Across the high passes of the Austrian Alps, where mountain shrines have drawn pilgrims for centuries, the Hoch & Heilig Pilgerweg - the "High and Holy" pilgrimage way - connects the sacred places of Carinthia and East Tyrol. This challenging alpine route links Marian sanctuaries set among the peaks, offering a pilgrimage of physical and spiritual elevation.
📜 History & Significance
The mountain communities of the Austrian Alps developed their own pilgrimage traditions, building churches and shrines in high valleys and on mountain passes. These "Höhenheiligtümer" (high sanctuaries) served scattered farming communities while also attracting pilgrims from the lowlands seeking the contemplative atmosphere of the heights.
The Hoch & Heilig Pilgerweg connects these sacred sites in a single demanding route. The name captures the dual meaning of the pilgrimage - physically high in the mountains, spiritually seeking the holy.
🥾 Route Overview
The Hoch & Heilig Pilgerweg stretches approximately 200 km through the alpine regions of Carinthia and East Tyrol, typically requiring 8-12 days to complete. The route includes significant elevation gain and mountain terrain, making it one of Austria's most challenging pilgrimage paths.
The route connects multiple mountain sanctuaries including Maria Luggau, passing through the Lesachtal, crossing high pastures, and descending into alpine valleys. Well-marked paths follow a combination of historic pilgrimage routes and modern hiking trails.
☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
Maria Luggau - The baroque sanctuary in the Lesachtal, founded after Marian visions in 1513 and tended by Servite friars since 1635.
Numerous mountain churches and wayside chapels mark the route, each with its own history and devotion. The alpine landscape - peaks, glaciers, and high pastures - provides the contemplative setting that has drawn pilgrims to these heights for centuries.
📚 Further Reading
Curated resources to help you research and plan your pilgrimage on the Hoch & Heilig Pilgerweg.
