Pilgrimage hiking on the Carinthian Way of St. James
From Dravograd to Oberdrauburg
For centuries, the Camino de Santiago has attracted people from all over Europe – in search of meaning, inner clarity, and spiritual depth. All roads lead to Santiago de Compostela, but the journey often begins very close to home.
The Carinthian Way of St. James begins in Dravograd (Unterdrauburg) or Lavamünd, where the routes from Slovenia and Styria converge. From there, it follows the course of the Drava River through the Drava Valley, past tranquil natural areas, historical sites, and cultivated landscapes. Step by step, the uniformly marked trail leads to Oberdrauburg on the border with East Tyrol – a section that combines mindful walking with scenic diversity.
For the first time in Carinthia, we are offering a special combination of Pilgrimage and enjoyment. In We have a cooperation with the ARGE Jakobsweg Kärnten (Working Group for the Way of St. James in Carinthia). Two carefully curated pilgrim packages have been developed, including overnight accommodation and breakfast. They combine spiritual journeys with regional cuisine, culture, and comfort – for all those who wish to experience the Camino de Santiago holistically.
Learn more & contact:
- Information folder: Now Browse online here and discover all the stages.
- Contact for bookings: Telephone; +43 4242 44 200 37 or E-Mail: info@kaernten-radreisen.at
Stage Overview
Stage 1: Dravograd/Lavamünd – Bleiburg, approx. 33 km
The first stage leads from the Slovenian-Austrian border through the idyllic landscape of the lower Lavant and Jaun valleys. Passing small villages, churches, and rural landscapes, pilgrims reach the historic town of Bleiburg, whose main square and long history provide a fitting end to the stage. Besides the beautiful main square, the Werner Berg Museum is also well worth a visit.
Stage 2: Bleiburg – St. Kanzian on Lake Klopein, approx. 24 km
From Bleiburg, the trail leads west through the Jaun Valley. Gentle hills, fields, and numerous viewpoints characterize this stage. The destination, St. Kanzian, lies in the immediate vicinity of Lake Klopein, which invites you to a refreshing dip after the hike.
Stage 3: St. Kanzian – Ferlach, approx. 30 km
This varied stage leads through the Rosental valley and along natural stretches of the Drava River. Pilgrims pass through small villages and enjoy impressive views of the Karawanken mountains. The route reaches Ferlach, Austria's southernmost town, known for its gunsmithing tradition and cultural heritage.
Stage 4: Ferlach – St. Jakob im Rosental, approx. 27 km
The route leads through the scenic Rosental valley, accompanied by the peaks of the Karawanken mountains. Numerous churches and chapels recall the region's long pilgrimage tradition. St. Jakob im Rosental is considered an important pilgrimage site and, with its parish church, provides a fitting end to this stage.
Stage 5: St. Jakob im Rosental-Villach, approx. 27 km
From St. Jakob, pilgrims follow the Rosental valley towards Villach. The route offers a delightful blend of nature, culture, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Villach is the largest city along the Carinthian Way of St. James, boasting numerous attractions.
Stage 6: Villach-Paternion, approx. 30 km
After leaving Villach, the Way of St. James follows the Drava, the largest river in the Southern Alps, through the diverse landscape of the lower Drava Valley. Forests, meadows, and small villages alternate along the way. With its central location in the Drava Valley, Paternion is an ideal stopover for pilgrims heading towards Upper Carinthia.
Stage 7: Paternion-Spittal an der Drau, approx. 24 km
This stage leads through the upper Drava Valley and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Pilgrims travel along quiet paths and through well-kept villages to Spittal an der Drau. The town is known for the Renaissance Porcia Castle and its role as a gateway to Upper Carinthia.
Stage 8: Spittal an der Drau – Sachsenburg, approx. 23 km
From Spittal, the route continues along the Drava River through a cultural landscape. Small churches, historic wayside crosses, traditional farmhouses, and the well-known Roman archaeological site of Teurnia line the way. Sachsenburg, once an important trading center on the Drava, welcomes pilgrims with its historic town center and its long regional history.
Stage 9: Sachsenburg-Berg/Oberdrauburg approx. 31 km
The final stage leads through the upper Drava Valley towards Oberdrauburg. Passing Berg im Drautal, an impressive panorama of the Gailtal Alps and the Kreuzeck Group unfolds. Oberdrauburg forms an atmospheric endpoint of the Carinthian Way of St. James and also marks the gateway to East Tyrol.