Rail & Trail "Maria Saaler Weg - A pilgrimage highlight at the gates of Klagenfurt"

The Maria Saaler Weg is a historic pilgrimage route that connects Klagenfurt and the pilgrimage church of Maria Saal - one of the most important religious centers of medieval Carinthia. This shortened version allows you to experience the highlight section of the trail. The hike begins in the Annabichl district of Klagenfurt at the train station. After a flat warm-up in an urban environment, the rural idyll of the countryside enchants from Terndorf onwards. A wonderful meadow path leads along gnarled vines straight up the flank of the Klagenfurt basin to the Weißes Kreuz votive wayside shrine - the first highlight! Summit flair, magnificent panoramic views of Klagenfurt and the Karawanken ... an insider tip in the city. The route continues on unpaved roads through an open, cultivated rural landscape - first slightly downhill, then uphill again. Soon we are immersed in the solitude of the rustic mixed forests of the Maria Saaler Berg. Historic sunken paths, wayside crosses and places of worship underline the long tradition of this trail. The highest point is inconspicuous - like many precious things in life. From here, the trail descends gently to the edge of the forest, where the settlement area of Maria Saal begins. Shortly afterwards, we find ourselves in the heart of one of the most important religious centers of medieval Carinthia: the imposing Maria Saal fortified church and pilgrimage church - the second highlight! The entire ensemble is a medieval jewel that is well worth exploring. A relaxed final walk takes us to Maria Saal train station.