Pilgrimage in the Hohe Tauern National Park

Pilgrimage trails in the Hohe Tauern National Park

There are countless hiking trails in the Hohe Tauern National Park region: they lead through enchanting places, past lakes and rivers and over mountain heights, through gentle hills and unique cultural landscapes. Many of these hiking trails are used as pilgrimage routes and offer the opportunity to search for a variety of traces. They can provide clarity and orientation, relaxation and experiences of God, new perspectives and vitality. But pilgrimage is not only possible with your feet. You can also go on a pilgrimage by bike or immerse yourself in the fascination of alpine pilgrimage.

Carinthian Way of St. James

For centuries, the Way of St. James has exerted a fascinating attraction, connecting the people of Europe in a network of paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela in Spain to the tomb of St. James. Those who wish to tread this path do not have to travel far into the distance. A few steps are enough to set foot on the Way of St. James in Carinthia. Coming from Slovenia and Styria, it begins at Lavamünd in Carinthia and follows the Drau Valley to Oberdrauburg, where it continues at the border with East Tyrol on the Tyrolean Way of St. James. A path that integrates itself into the great network of St. James' paths that carry not only the feet, but the whole fullness of our lives.

Stages throughout Carinthia, approx. 290 km total distance
of which 2 stages in the region (Drau Valley)
Stages up to a maximum of 30 km per day
Walking time of up to 7.5 h per day
Extensive signage and tour info
Details and info can be seen here

Important links

Mountain Pilgrimage High & Holy

"High and Holy". The name says it all for the mountain pilgrimage trail through Carinthia, East Tyrol and South Tyrol. In nine stages, the trail connects centuries-old pilgrimage sites, pilgrimage churches and chapels. It follows original pilgrimage routes over long stretches and is on the trail of spiritual, historical and cultural treasures. It traverses sublime mountain landscapes, gentle alpine pastures and quiet valleys, leads past traditional mountain villages and lets you feel a breath of eternity at thundering waters.

9 stages with a total distance of approx. 200 km
of which 1 stage in the region (Heiligenblut)
Stages up to a maximum of 25 km per day
Walking time of up to 9 h a day
Extensive signage and tour info
Details and info can be seen here

Sanctuaries in the region

A pilgrimage church is usually the destination of a pilgrimage. Churches located along pilgrimage routes can also be pilgrimage churches. Pilgrimage churches are often located near the graves of saints or have images of grace or relics that are placed in the church for veneration. Pilgrimage churches were also built in places where miracles were said to have occurred.