Gailtaler Höhenweg, Abschnitt Weißbriach-Windische Höhe

Level of difficulty: Medium

33.6 km

Distance
14 h

Duration
806 vm

Lowest elevation
2084 vm

Highest elevation
2566 vm
2268 vm

Gailtaler Höhenweg, Abschnitt Weißbriach-Windische Höhe

Although not as well developed as the Karnische Höhenweg (Carnic Highway), which runs across the Carnic Alps, this mountain range offers an incredible variety of natural beauty, unspoilt scenery and solitary peaks. Because of the few high alpine huts and overnight accommodation facilities, an ascent and descent at the beginning and end of a stage is necessary.

Equipment

Checklist:

Sturdy footwear (hiking boots or mountain boots)
(Hiking) Clothing for all weather conditions: rain gear, hats, gloves, ... (according to the season)
First aid kit
Money
Mobile phone or radio
Hiking maps
Backpack
Sun protection and sunglasses
Flashlight or headlamp
Catering (drinks, water bottles and food)
Toiletries
ev. hiking poles

Directions

Approach via the Weissensee federal road B86 to Weißbriach.

Directions

229 Gailtaler Höhenweg, section Weißbriach - Mittagsnock - Naggler Alm - Golz - Spitzegel - Vellacher Egel - Graslitzen - Gaisrücken - Windische Höhe

From Weißbriach (open-air swimming pool) trail mark 229 or no. 17 of the municipality of Gitschtal via Moosmüller and Memmer Alpl to the Mittagsnock, 1473 m (2½ hrs). Continue to the Naggler Alm, 1324 m (¾ hrs) and via the Jadersdorfer Ochsenalm to the Kohlröslhütte, 1523 m (1¼ hrs). Via the St. Lorenzer Hochalm ascent to the Golz, 2004 m (1¾ hrs.). Descent to the Radniger Alm, 1554 m (¾ hrs., possibility to descend to Radnig via trail 246). On the Gailtaler Höhenweg 229 via the Möschacher Alm to the Obervellacher Alm - Laudinzenhaus, 1676 m (1 hour, trail 248 from Obervellach).

Further ascent to the Spitzegel, 2119 m (1 hour), at last only for experienced, sure-footed and vertigo-free hikers (for the ascent to the Spitzegel see also trail 248). The further path over the Spitzegel ridge to the Vellacher Egel (2108 m) is also long and demanding (1 - 1½ hrs, airy climbing passages).

Possibility to acquire the Spitzegelgrat mountaineer badge at the Schluga campsite in Obervellach and Presseggen.

From the Vellacher Egel steep descent to the Vellacher Sattel, 1858 m (¾ hrs, possibility to descend to the Pressegger See or to Khünburg via trail 249). The Gailtaler Höhenweg 229 now crosses the steep, rocky southern slopes of the "Plerscha" to the Förolacher Sattel, 1840 m (¾ - 1 hrs.), from there in ¾ hrs. to the Graslitzen, 2044 m (large summit cross, wonderful view). From the Graslitzen we walk along the ridge to its eastern summit, 1932 m (¾ hrs) and via the Köstendorfer Alm down to the Geißrücken, the Blümelhütte or Georgikapelle, 1464 m (1 hrs). The last section of the trail now continues on comfortable forest paths, after a short ascent (½ hrs.) finally downhill to the Windische Höhe (1 hrs.).

More info