Description:

The Tyrol-Allgaeu Way of St James

This Alpine Route of St. James, which is both scenically and culturally very attractive, leads 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 regions of Tyrol and southern Upper Allgäu on ancient Roman, trade and pilgrim paths.

The pilgrims to St. James can undoubtedly look forward to a particularly impressive route here. All the more so, as it mostly leads through rural, tranquil mountain regions, where people have been deeply influenced by faith and fear of the forces of nature for centuries. These regions are therefore particularly rich in churches and chapels with numerous art-historical gems, often from very different eras. In combination with the magnificent panoramic views, the constantly changing perspectives and the meditative, but now and then strenuous hiking in wind and weather through these alpine natural landscapes, this "camino" becomes an unforgettable path that demands all the senses, rich in intense experiences, encounters, experiential and perhaps also new insights about oneself.

Integration into the Jakobwegenetz of Austria and Germany

The Tyrol-Allgaeu Way of St. James connects in Stams to the German-Austrian Way of St. James from Munich along the Isar, Loisach, Leutascher Ache and Inn rivers, as well as to the two Austrian ways of St. James which unite in Innsbruck: the route from Lofer/Salzburg to Innsbruck and the route from Lienz to Innsbruck. From Innsbruck, this bundled stream of St. James' Way leads on via Stams to the Arlberg or even from Stams on the Tyrol-Allgaeu route.

Pilgrim's stamp and pilgrim's identity card

In the chapels of St. James and in the churches mentioned in the text there are stamped places along the St. James' Way. These pilgrim's stamps are nice memories in your own pilgrim's diary. In the intrnat. recognised pilgrim's identity card they serve as proof of the route completed. As an official document, the pilgrim's identity card also enables the pilgrim to stay overnight in special pilgrim accommodation, of which there are still few on this route. It can be obtained from the pilgrim associations for a processing fee

Directions:
 The old Roman road Via Claudia Augusta at the Fernpass was one of the most important trade routes across the Alps and connects southern Germany with northern Italy. This old pass crossing was also used by the salt carters and pilgrims. From Nassereith (838 m) follow the signposted path through woods and meadows to the campsite under the Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee. A signposted path (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 you can reach the old castle gate in a curve. After crossing the gate, follow the path on the left up into the forest, partly with a view down to Fernsteinsee with island and the smaller Samerangerseedaneben. The path continues towards the top of the Fern Pass with a view of the Zugspitze, past the chapel and through the underpass towards Biberwier. At the clearing "Zur schönenAussicht" the pilgrims' path branches off sharply to the left and leads along a steep gravel path almost down to the pass road. After a short counter-ascent you continue to descend to the shore path of the Weißensee. At the end of the lake, follow the brook to the gate at the car park on the L71 road, cross the brook and walk uphill on the right for about 150 metres along another course of the brook to the signpost. Following the path to the left, you will come to a wide driveway which runs parallel to the L71 long-distance pass road through the forest to the Marienberg path and the valley station of the Marienberg cable car in Biberwier. Continue straight on, past the tennis courts and camping site and on the Mülsteig, keeping left, to the Rauth district. Further into the village and through the village park directly to the parish church. Behind it, a beautiful grass path leads down to the crossroads, which is crossed. After a few meters on the Lermooser Landstraße turn right to the last houses before the moss. With a wonderful view of the mountains, you cross the fields and meadows, keeping left at last, Lermoos.

Tip:
The chapel at the top of the Fernpass is closed. Hotel Schloss Fernsteinsee is superbly located and is known for its fine cuisine and pastry shop. Tschirgantbad in Nassereith (indoor swimming pool with sauna), in Biberwier two bathing lakes and in Leemoos the wonderfully situated panorama bath.

Safety guidelines:
It should be noted that there is an increased risk of accidents and injuries on pilgrim paths. Despite careful route planning, a basic risk always remains. Tour preparation through endurance sports, appropriate technical training and mental preparation reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. But please never forget that the weather in the mountains can change very quickly.

Equipment:
The personal pilgrim's equipment must be safe and serviceable and must meet the relevant technical standards. The rucksack should not exceed the weight of 15 kg. Every pilgrim is recommended to inform and prepare himself in detail in technical literature or on the Internet.