Are there food options for vegetarians and vegans?

If you'd like to eat a vegetarian meal, it's usually available at most accommodations. Vegan options are harder to find in huts, but we'll let you know about them in advance so you can plan accordingly.

We do not demand that you have insurance before booking, but it is advisable to do. Joining the Austrian Alpine Club gets you covered in case anything unexpected happens to you on your way.

What kind of accommodation do the mountain huts provide?

Mountain huts are not luxurious, but they are cozy and comfortable. You will not lack a warm bed, delicious meals, and toilets. They offer private rooms and dormitories, so you should be prepared to book enough time in advance if you do not want to share a room with other people. Read more about the Austrian mountain huts .

The Nockberge Trail

10 days / 9 nights

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Explore Austria’s ancient Nockberge mountains on a scenic hut-to-hut journey through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, ending on the shores of Lake Millstätter See.

Starting point

Katschberg Pass

Finish point

Seeboden

Season

From June to October

Technical level

4/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Explore Austria’s ancient Nockberge mountains on a scenic hut-to-hut journey through a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, ending on the shores of Lake Millstätter See.

Starting point

Katschberg Pass

Finish point

Seeboden

Season

From June to October

Technical level

4/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Explore one of Austria’s oldest mountain ranges, the gently rounded Nockberge peaks
Hike through the protected natural wonderland of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Experience scenic high-altitude ridges, valleys, alpine pastures, and mountain lakes
Enjoy a blend of rustic huts and charming hotels in Carinthia
Discover peaks like the Großer Königstuhl and Falkert
Reach the stunning Lake Millstätter See after 8 days of hiking

Itinerary of the trip

Upon arrival at Katschberg Pass, your Nockberge Trail journey will commence from the starting point near the pass. If you've arranged a private transfer, you'll be dropped off at the designated area. The first stage begins from this location, leading you towards the Aineck and further into the Nockberge mountain range. You'll have ample time to settle in and prepare before heading out on your first hike. All necessary logistics and transport will be taken care of to ensure a smooth start to your trail experience.

Accommodation

Gasthof Bacher

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

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The first hiking day of the Nockberge Trail begins with a moderate ascent to the Aineck summit, the most challenging part of the stage. Starting from the Aineck Valley station at Katschberghöhe, you follow the well-maintained trail along the ski slope. Once at the top, the trail leaves the ski area behind, and the peaceful ridge walk toward Theuerlnock begins. Then, the route descends across alpine pastures and into larch forests. The stage concludes at the charming Neue Bonner-Hütte with a welcoming sun terrace.

Hiking

8 km and 600 m of elevation gain / 550 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Neue Bonner-Hütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

The trail starts from the Neue Bonner-Hütte with a gentle descent, soon connecting to the forest path that leads uphill towards the Ebenwaldhöhe. From there, the path ascends to the charming Laußnitzer Hütte and passes along the serene Laußnitzsee. The trail continues uphill to the Schwarzwand, the highest point of the route, before traversing the ridge along the Gmeinnock and past several small mountain lakes. You’ll then reach the Kameritzhöhe and Gaipahöhe peaks before descending to a marked path towards the Blutige Alm Hütte. The final descent passes a reservoir lake and continues into Innerkrems.

Hiking

15.5 km and 770 m of elevation gain / 930 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Familienhotel Nockalm

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

From Innerkrems, the trail leads eastward along the Donnerschlucht gorge, taking in scenic views before heading south along a gravel road through the meandering Kremsbach Valley, eventually reaching the serene Rosaninsee Lake at over 2000 meters. From the lake, the trail ascends to the summit of Großer Königstuhl at 2336 meters. The descent follows a scenic ridge past Karlnock and crosses below several peaks before reaching the Stangscharte and Pregatscharte passes. The final stretch leads down towards Turracherhöhe, where you are greeted by the beautiful Turrachsee Lake.

Hiking

22 km and 1160 m of elevation gain / 300 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Turracherhof

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

After a climb through a forest and past an old cinnabar mine, the route ascends to the summit of the Rinsennock. Then, you'll descend, intersecting the previous day's route at the Pregatscharte pass. The hike then follows a path beneath Koflernock before reaching the Prießhütte. From here, a short section along the Nockalm Road leads uphill to the Flache Scharte plateau. The final stretch is a ridge hike with panoramic views, bypassing Steinnock and leading to the Hundsfeldscharte Pass. The stage concludes with a descent to Lake Falkertsee.

Hiking

18.5 km and 1300 m of elevation gain / 1200 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Heidi-Hotel Falkertsee

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

This stage of the Nockberge Trail begins by circling the scenic Falkertsee Lake. From there, you hike through the beautiful Sonntagstal Valley, ascending to the Falkertscharte. You can also make a detour to the summit of Falkert. The ascent to the summit requires surefootedness but rewards with stunning views. Returning to Falkertscharte, the route continues west, descending the long grassy ridge of the Totelitzen. The path takes you down to Bad Kleinkirchheim, crossing forest roads and open terrain before following the “Spaziermeile” walking path along the stream.

Hiking

13 km and 470 m of elevation gain / 1350 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

COOEE alpin Hotel Bad Kleinkirchheim

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today begins with a climb towards the Priedröf. The trail initially follows a path along the gorge of the St.-Oswald-Bach before you veer away from the road towards steeper, more remote terrain. The route winds through alpine meadows and forest paths, ascending steadily until reaching the Priedröf summit ridge. Before reaching the summit station of the Nockalmbahn, a turn leads to a smaller, secluded path along the Wiesernock ridge. Crossing the steep wooded slopes, the descent continues through forest tracks until you arrive at the Erlacherhaus.

Hiking

13.5 km and 1180 m of elevation gain / 570 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Erlacherhaus

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

After a brief descent, the trail diverges onto a path that ascends toward Arkersattel and the summit of Predigerstuhl, passing alpine pastures and steep grassy slopes. From the peak, the trail gently descends into meadows, continuing toward Kaninger Wolitzenhütte and Koflachtal Valley. The route crosses streams and valleys, passing by the Lämmerhütte before winding through forested paths. Following a series of gentle ups and downs, the trail reaches Nöringsattel, with the first view of Millstätter See. From there, the path ascends through alpine meadows to Millstätter Hütte.

Hiking

22.5 km and 1150 m of elevation gain / 920 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Millstätter Hütte

Note: Listed accommodations are subject to availability; we will find similar alternatives if necessary.

Gallery

From Millstätter Hütte, you will follow the trail to the Tschierweger Nock, your final summit on the trail. The descent begins with a ridge walk, then a route through Sommeregger Alm, leading to the picturesque Hansbauerhütte. After passing it, the trail steadily descends through meadows, forests, and the village of Treffling. Continuing along the trail, you’ll pass landmarks such as the historic Burg Sommeregg and a small stream before reaching the outskirts of Seeboden. The final stretch takes you along the northern shore of Lake Millstätter See.

Hiking

16 km and 220 m of elevation gain / 1500 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Royal X

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

After completing the Nockberge Trail in Seeboden, your departure will be coordinated efficiently. Should you require private transport, arrangements can be made to take you to your next destination, whether a nearby train station, airport, or hotel. Seeboden is well connected, with easy access to regional transport options if needed. You'll be departing from the scenic shores of Lake Millstätter See, ensuring a smooth transition after your hike.

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

6 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

3 nights in mountain huts with half-board

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Private rooms

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 45-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings
Down jacket
Gloves
Shade hat/cap

Warm headwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Sleeping liner
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Small first aid kit

The Nockberge Trail offers an unforgettable hut-to-hut hiking adventure through Austria's serene Nockberge mountains, known for their gently rounded peaks and pristine alpine meadows. As one of the most tranquil corners of the Eastern Alps, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protects a 60-million-year-old untouched landscape.

Hiking through these rolling mountains provides a refreshing contrast to the sharper peaks of the neighboring Hohe Tauern and Karawanken ranges.

The Nockberge Trail's charm lies in its varied scenery – starting in the north at Katschberg, the route meanders through alpine pastures, quiet forests, and high-altitude ridges. You'll pass numerous picturesque lakes, including the serene Laußnitzsee and the turquoise beauty of Lake Millstätter See.

This trail is moderate in difficulty, with well-marked paths and a few steeper sections that require surefootedness and good stamina. You may encounter short passages secured with ropes, especially on narrow ridges or during adverse weather.

Still, the well-maintained trails and clear signage ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It's an immersive journey into the heart of the Nockberge, where you can disconnect from the rush of daily life and embrace the peaceful rhythm of alpine nature.

Comfortable accommodations are found along the way, from cozy huts with sun terraces to charming alpine hotels, blending rustic mountain life with the comforts of modern hospitality. The huts provide a chance to sample local food and rest after long hikes.

We provide a range of services to ensure that your experience on the Nockberge Trail is seamless and enjoyable. All accommodations along the route are carefully selected and booked in advance. We also offer detailed maps and GPS navigation to guide you. We can also arrange luggage transfers, allowing you to hike less burdened.

In addition, our customer support ensures that any logistical needs or questions during your journey are addressed promptly, providing peace of mind throughout the trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

The hiking season usually lasts from mid-June to late September. It depends on the snow conditions in the higher sections of the Alps, as lots of hiking routes go over high mountain passes. You should check the current situation if you are visiting in early summer, especially for Stubai High Trail, as large parts of the route run above 2000 meters of elevation.

The huts close their doors once the season ends as well, so you cannot plan any multi-day tours outside this time window.

You can read more about the hiking season in Austria here.

We've rated our tours on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 — with 1 being the easiest and 5 the most difficult.

The difficulty level of a tour tells you how fit you need to be and how much hiking is involved. Most of our tours are appropriate for people who are regularly active and can hike for about five to seven hours per day.

Technical difficulty means how skilled you need to be to hike on the path. Level 1 means the trail is smooth and wide (like a gravel road), while 5 means the surface is uneven and exposed, and you have to use your hands to help yourself move forward. In practice, that means that the higher the level, the more surefooted and skilled in scrambling you need to be.

You should book your tour as soon as possible, as many accommodations along the trail fill up quickly. That way, you can ensure that you have a place to stay.

In case of an injury, it is best to call the local emergency services. You might find yourself in the wilderness, unable to continue without worsening your situation.

Do not worry too much, though. You will be hiking along popular trails, so you will not get stranded even if something happens.

On the other hand, if you feel too tired to continue hiking, you can always stop in any of the towns and villages along the way and use public transport to get to where you want to be in Austria.

Most huts along our hut-to-hut hikes are equipped with showers, but they might be a matter of whether there has been any rainfall lately. Do not expect too much, as mountain huts are not luxurious hotels.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+15

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer · 1 year ago

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Claudia Ossa

Verified customer · 2 years ago

9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all. Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!

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Ann Swainson

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.

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Robert Backlund

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Our Guide Luka was amazing! And the three-day hike was a Memory for life, really beautiful. Cant recommend it enough.

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Rebecca Lawson

Verified customer · 10 months ago

Our 3 day hike had to be rearranged 2/2 weather, so a one day hike was arranged for us. We appreciated the concern about weather and conditions. Our hike was with Matevz, who was a great guide. Very helpful and knowledgable. Would definitely recommend and will be back for a longer hike one day!

Nicole Cocks

Verified customer · 10 months ago

This trip was organized with every detail considered. Our accommodation, most meals and routes were planned each day which is perfect when the region is unknown and you have not completed a multi-day hike before. We had a great time!