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Carnic High Trail

Carnic High Trail — the trail guide

The Carnic High Trail is a 154.5 km trek in Austria, typically walked in 8+ days, with 10607 m of total ascent. It rates Hard on our published rubric (69 m of gain per km, topping out at 2639 m).

The Carnic High Trail traces the frontier ridge between Austria and Italy through the lesser-known Carnic Alps. WWI history, spectacular geology, and traditional alpine culture distinguish this quieter alternative to better-known routes. The trail passes numerous mountain huts and offers extensive views south to the Dolomites.

Quick facts

Distance154.5 km
Total ascent10607 m
Typical duration8+ days
Difficulty (computed)Hard
Steepness69 m gain per km
High point2639 m
CountryAustria
RegionAustria

Difficulty is computed from gain-per-km and maximum altitude on a published rubric, identically for every trail in the catalogue — so an "Hard" here means the same thing everywhere on DirtbagMaps.

Elevation profile

Low point 648 m · high point 2639 m · 10607 m total ascent over 154.5 km.

Historical climate normals — month by month

ERA5 reanalysis averages (2015–2024) for the trail area, referenced to approximately 2045 m elevation. These are gridded historical estimates, not observations from every stage and not a forecast. They cannot show current snowpack, river levels, fire restrictions, closures or whether a pass is safe.

MonthAvg highAvg lowAvg precip
Jan-4°-14°56 mm
Feb-2°-11°62 mm
Mar-9°66 mm
Apr-6°88 mm
May-2°137 mm
Jun15°127 mm
Jul17°137 mm
Aug16°136 mm
Sep12°100 mm
Oct-2°109 mm
Nov-8°109 mm
Dec-3°-12°89 mm

Planning notes

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Carnic High Trail?

The Carnic High Trail is 154.5 km, and most hikers complete it in 8+ days. Total elevation gain is 10607 m.

How difficult is the Carnic High Trail?

It rates Hard on DirtbagMaps' computed rubric: 69 m of climbing per km walked with a high point of 2639 m. The rubric classifies every trail from gain-per-km and maximum altitude, so ratings are comparable across the whole catalogue.

Can this climate table tell me when the Carnic High Trail is open or safe?

No. The table contains historical ERA5 averages, not a forecast or a report of snow, flooding, fire, closures or route condition. Check the responsible land manager and a current local forecast before departure.

Where is the Carnic High Trail?

In Austria. The route starts near 46.716, 12.362 — the interactive 3D map above shows the full line, and the planner splits it into daily stages.

Can I get the GPX and plan daily stages?

Yes. Open the trail in the DirtbagMaps planner to drag the elevation profile into daily stages, see huts and accommodation along the corridor, and export a per-day GPX for your watch or GPS.

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