Benediktweg
The place
Austrian section of the Benedikt pilgrim way, running from north to south. The route between Spital/Pyhrn and the Slovenian border has existed since 2009. The extension in Upper Austria between Passau and Spital/Pyhrn was completed in 2023.
Why go
Rottenbuch with its Augustinian abbey church. Wieskirche (UNESCO). Ottobeuren (the Swabian Escorial). Einsiedeln (Switzerland's most important Marian shrine). Mariazell (Austria's most important pilgrimage site). Monte Cassino — rebuilt after 1944.
A bit of history
Benedict of Nursia founded the monastery on Monte Cassino in 529 and wrote his Regula Benedicti there — the foundation of Western monasticism and, indirectly, of European education and monastic culture. Benedict has been the patron saint of Europe since 1964 (Paul VI).
Getting there
Rottenbuch: bus from Weilheim (1h). Monte Cassino: bus from Cassino (20 min), train from Naples (1h). Well served by international rail.
Recommended gear
Mid-weight hiking boots. Pilgrim credential. Passport (4 countries). Rain protection.
Best season
April to October. Alpine sections become accessible from late May.