Hike the Alpe Adria Trail: A European adventure awaits
The Alpe Adria Trail stands as one of Europe’s most spectacular hiking experiences, stretching approximately 750 km through the enchanting landscapes of Friuli-Venezia, Slovenia, and Carinthia. Our circular route begins and ends in the picturesque town of Tarvisio, offering a truly international adventure through Austria, Italy, and Slovenia.
Key Highlights:
- Diverse landscapes: This Alpine hiking holiday is a captivating journey filled with a variety of landscapes, landmarks, and activities. Whether you’re seeking the beauty of Austrian hiking or exploring Italian trails, this mammoth trail caters to all hikers. From Tarvisio to the charming settlement of Valbruna, and back to Tarvisio, you’ll encounter stunning scenery, including mountains, pastures, and meadows.
- Accessible for all: The Alpe Adria Trail is perfect for hikers of all abilities, making it a welcoming path for those seeking adventure. It offers not only breathtaking views but also a rich cultural and heritage experience.
- Cultural fusion: Tarvisio, nestled between the Carnic Alps and Karawanks ranges, is a picturesque village with a unique blend of Germanic and Slavic influences. Formerly part of Austria, it now embodies a distinct Germanic charm within an Italian setting. The region’s architecture, activities, and ambiance reflect this rich cultural fusion.
Alpine huts are a prominent feature of this trail, offering cozy evenings by roaring fireplaces and a culinary journey blending Italian and Austrian flavors. For those who fall in love with the area, extending your stay in Tarvisio is always an option.
If you’re in search of a moderately challenging hiking holiday in the Alps that promises diverse landscapes, cultural fusion, and memorable experiences, the Alpe Adria Trail is an unrivaled choice.
Arrival & Departure
Included Services
- Breakfast all days + 4 dinners*
- Service hotline
- Hiking maps
- Double room**
- Flight
- Travel insurance
- Luggage transfer (optional)
What to bring
Equipment and clothing to bring for Alpine hikes and runs
We’ve compiled a list of essential items you’ll need to take on your adventure in the Great Outdoors. While each trip has its own minimum requirements, we have split the list into “need-to-have” and “nice-to-haves”.
Need to have:
Lightweight, waterproof shell
Sunscreen with a high factor
Smartphone with a relevant trip app and a WhatsApp and code number for your local representative
Survival blanket
Thin hat, cap, and thin gloves (merino or similar)
Daypack for hiking (tours with luggage transport)
Duffel bag or similar (trips with luggage transport) — DO NOT pack in suitcases.
30 L rucksack on trips up to six days (without luggage transport)
40 L rucksack on trips of more than six days (without luggage transport)
Quick-drying inner layer
Shorts (quick drying)
Technical t-shirt (quick drying)
Fleece sweater for cool evenings
A pair of comfortable jogging bottoms or similar for the cabins
Good mountain shoes — trail running shoes or hiking boots
Light towel
Water bottle (1.5 L)
A pair of thick socks or light slippers (you can often borrow a pair in the cabins)
Sunglasses
A few energy bars, fruits or similar snacks for the trip
Sheet liner — can also be purchased on-site (only if you are staying in a dormitory)
Small first aid kit
Comped or similar
Sleeping bag (on selected tours)
Nice to have:
Walking poles
Power bank
Chocolate
Sandals for the cabins
Plastic bags to keep things dry
FAQ
What is your refund and cancellation policy?
If you cancel your tour 60 days or more before the departure date, you will lose your deposit. If you cancel your tour between 60 and 45 days before the departure date, you will lose 50 per cent of the total tour price. If you cancel your tour within 45 days of the departure date, you will lose the full amount. If you fail to turn up on the first day of your tour, Outdoor Italy may not be able to make arrangements for you to join the rest of the tour, and you will lose the full payment. If, for any reason, Outdoor Italy has to cancel your tour, you will be offered an alternative tour or a full refund.
How do I book my tour?
You can book your tour directly on the Outdoor Italy website. Choose the tour from the dropdown menu, select the date you would like to start, and the number of participants in your group. You can either pay a deposit (60 days or more from the start of your tour) or pay the full amount. Click ‘book’ and follow the instructions. Once we have confirmed your payment, you’ll receive your confirmed tour itinerary within 10 days. There may be seasonal variations in the time it takes us to arrange everything. Please note that programmes on the tour pages are only examples — there may be several differences in the final programme you receive.
How do I pay for my tour?
When booking your tour, you can choose to pay by credit/debit card or direct bank transfer. Direct bank transfers will generally take longer to process, while credit and debit card payments are processed instantly. You are, by default, asked to pay a deposit of 25% of the total cost of the tour. If you choose this option, you will be asked to pay the remaining 75% one month before your tour. Please be sure to follow the payment links you receive in your invoice or reminder email, which we will send you when the second payment is due.
Do I get my own room?
This depends on the individual tour and when you book it. When hiking in the Alps, most people stay in dorms or shared rooms as the availability of single, double and family rooms are limited. We can only guarantee your own room on certain tours such as in the Lys and Ayas Valleys — but only if you book in time. If this is your preference, we will do our best to ensure you get your own room, but please expect to spend some nights in shared accommodation if there is limited availability.
Is baggage transfer included with all your Alpine tours?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer this service with all our packages. Often, the huts or hotels we work with are in locations that can only be reached by foot or helicopter. Indeed, when choosing a tour that includes baggage transport, there may be one or two exceptions depending on the route. This will appear clearly on the tour page and in the program you receive when your booking has been confirmed.
How many days do your tours last?
All our tours include the day of arrival and the day of departure. This means that a six-day tour will include five nights of accommodation, a seven-day tour will include six nights, and so on. On the first day, guests are usually expected to arrive in the afternoon. And the program does not include any activities except for a briefing by our representative on the first evening. On the day of departure, guests are free to decide if they want to leave directly after breakfast or go on a shorter tour before their journey home.
What meals are included in your Alpine adventure tours?
Most of our tours will include Half Board (HB) services, which means breakfast, a three-course dinner, and a light-packed lunch. Please check the individual tour page for details, however, as variations occur with certain tours.
What is a self-guided tour?
We specialize in self-guided tours. These tours are designed for travelers who love the independence of hiking, skiing, or running on their own but want to know that everything else is taken care of. In some cases, we are able to offer luggage transport to lighten your load as you enjoy the Great Outdoors.
Do you offer group tours?
Whether you’re already a group of friends, business colleagues or a sports club looking for an active mountain adventure, we can design and organize your Alpine tour for you. We also offer guided group tours for individual participants on fixed dates.
Can you create a tour just for me and my friends?
Yes, absolutely! Outdoor Italy can design the perfect mountain adventure for you and your friends or colleagues. Whether you want to hike, ski, run, cycle or climb, we have the expertise and experience needed to create a bespoke package for any level of experience or physicality. Please contact us if you would like us to create a customized package for your group.
Are your outdoor adventure tours family-friendly?
There are few better ways to spend time with your children than with an active holiday in the mountains. Sharing a mountain adventure with your child is a memory that will last a lifetime. We try to design child-friendly variations (marked ‘family’) of all our Alpine tours. Children can hike, ski or bike a lot longer than you might expect, as long as you make it entertaining for them. However, they will respond instantly to the way you behave, so please consider whether you are able to create a safe environment for your children when faced with the many different challenges of an alpine environment.
Do you offer discounts for children?
Yes, we are able to offer a discount for children on most of our tours, provided they are not yet 13 years of age on the first day of the tour. Please see the individual tour page for our child discounts.
Can I travel on my own?
Many single travellers chose Outdoor Italy due to our high level of service and our expertise in self-guided mountain tours. And the safety of one of our representatives will only ever be just a phone call away. However, please expect additional costs, as our prices are based on two persons — the industry standard for outdoor tours of this nature. Private rooms and other services are often more expensive for individual travellers. You can find information about any additional costs for individual travellers on the tour page.
Will I manage?
We are all different. Some of our clients are 70+ and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others may be twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental ability of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for level of physicality, which you can learn more about here. You are of course welcome to call us and we will do our best to advice you. Find your level of physicality here (link to Find your level page).
What if I get lost?
Our local partners know every square inch of this beautiful Alpine region. During the introductory briefing, you will receive an app, physical maps and a phone number to call if you need advice. In some cases, you’ll be able to forward your location to a local guide with the press of a button. This may prove helpful if you become lost.
Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend that you speak to your insurance provider to ensure your existing policy covers mountain-based activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Please note that any costs relating to emergency situations and the potential need for evacuation are the sole responsibility of the client.
Will I be able to cope with the physical challenge?
We are all different. Some of our clients are more than 70 years old and have lived an active lifestyle all their life. Others are twenty years younger and have barely left their office chair. It is very difficult to judge the physical and mental capabilities of a person on the basis of a phone conversation. If you are in doubt, each tour is rated for the level of physicality involved, which you can learn more about on our Find Your Level page. You are, of course, welcome to call us, and we will do our best to advise you.
Can I bring my dog?
Enjoying the mountains with your best friend can be a joyful experience, which is why we try to make our tours dog friendly wherever possible. Unfortunately, it is not always possible due to local rules. Selected tours are marked ‘Dog Friendly’ on the tour page. This means that your dog can stay with you in your private room or, in a few cases, the hut will have a separate or external room for dogs. Please refer to the individual tour page for more information.
This tour is based on a minimum of two participants. Only the services mentioned above are included in the price. *One night in shared rooms. *Luggage transfer covers a group of 4 people and only one participant has to add this service.
The Alpe Adria Trail offers a stunning 750 km circular hiking adventure through Austria, Italy, and Slovenia, starting and ending in Tarvisio. With diverse landscapes, it accommodates hikers of all abilities and provides a cultural fusion of Germanic and Slavic influences in the charming village of Tarvisio.
Data:
Length: 128.2
Duration: 45.5 hours
H+: 5425 m
H-: 5397 m
Level: Medium
Tarvisio
This exciting Alpine walking vacation begins in the charming town of Tarvisio. Nestled in the hills of Northern Italy, the settlement boasts the very best of Italian and Austrian culture and cuisine. Red-roofed cottages and the odd church spire dominate the picturesque skyline, and the way of life is rooted in centuries of history. Make no mistake; this is a beautiful place to begin the Alpe Adria Trail.
Make your own way to Tarvision by car or train, and make your way to your accommodation — usually a quaint, family-run B&B. We’ll provide you with a detailed itinerary and all the necessary information you need to get started.
Tarvisio – Rifugio Zacchi
After a hearty breakfast in Tarvisio, the first full day of Alpine hiking begins with an interesting walk through lusciously green pastures and meadows. We’ll stick to the paths as we wind our way through the region on our way to Rifugio Zacchi.
Our accommodation for the night is a newly renovated mountain hut, which offers all the trappings of modern living. Located at an altitude of more than 1300 metres, this quaint lodge offers great views of the Giulian Alps. There’s also a traditional room service hearty, family recipes, mountain dishes and Friulian delicacies.
- 18.5 km
- 982 m
- 353 m
- 7 hours
Zacchi – Kranjska Gora
Following a classic Italian breakfast, we set off for another challenging day of Alpine walking. This leg takes us further up into the Alpine mountains, where we’ll pass by swathes of forestland, mountainous vistas and glacial lakes.
This leg involves a relatively challenging route of approximately 20 km. But the reward for completing it is a night in the picturesque Alpine skiing resort of Kranjska Gora. Your accommodation for the evening will be a premium resort hotel — hosting Alpine walking enthusiasts rather than skiers at this time of year.
- 16.2 km
- 618 m
- 1187 m
- 7 hours
Kranjska Gora – Baumgartnerhohe
Day 4 takes us on a mostly downhill Alpine hiking trail that, once again, offers some spectacular views of pastures, valleys, mountainous backdrops and glacial lakes. There’ll be plenty of photo opportunities, so don’t forget to pack your camera!
Your reward for a long day of Alpine walking is a night in the charming settlement of Baumgartnerhohe. Located around 900 m above sea level, it offers views across the Karawanken mountains, Carinthia, Lake Faaker See and Finkenstein Castle. A family-run hotel serving local cuisine will be your home for the evening.
- 21.4 km
- 1212 m
- 1090 m
- 8.5 hours
Baumgartnerhof – Villach Warmbad
Another day of spectacular vistas, cultural landmarks and challenging walking awaits you on this leg of your Alpine hiking holiday. You’ll wind your way along the paths of the Alpe Adria Trail until you reach the thermal spa resort of Villach Warmbad — located in the city of Villach.
People have been travelling to this part of the world for centuries — drawn to the area by the thermal waters that are said to possess healing qualities. After an arduous day of Alpine walking, you’ll probably be ready for a little relaxation. And there’s no better way to relax in this part of the world than with an hour in one of the natural spas. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Italian cuisine, too.
- 15.1 km
- 75 m
- 494 m
- 4.5 hours
Villach – Nötsch
Day 6 of this historic Alpine walking route takes you across the border and into another country — Austria. You’ll get to walk through yet another selection of beautiful landscapes along the way. And there’ll be plenty of opportunities to investigate the many landmarks and architectural gems in the area along the way.
They say that Feistritz an der Gail in Nötsch is where the Alps meet the Mediterranean. And that’s because there are influences from both Italian and Austrian cultures sharing the same streets. Once you’ve settled into your hotel for the evening, the rest of the day is yours. Wander the pretty streets of the town or enjoy a few well-earned drinks as you watch the world go by — the choice is yours.
- 19.9 km
- 222 m
- 157 m
- 6 hours
Nötsch – Valbruna
The final full day of your hiking holiday in the Alps takes you from Nötsch to the charming settlement of Valbruna. Once again, Alpine views will be the backdrop for your adventure. Think The Sound of Music, and you’ll know what to expect in terms of vistas and experiences.
Valbruna is a stunning village that encapsulates the essence of Austrian architecture. Characterised by its white cottages and red-roofed architecture, this hidden gem is the perfect place to spend the final night of your Alpine walking vacation.
- 23.4 km
- 1321 m
- 1055 m
- 7.5 hours
Valbruna – Tarvisio
Our final day involves a relatively short walk back to the place where it all started — Tarvisio. If you want a little extra time to explore the town and the surrounding areas of outstanding natural beauty, talk to us about a few extra nights in your accommodation.
- 13.7 km
- 995 m
- 1061 m
- 5 hours
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