Camino Frances, the version of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, is probably the most famous pilgrimage route in the world. And as one of the most popular long-distance hiking trails it is also an expression of the increased spiritual search for meaning by people in times of exuberant materialistic consumerism, which Pope Francis has already criticized several times.
The idea of connecting places of pilgrimage by a Pilgrims’ Trail through the breathtaking natural and cultural landscape of East Tyrol and its bordering regions originated from the Bildungshaus Osttirol. And it was realized with perseverance and never-ending enthusiasm in form of the "Hoch & Heilig" Mountain Pilgrims’ Trail.
As its name suggests, the "Hoch & Heilig" Mountain Pilgrims’ Trail is indeed a challenge. Because there are 9 stages, 200 kilometers and a remarkable 13.000 meters of altitude to ascend. But those who embark on this extraordinary pilgrimage will be richly rewarded on their hike through East Tyrol, despite their efforts: You will cross the country by feet in a large circle. Situated at the foot of the rock cathedrals of the Lienz Dolomites and the firn-crowned three thousand meter peaks in the Hohe Tauern National Park, across lonely mountain passes, through lush green valleys, past villages radiating tranquillity and serenity to the destination a day of hiking, the power-giving pilgrimage churches and pilgrimage sites. And during this wonderful hiking experience, you can enjoy crossing the borders into neighbouring Carinthia and South Tyrol.
The Pilgrims’ Trail "Hoch & Heilig" is unique because of its route. Like no other, it reveals to you nature, or "God's calligraphy", as Ernesto Cardinal so aptly called it, in the form of the untouched mountain world of East Tyrol. In addition, the Trail Angels in the "Official Mountain Pilgrim’s Trail Info- & Booking Center" provide you with helpful Angels to help you plan and realize your pilgrimage.
The best time to travel along the Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrim Trail is from mid-June to mid-October, depending on the snow conditions and the opening periods of the accommodations.
Recommended:
You travel along the Bergpilgerweg Hoch & Heilig as an individual hiker (without the guidance of a mountain guide) on marked mountain paths, partly in high alpine mountain regions with altitudes of up to 2.650m. Therefore, for the Hoch & Heilig trail you need alpine hiking experience, which includes not only the correct self-assessment of the technical and physical requirements for the points listed below, but also experience in orientation in the terrain (including reading topographical maps) and in how to behave in bad weather.
With us on the Hoch & Heilig mountain pilgrimage trail, you are well looked after and supported by our organisation. Nevertheless, you are travelling as an independent hiker (unless you book an optional mountain hiking guide). We would like to point out that despite our tour organisation you are on your own responsibility on the Hoch & Heilig Bergpilgerweg.
Technical requirements: Moderate
From a technical point of view, the Hoch & Heilig Bergpilgerweg has moderate difficulties: The stages follow moderately difficult mountain paths with a red dot (classification Alpenverein Österreich).
This means:
For the mountain pilgrimage trail Hoch & Heilig you need alpine hiking equipment.
For a closer look, check out the detailed information for each stage along the trail here. The times are average values and may vary depending on personal fitness, number and length of breaks, weather conditions, etc.
show StagesFeel free to load map material from Google maps.
Along the Trail three different accommodation categories - regionally assessed - are offered:
Basic: Simple, clean, functional - Inn or bed & breakfast
Classic: High standard - good middle-class guesthouse or hotel**/***
Comfort: Accommodation for high demands - Hotel**** partly with wellness area
The Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims' Trail leads through very rural regions. In some simple accommodations it can happen that only shared bathrooms are available.
At the Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims' Trail you can travel with your dog. However, please be aware of the leash obligation and that the trail also places considerable demands on the condition of your dog. The extra costs for a dog range between € 5,00 and € 20,00 (without food; per night) and will be paid directly on site in the accommodation.
Three different types of catering are available to you in the partner accommodations:
Breakfast: morning buffet or breakfast served at your table
Half-board: Breakfast and dinner (usually 3 courses)
Regional half-board: Half-board, with a regional specialty served for dinner (i.e. Osttiroler Schlipfkrapfen)
Please enter any individual dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, food intolerances etc.) in the ‘comments’ box. Our team at the Trail Info & Booking Center will do their best to accommodate your request.
For the realization of your trouble-free Trail journey a comprehensive mobility service is offered:
Luggage service: Hiking with a light daypack; while your luggage (max. 20 kg) is taken from accommodation to accommodation. How?
It's very simple: In the morning you drop off your luggage at the reception and at the end of the hiking day it will be waiting for you in your next accommodation. We recommend that you purchase luggage protection insurance.
Return transport: As essential as convenient. Our mobility service (collective transport) takes you from the destination of your trail journey comfortably back to your starting point.
Shuttle Services: The shuttle services required for the trail journey are included in the overall mobility package.
Our Mobility partners reserve the right to transport your dog in the luggage compartment.
In addition, we can also book recommended shuttle services such as the train station shuttle. If extra shuttle services are required during the trail trip, e.g. in case of bad weather, illness, etc., we will be happy to organize them. These shuttle services are not included in the travel price.
Good to know: The public transport network in East Tyrol is well developed and buses run regularly to and from the stops. Guests with a valid guest card can use all public transport in East Tyrol. For more information please click here.
During your Trail journey you can make use of the special service in the Trail Info & Booking Center, which turns your Trail journey into a particularly safe, well looked after and thus unforgettable experience:
Trail Hotline, Angel´s Service: This is available with advice and action daily during your Trail journey, also beyond the office opening times from 8:00 clock to 20:00.
Guide/pilgrimage guide: Our certified mountain guides are well trained and have an excellent knowledge of the area. In addition, they have a great knowledge of the nature and culture of East Tyrol and Upper Carinthia, which makes a hike with our guides a varied and safe Trail journey. Many of them are also trained Pilgrim Guides, who can make the pilgrimage a holistic experience. All costs incurred (guide, accommodation, meals and travel) for the mountain guide are included under "Guiding".
Advanced Trail Travel Documents, Angel's Service: Professionally prepared, detailed and ideal for the preparation of your trail trip. The documents will be sent in good time before departure by e-mail (PDF, print @ home).
For this Trail journey you have three possibilities of arrival (not included in the price):
With your own car: Parking is available at the respective starting points of the Trail journey. Detailed information is included in the booking documents. Most of the parking spaces are free of charge and are not monitored! The return transport will bring you back to your car.
By train: The following train station is at your disposal: Lienz railway station. It is connected to the national station Spittal an der Drau by an hourly S-Bahn. Lienz station is also connected from the west by the Pustertal railway line from Brixen. Other stations located along this railway line and useful for the Mountain Pilgrims' Trail are Sillian and Innichen.
By plane: The following international airports can be recommended for arriving by plane - Salzburg, Innsbruck and Klagenfurt.
Arrival Shuttle Service - not included in the price: Brings you to the starting point of your Trail journey and at the end of the trip back to the ideal train station or airport. The Trail Info & Booking Center will be happy to organize this shuttle service for you.
Trail travelers are very welcome here! From simple cosy accommodations to upscale 4* Hotels: The partner companies, hand-picked according to our criteria, are actively involved in the further development of the Trail.
show partnersHere you will find all relevant information about your travel destination such as currency, entry requirements, food & drink, health and vaccinations and literature tips.
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Trail Information & Booking center, Travel Agent
Trail Angels GmbH
9821 Obervellach 15
Austria
We arrange your tour operator
Trail Angels GmbH
Obervellach 15, 9821 Obervellach, Österreich
Eintragungs-NR. Veranstalterverz. des bmwfi: 2016/0005
Tel: +43 4782 93093
Email: info@bookyourtrail.com
Here you will find the travel terms of your trail operator:
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