Day 2

High above everyday noise, where alpine meadows meet wide horizons, the Mohar loop hike offers one of those rare mountain experiences that feels both expansive and intimate. Tucked away in the Hohe Tauern National Park, this circular trail invites hikers to slow down and truly inhabit the landscape — to walk not just through nature, but with it. From gently rising paths to sweeping panoramic views, the route unfolds gradually, rewarding patience with ever-changing perspectives of Austria’s high alpine world.

From the first steps, the landscape opens generously, with wide meadows that feel shaped more by wind and grazing animals than by people.

The path never rushes you; instead, it rises steadily, giving you time to adjust your breath and your thoughts.

As the terrain becomes more alpine, the views widen almost without warning, revealing layered mountain ranges that seem to stretch endlessly into the Hohe Tauern. Walking here feels expansive and grounding at the same time, as if the scale of the mountains quietly puts everyday concerns back into perspective.

There’s a quiet respect embedded in the way the trail is maintained — nothing excessive, nothing artificial — just enough to guide you safely through terrain that remains unapologetically wild.

The route first stretches eastward, tracing the Erzweg from the cross-section climb toward Mohar and gradually ascending to Waschgang at 2,546 m.

From this point, a rarely used path follows an old cattle trail (which doesn't appear on Komoot) to the Stellhöhe crest, revealing a breathtaking panorama of the valley far beneath.

The panoramic viewpoints are natural highlights rather than staged attractions, and pauses along the trail feel organic — places where you stop because the view insists, not because a sign tells you to.

The Mohar circuit offers a rewarding balance between accessibility and authenticity. It’s demanding enough to feel earned, yet never overcrowded or overdeveloped, making it ideal for hikers who want real mountain scenery without the pressure of technical climbing

From the Mohar area onward, the character of the hike subtly shifts, trading exposed alpine terrain for a gentler, more pastoral atmosphere. The path begins to descend across open slopes and high meadows, where the views remain wide but feel calmer, framed by rolling terrain rather than sharp ridgeline

What makes this hike especially enjoyable are the small, almost playful moments scattered along the way. Marmots may whistle from rocky slopes, clouds can roll in dramatically only to dissolve minutes later, and the weather often feels like part of the adventure rather than an obstacle.

Approaching the Almgasthaus Glocknerblick feels like a natural pause in the journey rather than a fixed destination. The descent is steady and unhurried, offering repeated glimpses of the Großglockner massif and the surrounding Hohe Tauern peaks, which remain constant companions in the background.

The final part of the descent is gentle and offers a symphony of colours.

Nestled in the upper Möll Valley, Döllach feels like a place that never tried to impress, yet does so effortlessly. Framed by the dramatic peaks of the Hohe Tauern, the village carries a quiet confidence shaped by mountains, weather, and time.

Life here moves at a gentler pace, guided by seasons rather than schedules, and visitors quickly sense that Döllach is less about highlights and more about atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you arrive intending to pass through, only to slow down and stay longer than planned.

Döllach is deeply rooted in Carinthian alpine traditions. The architecture reflects practicality rather than ornament, with sturdy farmhouses, wooden barns, and carefully tended meadows that speak of self-sufficiency and respect for the land. Church bells, seasonal festivals, and alpine farming rhythms still shape daily life, especially in summer when cattle are driven up to high pastures.

Heiligenblut am Großglockner feels like a place where landscape and legend have quietly agreed to coexist.

Set at the foot of Austria’s highest mountain, the village unfolds beneath steep slopes and glacial horizons, dominated by the elegant spire of St. Vincent’s Church. No matter where you stand, your gaze is gently pulled upward — toward the Großglockner, toward the sky, toward something larger than yourself.

Historically, Heiligenblut has long been a place of passage and pilgrimage. Its name is tied to a medieval legend involving a vial of holy blood brought across the Alps, giving the village spiritual significance centuries before it became known for mountaineering. Pilgrims, traders, and later explorers passed through this high valley, navigating difficult terrain with faith and endurance. When alpinism gained popularity in the 19th century, Heiligenblut naturally became a base for Großglockner ascents, embedding the village firmly into the history of alpine exploration.

Heiligenblut manages to feel iconic without becoming overwhelming. It is undeniably one of Austria’s most photographed alpine villages, yet it retains a calm authenticity once the day visitors drift away. The village is a natural gateway to the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Großglockner High Alpine Road, making it a hub for hikers, cyclists, and slow travelers alike. Trails often begin right at the village edge, allowing you to step from church square to alpine silence within minutes.