For today’s stage, we have a somewhat unusual suggestion. Before continuing north along the Saalach, we first visit the pilgrimage church of Maria Kirchental, beautifully situated in a secluded high valley above Sankt Martin near Lofer. The church—affectionately known as the “Pinzgau Cathedral”—was built from 1693 to 1701 to plans by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The image of Mary on the high altar had already been venerated for centuries before that. The fascination and seclusion of this place, set in an impressive landscape, make it a worthwhile detour from the Jerusalem Way. For the ascent from Lofer via Bad Hochmoos, the Tiroler Steig through the forest is ideal. The 3.9 km and 1.5 hours are rewarded by this wonderful pilgrimage site. The pilgrimage church also has a house of reflection and an inn. Afterwards, we hike back to Lofer the same way, where we may even have left our backpacks. For the rest of the stage, we follow the Saalach on a picture-perfect pilgrim path to the stage destination of Unken, for now the last town in Austria. Shortly before Unken we pass the impressive Innersbach Gorge! The Saalach then continues through Germany and flows into the Salzach near Salzburg, which then forms the border between Germany and Austria as far as its confluence with the Inn near Haiming.

At the destination, Unken, Jerusalem pilgrims may be able to find accommodation for pilgrims in the guest room of the rectory. And right next door is the Kirchenwirt—this country hotel is recommended! www.kirchenwirt-unken.at

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– Haus Helga in Unken

– Gästehaus Flatscher in Unken
– Pension Wildschütz in Unken
– B&B Binderschuster in Unken