Nockberge-Trail

Among all mountain groups in the Eastern Alps, the Nockberge mountains with an age of 60 million years are the oldest. You cannot fail to see: while the Hohe Tauern in the west, the Karawanken and Karnische Alpen in the south exude an almost youthful brusque, the Nockberge mountains rest like wise giants with their gently rounded mountains and knolls.

This gentleness, combined with peak heights of almost 2,500 meters and a landscape majesty, largely free of technical infrastructure, give the Nockberge a very special magic. Therefore, it is clear why nature conservation pioneers fought to preserve this natural jewel as early as the 1970s. Thanks to them, today one of three UNESCO biosphere reserves in Austria protects this harmonious Alpine landscape for the next generation.

So what could be more appropriate than to hike through this trail paradise on a scenic high-altitude route? On the first five day stages, the hiking trail follows its famous brother of the same name, Austria's first online bookable ski touring trail. Due to the many enthusiastic reviews of many long-distance hikers, who literally couldn't get enough, the trail has now been extended by three more day stages (starting with the 2021 hiking season). The Nockberge-Trail leads over lush green mountain pastures, through shady stone pine forests, on breathtakingly scenic ridges, from one peak to the next. The start is in the north at the Katschberg and leads in eight enchanting hiking days across the UNESCO Biosphere Park Nockberge to the finish in Seeboden at Lake Millstätter See in the south where a dive into the turquoise blue lake is the reward.

The Nockberge-Trail impresses with its captivating unique landscape, the seemingly infinite panoramas, the charming alternation of comfort hotels and cosy huts in the stage locations and the attracting destination of Lake Millstätter See. It is certainly the right choice for long distance hikers who prefer technically moderate trails without exposed passages, in order to enjoy a completely relaxed hiking experience. However, day hikes of up to seven hours, which require a certain amount of stamina, are also possible. Whoever accepts overnight stays in huts as a rustic exception and prefers to stay in more comfortable accommodations will also appreciate the Nockberge-Trail. Let yourself be enchanted by the archaic tranquility and scenic diversity of this region, while the awarded team of Trail Angels in the Official Nockberge-Trail Booking Center will provide you with the best possible service before and during your independent hiking tour.

The best season for a trail trip on the Nockberge-Trail in the Carinthian Nockberge mountains extends from the beginning of June to the beginning of October and is dependent on the snow conditions and the opening dates of the accommodations.

Suitable:

• Summer (June, July, August): June, July and August are all highly recommended hiking months for the Nockberge-Trail: In June, you will be enchanted by the ever greener and blossoming nature. By contrast, in the months of July and August, the Nockberge-Trail is ideally suited for avoiding the hot temperatures in the valley due to its altitude - it leads almost continuously between 1.500 m and 2.350 m above sea level.

Partly suitable:

• Autumn (September, October, November): Crystal-clear air, color-turning forests and pleasant temperatures. Hiking in autumn (September to early October) is an insider tip on the Nockberge-Trail – No wonder, that the photo sessions often take place in September. Later in the fall, winter onset can make a visit difficult or even impossible.

Not suitable:

• Winter (December, January, February): The stages of the Nockberge-Trail are not accessible in winter, as the paths are under snow. This is the season for its namesake - Austria's first online bookable ski trail
• Frühling (März, April, Mai): In den Monaten März und April liegen die Wege noch unter Schnee, daher ist der Trail noch nicht begehbar. Auch im Mai sind die Abschnitte in den höheren Regionen – der Nockberge-Trail führt bis in eine Seehöhe von 2.350 m – teilweise noch mit Schnee bedeckt, sodass der Trail in diesem Monat oft noch nicht empfohlen werden kann.

On the Nockberge-Trail you travel as an individual hiker (without the guidance of a mountain guide) on marked mountain paths, partly in high alpine mountain regions with altitudes of up to 2.300m. For the Nockberge-Trail you need alpine hiking experience, which includes not only the correct self-assessment of the technical and physical requirements for the points listed below, but also experience in orientation in the terrain (including reading topographical maps) and in how to react in case of bad weather. You will be well looked after and supported by our organisation on the Nockberge-Trail. Nevertheless you are on your way as an independent hiker (unless you optionally book a mountain guide). We would like to point out that despite our tour organisation you are on your personal responsibility on the Nockberge-Trail.

Technical requirements: Moderate
From a technical point of view, the Nockberge-Trail shows moderate difficulties: The stages follow moderately difficult mountain trails with red dot (classification Austrian Alpine Club). That means:

• Difficult parts of the path are mostly narrow and often steep.
• There may be short passages secured by ropes.
• Due to weather conditions or short-term extreme weather events, hiking trails may be in a poorer condition (e.g. slippery) or less visible due to fog.

In order to be able to manage this as a mountain hiker without problems you need to be:

• surefooted
• free from giddiness

Conditional requirements: More demanding (on 3 stages: demanding)
The Nockberge-Trail is a bit more demanding in terms of condition (on some stages it is demanding):

• Ascent performance depending on the stage up to 1.200 meters of height difference
• Descents depending on the stage up to 1.450 meters of height difference
• Path length up to 22 km depending on the stage

Even if all three maximum values never come together at one stage, this means a pure hiking time between 4 and 7 hrs 15 min. The calculation of walking times is based on the Outdooractive formula (Outdooractive is one of the world's largest suppliers of tour documents and market leader in the German-speaking world). This includes brisk walking times, which correspond approximately to the average speed of a well-trained mountain hiker. Attention: All data are pure walking times, i.e. breaks have to be added. Appropriate conditional preparation is strongly recommended. Our tip: As you are on a multi-day tour here, you should have already hiked a day tour with similar fitness requirements. You can also plan a rest day in between, on which you can regenerate yourself.

Further Information:

• The Nockberge-Trail is suitable for children from 12 years of age with very good physical condition.
• Long-distance hiking and trekking routes are little or not suitable for people with disabilities due to their requirements. In order to clarify individual cases (degree of reduced mobility), it is recommended to contact the Trail Info & Booking Center before booking.

It is often difficult to personally assess whether a trail is suitable for you. If you are unsure about this or if you want to know which stages are best for you, just contact us. We will gladly advise you. However, this does not release you from the responsibility of your own self-assessment.

For the Nockberge-Trail you need alpine hiking equipment.

• The equipment list, which you can find under this Link lists the minimum equipment needed for this trip.
• Of course you can or should add the items that you personally need for the trip or with which you have had good experience (e.g. medication, special sun protection, larger water bottle etc.).

Further preliminary information about the equipment at the Nockberge-Trail:

• Attention: For overnight stays on the Neue-Bonner-Hütte and the Millstätter Hütte it is mandatory to bring a sleeping bag (you have to take your own with you at the Neue Bonner-Hütte and at the Millstätter Hütte it is possible to rent it). Due to the COVID19 hygiene regulations, there will be no blankets on cabins in summer 2021. For this reason, a hut sleeping bag is not enough, you must take a padded summer sleeping bag with you..
• Please take you own towel to the neue-Bonner-Hütte and the Millstätter Hütte.
• The carrying along and wearing of a mask covering mouth and nose (FFP2 mask) is mandatory in many areas of the hotels as well as in public life.
• trekking poles are highly recommended because of the often long descents.
• You usually hike at altitudes between 1.600 and 2.300 m - this should be taken into account when choosing your hiking equipment (especially your clothing)
• You should ensure that you have enough food and drink bottles of sufficient size, as there are not on all stages rest stops and wells.

Tipp: With our luggage service you can easily hold your daypack while your heavy luggage (up to 20 kg) is taken to the next booked accommodation. We recommend that you take out a luggage protection insurance - please contact us regarding this.

For a closer look, check out the detailed information for each stage along the trail here. The times are average values and may vary depending on personal fitness, number and length of breaks, weather conditions, etc.

show Stages

Feel free to load map material from Google maps.

Show maps

Accommodation along the Trail is available in three categories (regional rating):

Basic: Simple, clean, functional – inn, guesthouse or mountain shelter
Classic: Mid-range accommodation – 2* or 3* inn or hotel
Comfort: High-end accommodation – 4* or 4*s hotel, often with spa area

The stage destinations Katschberg, Innerkrems, Turracher Höhe, Falkertsee, Bad Kleinkirchheim and Seeboden offer a selection of middle-class to very upscale hotels.

Situation in the huts accommodtions:

• New Bonner-Hütte: simple but comfortable double or multi-bed rooms (4 to 5 beds per room) with lavatory; shower and toilet shared on floor. Cabin sleeping bags are obligatory and must be brought along.
• Millstätter Hütte: For overnight stays there are two double rooms, as well as a dormitory with max. 12 beds with shower and toilet shared on the floor. Cabin sleeping bags are obligatory, but can be rented.
• Attention Corona regulations: Due to the COVID19 hygiene regulations, there are no blankets available on huts in the summer of 2021. For this reason, a hut sleeping bag is not sufficient. You must take a padded summer sleeping bag with you.

Children between the ages of 6 and 14 receive a 35% discount if two full-paying adults stay in their parents' room.

Our Nockberge-Trail partner establishments offer 2 types of catering:

Breakfast: morning buffet or breakfast served at your table
Half-board: Breakfast and dinner (usually 3 courses)

Please enter any individual dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, food intolerances, allergies etc.) in the ‘comments’ box. Our team at the Trail Info & Booking Center will do their best to accommodate your request

For the realization of your trouble-free Trail journey a comprehensive mobility service is offered:

Luggage service: Hiking with a light daypack; while your luggage (max. 20 kg) is taken from accommodation to accommodation. How?
It's very simple: In the morning you drop off your luggage at the reception and at the end of the hiking day it will be waiting for you in your next accommodation. We recommend that you purchase luggage protection insurance.

Return transport: As essential as convenient. Our mobility service (collective transport) takes you from the destination of your trail journey comfortably back to your starting point.

Shuttle Services: The shuttle services required for the trail journey are included in the overall mobility package. If extra shuttle services are required during the trail trip, e.g. in case of bad weather, illness, etc., we will be happy to organize them. These shuttle services are not included in the travel price.

While traveling, you can take advantage of the special service of our Trail Info & Booking Center, which turns your hiking trip into a particularly safe, well supervised and thus unforgettable experience:

Trail Hotline: You can contact our experienced team for advice and practical support daily from 8:00 am to 08:00 pm.

Guide: Our certified mountain guides are well trained and have an excellent knowledge of the area. In addition, they can provide you with a lot of knowledge about the nature and culture of the UNESCO biosphere reserve Nockberge, making a hike with our guides to a varied and safe trail trip. All costs incurred (guidance, accommodation and food and travel) for the mountain guide are included under "Guiding".

Advanced Trail Travel Documents, Angel's Service: Professionally prepared, detailed and ideal for the preparation of your trail trip. The documents will be sent in good time before departure by e-mail (PDF, print @ home).

To get to your departure point at the Nockberge-Trail, you have three travel options (not included in the price):

By car: Parking is available at the beginning of each stage of the Trail. Details can be found in your booking documents. Most of the car parks are subject to fees, and unmonitored, so that your vehicle will be left at your own risk. At the end of your trekking journey, our return transfer takes you back to your car.

By train: Depending on where you are traveling from, you can choose from the following IC/EC train stations: Spittal-Millstätter See; Villach; Bischofshofen; Unzmarkt.

By plane: We recommend the following international airports: Klagenfurt (KLU), Salzburg (SZB).

A shuttle service (charged separately) is available to take you to the departure point of your Trail journey, and back to the station or airport of your choice. Our team at the Trail Info & Booking Center will be very happy to arrange this shuttle service at your request.

This is where our Trail travelers find an especially warm welcome: ranging from 4* Spa hotels to simple B&Bs, our partner establishments have been hand-picked based on specific criteria, and actively contribute to the development of the Trail.

show partners

Here you will find all relevant information about your travel destination such as currency, entry requirements, food & drink, health and vaccinations and literature tips.

Show Travel Information

Trail Information & Booking center, Travel Agent
Trail Angels GmbH
9821 Obervellach 15
Austria

We arrange your tour operator
Trail Angels GmbH
Obervellach 15, 9821 Obervellach, Österreich
Eintragungs-NR. Veranstalterverz. des bmwfi: 2016/0005
Tel: +43 4782 93093
Email: info@bookyourtrail.com

Here you will find the travel terms of your trail operator:

show TOS