Peace Trail between Italy & Austria Northern Italy Italy The Karnische Höhenweg, KHW 403 for short, is a unique experience for hikers, geologists and nature lovers. Again and again you pass small and large lakes, whereby the Wolyaersee with its crystal-clear water clearly stands out. On the last stage, you can enjoy incomparable views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The easy hike runs along well-marked mountain and hiking trails. The tour is suitable for everyone with a good basic condition. Climbing skills are not necessary. Walking Tour Meeting: Villach Airport: Ljubljana Transfer: Riders: Min 2 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Because this is a self-guided trip, participants are expected to arrive independently to their hotel in Villach.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival in Villach
Individual arrival at the hotel in Villach.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Villach

Day 2: Nassfeld to Straniger Alm
In the morning take public transit from Villach to Tröpolach (fare included). From there, you take the cable car to the starting point of the stage (fare included). Along the Carnic High Trail you will hike up to the Nassfeld Pass and past variours larger and smaller lakes. Fields of alpine roses, wet meadows with cottongrass and numerous orchid species, as well as many steams characterise the landscape.
Enjoy the excellent cheese specialities for which this region is famous and which are produced in the many alpine cheese dairies.
At the end of the stage, a transfer takes you from the Straniger Alm to Kötschach Mauthen.
Ascent: approx. 460 m / descent: approx. 860 m / approx. 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Kötschach Mauthen

Day 3: Hike to Collina
Public transport will take you to the starting point at the Plöckenpass or Kreuztratte (ticket not included). There are two different variant you can choose from.
The first variant takes you to the Rifugio Marinelli, with a view of the Monte Crostis and Monte Pezzacul and then to Collina.
With the second variant, you climb via the Carinthian border trail to the Valentin Törl and then continue to the deep blue Wolayer See and Woyaler Pass and then descend to Collina.
At the end of the stage a public bus will take you to Forni Avoltri.
Ascent: approx. 850 m / descent: approx. 850 m / approx. 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Forni Avoltri

Day 4: Forni Avoltri to Sappada
Starting from Forni Avoltri, you walk through forests past Colle degli Scoiattoli and Monte Geu. The view over the valley down to the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. Continue hiking to the Rifugio Monte Siera, which invites you to a well-deserved stop for refreshments, and then to Sappada.
In the easier variant, you hike past the Casera Tuglia below the Colle degli Scoiattoli to Cima Sappada and then to Sappada.
Ascent: approx. 950 m / descent: approx. 850 m / approx. 6.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sappada 

Day 5: Sappada to Val Visende
It is possible to shorten the first 400 metres of the ascent with the chairlift from Sappada (ticket not included).
You hike along the magnificent Laghi d'Olbe. The surroundings of the lakes belong to the most charming mountain areas of the Carnic Alps. From the Passo del Mulo you will enjoy the magnificent view of the mighty rock castles of Hochweißstein, Monte Chiadenis and M. Avanza. Via the Forcella del Franza you will hike through the beautiful high valley of Val Popera and then leisurely along forest paths to Val Visdende, the ending point of this stage.
As an alternative, you can hike over the Sorgenti del Piave. This is the source of the Piave River.
Ascent: approx. 1150 m / descent: approx. 750 m / approx. 6 hours
Variant: ascent approx. 820 m / descent approx. 720 m / approx. 5.5 to 6.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Val Visdende

Day 6: Val Visende to Val Digon
Hike through woods and flower meadows from Val Visdende slightly below the actual high trail to the Passo Palombino and then on to Sega Digon. This untouched valley in the Dolomites is a natural oasis, which has been spared from mass tourism. At the end of the stage you take the public bus to Padola (ticket not included).
Ascent: approx. 920 m / descent: approx. 980 m / approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Padola

Day 7: Kreuzberg Pass to Helm
In the morning, you will take the public bus from Padola to the Kreuzberg Pass (ticket not included). You will pass the Klammbachalm and the Sillianer Hütte. Without noticing it, you cross the border to Austria and hike back to Italy. With a view of the famous Sesto sundial, the Dolomite peaks towering high above Sexten peaks Neuner, Zehner (Sextner Rotwand), Elfer, Zwölfer and Einser, you hike along the Carnic ridge.
Take the cable car from Helm to Vierschach (ticket incl.). There you will take the train to Sillian (ticket not incl.).
Ascent: approx. 890 m / descent: approx. 470 m / approx. 5 to 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sillian

Day 8: Departure
Individual departure or possibility to extend your stay.

                                                Padola area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	32	37	45	52	61	68	72	70	63	53	41	32
Average Low Temperature (°F)	18	20	27	33	41	47	51	50	44	37	27	20
Average High Temperature (°C)	0	3	7	11	16	20	22	21	17	12	5	0
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-8	-7	-3	1	5	8	10	10	7	3	-3	-7
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	3	2	4	5	8	10	10	10	6	4	3	4

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Winter is usually quite long with snowfalls from November to April. The lowest temperatures are normally registered from the end of December to the beginning of January. 
Summer on the other hand is generally short, but sunny, without excluding the odd afternoon rain shower. 
Spring and Autumn usually have mild and pleasant temperatures.

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Accommodations
During this trip, nights are spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodations in 3 star hotels as well as 1 overnight in a mountain guesthouse (Val Visdende), all offering private bedrooms with ensuite facilities.

Local tax
Some cities charge a tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels.
This fee varies depending on the hotel category, the season and the number of days of stay. It is usually between 1 and 5 € per person per night.


Meals
All breakfasts are included.

Tack:		--
Horses:		--
Pace:		--
Level:		(2 out of 5)    Easy to Moderate
Age:		Min 14
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

(a) Italy is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. (b) The regulations stated below also apply to San Marino and the Vatican City.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.