Auernig Höhenweg - Auernig (1825 m) - Garnitzenberg (1950 m) - Gugga (1928 m)

Level of difficulty: Medium

5.6 km

Distance
3 h

Duration
1529 vm

Lowest elevation
1915 vm

Highest elevation
441 vm
441 vm

Auernig Höhenweg - Auernig (1825 m) - Garnitzenberg (1950 m) - Gugga (1928 m)

Around 300 million years ago, the Nassfeld area was covered by the sea. The Auernig-Höhenweg is a rich site of fossilised sea creatures and rocks and is also known in geological circles as the "Auernig Formation". The high trail stretches from the Nassfeld Pass eastwards over the Garnitzenberg to the Gugga.

Equipment

Normal hiking equipment

Directions

From Villach:
From the A2 south motorway, take the Hermagor exit and continue on the B111 to Hermagor. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit and cross Hermagor in the direction of Kötschach Mauthen. Follow the main road to Tröpolach, turn right at the bridge and drive to Tröpolach and cross it in the direction of Nassfeld. Drive onto the Nassfeld and park at the border crossing.

Directions

From the Nassfeld Pass past the church or from the car park north of the church to the road and follow the signposts towards Auernig, Garnitzenberg on a narrow path through alder bushes and later through mountain pines to the ridge that forms the border with Italy. After approx. ¾ h, turn right to the Auernig summit, 1825 m, which can be reached in a few minutes. There is a bell here in memory of a mountaineer who died in an accident. We go back and follow the ridge descending through mountain pines to a saddle. From there we climb steeply up to the Garnitzenberg, 1960 metres. From here there is the option of descending eastwards (Kronalm) via trail 501 and returning to the Nassfeldpass via the Ofenalm and Auernigalm, which is somewhat exposed in places but very scenic.

However, we continue in the direction of Gugga, 1928 m, and reach the Garnitzentörl (approx. 30 min). From here we can either walk back along the alpine path or descend to the Watschiger Alm. The way back takes about an hour.

More info