Szent Jakab út Via Pannonia – fő ág és rövid alternatív szakaszok
Saint James's Way / Via Pannonia - main section with short alternatives
The place
The Via Pannonia Way of St. James is Hungary's pilgrimage route toward the Camino de Santiago: a 460 km path from Budapest to Szombathely, continuing through Austria and Styria to join the Way of St. James. It runs across the plains and hills of Transdanubia, passing Catholic churches, Baroque castles and historic towns (Győr, Sopron, Szombathely).
Why go
Győr's Baroque quarter. Lake Fertő (UNESCO, Neusiedlersee). Sopron and its Austro-Hungarian heritage. Szombathely and the birthplace of Saint Martin.
A bit of history
Szombathely (ancient name: Savaria) was one of the most important Pannonian cities under Emperor Hadrian, and the birthplace of Saint Martin of Tours (around 316). Szombathely has been a pilgrimage site for centuries, through which the Via Pannonia organizes the Hungarian route toward Compostela.
Getting there
Budapest: airport and rail hub. Szombathely: train from Vienna (2h) or Budapest (2.5h).
Recommended gear
Light pilgrim gear. Credencial (pilgrim passport). Sun protection.
Best season
April–October. September is ideal (grape harvest, fewer crowds).