The pilgrimage leads through Hemma’s homeland, as she was probably born in Zeltschach near Friesach and spent the rest of her life in the monastery she founded in Gurk. Her husband, Wilhelm von der Sann, Count of Friesach and Trixen and Margrave of the Sann, left Hemma rich possessions in the Gurk and Metnitz valleys, around Friesach and Völkermarkt in Carinthia, in Friuli, in Upper Styria in the Enns, Palten and Liesing valleys, in Lower Styria in the Sann valley and in Lower Carniola.
The pilgrimage hike, accompanied by Monika Gschwandner-Elkins, leads in two stages to the highlights of the Hemma pilgrimage route. Starting in Maria Waitschach, you reach the castle town of Friesach via Zeltschach, where you also spend the night. On the second day, you finally reach Gurk early in the morning. The anniversary pilgrimage (the diocese of Gurk is celebrating its 950th anniversary this year) along the Hemma pilgrimage route is a soothing break from the stress of the big city. Away from the noise and hustle and bustle, you can experience nature with all your senses. As you walk, you will find your natural rhythm again. A wayside shrine along the way reminds us that centuries ago, people passed by Gurk with their worries in the hope of finding help at the tomb of St. Hemma. Once we arrive at our destination, we are greeted by the seven-stepped funnel portal of the cathedral, which draws us into the church interior. The well-trodden steps into the crypt finally allow us to become part of all those pilgrims who entrust themselves to St. Hemma and her intercession.
Date:
New date for 2024 is being worked out.
Pilgrim accompaniment:
Monika Gschwandner-Elkin’s
motto: There are many reasons to go on a pilgrimage. One of them is the search for the true values of life such as serenity, cheerfulness, gratitude and the gift of consciously perceiving the beauty in life. This is how hiking in Carinthia becomes a spiritual experience!
