Via Paradiso

Start hiking with the first ray of sunshine on gentle forest and moss paths and, in harmony with nature, discover soundscapes, fields of fragrances and the ever-changing views of Lake Millstätter See. Discover natural shore paths, lookout spots with unique lake and mountain panoramas and enjoy the up to 27° C warm water of Lake Millstätter See. The many lakeside terraces invite you to end the day relaxing at sunset.

With the new Via Paradiso, the alluring magic of hiking becomes yours via a hiking concept that is as appealing as it is innovative. The stage hiking trail circles Lake Millstätter See in four moderate hiking days and, thanks to its carefully chosen route, is particularly suitable for hiking in the first and last rays of sunshine of the year. After all, there is hardly a place in Austria where spring arrives so early and autumn sets off such a colorful show as at Lake Millstätter See. But that's not all: we like to combine this paradise-like hiking experience with enchantingly romantic offers such as an overnight stay in the "Bivouac under the stars. Rifugio sotto le stelle." as well as time for two at a picnic with the rowboat to the pristine southern shore of Lake Millstätter See or at sunset at the "Sternenbalkon", one of the vantage points with a unique lake and mountain panorama at the finish of the Via Paradiso.

If you are looking for an easy, carefree hiking experience in a paradise-like nature, combined with enchanting offers, you will be well advised with the Via Paradiso. Even more so if you want to share the magical moments along this fascinating hiking trail with your loved one or a group of friends. That is why we are sure that the Via Paradiso will leave a lasting impression on you! The shared experience will bring you back to the shores of Lake Millstätter See again and again. It may even inspire you for new, challenging hiking adventures.

The best season for a hiking trip on the Via Paradiso extends from the beginning of May to the end of October and is based on the snow conditions and, above all, on the opening periods of the accommodations.

Suitable:

• Late spring (May, June): From the beginning of May, especially the sunny southern flanks are in full bloom and the Via Paradiso shows its finest side. This time is often absolutely gorgeous on the trail with mostly very pleasant hiking temperatures.


• Autumn (September, October): crystal clear air, forests changing color and pleasant temperatures. Hiking in autumn (September and October), together with spring, is perhaps even the best time on the Via Paradiso.


• Summer (July, August): July and August are both recommended hiking months for the Via Paradiso, although it can get hot, especially on the southern slopes of the first and second stages. However, the stages are not too long, so if you start early, you can take advantage of the cooler mornings and spend the afternoon at the lake and thus enjoy swimming. So if you want to combine hiking and swimming, this is the best time on the Via Paradiso.

Not suitable:

• Winter (November, December, January, February): In November, the Via Paradiso is probably often still passable - however, fog appears frequently, which can make a tour difficult. In addition, most accommodations are on their well-deserved break and therefore closed. Between December and February, the stages of the Via Paradiso are usually not passable, because the paths are partly under snow or, in winters with little snow, shady sections are icy.


• Early spring (March, April): In March, the paths can still be under snow during a harsh winter and the vegetation is only slowly awakening. April would already be a suitable hiking month due to the low altitude of the Via Paradiso - however, at this time most accommodations are on their well-deserved vacation. Let's grant it to them!

On the Via Paradiso you will be hiking as an individual (without the support of a mountain guide) on marked mountain and valley trails in populated regions with altitudes up to 1.100 m above sea level. For the Via Paradiso you need hiking experience (but not in alpine terrain), which includes the correct self-assessment of the technical and physical requirements listed below, as well as experience in orientation in the terrain (including reading topographic maps) and in the handling of bad weather.

You are well looked after and supported by our organization on the Via Paradiso. Nevertheless, you are on the move as an independent hiker (unless you book an optional mountain guide). We would like to point out that despite our tour organization you are on your own responsibility on the Via Paradiso.

Technical requirements: Moderate
From a technical point of view, the Via Paradiso has mostly minor difficulties and moderate ones in some sections from a hiker's point of view: The stages run mainly on valley paths, but on each stage also sometimes on moderately difficult mountain paths with a red dot.
( Classification Austrian Alpine Club)
That means:

• Difficult parts of the trail are mainly narrow and often steeply laid out.
• Due to exposure to weather or short-term extreme weather events, hiking trails may be in poorer condition (e.g., slippery).

In order to cope with this as a mountain hiker without problems you need surefootedness to handle steep and rooty passages on trails.

Conditional requirements: Moderate
The Via Paradiso is moderately demanding in terms of fitness:

• Ascent performance depending on the stage up to 650 meters in altitude
• Descents depending on the stage up to 550 meters in altitude
• Trail length depending on the stage up to 15,5 km

Even if all three maximum values never come together in one stage, this means pure walking times between 3 and 5 hours.

• The calculation of walking times is based on the Outdooractive formula (Outdooractive is one of the world's largest providers of tour documents and market leader in the German-speaking world). This includes swift walking times, which correspond approximately to the average speed of a well-trained mountain hiker.
• Important: Data is pure walking time, i.e. breaks must still be added.

Appropriate conditional preparation is strongly recommended. Our tip: Since you are on a multi-day tour, you should have already hiked similarly demanding hikes as a day tour. You can also plan a rest day in between, where you can relax.

Further Information:

• For children, the Via Paradiso is suitable from 10 years old with 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 Via Paradiso you need hiking equipment for hikes in low mountain ranges.

• 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.).
  
  More preliminary information about the equipment on the Via Paradiso:
  
  • 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.
  • You will mostly hike at altitudes between 600m and 1.100m - this should be taken into account when choosing your hiking gear (especially your clothes): in the height of summer it can get hot.
  • Make sure you have enough provisions and sufficiently large water bottles.
  
  Tip: 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.

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Feel free to load map material from Google maps.

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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

Children aged 6 to 14 staying in their parents’ room are charged at a 35% discount (provided both adults are paying full price).

The costs for the dog (without food) are between € 5,00 and € 15,00 and will be charged on site.

Our Trail partner establishments offer three 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 one accommodation to the next. We recommend that you take out luggage protection insurance.

Back transfer: 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 08:00 to 20:00.

Guide: Our certified mountain guides are highly trained and have an excellent knowledge of the area. They also have a great knowledge of the area around Lake Millstätter See, making a hike with our guides a varied and safe trail journey. All costs incurred (guide, accommodation and food costs and travel) for the mountain hiking 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).

There are three options for your arrival at this Trail journey (not included in the price):

By car: Parking is available at the respective starting points of the Trail. Detailed information is included in the booking documents. Most of the parking spaces are free of charge and not supervised! Our Back transfer will bring you back to your car.

By train: The following national train stations are at your disposal: Spittal-Millstätter See. From there you will be taken by shuttle to your accommodation.

By plane: The following international airports can be recommended for arrival by plane: Klagenfurt (KLU), Salzburg (SZG) and Ljubljana (LJU).

Shuttle Service at arrival - not included in the price: Brings you to the starting point of your trail journey and at the end of the tour back to the ideal train station or airport. The Trail Info & Booking Center will gladly organize this Shuttle Service for you..

This is where our Trail travellers find an especially warm welcome: ranging from 4-star 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.

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

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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:

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