Jakobsweg Stage 3 Lermoos - Berwang

Description:

The Jakobsweg Tirol-Allgäu

This alpine Jakobsweg route, which is very attractive both scenically and culturally, leads off the main roads over three Alpine passes, namely over the Fernpass, the old Gaichtpass and the Jochpass. It passes through some of the most attractive hiking and holiday areas of Tyrol and southern Upper Allgäu on ancient Roman, trade and pilgrimage routes.

Pilgrims on the Jakobsweg can undoubtedly look forward to a particularly impressive route here. All the more so because it mostly leads through rural, tranquil mountain regions where people have been deeply influenced for centuries by faith and fear of the forces of nature. Therefore, these regions are particularly rich in churches and chapels with numerous art-historical treasures, often from very different epochs. In combination with the magnificent panoramic views, the constantly changing perspectives and the meditative, sometimes strenuous hiking in wind and weather through these alpine natural landscapes, this "camino" becomes a sensory, unforgettable path, rich in intense experiences, encounters, experiences - and perhaps also new insights about oneself.

Connection to the network of Jakobswegs in Austria and Germany

The Jakobsweg Tirol-Allgäu connects in Stams to the German-Austrian Jakobsweg from Munich along the Isar, Loisach, Leutascher Ache and Inn as well as to the two Austrian Jakobswegs that unite in Innsbruck: the route from Lofer/Salzburg to Innsbruck and the route from Lienz to Innsbruck. From Innsbruck, this bundled Jakobsweg line continues via Stams to Arlberg or from Stams to the Tirol-Allgäu route.

Pilgrim stamps and pilgrim passport

In the Jakob chapels and the churches mentioned in the text, there are stamping stations along the Jakobsweg. These pilgrim stamps are nice souvenirs in one's own pilgrimage diary. In the internationally recognized pilgrim passport, they serve as proof of the completed route. The pilgrim passport also allows overnight stays in special pilgrim accommodations, which are still few on this route. It is available for a processing fee from the Jakob pilgrim communities.

Directions:

About 50 m west of the Lermoos train station, an underpass leads beneath the tracks to a path that briefly ascends over the meadow to the panoramic pool in Gries. From there, you follow the designated "Panoramaweg Tiroler Zugspitz Arena" with magnificent views through light forest and sunny meadows over the villages of Lähn and Wängle to Bichlbach. Just before the village, the fenced animal and playground park is bypassed on the right uphill, then it goes down to the footbridge over the Grundbach with a beautiful panoramic view. Through the underpass, you reach the small road directly to the parish church of St. Laurentius and the guild house opposite, which houses the tourist office and the guild museum. A visit to the impressive parish church is highly recommended: the frescoes in the flat-vaulted hall of St. Laurentius are by the Reutte artist family Zeiller. Of greatest art-historical significance is the late Baroque pulpit (1774) by the Hindelang sculptor Johann Richard Eberhard. In addition to a plague chapel, there is also the guild church of St. Joseph, built by the masons' and carpenters' brotherhood founded in 1694. It is the only guild church in Austria. The Jakobsweg route to Berwang begins below the guild church and finally follows the cycle and hiking path on the left of the state road L21 Berwang-Namlos, gently ascending towards Berwang. Following the signpost, you reach the idyllic hamlet of Tal and then up to Berwang, the highest village in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. The Jakob church (early 15th century) stands in the upper village on the road to Rinnen and Namlos. Due to the Jakob church and the location of the village on the sunny slope with magnificent panoramic views, Berwang is one of the highlights of the entire route as a stage destination. The large parish church has a high altar with a carved Last Supper relief and two neo-Gothic turrets – a masterpiece from 1945 by the Tyrolean sculptor Johannes Obleitner from Reith near Seefeld. James the Elder is the second figure to the left of Jesus in the middle of the relief, James the Younger the second figure to the right. The turrets frame the middle church window with the image of St. James. The pilgrim stamp is located at the entrance. In front of the church, against a beautiful mountain backdrop, stands the octagonal Jacob's fountain with its expressive bronze statue and the eight bronze plaques at the basin edge on Berwang's history. Stamp station at the tourist office.

Tip:
Bichlbach: sports and leisure park with bathing lake, beach volleyball, climbing forest, etc. Berwang: outdoor swimming pool Bärenbad. Both places have stately inns with fine cuisine. This goes well with a glass of beer from the Stadlbräu brewery in Rinnen, Austria's highest brewery.Safety guidelines:
It should be noted that there is an increased risk of accidents and injuries on pilgrim paths. Despite careful tour planning, there is always a basic risk. Tour preparation through endurance sports, appropriate technical training and mental preparation reduces the risk of accidents and dangers. But please never forget that the weather in the mountains can change very quickly.Equipment:
Personal pilgrim equipment must be safe and usable and meet the respective technical standard. The backpack should not exceed 15 kg in weight. Every pilgrim is recommended to inform himself extensively in specialist literature or on the Internet and prepare accordingly.Additional information:
Tourism Association Tannheimer Tal