CARNIC CROSSING – A HIGH-LEVEL TREKKING ROUTE between Italy and Austria
Town/city Paluzza, Forni Avoltri, Tolmezzo, Sappada
Description: CARNIC CROSSING – High-Altitude Trekking – First Part
Description: CARNIC CROSSING – High-Altitude Trekking – First Part
The entire route extends approximately 180 km, starting from San Candido and ending in Coccau on the Italian side. Beyond the stunning natural landscapes, this trek is also a historical journey. During World War I (1915-18), this border area was fiercely contested by two armies, and hikers can still explore trenches, forts, military posts, and caves carved into the rock.
The Carnic Crossing is suitable for all trekking enthusiasts. Our itinerary focuses on the less demanding section, ideal for experienced and well-trained hikers accustomed to multi-day mountain treks, moderate elevation gains, and challenging alpine terrain. A sure-footed step and good physical fitness are essential.
An adventure off the beaten path, perfect for fit and curious hikers.
Included Services:
Accommodation in mountain huts (half-board service)
Private transfer from Passo Monte Croce Carnico to Tolmezzo
GPS maps of the routes
Daily Departures – From June to September
Minimum 2 participants
PROGRAM:
1st day
Arrival in CARNIA
Arrival in Tolmezzo – Gateway to Carnia & Alpine City of the Year 2017
Individual arrival in Tolmezzo, the capital of Carnia and awarded Alpine City of the Year 2017.
Enjoy free time to explore the historic center, which preserves traces of 15th-century urban design, especially in the “Borgat” district, featuring:
Porta di Sotto,
The Church of Santa Caterina,
Casa Janesi,
The Cathedral of San Martino, overlooking Piazza XX Settembre.
Recommended visit: The Carnic Museum of Popular Arts, housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Campeis, one of the most important ethnographic museums in Europe.
Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Tolmezzo or nearby.
Dinner at your leisure.
Overnight stay in the hotel.
2nd day
TOLMEZZO – SESTO | Start of the Carnic Crossing
Day 1: TOLMEZZO – SESTO – Start of the Carnic Crossing
Breakfast at the hotel.
Public bus transfer from Tolmezzo to Sesto.
Cable car ascent to Monte Elmo (2,040 m).
Trekking begins at 2,040 m, following the trail to Sillianer Hütte (2,447 m), which offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Route details:
Distance: 5 km
Elevation gain: +400 m | Elevation loss: -30 m
Duration: ~2 hours
Difficulty level: Hiking (E – Escursionistic)
Dinner and overnight stay at Sillianer Hütte.
3rd day
From the Sillianer Hütte refuge to the Obstansersee Hütte refuge.
Departure from Sillianer Hütte following trail 403 (which follows the Austrian side route, known as Karnischer Höhenweg).
Passing below Monte Arnese, the trail ascends Cima di Pontegrotta (2,581 m) and Montagna del Ferro (2,592 m), with some exposed sections.
Arrival at Obstansersee Hütte (2,304 m).
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: +370 m / Elevation loss: -450 m
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty level: Expert Hiker (EE)
Includes breakfast, dinner, and overnight stay in a mountain hut.
4th day
From obstansersee Hütte to Kranischer Höhenweg
Departure from Obstansersee Hütte following trail 403 along the Karnischer Höhenweg on the Austrian side.
The route crosses high-altitude terrain with panoramic views, passing through alpine meadows and rocky sections. The trail includes some exposed areas and technical stretches requiring sure-footedness and experience.
Arrival at Porze Hütte (1,942 m).
Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: +650 m / Elevation loss: -1,000 m
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty level: Expert Hiker (EE)
Includes breakfast, dinner, and overnight stay in a mountain hut.
5th day
from the PORZE HUTTE hut to the SORGENTI DEL PIAVE hut
Today is the most demanding day of trekking but rewarded by the beautiful landscape of the Val Visdende.
Departure from the Porze Hutte and route in Italy from the Forcella Dignas along the “road of the mountain pastures” with arrival at Casera Antola and finally to the Rifugio Sorgenti del Piave at mt. 1830.
KM. 24 – DIFFERENCE in altitude climb mt. 790 / descent mt. 910 – HOURS 8 and 30 minutes – Level EXPERT HIKING (EE)
Breakfast, dinner and overnight in REFUGE
6th day
from the SORGENTI DEL PIAVE refuge to the WOLAYER HUTTE refuge
Departure from the Rifugio Sorgenti del Piave, going up to Passo Sesis, mt. 2367 and then crossing the beautiful Fleons and the natural oasis of Bordaglia you reach the Giramondo Pass, mt. 2005, reaching WOlayersee hutte mt. 1960
KM. 18 – DIFFERENCE in altitude climb mt. 1270 / descent 1150 – 8-H
EXPERT LEVEL (EE)
Breakfast, dinner and overnight in REFUGE
7th day
from the WOLAYERSEE HUTTE to the PASSO MONTE CROCE CARNICO
Departure from the Wolayersee hutte and through the path 403 on the Austrian side you arrive at the Passo di Monte Croce Carnico, mt. 1300
Private transfer to Tolmezzo
KM. 10 – ALTITUDE climb mt. 360/ descent 950 – 4 hours –
EXPERT LEVEL (EE)
From |
To |
Facility |
Nights |
Price |
15/06/2026 |
15/10/2026 |
rifugi |
6 |
€595 |
- Accommodation: 1st night: Double room in a 3-star hotel in Tolmezzo, including bed & breakfast.
- Mountain huts (Italian & Austrian sections): Shared dormitory-style rooms with half-board service (dinner & breakfast).
- Transportation: Public bus from Tolmezzo to Sesto / Private transfer from Passo di Monte Croce Carnico to Tolmezzo at the end of the trek.
Additional Services:
- GPS tracks of the entire route.
- Medical & baggage insurance.
- Taxes and service fees included.
- 24/7 assistance via helpline.
The price doesn't include:
- All other meals and drinks, tourist tax, tips, personal expenses and anything not specifically included
Supplements:
- All other meals and drinks, tourist tax, tips, personal expenses and anything not specifically included
Cancel penality:
- NO PENALTY up to 21 days BEFORE
- 30% of the partecipation fee from 20 to 15 days before
- 50% of the partecipation fee for cancellations from 14 to 4 days before
- 80% of the partecipation fee for cancellations up to 2 days before
- 100% No refund after this deadline
Terms of payment
- 30% of the fee upon booking * balance within 15 days before departure
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