Standing on a remote mountain peak, alone amongst the rocky slopes but for the birds sailing on the wind ahead – this is the dream for many mountaineers. Walking the Kreuzeck Trail brings you one step closer to this dream. This hike takes you from east to west across the Kreuzeck mountains, a mountain range in the Central Eastern Alps in Austria. Only a few hikers venture to this region, so you can often enjoy the paths and the occasional rustic mountain hut to yourself.

In 37 miles (60 km) split into five stages, you will explore the main ridge of the Kreuzeck range with one day to ascend and one to descend. Between climbing up several peaks and ridges, you can explore untouched alpine landscapes. The middle of the hike is marked by the highest point of your adventure – the Hochkreuz’s summit at 8,890 feet (2,709 m). For most of the hike, you walk between 6,560 and 8,200 feet (2,000 and 2,500 m) above the treeline.

Panoramic views accompany you as you hike with deep valleys stretching into the horizon. To the north, you can see as far as the High Tauern glaciers along the Austrian-Italian border. To the west, you can spot the snowy peaks of the Lienz Dolomites.

The terrain here is high alpine so the route is only possible from July to September when the huts along the trail are also open. Make sure you book your stay in a hut in advance and be aware of the opening times. The huts here have no more than 50 beds and some have less than 30. I recommend packing plenty of snacks for your trip as you won’t find somewhere to stop for lunch en route, except on the first day.

At first glance, the stages may seem quite easy. The distances and altitudes are relatively gentle and don’t require tip-top fitness. However, the trails are not always simple and you’ll sometimes hike over loose rock and narrow exposed paths. Although ropes will help you along the difficult sections, the second and third stages are still demanding. Exercise caution if you are hiking the route after rain or if there is still snow. However, with steady feet, a head for heights, and a good sense of direction, you’ll spend five wonderful days exploring the alpine heights of the Kreuzeck mountains.

The start and endpoints of this adventure are both easy to reach with public transport: Kolbnitz has good bus and train connections and you can catch a bus to the nearest train station from Winklern. Spittal-Millstätter See, Mallnitz, and Lienz have national and international train links. All that is left, is to spend an exciting and relaxing week hiking in the Alps.