Via Sacra

Via Sacra is a 125-kilometer pilgrimage trail through forests and valleys from Vienna to Mariazell in Lower Austria. The path passes numerous monasteries, churches, and religious stations that define the region.

The path has served pilgrims for over 800 years, connecting Vienna and Mariazell through major abbeys like Heiligenkreuz and Lilienfeld. Over the centuries, it grew into one of Central Europe's most important pilgrimage routes.

The route connects multiple religious buildings, including the basilica of Klein-Mariazell and the pilgrimage church of Annaberg, forming a network of sacred sites. Pilgrims pass through landscapes linked for centuries to faith and devotion.

The trail can be walked in four to six days with regular accommodations and food stops throughout the entire route. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and bring decent fitness to handle the hills and long daily sections.

A dedicated bus service called Mariazeller Autobus operates between Vienna and Mariazell, allowing visitors to explore specific sections without walking the entire trail. This service makes the journey more flexible for people with varying fitness levels.