The "Way of St. James" refers to the ways in which a turbulent pilgrimage has been established over the centuries through buildings, patronzins, documents, etc. Over time the routes of the "Way of St. James" have adapted themselves to political (eg war) and geographic conditions (floods, rock falls,etc.).
Through the Carinthian Drautal, the Way of St. James leads to Lienz and further in the Pustertal to Innichen, Bruneck and finally North of Brixen in the Eisacktal. There he joins the Way of St. James, which ascends from the south.
Walking time: 6 h
Difficulty: middle
Distance: 22,00 km
Total altitude: 235 m
This stage leads from the “Kärntner Tor” (Carinthian Gateway), from the freedom memorial near Nörsach or from Nikolsdorf on the Carinthia/Tyrol border in the upper Drau valley to Lienz, whereby one does not simply walk along the Drau but instead along a small, very worthwhile additional loop through Lavant, Dölsach and Tristach. The path ends in Lienz in front of the inn Goldener Fisch.
Walking time: 5,5 h
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 16,00 km
Total altitude: 576 m
The Way of St. James leads from the inn Goldener Fisch along the north side of the Drau and therefore the side of the valley exposed to the south. You can enjoy not only a beautiful view over the idyllic valley and the mountains that flank it but probably also sunshine. On the way up to Assling one is challenged by a concluding ascent. The unique view of the mountain panorama, however, is the best reward for this.
Walking time: 4 h
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 13.12 km
Total altitude: 374 m
The start is at the church in the Unterassling area. From here you walk along the slope towards the west, past a series of hamlets and farms to Krisleimbach. Past the St. Justina church and on the other side of this secondary valley to the Pustertaler Höhenstrasse, which you follow through the village Anras as far as Abfaltersbach. This stage does not end, however, down on the valley floor but a little above the Pustertaler Höhenstrasse in Winkl.
Walking time: 4 h
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 16.73 km
Total altitude: 325 m
From the starting locality Winkl, you descend to Strassen. In front of the Strassen town hall you can admire a Roman milestone – a sign of the significance of the Pustertal as a Roman road. Below the Heinfels castle you continue to Sillian, the main town in the Pustertal.
Walking time: 3,5 h
Difficulty: easy
Distance: 12,6 km
Total altitude: 69 m
The border with Italy is within sight. The connection between Austrian Tyrol and Italian South Tyrol is very close for historical reasons. The path leads from the church in Sillian through Ambach to the border – from here there is a connection to the South Tyrolean Way of St. James. It is worth seeing the church of the Benedictine monastery of Innichen, an important Roman sacral building from the 12th century. The late Roman dome frescoes by the famous painter Michael Pacher represent the history of creation.
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