Berliner Höhenweg — The Zillertal High-Route

The Berliner Höhenweg (also known as the Zillertaler Runde) is one of the most prestigious high-altitude treks in the Alps. This 8-day circuit traverses the heart of the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, staying consistently between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. The route is characterized by steep granite passes, ancient glacial plateaus, and overnight stays in historic, palatial huts like the Berliner Hütte—a designated monument. It is a world of sharp ridges, emerald reservoirs, and the last remaining glaciers of the Zillertal range.

While the Lycian and Carian trails hug the coast, the St. Paul Trail heads directly inland, plunging straight up into the strenuous, magnificent limestone peaks of the Taurus Mountains. Stretching 500 kilometers from the ancient Roman ruins of Perge (near Antalya) all the way north to Yalvaç near Lake Eğirdir, the route roughly follows the missionary path of St. Paul the Apostle. It is arguably Turkey’s wildest long-distance trail. Hikers are immediately confronted with severe elevation gains, navigating staggering river canyons (like Köprülü), dense pine and cedar forests, and remote, traditional stone-house villages built into the mountain sides. You will walk on the absolute best-preserved ancient Roman roads in the world, some perfectly paved for miles into the wilderness.