St. James Way Stage 2 Nassereith - Lermoos

Description:

The St. James Way Tirol-Allgäu

This alpine St. James Way route is both scenic and culturally very attractive, leading off the main roads over three Alpine passes, namely the Fernpass, the old Gaichtpass, and the Jochpass. It crosses some of the most attractive hiking and holiday areas of Tyrol and southern Upper Allgäu on ancient Roman, trade, and pilgrim paths.

Pilgrims on the St. James Way can undoubtedly look forward to a particularly impressive route. Especially since it mostly leads through rural, tranquil mountain regions where people have been deeply influenced by faith and fear of natural powers for centuries. These regions are therefore particularly rich in churches and chapels with numerous art-historical treasures from very different eras. Combined with magnificent panoramic views, constantly changing perspectives, and the meditative yet sometimes strenuous hiking in wind and weather through these alpine natural landscapes, this “camino” becomes a path that stimulates all the senses, an unforgettable journey rich in intense experiences, encounters, insights—and perhaps also new understandings of yourself.

Integration into the St. James Way network of Austria and Germany

The Tirol-Allgäu St. James Way connects in Stams to the German-Austrian St. James Way from Munich along the Isar, Loisach, Leutascher Ache, and Inn rivers as well as to the two Austrian St. James Ways that unite in Innsbruck: the route from Lofer/Salzburg to Innsbruck and the route from Lienz to Innsbruck. From Innsbruck, this combined St. James Way continues over Stams to the Arlberg or from Stams on the Tirol-Allgäu route.

Pilgrim stamps and pilgrim ID

There are stamp points in the St. James chapels and churches mentioned in the text along the St. James Way. These pilgrim stamps are nice keepsakes in one's own pilgrim diary. In the internationally recognized pilgrim ID, they serve as proof of the completed route. The pilgrim ID also enables overnight stays in special pilgrim accommodations, of which there are still few on this route. It can be obtained from St. James pilgrim communities for a processing fee.

Directions:
The old Roman road Via Claudia Augusta at the Fernpass was once one of the most important trade routes across the Alps and connected the southern German region with northern Italy. This old mountain pass was also used by salt transporters and pilgrims of St. James. From Nassereith (838 m), follow the signposted path through woods and meadows to the campsite below the Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee. A designated trail (Adler-/Jakobsweg) in the forest, including an underpass, makes it easier to reach the campsite without having to cross the Fernpass road. From the campsite, take a curved path up to the old castle gate. After passing through it, follow the path uphill to the left into the forest, partly with a view down to the Fernsteinsee with its island and the smaller Samerangersee nearby. The path continues toward the Fernpass summit with views of the Zugspitze, past the chapel and through the underpass toward Biberwier. At the clearing "Zur schönen Aussicht" (To the Beautiful View), the pilgrim's path sharply turns left and leads down a steep gravel path almost to the mountain pass road. After a short counter ascent, continue descending to the lakeside path of Weißensee. At the end of the lake, follow the stream to the gate by the parking lot on road L71, cross the stream and walk about 150 meters uphill along another stream to the signpost. Following the path to the left, you reach a wide track that runs parallel to Fernpass road L71 through the forest to Marienbergweg and the valley station of the Marienbergbahn in Biberwier. Straight ahead, continue past the tennis and campsite and, keeping left on the Mühlsteig, to the district of Rauth. Continue into the village, through the village park straight to the parish church. Behind it, a nice grassy path leads down to the road junction, which is crossed. After a few meters on Lermooser Landstraße, turn right to the last houses before Moos. With a magnificent view of the mountains, cross the fields and meadows and finally turn left into Lermoos.Tip:
The chapel at the top of the Fernpass is closed. Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee is magnificently located and known for fine cuisine and pastry. Tschirgantbad in Nassereith (indoor pool with sauna), two bathing lakes in Biberwier, and the beautifully situated Panoramabad in Lermoos.Safety guidelines:
It should be noted that there can be an increased risk of accidents and injuries on pilgrim paths. Despite careful route planning, a basic risk always remains. Preparation through endurance sports, appropriate technical training, and mental preparation reduces the risk of accidents and dangers. But never forget that the weather in the mountains can change very quickly.Equipment:
Personal pilgrim equipment must be safe, usable, and meet the respective technical standards. The backpack should not exceed a weight of 15 kg. Every pilgrim is recommended to inform themselves thoroughly and prepare by consulting specialist literature or the internet.