The best running trails around St Ulrich am Pillersee

The region around the municipality of St. Jakob in Haus in the Pillerseetal valley boasts a well-developed network of trails, utilized for both hiking and cycling tours. A central and frequently used route in this area is the circular trail around the Buchensteinwand (Tour No. 17), extending approximately 20 to 25 kilometers in length and featuring a varied terrain of asphalt and gravel sections. From the village center in St. Jakob in Haus, the route initially leads downhill in a northeasterly direction through the Flecken district into the Wiesenseetal valley. A prominent landmark along this section is the Wiesensee lake, on whose shore a public Kneipp facility is available. Furthermore, the 30-meter-high Jakobskreuz, erected on the summit of the Buchensteinwand, remains visible for large parts of the trail. Directly along the route near the village center, the adventure park Familienland is also located. Subsequently, the path leads via a noticeable ascent up to the neighboring municipality of Hochfilzen, situated at an altitude of almost 970 meters. From there, the route runs parallel to the railway line and generally descends through the municipality of Fieberbrunn. Via the Schlossberg district, the loop finally closes with a moderate counter-climb back to St. Jakob in Haus. Along the entire route, there are several gastronomic stops and rest areas.

The Roman Catholic parish church of St. Jakobus der Ältere on the northern edge of St. Jakob in Haus, with its pointed, distinctive tower, is considered the architectural landmark of the municipality. The first, albeit uncertain, indications point to a Romanesque church in 1018; the church was finally unequivocally mentioned in documents in 1309. In early February 1689, a dramatic chapter of the village's history unfolded when a devastating snow avalanche completely destroyed the Gothic nave of the church, while the chancel and the tower miraculously remained standing. On the still existing Gothic foundations, the nave was immediately rebuilt, and the distinctive north tower was completed in 1699 with its typical gable spire helmet. Today, the listed church, which belongs to the deanery of St. Johann in Tirol, is primarily known for its artistically valuable interior. A special feature for art lovers and pilgrims on the Way of St. James is the fact that the church's namesake patron saint, St. James, is depicted a total of 20 times in various representations in the church space. The interior is adorned with Baroque sculptures from the construction period, attributed to the sculptor Georg Faistenberger, as well as an altar painting of the Resurrection of Christ by Ignaz Faistenberger and ceiling frescoes by Johann Endfelder. Surrounded by a traditional cemetery, the historic building forms the unmistakable center of the village identity in the Pillersee valley to this day.

Nestled in the picturesque Pillerseetal valley lies St. Jakob in Haus, the smallest municipality in the Kitzbühel district with around 840 inhabitants. Situated at 855 meters above sea level, the idyllic mountain village is statistically considered the sunniest spot in the entire region. The village's history dates back a long way: first documented in the 12th century, the region belonged for centuries to the Pillersee dominion of the Upper Bavarian Benedictine monastery of Rott – a history still reflected today in the municipal coat of arms with its three golden scallop shells. The charming village character is shaped by the historic parish church of St. James, which also gave the village its name. Today, the village perfectly combines rural tranquility with diverse leisure activities. The undisputed highlight of the municipality sits enthroned on the summit of the 1,558-meter-high Buchensteinwand: The Jakobskreuz is the world's largest accessible summit cross and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Kitzbühel Alps from its four viewing platforms. Directly in the valley, the Familienland adventure park primarily attracts families. With over 40 attractions, including a roller coaster, a raft ride, and an indoor climbing hall, it provides plenty of action away from the mountain trails. Depending on the season, the nature around St. Jakob transforms into a versatile stage for experiences. In summer, an extensive network of trails invites you to go hiking and biking, with destinations such as the nearby Pillersee lake or the wild Grießbachklamm gorge guaranteeing unforgettable natural impressions. In winter, the Buchensteinwand transforms into a manageable, particularly family-friendly ski area. Additionally, the sunny high valley offers cross-country skiers direct access to the well-groomed trail network, which extends to the neighboring village of Hochfilzen.

Nice service and fair prices, plus a wonderful view. What more could you want?

nice place for a break,

Idyllic. this place - very nice to take a break

As with all place names beginning with the (Latin) word "Sankt", a popular saint has been chosen here as the namesake for the village. In this case, it is the apostle James from the circle of Jesus' disciples. Incidentally, in the biblical enumeration of the Twelve, we find two people of this name. Significantly better known of the two is "James the Greater" (referred to in German as "der Ältere"), whose grave in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Galicia, is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations.

To the one who lingers at this sacred wayside shrine, I would like to offer a short text from the Way of the Cross meditation (Good Friday 2026) with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for contemplation. This passage refers to the inscription "INRI" – which can also be seen on many wayside crosses – the letters are the abbreviation, written in Latin, for "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews". + "By being nailed to the cross like a criminal, but with a title that reveals your royal dignity, you show us, O Jesus, what true power is. Not the power of those who believe they can dispose of the lives of others by killing them, but the power of the one who can truly conquer death by giving life, and who can also give life when he accepts death."