Deutsch Griffen: Fortified Church and Pilgrim Routes

Deutsch Griffen offers travelers two distinct points of reference when planning a stay: historic religious buildings and routes through the landscape. The parish church of St. James the Elder is a fortified church dating from the 12th century. It stands on a spur of a mountain that projects into the Griffnertal valley. A covered stairway with 178 steps leads up to the church; from there, exactly 178 steps lead down into the village.

Church and historic landmarks

The local population fortified the parish church as a place of refuge against the Turks, who camped outside Deutsch-Griffen in 1476 and 1478. Visitors are advised that the church is locked; a key is said to be available at the Moserwirt inn. Confirm this access information before your visit.

The church’s artworks include a valuable, single-panel Lenten veil from the late 18th century, depicting the Lamentation of Christ and belonging to the parish. The Early Gothic charnel house northeast of the parish church is dedicated to St. Oswald. A missionary cross stands in the cemetery, designed as an Arma Christi, or Passion, cross bearing the instruments of Christ’s suffering. It was probably erected for the first popular mission in 1860. The Hubertus Chapel has an interior that visitors can enter; a wall painting depicts the legend of St. Hubertus.

The history of building in the Gurktal valley is also present in Deutsch Griffen: the listed parish barn is considered an example of historic architecture in the region. Its timber-block construction has remained unchanged, apart from a few alterations, since the valley was settled in the Middle Ages. The lime kiln in Deutsch-Griffen is protected under Austria’s monument protection regulations. The Heimatmuseum Deutsch-Griffen displays restored tools from the camp.

Hiking and pilgrim routes

Hiking routes lead from the valley floor into the Nockberge mountains, including to Lattersteig, Wintertaler Nock and Eisenhut. Those looking for a route that starts in the historic village center will find that connection on the Mühlenrundweg: it begins there. A forest nature trail also invites visitors to explore. The named routes and destinations offer different points of reference for planning a trip focused on hiking and experiencing nature.

The Hemma Pilgrimage Route passes through the municipality of Deutsch-Griffen on its approximately 800-kilometer journey to Gurk Cathedral. One individual section is distinct from the full route: the stretch from Hochrindl to Deutsch Griffen is approximately 7.5 kilometers long, with an elevation difference of approximately 700 meters. Trail conditions may vary. The two figures therefore provide guidance at different scales—one for the length of the entire pilgrimage route, the other for a specific section.

Local traditions and trip planning

The procession on Rogation Monday still goes from the parish church to the Kerschbaumerkreuz and back to the village; it concludes with a devotional service in the church. A former location is recorded for the Kerschbaumerkreuz: it originally stood above the farmhouse on the old connecting route to Hochrindl, the Rauscheggerweg, at the Rauscheggen-Bach fork. Many consider the Jakobi Brünnlein a place of power, making it part of the local spiritual tradition.

If you are looking for a hotel in Deutsch Griffen, you can plan your trip around your interests: the fortified church, religious art and historic local landmarks offer a cultural and historical focus. The hiking destinations and the described section of the Hemma Pilgrimage Route, by contrast, provide specific route options for a hiking-focused trip.

Discover more destinations: Knappenberg, Passering, Launsdorf, Sand, Flattnitz, Straßburg, Frauenstein, Mölbling

For the broader travel overview: Sankt Veit An Der Glan.