Large Camino de Santiago pilgrim hiking package
Discover the Carinthian Way of St. James in 9 stages
about 249km
10
Days
DESCRIPTION:
Experience the beauty of Carinthia on a unique pilgrimage along the Carinthian Way of St. James. The route leads in nine varied stages from the Slovenian border near Dravograd/Lavamünd through the Jaun and Rosental valleys to Oberdrauburg in the upper Drava valley, on the border with East Tyrol. Discover breathtaking natural landscapes, historic churches, cultural landmarks, and warm hospitality. The carefully selected towns and villages along the way offer comfortable accommodations, making this pilgrimage an ideal combination of physical activity, relaxation, nature experiences, and spiritual inspiration.
SERVICES:
- 9 nights in hotels & guesthouses with 3-star standard
- Rich breakfast buffet included
- Service hotline (7 days a week)
GETTING THERE:
Bookable from 1 person
PRICE:
Season 1:
01.05.-30.06.2026
01.09.-31.10.2026
€ 749 per person in a double room
€ 949, - per person in a single room
Season 2:
01.07.-31.08.2026
€849 per person in a double room
€ 1.049, - per person in a single room
Prices include all taxes, excluding tourist tax of approximately €3,00 per person per night, which is payable directly at the accommodation.
Other:
Return journey:
The return journey to Lavamünd/Dravograd can be made by train from Oberdrauburg via Villach to St. Paul im Lavantal. From there, buses will take you back to Lavamünd.
Parking spaces:
The following parking options are available: In Lavamünd, opposite the cultural center or at the market square. In Dravograd, at the former Hotel Traberg near the center. Any parking fees must be paid on site.
Print offerDay 1: Individual arrival and Dravograd/Lavamünd - Bleiburg, approx. 33km
The first leg of the pilgrimage 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. Besides the beautiful main square, the Werner Berg Museum is also worth a visit.
Stairway to Heaven and suspension bridge near Aich (c) Monika Gschwandner Elkins (c) Monika Gschwandner Elkins
Day 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, the warmest bathing lake in Europe, which invites you to a refreshing dip after the hike.
Lake wellness -Klopeiner See © Suedkaernten, Amerika Holzer
Day 3: St. Kanzian – Ferlach, approx. 30 km
This varied stage leads through the Rosental valley and along natural stretches of the Drava River. Pilgrims on the Way of St. James 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.
Seelach, wayside shrine (c) Monika Gschwandner Elkins
Day 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.
Parish Church of St. James in Rosental, interior (c) Günter Jagoutz
Day 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.
Villach with St. Jakob's Church (c) Michael Stabentheiner
Day 6: Villach - Paternion, approx. 30 km
After leaving Villach, the Way of St. James follows the Drava, the largest river in the Southern Alps, and leads 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.
Pilgrimage along the Drava River (c) Günther Jagoutz
Day 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 magnificent Renaissance Porcia Castle and its role as a gateway to Upper Carinthia.
Porcia Castle (c) Auer
Day 8: Spittal an der Drau – Sachsenburg, approx. 23 km
From Spittal, the route continues along the Drava River through an open 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 long regional history.
Roman excavations, St. Peter i. Holz (c) Monika Gschwandner Elkins
Day 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 opens up. Oberdrauburg forms an atmospheric endpoint of the Carinthian Way of St. James and also marks the border to East Tyrol.
Carinthian Way of St. James signage (c) Monika Gschwandner Elkins
Day 10: Departure
Individual departure after breakfast and return to Lavamünd/Dravograd.
Berg i. Drautal, Parish Church (c) Monika Gschwandner Elkins
