Stamp, © Weinviertel Tourismus / Lahofer

Frequently asked questions

FAQs – basic information summarised

A lot of questions arise when preparing for a pilgrimage along the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel region. Here, you will find the answers!

A lot of questions arise when preparing for a pilgrimage along the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel region. Here, you will find the answers!

Where exactly is the route of the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel region marked on a map?

The route of the Way of St. James is marked in blue on the Entdeckerkarte Weinviertel (discoverer's map of the Weinviertel region).  You can also find a more detailed description in the book Jakobswegweiser (Guide to the Way of St. James) which is available in bookstores (ISBN 978-3707921588) and at Weinviertel Tourismus GmbH for EUR 14.90. The guide to the Way of St. James is the ideal companion on your individual pilgrimage.

 

The length and route of the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel region

The Way of St. James in the Weinviertel region has a total length of approx. 153 km from Drasenhofen to Krems an der Donau and runs off the beaten track on fields and forest trails. The Way Of St. James shows you the vastness of our beautiful landscape, the picturesque village and the typical cellar alleys. Please don’t forget you will walk on foot the entire day, so choose the right footwear. You can find route suggestions in the section on routes and stages.

 

What about food during the hike?

The section room and board provides you with a list of all catering businesses along the Way of St. James including their opening hours. You find more information as downloadable material here on our website.

The path leads you through a region which is not completely developed for tourism. Please take enough water as well as snacks on your journey and stock up your supplies every day in the morning.

Don't walk forest sections in the afternoon or evening for if you get tired it will be become difficult to tackle the rest of the stage.

On some parts of the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel is no phone reception.

 

Where can I stay the night?

There are many private accommodation providers and hotels along the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel region where you can relax after a day of hiking. You can find all the accommodation offers in the room and board section.

You find more information as downloadable material here on our website.

 

Best time to pilgrimage

In spring und autumn is the best time to pilgrimage, because it’s not so hot as in the summer month.

 

How is the quality and condition of the trails the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel?

The forests in the Weinviertel are managed, so it’s possible that forestry work with machinery are on the trails while you pilgrimage. We ask for you understanding here.

The Way of St. James from Stockerau to Krems runs along the cycle path, so the trail from Stockerau to Krems is mostly asphalted. In the northern section of the Way of St. James from Drasenhofen to Stockerau almost no asphalted trail.

The altitude meters of the Way of St. James are overall rather low. The steepest ascent one must tackle is located at Mount Buschberg (492m). Hiking poles can be helpful here.

 

What is it with the scallop shell?

The scallop shell is and always was the symbol of pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela and also serves as a symbol for pilgrims along the Ways of St. James today.

You can order the symbol in the form of a necklace at Weinviertel Tourismus GmbH. Price per item: EUR 4.50

 

Where can I get the pilgrimage pass?

In addition to your guide to the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel region, you can get the Weinviertler pilgrimage pass for EUR 2.50 at Weinviertel Tourismus GmbH.

 

Where can I collect pilgrimage stamps?

In every church along the way - it's 39 in total - you will find a prayer list with a preface by Cardinal Dr. Christoph Schönborn. There, you will also find the pilgrimage stamp. When in Mikulov, inquire about the pilgrimage stamp at the tourism information point on the main square. You can also collect a pilgrimage stamp at the “Bürgerservicestelle” in the town hall of Mistelbach and at the “Buschberghütte.

 

Is there a certificate for the Way of St. James?

For every pilgrim who was on the Way of St. James in the Weinviertel region, there will be soon the possibility on this website to get a pilgrimage certificate.

 

Can one also ride the Way of St. James on a bicycle?

No

 

Can one also ride the Way of St. James on horseback?

No

 

How can one get to the starting point (Drasenhofen) by public transport?

It is not recommendet to travel to the starting point in Drasenhofen by car, because the trail ends in Krems.

Public transport to Drasenhofen:

Alternative 1: Take the Schnellbahn (rapid transit railway) from Vienna's Floridsdorf district to Laa/Thaya, from there the bus to Drasenhofen.

Alternative 2: Take the Schnellbahn (rapid transit railway) from Vienna's Floridsdorf district to Mistelbach, from there a taxi.

Find more information under: www.oebb.at

Public transport to Mikulov:

There is a good train connection from Vienna to Břeclav, change in Břeclav to direction Znojmo and exit in Mikulov na Moravě.

 

Where can I park my car in Krems (destination)?

There are many parking garages and parking slots in Krems, but if you want to park for several days you have to pay a fee.

One option is also so park the car in Krems and travel by public transport to your starting point.

 

Where are there public arrival or departure possibilities along the way?

Along the way there are connections to the railway station in Mistelbach, Ladendorf, Stockerau, Hausleiten and Gaisruck. Otherwise you can use one of the local taxi companies. You fine more information here on our website.

 

Pre-pilgrimage check list:

You will find a suggestion for a packing list in the packing list section.

Are you starting in Mikulov? - Don't forget to bring your passport

We recommend to have yourself vaccinated against tick bites before going on your journey.

 

Do you have any questions about your individual pilgrimage?

We are happy to help you. Send your request to incoming@weinviertel.at or call us under +43 2552 3515.