From the glacier to the sea and directly past the National Park Lodge: the multi-award-winning long-distance hiking trail Alpe-Adria-Trail promises us a hiking experience of superlatives. The particularly enchanting stage 2 via Apriach to Großkirchheim opens with breathtaking views and interesting insights into the life of mountain farmers in the past and today.

n recent years, the Alpe-Adria-Trail has received three awards from the world's largest travel magazine National Geographic Traveler. And the team at the National Park Lodge is proud that this magnificent long-distance trail starts here in the National Park. With "Into the Wild" we plunge into this fantastic long-distance hiking adventure: on the beautiful scenic stage from Heiligenblut via the mountain village of Apriach to Großkirchheim.

The trail starts directly from the National Park Lodge and climbs up through the Fleißtal valley. The further way is comfortable and leads over the hamlet to Schachnern. Now the highlight of the stage is waiting for us: the unique ensemble of the Apriacher Stockmühlen, the individual mills of which, like eagle's nest, stick to the steep slope. Surrounded by ancient, gnarled mountain farms, this cultural landscape radiates magical peace and harmony. Over the idyllic Apriacher Kirchweg it goes then, slowly descending back into the valley, down to the community of Großkirchheim, where still many historical buildings like the castle Grosskirchheim point out the former importance during the gold mining. In the shady garden of the Döllacher Dorfwirtshaus we enjoy a refreshing drink before the shuttle back to Heiligenblut.

Program:

• 9:00: Meeting point at the Pionier Bar; brief introduction by the Into the Wild Guide 

• 9:30 am: Start of the hike on the Alpe-Adria-Trail

• 15:00: Arrival at Döllacher Dorfwirtshaus; shuttle service to Heiligenblut

• approx. 16:00: Arrival at the National Park Lodge

Equipment check the evening before in the Pioneer Bar

Changes due to weather conditions and alpine dangers reserved.

Price includes: Shuttle, packed lunch, guide, souvenir gift