Trekking The Karnischer Höhenweg

This guidebook describes the Karnischer Höhenweg, a 169km long-distance walk through the beautiful Carnic Alps which straddle the border between Austria and Italy. Following a high Alpine trail along the main ridge, the route is clearly waymarked and requires a reasonable level of fitness, a sense of adventure and a head for heights, but no special equipment or technical expertise. It can be walked between mid-July and the end of September and takes up to a fortnight, though it is possible to devise shorter itineraries taking in the highlights.

The guide describes the full route of the Karnischer Höhenweg from Arnbach, near Sillian, to Arnoldstein, near Villach, and includes plenty of practical information to help you prepare for the walk. Each stage features comprehensive route description, clear mapping and fascinating insights into the history of the 'war in the mountains' plus other local points of interest. Accommodation listings and other useful contacts can be found in the appendices.

Also known as the Friedensweg ('Peace Trail'), the route follows the First World War front line, and reminders of the conflict are everywhere. But the trail isn't just rich in historical interest: this is Alpine ridge-walking at its best, boasting spectacular mountain vistas and views of the Dolomites, Hohe Tauern and Julian Alps. The guide covers two key variants of the trail, one on the Austrian side of the border, the other on the Italian side. Also included is an optional ascent of Monte Coglians, the highest peak in the Carnic Alps, and a visit to the open-air museum at the Plöckenpass.

John Hayes

John Hayes is a retired management consultant with degrees from Liverpool University and University College London. Immediately after finishing work in 2011 he embarked on an epic 5,000km trek across Europe, walking from Tarifa in Spain to Budapest. The veteran of numerous long treks in the Alps, Spain and the Himalayas, John has written for numerous walking and trekking magazines. John first walked the GR1 in early 2013 and has made two return trips. When exploring new routes in Spain John enjoys the advice and support of Juan Holgado, whose website JuanHolgado.com is one of best known local sources on Spanish walking.