Beyond the Peaks: The Complete Carnic Crossing between Italy and Austria with a Guide
Town/city
Description: The Carnic Traverse, or "Way of Peace," is a high-altitude trail above 2,000 meters that runs along the mountain ridge of the CARNIC ALPS on the border between Italy and Austria, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the landscape: rugged rocky mountains, wide valleys, bucolic alpine lakes, and green fir and larch forests.
Description: The Carnic Traverse, or "Way of Peace," is a high-altitude trail above 2,000 meters that runs along the mountain ridge of the CARNIC ALPS on the border between Italy and Austria, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the landscape: rugged rocky mountains, wide valleys, bucolic alpine lakes, and green fir and larch forests.
We planned the entire route along the less challenging part of the trail from Sesto to Camporosso for approximately 150 km with our own medium mountain guide .
It is suitable for all trekking enthusiasts, accustomed to walking on mountain trails for several days at a time, with a sure footing and good physical and athletic preparation. The stages have been divided evenly based on the available refuges, with some challenging days featuring elevation changes.
Entire route – from July 25th to August 6th 2026
or the crossing can be divided into two parts
1st section – from 25 to 30 July 2026
2nd section – from July 31st to August 6th 2026
AMM GUIDE and Mountain Leader
STAY in a REFUGE in rooms with shared facilities
HALF BOARD service
Private transfers at the end of the route
minimum 8 people
Detailed program
DAY 1
The Start of the Challenge: From Sesto to the Obstansersee Refuge along the Border Ridge
Meet your guide at the Tolmezzo bus station and depart on the scheduled service to SESTO (with a change in Santo Stefano di Cadore). Arrival around 9:30 a.m. Cable car ride (approximately every 10 minutes) to the Monte Elmo station (2040 m).
START OF THE CARNI CROSSING 1st stage * Sesto / Obstanser see hütte – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
The trek begins at 2,040 m, where the cable car arrives, and climbs towards the Sillianer Hütte refuge (2,447 m), from which you can admire a splendid panorama of the Ampezzo peaks, following path 403 ( the route on the Austrian side , called the Karnischer Hohenweg ) . You pass beneath Monte Arnese , Cima di Pontegrotta, and Montagna del Ferro until you reach Lake Obstanser, where the refuge is located at 2,304 m.
ROUTE KM. 13.00 – 5 HOURS and 30 MINUTES - Ascent height difference 750 m – Descent height difference 450 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room with a maximum of 13 beds and shared facilities at OBSTANSER SEE HÜTTE
2nd DAY
In the Shadow of Mount Palombino: High-Altitude Crossing to the Porze Refuge
2nd stage * Obstanser see hütte / Porze hutte – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast , we set off from the refuge along the Karnischer Hohenweg , climbing the Forcella del Cavallino at 2,453 m and then up to the Filmoor refuge at 2,350 m. Through a landscape dotted with small lakes, we pass beneath Monte Palombino and, after a climb, we reach the welcoming Porze Hutte refuge at 1,942 m , from which we can enjoy a magnificent panorama.
A challenging but REWARDING stage!!
ROUTE 13 KM – 6 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES - Elevation gain 880 m – Elevation loss 1200 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room with shared facilities at RIFUGIO PORZE HUTTE
3rd DAY
The Alpine Pasture Road: The Pristine Landscapes of the Wild Visdende Valley
3rd stage * Porze hutte / Malga Antola – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast , we depart from the refuge, climbing to Forcella Dignas at 2,094 meters. We then take the "Strada delle Malghe " (Milk Hut Road) , which winds along a dirt road, crossing the beautiful and wild Val Visdende, at the edge of the forest and beneath the beautiful peaks of the Carnic Alps. We reach various now-abandoned mountain huts until we reach Casera Manzon, which offers a stunning view of the valley and Mount Peralba. We arrive at Malga Antola, located at 1,750 meters.
ROUTE KM. 17.50 – 7 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES - Elevation gain 550 m – Elevation loss 630 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room with shared facilities at MALGA ANTOLA
4th DAY
Panoramic Horizons: The Ascent to the Oregon Pass and the Pier Fortunato Calvi Refuge
4th stage * Malga Antola / Rifugio Pier Fortunato Calvi – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast , we depart from Malga Antola and descend to Malga Chivion. Following trail 403 of the Carnic Traversata , we climb to the Oregone Pass at an altitude of 2,348 meters, always accompanied by beautiful Alpine views, up to the Pier Fortunato Calvi Refuge, located in a panoramic position at 2,164 meters, where the waters of the Piave River spring between Mount Peralba and Mount Chiadenis . A panorama of white rocks , high-altitude meadows , colorful alpine flowers, among which the rhododendron stands out ... a corner of PARADISE also frequented by marmots.
ROUTE 8 KM – 4 HOURS - Elevation gain: 640 m – Elevation loss: 360 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room with shared facilities. At RIFUGIO PIER FORTUNATO CALVI
5th DAY
Beyond the Giramondo Pass: The High-Altitude Spectacle of Lake Volaia
5th stage * CALVI refuge / LAKE VOLAIA – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast, we set off to reach the Sesis Pass and descend along the beautiful and pristine Fleons Valley, rich in pastures and geological landscapes, surrounded by the imposing peaks of Mounts Fleons and Avanza. We pass near the ruins of the high -altitude barracks of Fleons and Sissanis and then climb to the Giramondo Pass , located at 2005 meters , entering Austria . We descend along the steep path 403 to the pastures of the Obere Wolayer Alm and then climb back up to the comfortable Wolayerseehutte refuge at 1960 meters, located on the Austrian side of the picturesque Lake Volai a, in the heart of the Carnic Alps , beneath the peak of Mount Coglians.
ROUTE KM. 16.50 – 7 HOURS and 30 MINUTES - Elevation gain 990 m – Elevation loss 1,180 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room with shared facilities at the WOLAYERSEEHUTTE refuge.
6th DAY
In the Presence of King Coglians: Crossing the Border and Arriving at the Monte Croce Carnico Pass
6th stage * LAKE VOLAIA / PASSO M. CROCE CARNICO – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast , departure for a beautiful stage along the 403 on the Austrian side, along the green Valentin Alm with a spectacular view of the highest peaks of the Carnic Alps: the majestic Monte Coglians and the Cima della Chianevate , arriving at the Passo di Monte Croce Carnico .
ROUTE 10 KM – 5 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES - Elevation gain: 380 m - Elevation loss: 970 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room with shared facilities at HOTEL AL VALICO in Passo Monte Croce Carnico.
The first stretch of the Carnic Crossing can be completed at the Monte Croce Carnico Pass . A comfortable private transfer will take you to Tolmezzo, where this exciting trek ends .
For those taking the second leg of the Carnic Crossing, services begin with dinner at the hotel, which will be reached by private transfer from Tolmezzo.
7th DAY
A Dive into History: The Pal Piccolo Trenches and the Hospitality of Casera Pramosio
7th stage * PASSO M. CROCE CARNICO / CASERA PROMOSIO EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
This morning, after breakfast, we depart from the Monte Croce Carnico Pass , climbing trail 403 toward the southern slope of Pal Piccolo, reaching the fortifications from the Great War (1915-18), where you can visit the trenches, walkways, tunnels, and military shelters: a true journey back in time. We continue toward the Pal Grande Pass, and then, passing beneath the Creta di Timau and Cima Avostanis, we arrive at the alpine lake of the same name . We descend toward Casera Pr o mosio Bassa at 1,521 meters, where the Screm family warmly welcomes their guests.
ROUTE 12 KM – 7 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES - Elevation gain: 1,080 m – Elevation loss: 910 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room with shared facilities at CASERA PROMOSIO
8th DAY
Through the Larch Woods: A Slow and Regenerating Walk to the Fabiani Refuge
8th stage * Casera PRAMOSIO / Rifugio FABIANI – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast, we set off uphill towards the Promosio Pass along path 403 on the Austrian side , among larch trees and high-altitude pastures where the sound of cowbells accompanies this beautiful route. After a pleasant walk, we reach the Fabiani Refuge at 1,539 metres, ideal for RELAXING mind and body and enjoying an afternoon with the friendly owners.
ROUTE 9.50 KM – 4 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES - Elevation gain: 570 m – Elevation loss: 560 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room for 6/7 people with shared facilities at RIFUGIO FABIANI
9th DAY
On the Border Ridges: From Mount Lodin to the Cason di Lanza Meadows
9th stage * FABIANI / CASON di LANZA refuge – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast at the refuge, we set off on a pleasant and peaceful walk through woods and meadows towards Casera Lodin Alta at 1,761 m. Following trail 449 , we reach Casera Valberetad and the forest road that leads to Cason di Lanza at 1,552 m, located in a wide valley between Creta di Lanza and Monte Zermula.
ROUTE 11 KM – 4 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES - Elevation gain: 580 m – Elevation loss: 580 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room for 6/7 people with shared facilities at CASON DI LANZA.
DAY 10
The "Path of Friendship": From the Spectacular Sella di Aip to Passo Pramollo
10th stage * CASON di LANZA / PASSO P R AMOLLO – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast, we first take a forest road to Casera Val Dolce and then, via the "Sentiero dell'Amicizia" (Friendship Trail), through flower-filled meadows, peat bogs , and scree, we reach the spectacular Sella di Aip at 1,941 meters , which offers splendid views of the surrounding mountains, including Creta di Aip.
We continue along the Italian/Austrian border on path 403 to Sella Madrizze at 1,833 meters and descend through a forest and wide plateaus to Passo Pramollo, a winter and summer resort at 1,530 meters.
ROUTE 11 KM – 6 HOURS - Ascent height difference 540 m – Descent height difference 570 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in rooms with private bathrooms at ALBERGO AL GALLO FORCELLO
DAY 11
The Austrian Plateau: Nature, Rural Tradition, and Flavors at Egger Alm
11th stage * PASSO PRAMOLLO / EGGER ALM – EXPERT HIKING LEVEL
This morning, after breakfast , we depart from Passo Pramollo for a beautiful stage following trail 403 of the Carnic Crossing , which initially climbs steeply to the pass and then descends to a man-made lake. We continue at altitude to Sella Chersnizze at 1,542 meters, descending to the beautiful village of Egger Alm at 1,422 meters. A plateau of green pastures nestled in the Carnic Alps, with several mountain huts where farmers produce excellent Alpine cheeses and cured meats, all strictly locally sourced. The IDEAL place for a regenerating stop.
ROUTE 14 KM – 6 HOURS - Ascent height difference 540 m – Descent height difference 650 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room at GASTHAUS ZUM RUDI or EGGER ALM
DAY 12
A Window on the Julian Alps: On the Road to Italy and the Nordio Deffar Refuge
12th stage * EGGER ALM / NORDIO DEFFAR refuge – HIKING LEVEL
In the morning, after breakfast , we set off along trail 403 of the Karnischer Hohenweg , with beautiful views of the High Tauern Mountains and the Julian Alps, reaching the village of Dellacher , a charming place characterized by wide green pastures, immersed in pristine nature. We continue at altitude to the Nordio Deffar refuge at 1,460 m.
ROUTE 13 KM – 6 HOURS - Ascent: 650 m – Descent: 680 m.
Dinner and overnight stay in a shared room for 6/7 people with shared facilities at the Nordio Deffar Refuge in Italy.
DAY 13
The Grand Finish: The Final Descent through Sella Bartolo to Camporosso
1 3rd stage * NORDIO DEFFAR / VAL BARTOLO refuge , end of the CARNIC CROSSING
Today we take the last stage of this wonderful Altavia delle Alpi Carniche route, crossing green fir and larch forests. We first pass by Feistritzer Alm, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the valley below and the surrounding peaks . We then cross flowery meadows and fir woods and arrive at Sella Bartolo, descending to the car park of the same name where the SPECTACULAR CARNIC CROSSING END.
Transfer by car/minivan to Camporosso where the trek ends
ROUTE 8 KM – 7 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES - Elevation gain 430 m – Elevation loss 880 m
The program was designed in collaboration with DANIELE RUSSO, AMM, and Mountain Leader registered with the College of Alpine Guides of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Daniele will be your companion, sharing this wonderful experience with you.
From |
To |
Facility |
Nights |
Price |
26/07/26 |
06/08/26 |
12 |
from €845 |
€845 per person - first leg from 25th to 30th July
€1,030 per person - second leg from 30th July to 6th August
€1,695 per person - entire route from 25th July to 6th August
The price includes:
AMM guide and Mountain Leader accompaniment
Online introductory briefing before departure
Accommodation in refuges/mountain huts as per the program in shared dormitories with use of shared bathrooms
Hotel accommodation in Passo Pramollo in a shared room with private facilities
Half-board service (dinner and breakfast)
Public transport transfer from Tolmezzo to Sesto
Private transfer from Passo M. Croce Carnico to Tolmezzo (first section)
Private transfer from Tolmezzo to Passo M. Croce Carnico (second section)
Private transfer from the Sella Bartolo car park to Camporosso (second section and entire route)
Taxes and service charges
Medical/baggage insurance
Third party liability insurance for drivers
Recovery and rescue insurance provided by the AMM guide (Collegio Guide Alpine)
24/7 telephone support
The price does not include:
Drinks, other meals, the Sesto/Monte Elmo cable car, tips and anything not specifically included.
CAI members enjoy a discount on overnight stays in mountain huts. Quotes available upon request.
Supplements:
First section, minimum 6 people €120 per person
Second section, minimum 6 people €140 per person
Full tour, minimum 6 people €180 per person
NO PENALTY UP TO 45 days before
30% of the fee in case of cancellations from 44 to 30 days before
50% of the fee in case of cancellations from 29 to 15 days before
80% of the fee in case of cancellations from 14 to 2 days before
100% share after this deadline
Payment Methods
30% of the fee upon booking * balance due 30 days before departure
PromoTurismoFVG is not liable for:
- any uploaded images included in the packages;
- the accuracy and updating of any information related to the services provided;
- the total or partial non-fulfilment of the proposed trips and stays.
All content (including any images and texts, also covered by copyright) posted on the institutional website are solely attributable to the tourist package providers, who can be contacted directly using the information request form provided.