On old paths through Carinthia — Austria’s Salt Trail
Hiking Collection by Valerie
7
days
2-10 h
/ day
90.1 mi
21,375 ft
22,125 ft
Carinthia, the southern side of the Alps, has many beautiful facets. Whatever you like to do – be it climbing, golfing, swimming or hiking – you’ll find it in this small Austrian province. Its cities are full to the brim with culture, old architecture and, of course, beer. In this Collection, I introduce you to its hiking potential. We're off to tackle the Carinthian part of the Salt Trail.
On old paths that were important in Roman times – especially for transporting salt – the Salt Trail leads through the mountainous side of Styria. Opened in 1983, the entire long-distance trail now runs from the Mühlviertel in Upper Austria to the Wurzen Pass on the border with Slovenia, in other words: right across Austria.
In this Collection, I take you across the section that leads through Carinthia. Starting in colourful Murau, you hike seven stages via Flattnitz, the Turracher Höhe, Wiedweg and Arriach to Villach, then via Erlendorf and Neuhaus to the end point at Arnoldstein. You can follow my suggested stages or choose your own. Just remember, proper planning is the be-all and end-all for these kind of long-distance trails!
At the end of each stage you can spend the night in a hut or in a village – in either case, I recommend you secure your bed in advance. Murau, the starting point, can be easily reached by public transport, while end-point Arnoldstein has a train station with various connections.
As mentioned, this is only the Carinthian section of the Salt Trail. The complete long-distance trail also leads through the two federal states of Upper Austria and Styria. If you want to find out more and maybe even walk the entire trail, check out these two Collections: komoot.com/collection/1807563 and komoot.com/collection/1804191.
On The Map
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Last updated: November 29, 2022
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Tours
- 02:102.93 mi1.3 mph2,525 ft0 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Carinthian part of the Salzsteigweg starts in Murau and leads you from there up to the Murauer Hütte, a possible overnight accommodation. This is actually just a kind of intermediate stage. If you are one of the really ambitious long-distance hikers, you can of course continue to Flattnitz.
Arrived…
by Valerie
- 10:3118.2 mi1.7 mph3,775 ft4,375 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Stage 2 of the Carinthian Salzsteigweg has many kilometers and at least as much beautiful nature, magical views and great hiking trails in store for you. Because, depending on your condition, it will require you to hike for more than ten hours and you will not find any places to stop for refreshments…
by Valerie
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- 07:2012.1 mi1.7 mph3,550 ft2,350 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Stage 3 of the Carinthian Salzsteigweg section is not for weak "calfs": From Flattnitz you march almost 20 kilometers to the Turracherhöhe, a picturesque spot that fascinates many visitors. All the better that there are a few more lonely peaks waiting on the way...
Starting from Flattnitz, first follow…
by Valerie
- 10:2416.1 mi1.5 mph4,250 ft6,575 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
On stage 4 of the Carinthian Salzsteigweg some wonderful natural scenes await you again: It goes deep into the Nockberge National Park and you force some proud peaks again. You master a total of 25 kilometers on your way to Wiedweg.
Starting from the Turracherhöhe you leave the picturesque lake behind…
by Valerie
- 07:4814.4 mi1.8 mph3,400 ft4,075 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Stage 5 of the Carinthian Salzsteigweg demands a lot from you: On the way to the Wöllaner Nock and on to your destination Arriach, you cover a total of over 1,000 meters in altitude and 23 kilometers. If you don't want to do that, you can spend the night in a hut on the way.
The tour starts in Wiedweg…
by Valerie
- 08:2615.9 mi1.9 mph3,375 ft4,475 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Stage 6 of the Carinthian Salzsteigweg is again long at over 25 kilometers, but definitely doable. It goes up from Arriach to an altitude of 1,600 meters and then down again to the lively town of Villach.
You start in Arriach and walk from there down into the valley. After a short stretch along the main…
by Valerie
- 04:2210.4 mi2.4 mph500 ft275 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The final stage of the Carinthian part and the entire long-distance trail 09 leads from Villach to Arnoldstein. It no longer goes high, but rather comfortably there. And you can also sniff a little history along the way.
You start your hike by making your way out of Villach. Soon you will leave the last…
by Valerie
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Collection Stats
- Tours7
- Distance90.1 mi
- Duration51:01 h
- Elevation21,375 ft22,125 ft
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