Bergpilgerweg Hoch & Heilig

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:

• Summer (June, July, August): Due to the altitude of many stages - you are mainly hiking in the high mountains - the Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrim Trail is an excellent choice to escape the heat of high summer (July and August). However, it is also an attractive experience to start your summer in the high mountains in mid-June. However, due to the long stages of the Trail, you should be a brisk walker to avoid the frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

• Winter (December, January, February): The stages of the Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims' Trail are not accessible in winter, as the trails are covered in snow.
• 
  Spring (March, April, May): In the months of March and April the trails are still under snow and therefore not accessible yet. As of mid-June, all passages of the Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims' Trail are usually snow-free. In case of doubt, however, please contact the Booking Center or the regional tourist offices.

The Hoch & Heilig Bergpilgerweg is currently the most demanding Trail in our program due to the high physical demands and the necessary high alpine hiking experience and can only be recommended for advanced long-distance hikers!
Attention, very high demands on condition! The Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims' Trail will most likely take you to your limits conditionally! Due to the high physical demands, this route occupies a special position in our program, as the actual maximum walking time of 7 hours (pure walking time) is exceeded several times. Regular hikers will certainly be challenged on stages between 1.400 and 1.700 meters above sea level. Especially since there are hardly any shorter stages to rest on and therefore the total effort should not be underestimated. You should already have mastered ascents of a similar length before you dare to take this Trail. Conversely, if you are up to the challenge, then this long way is a perfect way to find back to yourself. Because hiking is like meditation. However, appropriate physical preparation is unavoidable and the planning of a rest day does not hurt either.
From a technical point of view, the Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims’ Trail has moderate difficulties, which are no problem for the sure-footed, experienced mountain hiker. All stages follow mountain paths with a red dot, so they are classified as moderately difficult mountain paths by the Austrian Alpine Association (see https://www.tyrol.com/things-to-do/sports/hiking/safe-mountain-hiking). However, you should always have high alpine mountain experience for the Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims' Trail, as you will be travelling in high mountains up to 2.650 m above sea level.
The Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims' Trail is suitable for children aged 14 and over with very good physical condition.
Long-distance hiking trails and trekking routes are not suitable for people with reduced mobility due to their requirements. In order to clarify individual cases (degree of disability), it is recommended to contact the Trail Info & Booking Center before booking.
More information about the classification of the mountain trails and the technical and physical preparation of the tour can be found here.

For the Hoch & Heilig Mountain Pilgrims' Trail, ordinary equipment for high alpine hikes on unpaved paths is completely sufficient. However, sturdy shoes are a "must" and the use of telescopic poles is recommended in order to relieve the knees during the sometimes longer descents. Due to the high altitudes of up to 2.650 m above sea level, temperatures below 0 °C with snow can occur even in midsummer when the weather falls, which is why it is important to wear enough warm clothing. Clickhere to the detailed equipment list for your Trail journey.

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.

Feel 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 the dog (without food) are between € 5,00 and € 15,00 and will be collected directly in the accommodation.

Basic

Classic

Comfort

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.

Bed and breakfast

Half board

A comprehensive Mobility Service is offered for the realization of your trouble-free Trail journey:

Back transfer: Convenient collective transport from the individual destination of your Trail journey back to the starting point.

Shuttle Services: The shuttle services required to carry out the trail journey are included in the Mobility Package. Individually requested shuttle services, e.g. in case of bad weather, illness, etc., will be gladly organized by the Trail Info & Booking Center. 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.

Luggage service

Back transfer

Shuttle service

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.

Here you will find all relevant information about your travel destination such as currency, entry requirements, food & drink, health and vaccinations and literature tips.

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: