Four stages. 55 kilometres and a trail that gives nature TIME: the Via Paradiso combines lakeside walks, high-altitude trails and quiet retreats to create a long-distance hiking experience full of TIME quality. Between clearings, gorges and forest paths, a panorama opens up that slows you down – and inspires you.
The stage trail around Lake Millstatt leads through quiet slopes, dense forests, cultural and historical sites and sunny shore paths. Baroque villas, farm gardens and gorges alternate with open high trails and idyllic bathing spots. The carefully designed viewpoints – star balcony, lake platforms, forest stage, open shore areas – mark moments of pause. Each section opens up a new perspective on Lake Millstatt and the Lake Millstatt – Bad Kleinkirchheim – Nockberge region.
Start & finish: Döbriach on Lake Millstatt ↔ Alpengasthof Bergfried
Length & duration: 55 km – 4 daily stages of 3 to 5 hours each
Elevation profile: easy to moderate – highest point: approx. 1,158 m
Nature & architecture: ZEITplätze, bivouacs under the stars, viewpoints with lake panorama
Mountains & lakes: Lake Millstatt, Lake Egel, Nockberge Mountains, Hohe Tauern, Gailtal Alps
Panorama: Nockberge, Hohe Tauern, Gailtal Alps & Lake Millstatt
Best hiking season: March to November
Service: luggage transport, shuttle, booking through the official Via Paradiso info & booking centre
Connection: public transport – transfer by Nockmobil & station shuttle
Good to know: Via Paradiso is also suitable for long-distance hikers with dogs
Via Paradiso – Total route 54.7 km | 16:50 hours | moderate
The long-distance hiking trail covers 55 kilometres and leads from Döbriach along the southern shore to the Sternenbalkon in Gschriet (municipality of Ferndorf).
Four stages between 10 and 15.2 kilometres. Rest days – for example at the Millstätter See bathhouse or in a bivouac – can be flexibly integrated.
Technically easy to moderate sections and clear signage make the Via Paradiso ideal for beginners with basic fitness. Booking packages offer additional convenience.
Along the Millstätter See circular route – in Döbriach, Millstatt, Seeboden, on the southern shore and in the Gschriet area – there are designated parking spaces for starting the individual stages. The appropriate starting points, car parks and travel options are clearly described in the tour details for each stage.
Note: Many hikers park at the start of the stage in Döbriach or Millstatt and then use the Nockmobil, public bus connections or boat connections (show mobility) for shortcuts or the return journey.
The Via Paradiso is an ideal long-distance hiking trail for families due to the nature of the trail and the low technical demands. The tour is recommended for children aged 10 and over - provided they are in good physical condition.
The highest point of the tour is at 1115 meters above sea level. The hiking season on the Via Paradiso is therefore relatively long. The best time window for the Via Paradiso tour is from the beginning of March to the end of November. During this time, the accommodation on the Lake Millstätter See circular trail is also open.
Der Via Paradiso folgt der ZEIT – zwischen Seeberührung, Biwaknächten und Gipfelblicken – und öffnet auf jeder Etappe eine neue Perspektive auf den Millstätter See und die Region Millstätter See – Bad Kleinkirchheim – Nockberge.
