Vorderberg combines pilgrimage churches and distinctive architecture with routes for a range of activities: from the Marian Pilgrimage Trail to Maria im Graben to cycling loops in the Gail Valley. When planning your day, it is worth distinguishing between a single pilgrimage route, a stage of the four-day alpine pasture hike and the described cycling routes.
Churches, Art and the Vorderberg Gorge
The pilgrimage church of Maria im Graben is regularly visited by pilgrims. It stands at the entrance to the deep Vorderberg Gorge, south of Vorderberg. The church’s choir contains late Gothic frescoes. Another ecclesiastical landmark is the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul in Vorderberg. This small late Gothic building has a mighty tower and a Baroque onion dome and is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
The furnishings of the parish church also point to Maria im Graben: the nave contains a late Gothic winged altarpiece from the branch church, with a carved Pietà in the shrine. This makes it possible to distinguish between two different artistic features: the frescoes in the choir of Maria im Graben and the winged altarpiece in the parish church. The Paradies adds a different cultural dimension. This row of buildings, surrounded by a wall, serves as an inn and as a venue for displaying the artworks of Cornelius Kolig.
Cycling Routes Along the Gail
The R3 cycle path, also known as the Gail Valley Cycle Path, runs for around 80 kilometres along the Gail, from Kötschach-Mauthen to Warmbad Villach. Near Vorderberg, it passes through the municipality of St. Stefan im Gailtal. In Vorderberg, the natural swimming pool is right on the R3 Carnic Cycle Path and offers cyclists a chance to cool off.
Two cycling loops with specific route sections are described to help you find your way around the area. The Gail Valley Loop HP11 crosses a stream by the church in Vorderberg town centre, passes the natural swimming pool and then crosses the Gail. The 3-Lakes Loop HP10 also goes into the town centre, passes the natural swimming pool over a bridge and then crosses the Gail. The Gail Valley Loop also includes the stream crossing by the church. The Matschiedl Rauterbauer ST1 mountain bike tour starts at the bridge over the Vorderberger Bach near the church. Check local route conditions before cycling.
From the Pilgrimage Trail to the Alpine Pasture Hike
The Marian Pilgrimage Trail runs from Feistritz to Vorderberg, covering 8 km along the R3 Gail Valley Cycle Path. It then follows the Vorderberger Wildbach for 1 km to the pilgrimage church of Maria im Graben. These two route sections provide clear guidance: first follow the cycle path to Vorderberg, then continue along the stream to the church.
The four-day alpine pasture hike offers a different itinerary. On the first day, the route leads from the railway station past the church of Maria im Graben and climbs to the Werbutzalm at 1,450 m and the Feistritzer Alm at 1,715 m. The Oisternig, at 2,052 m, rises to the west of the route. This gives you two different hiking plans to choose from: the Marian Pilgrimage Trail, with its specified sections leading to the pilgrimage church, or the first day of a multi-day tour with two named alpine pasture destinations. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Vorderberg is accessible by train, and bicycles can be taken along. The Rail & Trail route takes just a few minutes from St. Stefan-Vorderberg railway station to the Gail bridge in Vorderberg. This makes it easy to combine the train journey with the destinations described in the village and cycling routes in the surrounding area. If you are planning a specific train journey, check the timetable for your travel dates.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Sankt Lorenzen Im Lesachtal, Hermagor-Pressegger See, Sankt Stefan An Der Gail, Paßriach, Radnig, Gundersheim, Tröpolach, Sittmoos.
Return to the main travel overview: Hermagor.
