JK22

The JK22 Julius Kugy Alpine Trail is a 720 km loop long-distance hiking route traversing three countries — Austria (Carinthia), Slovenia, and Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) — across the Southern Alps, with 45,000 m of total elevation gain, 30 official stages, and membership in the International Walking Network as one of the world's most significant hiking routes.

About the JK22

The Julius Kugy Alpine Trail, designated JK22 within the International Walking Network (IWN), honours one of the most celebrated Alpine mountaineers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Julius Kugy (1858–1944), born in Gorizia and raised between Trieste and the Julian Alps, made dozens of first ascents in the Julische Alpen and immortalised these landscapes in his 1925 memoir Aus dem Leben eines Bergsteigers (From the Life of a Mountaineer). The trail bearing his name is a fitting tribute: a circuit of the Southern Alps weaving together the peaks, valleys, and border landscapes he explored and loved.

The concept was developed by Alpine club associations across three countries — Alpenverein Kärnten, the Planinska zveza Slovenije, and the CAI sections of Friuli-Venezia Giulia — with formal trail development running from 2014 to 2021. The result is a coherent 720 km loop with 30 official stages (E1–E30), a cumulative ascent of 45,000 m, and an estimated 270 hours of walking time. As of 2026, the route is fully waymarked and forms part of the IWN, placing it alongside routes such as the Via Alpina in global long-distance hiking significance.

The trail begins and ends at the Bertahütte in Carinthia, Austria (1,567 m), making it a true loop. Along its 720 km, it traverses 6 cities, approximately 50 villages, 24 named mountain peaks, 56 passes, and 28 valleys. It crosses one national park — Triglav, Slovenia's only national park — and seven protected areas, reaching its highest point at Dom Planika pod Triglavom at 2,401 m. The lowest point drops to just 198 m above sea level, creating a dramatic vertical range that keeps terrain varied and scenery constantly shifting.

On 29 June 2024, a Peace Sculpture was unveiled at Wolayer Lake (Wolayersee) on the Austro-Italian border, marking the trail's role as a bridge of friendship across three nations — the idea captured in the German subtitle: Berge der Freundschaft, "Mountains of Friendship."

Route Overview & Stages

The 30 official stages average roughly 24 km each, though individual day lengths range from under 15 km to over 35 km depending on terrain and elevation. The route divides naturally into eight geographic sections. Below is a section-level overview — for the complete stage-by-stage breakdown with GPS tracks, consult the official JK22 website.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Triglav National Park (Stages E10–E13) — Slovenia's only national park protects 840 km² of Julian Alps wilderness. The JK22 reaches its highest point here at Dom Planika pod Triglavom (2,401 m). Expect turquoise glacial rivers, sheer limestone walls, and the electric-blue Soča (Isonzo) — one of Europe's most visually striking mountain rivers, fed by glacial mineral deposits that give it an almost unreal colour.
• Bertahütte, Carinthia (1,567 m) — Both the start and finish of the loop. This traditional Carinthian mountain hut is the emotional centrepiece of the entire 720 km journey: hikers who complete the circuit arrive back at the same bench where they first laced up their boots, sometimes 40 days later.
• Logarska dolina (Logar Valley), Slovenia — A glacier-carved valley in the Kamniško-Savinjske Alps, consistently cited as one of the most scenic glacial valleys in the entire Alpine arc. The trail crosses it on Stages E5–E7, passing waterfalls, karst springs, and wide flower meadows ringed by 2,000 m limestone peaks.
• Passo del Predil / Lago del Predil, Italy — The historic Predil Pass (1,156 m) has served as a trade and military corridor since Roman times. Below it, the deep-blue Lago del Predil sits in a glacially scoured basin; WWI fortifications still visible on surrounding ridges add a layer of history to the scenic approach.
• Wolayer Lake (Wolayersee) & Peace Sculpture — A glacial lake at 1,960 m on the Austro-Italian border in the Carnic Alps. The Peace Sculpture unveiled on 29 June 2024 physically embodies the trail's cross-border mission — a meaningful stop even for hikers moving at pace.
• Hochweißstein / Monte Peralba (2,694 m) — The highest summit accessible from the JK22, located on Stage E25 on the Austro-Italian border. The peak commands 360° views across the Carnic Alps and marks the source of the Piave River, one of Italy's most historically significant waterways.
• Val Pesarina, Friuli-Venezia Giulia — A remote Carnic valley on Stages E19–E24, known for a centuries-old clock-making tradition and dense mixed forests. Seeing very few foreign visitors, this valley represents some of the most atmospheric and genuinely quiet walking on the entire route.
• Soča (Isonzo) River Valley, Slovenia — Beyond its extraordinary turquoise colour, the Soča valley carries profound WWI history. The twelve Battles of the Isonzo (1915–1917) were fought along this corridor; cemeteries, memorial plaques, and fortified positions remain visible from the trail, making the walk through this section as historically resonant as it is scenic.

Practical Information

Best Time to Hike

The JK22 is a high-alpine route with a short viable season. Late June through mid-September is the recommended window. July and August deliver the most reliable weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F–77°F) in valleys and 5°C to 15°C (41°F–59°F) on high ridges. Snow lingers on north-facing slopes and above 2,000 m well into June; passes near Dom Planika pod Triglavom may require an ice axe or crampons before mid-July.

September brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the first autumn colours across beech and larch forests — a genuinely beautiful time to hike, though afternoon thunderstorm risk persists. Huts typically close between mid-September and early October, which forms the practical end of the through-hiking season. As of 2026, climate variability means some lower-elevation sections remain passable into early October in favourable years, but plan conservatively around hut closure schedules published each spring on the official website.

Accommodation

All 30 stage endpoints are serviced by staffed mountain huts, village guesthouses, or a combination. The three-country network is reliable and well-maintained.

• Alpine huts (Hütte / koča / rifugio): Dormitory beds cost approximately €25–€40 per night (~$27–$43 USD). Private rooms, where available, run €55–€90 (~$59–$97 USD). Austrian huts often include half-board; Italian rifugi typically charge €15–€25 separately for dinner.
• Village guesthouses and B&Bs: €45–€75/night (~$48–$81 USD) for a double room, usually including breakfast. These offer welcome comfort breaks after demanding ridge sections, particularly in the Soča Valley and Gailtal villages.
• Camping: Wild camping is prohibited within Triglav National Park. Designated sites near Lake Bohinj and in the Soča Valley charge €8–€15 per person per night. Above 1,500 m in Austria and on non-protected Italian alpine land, low-impact bivouac is generally tolerated — verify locally before pitching.

Book ahead for July and August, particularly for huts within Triglav National Park and popular Italian rifugi in the Prealpi Carniche. Last-minute availability in peak season is unreliable, especially on weekend stages.

Getting There & Back

The loop starts and ends at Bertahütte in Carinthia. The primary gateway is Villach, a major rail junction with direct connections to Vienna, Ljubljana, Udine, and Venice. From Villach, local buses and taxis reach the Gailtal valley near the trailhead in approximately 1.5–2 hours.

• By air: Klagenfurt Airport (KLU), 45 km east of Villach; Ljubljana Airport (LJU), 90 km south; Trieste Airport (TRS), 130 km southwest; Venice Marco Polo (VCE), 170 km southwest with the broadest international connections.
• By rail: Villach Hauptbahnhof is the main access hub. From Ljubljana, direct trains reach Villach in approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. From Venice, the scenic Udine–Tarvisio–Villach rail corridor is a viable option with mountain views from the window.
• Mid-route access: Tarvisio (Italy) and Jesenice (Slovenia) provide secondary rail entry points for sectional hikers joining or leaving the route mid-loop. Both stations are useful for the Prealpi Giulie and Triglav sections respectively.

Hikers exploring the broader Alpine mountain arc sometimes pair the JK22 with other regional routes — the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania is an increasingly popular extension for travellers moving through the Western Balkan mountain corridor.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to walk the JK22. There are no trail access fees. Key points:

• Triglav National Park: Free entry, but park regulations are enforced — no wild camping, no open fires, and walkers must stay on marked paths. Fines apply for violations.
• Alpine club discounts: Members of ÖAV, DAV, CAI, or affiliated clubs (including the UK's BMC) receive hut bed discounts of approximately €5–€8 per night. Over a full 30-stage through-hike, this saves €150–€240 — worth arranging membership before departure.
• Parking: If leaving a vehicle near Bertahütte, designated lots in the Gailtal valley charge approximately €3–€6 per day. Confirm seasonal availability in advance as some lots close in winter and may not reopen until mid-May.

Gear & Packing List

720 km across 30 stages with 45,000 m of cumulative ascent demands a pack that balances durability with weight discipline. The central question for most hikers: how much load can you sustain comfortably for 35–40 consecutive days on mixed terrain? That answer drives every other gear decision.

For hikers committed to an ultralight system, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L is a proven choice for extended Alpine thru-hikes — its carbon fibre frame transfers load effectively on the steep ascents that define this trail, while total pack weight stays well under 1 kg. Those preferring a conventional Alpine hauler will find the Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 excels with heavier loads on mixed terrain: the Vari Flex hip belt pivots naturally with your stride on the uneven, rocky sections that dominate Stages E10–E18. For a versatile middle ground, the Osprey Atmos AG 50 Anti-Gravity suspension system remains comfortable through long valley stages and is among the packs tested in our 2026 ultralight backpack roundup.

Core gear checklist for the JK22:

• Footwear: Waterproof mid-cut mountain boots with a stiff sole. The Carnic Alps and Karawanken sections are rocky and demanding; trail runners are viable only for experienced hikers confident on exposed technical terrain in wet conditions.
• Insulation layer: A down or synthetic insulated jacket is non-negotiable. Even in July, nights above 1,800 m drop below 0°C. Budget hikers tempted to skip this item regret the decision by Stage E11 at the latest.
• Rain gear: A hardshell jacket and waterproof pack cover. Afternoon thunderstorms in all three countries arrive without warning; being caught above treeline in inadequate rain gear is genuinely dangerous.
• Navigation: Download offline maps (Komoot, OsmAnd, or Gaia GPS) covering Austria, Slovenia, and Italy before departure. Waymarking is generally reliable but fades in remote Carnic Prealps sections and after winter storm damage.
• Trekking poles: Strongly recommended. The 45,000 m of ascent is matched by an equal volume of descent — poles significantly reduce cumulative knee stress across 30 downhill stages.
• Food and calories: Huts provide meals at every stage, but budget hikers or those hiking off-season may carry 1–2 days of food between resupply points. Read our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day — at JK22 elevation and pace, targeting 3,500–4,500 kcal per day is realistic for sustained performance across multi-week stages.
• Water treatment: Mountain springs are abundant throughout the route. Treat all water sourced above populated areas — a Sawyer Squeeze or similar gravity filter adds negligible weight and removes the guesswork.
• Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses rated for high-altitude use. Above 2,000 m, UV radiation is approximately 25% more intense than at sea level, and cumulative exposure over 30 stages is significant.
• First aid and blister kit: Leukotape and Compeed are trail-proven for multi-week hikes. Huts stock basics but a personal kit saves time when blisters develop around kilometre 300.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the JK22?

The official route covers 720 km across 30 stages, with 45,000 m of cumulative elevation gain and an estimated 270 hours of walking time. Most through-hikers take 35–45 days, factoring in rest days, weather delays, and time to explore villages. Faster hikers have completed the circuit in under 30 days, but the route genuinely rewards a slower pace that allows engagement with the cultural and scenic variety across all three countries.

Is the JK22 suitable for solo hikers?

The trail is suitable for experienced solo hikers comfortable with alpine navigation and self-rescue decisions. The Triglav National Park section and several high Carnic passes require solid mountain judgment in early season. As of 2026, mountain rescue services are reliable in all three countries, cell coverage has improved markedly across Slovenian and Italian sections, and the daily hut network provides consistent social contact — solo hiking here is far less isolated than on some long-distance routes.

Do I need to speak German, Slovenian, and Italian?

English is understood at most huts and tourist offices across all three countries. In smaller Austrian and Slovenian huts, basic German or Slovenian phrases help but are rarely essential. Italian rifugi in the Carnic and Julian Prealps sections vary — knowing a handful of Italian phrases for ordering dinner and requesting a dormitory bed goes a long way. Download offline translation packs for all three languages before leaving mobile coverage.

Can I complete the JK22 in sections over several years?

The eight clearly defined geographic sections make the route ideal for multi-year completion. Each section has start and end points accessible by public transport across Austria, Slovenia, and Italy, so you can join or leave the trail without a car. Keep detailed notes on hut contacts and seasonal schedules — smaller huts open only in peak season and staffing arrangements change from year to year, requiring fresh verification before each visit.

What makes the JK22 different from other long-distance Alpine routes?

The JK22's defining characteristic is its three-country loop format combined with a genuinely low profile compared to routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Via Alpina. This means fewer crowds on most sections — particularly across the Carnic Prealps — alongside real cultural variety spanning Austrian, Slovenian, and Italian Alpine traditions. The "Mountains of Friendship" narrative, physically marked by the Peace Sculpture at Wolayer Lake since 2024, gives the trail a dimension of cross-border meaning that purely scenic routes cannot replicate.