we are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Sesto Dolomites. In good weather, you can even see the Three Peaks from the Sillianerhütte.
Overnight stay at the Sillianerhütte / Walking time approx. 4 hours ▲ 1,450 m
Day 2 – Hornischeck – Hollbrucker Spitze – Obstanserseehütte
We hike along a varied trail that keeps us at an altitude of between 2,300 m and 2,600 m. We climb up to Eisenreich (2,665 m) via Hornischeck and Hollbrucker Spitze. Before reaching the Obstanser Sattel, our route takes us over Cima Frugnoni. Our destination for today, the Obstanserseehütte at 2,304 m, is idyllically situated on a small lake and invites us to relax.
Overnight stay at the Obstanserseehütte / Walking time approx. 5 hours ▲ 800 m ▼ 950 m
Day 3 - Pfannspitze - Kinigat - Filmoor Hut - Porzehütte
On the third day, we come close to the impressive peaks of the Carnic Alps again and hike through picturesque green alpine pastures. Soon we reach the Pfannspitze, the highest point of the Alpine long-distance hiking trail at 2,678 meters above sea level. Passing the impressive rock formations of the Kinigat, we reach the lush green Filmoor. After leaving the beautiful Stuckensee lake at 2,032 meters behind us, we climb in serpentines to the Heretriegel and then descend to the Porzehütte hut (1,924 m).
Overnight stay at the Porze Hut / Walking time approx. 7-8 hours ▲ 1,000 m ▼ 1,400 m
Day 4 – Bärenbadegg – Hochspitzjoch – Luggauer Törl – Hochweißsteinhaus
The fourth stage of the Carnic Alpine Trail is the longest and offers numerous impressive highlights. Accompanied by breathtaking alpine panoramas, we climb via a historic war trail to the Tilliacher Joch at an altitude of 2,094 meters. The trail continues over the ridge up to Bärenbadegg (2,430 meters) and Reiterkarspitze (2,422 meters). South of Gamskofel, we continue to Hochspitzjoch, from where the view of the 2,581-meter-high Hochspitz is particularly impressive. With surefootedness and a firm grip on the steel cable, we reach the Steinkarspitz at 2,524 meters. Old war trails lead us to the Lunggauer Sattel and down to the Luggauer Törl. This challenging and unforgettable stage ends at the Hochweißsteinhaus.
Overnight stay at the Hochweißsteinhaus / Walking time 9-10 hours ▲ 1,600 m ▼ 1,650 m
Day 5 – Öfnerjoch – Giramond Pass – Wolayer Alm – Wolayerseehütte
After climbing the Öfnerjoch, our route initially leads us through forests and alpine pastures on the Italian side to the Giramondo Pass. From there, it descends steeply through beautiful summer meadows to the Wolayer Alm. A final ascent with a view of the impressive Seewarte takes us past Lake Wolayer to the hut of the same name at an altitude of 1,967 m.
Overnight stay at the Wolayerseehütte / Walking time approx. 7 hours ▲ 1,200 m ▼ 1,100 m
Day 6 – Valentinstörl – Valentinalm – Vierschach
After a hearty breakfast, we climb from the Wolayerseehütte to the Valentinstörl (2,138 m). On the final descent to the Valentinsalm, we enjoy the special atmosphere of this region once again before returning to our starting point.
Individual journey home / walking time approx. 4 hours ▲ 250 m ▼ 1,100 m
"The Carnic Alpine Trail impressively combines history and nature by revealing traces of the First World War amidst this majestic Alpine landscape."
Services included in the travel price:
– Complete organization
– Tour from/to Sillian
– All transfers and excursions as per the program
– 5 nights' accommodation in a mountain hut in shared rooms/dormitories with half board
– Guided tour by a German- and English-speaking hiking guide
Services not included in the travel price:
– Arrival and departure to/from Sillian
– Beverages and lunch
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance
from €1050 per person
"A view down into the Lesach Valley shows us the great value of its natural state, while the Carnic Ridge leads us through this untouched beauty."
Further information
On this tour, unexpected conditions such as bad weather or logistical challenges may lead to delays, route adjustments, or program changes. Therefore, a sense of adventure, flexibility, and patience are essential. Openness to other cultures and personalities is also important, as we will be sharing unique experiences together.
Hiking:
A week-long tour in the mountains can be a demanding challenge for many hikers. We will mainly be walking on well-maintained mountain trails, but these can be steep, rocky, earthy, and slippery in places. Therefore, hiking experience and a good level of physical fitness are required. If you are confident walking on uneven, rocky terrain and have a head for heights, you will thoroughly enjoy the Carnic High Trail.
Accommodation:
Please note that individual room requests often cannot be accommodated in the huts. We usually stay in dormitories, and if available, we try to reserve places in shared rooms, but we cannot always guarantee this. Washrooms are available in all huts, and some also offer showers.
Meals:
The accommodations include half board, and vegetarian options are available upon request. There are often inviting places to stop for refreshments along the way, or you can pack a lunch. At the start of the tour, it is sufficient to bring enough water and a light snack, such as an energy bar.
Arrival:
The meeting point is in Sillian at 12 noon on the first day. If you are traveling by car, you can park your car there for the entire duration of the hike. The area is easily accessible by public transport, for example via Lienz or the Puster Valley.
For more information about the trip, the itinerary, equipment list, and much more, please call +436506436089 or send me an email at info@thomasvau.com.
Carnic High Mountain Trail
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6 days / September 12–17, 2026
About me
Welcome!
My name is Tom Vau and I am the founder of Tom Vau Adventures. I am a state-certified ski instructor and ski guide, as well as a UIMLA mountain leader in summer, tour operator, artist and photographer.
It is a pleasure for me to express my creativity, to be open to new things and to enjoy experimenting. This is especially true in the areas of nature, sport and art/culture. Ultimately, it is always about enjoying beautiful moments together.
I share my passion for the mountains, nature and sport with my guests from all over the world. I am delighted that you are interested in joining me to experience the wonderful Ruwezoni Mountains region in Uganda. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
