Finding yourself on a long-distance hike

Pilgrimage routes in Hochsteiermark

The times when you had to be deeply religious to go on a pilgrimage are long gone. The need for inner reflection goes far beyond any religious confession. Long-distance hiking in nature, in particular, is an ideal way to leave stress behind with every step and see more clearly what you need for a fulfilled life. Hochsteiermark is home to one of the most important pilgrimage centres in Europe: the pilgrimage site of Mariazell.

The pilgrimage routes in the Hochsteiermark invite you to experience the Jubilee Year 2025 in a special way, combining spiritual reflection with the tranquility and beauty of nature. The region's jubilee churches serve as powerful places of contemplation and hope, enriching the spiritual journey.

Pilgrimages in Hochsteiermark

If you want to set out on a spiritual journey, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in Hochsteiermark. The destination is always the pilgrimage site of Mariazell.

Mariazell Route 06 …

... leads through Hochsteiermark in two variations. However, overall, there are many more routes than just these two. The star-shaped Mariazell routes are among the most well-known and popular in all of Europe. The destination and, at the same time, the centre is always the basilica in Mariazell in northern Styria. The Carinthian and Styrian trails meet in Eibiswald (district of Deutschlandsberg). From there, it takes 80 hours to walk a distance of 227 kilometres to Mariazell, past enchanting chapels, impressive churches, museums and much more.

Tip: The "Mariazell Pilgrimage Book" contains prayers and inspiration but also tips on the route, accommodation, and further information. It’s available at the Tourist Association of Hochsteiermark – Mariazellerland office, email: tourismus@mariazell-info.at

The Hochsteiermark section of the route splits into two at Fischbach/Schanz:

Option 1: via Hohe Veitsch

The first, partly alpine route leads via St. Barbara/Mürztal to Hohe Veitsch. A must-see: the Veitsch Pilgrims' Cross. It is the largest accessible pilgrim's cross in the world and is almost 41 metres tall. Inside, it consists of seven different chambers, analogous to the biblical story of creation. Via Schöneben and Mooshuben, the route continues as a beautiful alpine hike to Kreuzberg in Mariazell.

The route will take you about 80 hours / approx. 3 days on foot.

Tour details

Option 2: via Alpl

Starting at the foot of Teufelsstein, you walk over Alpl directly to Waldheimat, the home of poet Peter Rosegger, and from there via Hochgölk into the valley to Krieglach. Via Hocheckalm, you’ll reach Mürzer Oberland Nature Park. Once you have mastered the last ascent to Buchalpenkreuz, the route leads across lush alpine meadows and through shady forests to Mariazell.

Duration: 3 days

Tour details

Places of interest and other pilgrimage routes

Auf den Spuren Peter Roseggers - Am... ...

7 points way

Saints and Healing Ways to Mariazell

Pilgerweg vom Hochwechsel nach Mariazell

Gründerweg

This route takes you from Aflenz to Mariazell via forest roads, forest paths, alpine routes and steep trails. Experienced hikers can complete the 38 kilometres in one day (duration: 5 hours). Churches and chapels invite you to stop for a break time and again.

Discover the Gründerweg

The holy route from Vienna to Mariazell

via sacra

For over 800 years, the Via Sacra, or "Holly Road", has led pilgrims from Vienna and Lower Austria to the famous pilgrimage site of Mariazell. As Austria's oldest pilgrimage route, it combines spiritual tradition with unique nature. Dense forests and majestic mountain panoramas accompany the final stages of the 120-kilometer yourney to Mariazell. A hiking duration of five days is recommended.

Find out more

On the trail of the pilgrimage tradition

Romea strata

The Romea Strata is a historic pilgrimage route that leads from Northeast Europe through Austria to Rome. The Hochsteiermark region is also part of this significant path, connecting pilgrims from all over Europe. In Hochsteiermark, the Romea Strata runs in the opposite direction of the Mariazell Founder's Path. This route offers pilgrims the opportunity to gain new spiritual and cultural experiences along an ancient trail.

The Romea Strata

The Jubilee Year 2025

The Jubilee Year 2025 is dedicated to faith, hope and spiritual renewal. Under the motto "Pilgrims of Hope", this special year invites people to embark on a spiritual journey. Every 25 years, the Catholic Church proclaims a Holy Year, and Pope Francis encourages to experience this year as a period of peace, reconciliation and community.

In Hochsteiermark, there are two Churches of Hope that are considered special places of hope during the Jubilee 2025. For those who cannot pilgrimage to Rome, the Basilica in Mariazell and the Parish Church of the Birth of Mary in Bruck an der Mur offer a special opportunity to experience the Holy Year and deepen the theme of hope in one's personal faith journey.

pilgrimage accompaniment

Certified pilgrim guides support pilgrims on their journey and help them to find peace, discover new perspectives and connect with nature and their own faith.

Pilgrim guide Christa Englinger | Destinomondo

more from the region

Pilgrimage means not only being on the way but also arriving – in nature, with oneself, and at special places. The Hochsteiermark region offers not only impressive pilgrimage routes but also a landscape full of peaceful spots, culinary delights, and warm hospitality.