Pilgrimage in Carinthia
Like scarcely any other region, the landscape around Villach, lake Faaker See and lake Ossiacher See presents itself as a wonderful oasis, offering not only the body but also the soul the necessary nourishment. Four popular pilgrimage routes - the Way of the Book, the Marian Pilgrimage Route, the Way of St. James and the Hemma Pilgrimage Route lead through our region. In addition, there are many other spiritual hiking trails in the middle of the lake landscape with plenty of Alpine-Adriatic flair and especially many hours of sunshine.
It is no coincidence that four pilgrimage routes intersect here. After all, the region with its mountains, swimming lakes with drinking water quality and the Villach old town has always been a desirable place for people who live here and come as guests. Faith, in particular, has established itself firmly here in the border region of three cultures, whereby the devoutness is reflected in the many churches and path crosses.
It is precisely this spirit that can be experienced on all of the region's pilgrimage routes. Book your accommodation here - we recommend May, June and September as the best months for pilgrimages in Carinthia.
Jakobsweg
Nobody has to travel to Spain for the Way of St. James (Jakobsweg). The most famous pilgrimage route runs 216 kilometers through Carinthia and the Villach region - always beautifully flat and without major differences in altitude. It enters our vacation region to the east of Lake Faaker See and then continues to Villach. A charming town center and Carinthia's highest church tower, the beautiful parish church (Stadtpfarrkirche), await pilgrims there. The route continues along the Drau River until the Way of St. James leaves the region in the municipality of Weißenstein.
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Marienpilgerweg
The Marian Pilgrimage Route (Marienpilgerweg) connects some of the most impressive Marian churches in the country. Three stages lead through the Villach region - via St. Niklas to the famous pilgrimage church in Maria Gail, then on to the well-known spa of Warmbad-Villach with the KärntenTherme, which are ideal for a short break. The next stop is the church in Siebenbrünn, whose spring is known for its beneficial effects, before the route get to Arnoldstein and offers a view of the wild and romantic Gailtal valley.
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Weg des Buches
The Reformation continues to have a strong impact in many regions of Carinthia to this day. The communities in Arriach, Treffen and Gegendtal are still largely evangelical today, with the Protestant pilgrimage trail Way of Book (Weg des Buches) you following in the footsteps of the Protestant Bible smugglers. This partly alpine trail leads through the most beautiful areas of Carinthia, with its mountain and lake landscapes as well as its cozy hostels.
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Hemmapilgerweg
Pilgrims have been making their way to the tomb of St. Hemma in Gurk Cathedral for centuries. Starting at Ossiach Abbey on emerald-green lake Ossiacher See, a recommended route leads to Gurk in three days. Hemma von Gurk was active there and the crypt, decorated with 100 columns, is particularly worth seeing. The grave of St. Hemma of Gurk was moved there in 1174, the year it was consecrated.
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Further information
