Etappe 06 RSAT23 Hemma Pilgerweg Route Admont

Starting from St. Lambrecht, today’s stage takes us across provincial borders. At the Wandaler Cross, we cross into Carinthia. Our next destinations are Ingolsthal and finally Metnitz at 851 metres above sea level. A particular highlight of today’s route is the incredible panoramic view that accompanies us along the way.

Saint Hemma, born around 980 as Countess of Friesach-Zeltschach, was known for her charity work and generous foundations. With her wealth, she founded the Benedictine monasteries of Gurk and Admont. The latter is now home to the world’s largest monastic library and is well worth a visit.

Starting from the market square in St. Lambrecht, the trail climbs uphill towards Lake Auerling (1,318 m) and the border with Carinthia. Upon reaching the Wandaler Cross on the mountain saddle, we are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views before descending on the Carinthian side through the narrow Gwerzbach Valley to Ingolsthal. In Ingolsthal, the pilgrimage route continues past the parish church to the Perzl Cross. From there, the trail leads downhill to Metnitz via the farmsteads Buchhäusl, Toner, Rainer (Hemma Fountain), Marak, Gruber, and Senger.

Lake Auerling in the Zirbitzkogel-Grebenzen Nature Park is certainly one of the highlights of this stage. Nestled in beautiful forest surroundings, the lake covers around three hectares and was formed by glacial moraine deposits. Ingolsthal lies in a side valley branching north from the Metnitz Valley and was once an important mining area where silver was extracted from the early Middle Ages onwards. Since the 12th century, the village has had its own parish church dedicated to Saint Gotthard. The church was first documented in 1169 and elevated to parish status in 1531. Its impressive four-column high altar, dating from around 1725, spans the entire eastern side of the church.