Via Slavica is the old road linking Easter and Central Europe to southern Europe. The Via Slavica is the least explored pilgrimage route in the Franconian Paths category. The rod is a way of rediscovering regions, the people, the history at the slow pace on foot. Slow rhythm gives travelers a better understanding of the surrounding landscape, history of the nations of past and present and connection to Via Francigena. The Via Slavica more than 1000-kilometer rout leads from Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia or Czech Republic to Austria, and from there the route leads via Italian regions of Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Toscana and Umbria to Rome. From historic Venice, the last part goes via hilly Florence to Rome. The road from Danube to the Po Valley has connected different peoples and cultures since ancient times, used for trade, cultural exchanges, migrations and invasions. Via Slavica is the expression of pluralism and diversity of the different European culture based on common values and an effective channel for intercultural dialogue and understanding.
At the moment there is neither a travel guide nor a clearly defined route along this ancient trade and pilgrimage route.
The 1000-kilometer tour starts in the Czech city of Brno from the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul through untouched nature of the Czech Republic and runs via Vienna to the terminus Rome. This makes the walk interesting for the sporty walker. The tour starts through the untouched nature of the Czech Republic and goes through the mountains of Austria to the flat country of Slovenia. From historic Venice, the last part goes via hilly Florence to Rome. The last part of the walk is slightly downhill. It is an interesting walk for culinary enthusiasts. Via Slavica is for all members of public, through mountain scenery and combining cultural and sport. Along the tourism itineraries, there are dozens of opportunities for cultural, educational, artistic and academic activities to allow the travelers to discover connection to southern Europe. Many different travel options are available from traditional pilgrimage to train journeys.
From Poland (Warsav and Częstochowa)
From Czech republic (Brno) is Via Slavica joined via cycling trail. From Brno via Židlochovice, Pasohlávky and Nový Přerov to border crossing Hevlín/Laa an der Thaya and further on via Mistelbach and Wolkersdorf to Vienna is more than 170 km long. The entire route in the South Moravia region is signposted with standard Czech signs (yellow signs) with the Cycle trail Brno.
From Slovakia (Bratislava) to Hainburg border dirt roads are a good alternative to main road. Cross the border on foot feels something despite the EU freedom of movement unusual. The Donau-Auen National Park is located between metropolitan areas Vienna and Bratislava.
From Hungary (Budapest) the Slavic road in Hungary crosses the territory of Heves in the valley of the Eger river between the Màtra and Bükk mountains, in the tenth century it was populated by Germans, Avars and Slavs. King Stephen the Holy to Christianize the Magyars put a bishop with his church on the hill overlooking the river where later the fortress was built and then the city that bears the Hungarian name of the alder Eger.
From Slovenia (Ljubljana) the routes pass through tranquil Lake Bohinj and Julian Alps, Kobarid on the dazzling turquoise Soča river, a town of great significance during World War 1 and immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his novel “A Farewell to Arms.” The border crossing between Slovenia and Italy on foot goes to Italian region of Friuli, where are excellent vineyards of the Collio hills and the Unesco World Heritage sites of Cividale and Aquileia.
From Austria (Vienna) there are two routes: the first along the Amber road (Bernsteinstraße) through Ljubljana in Slovenia and the second along the Via Sacra to Mariazell and then the Carinthian Pilgrimage route to Mariazel (Mariazellerweg) to Arnoldstein and via Tarvisio, Udine, old roman port of Aquileia, Assisi to Rome.
Source:
Trish Clark, Good Night & God Bless: A Guide to Convent & Monastery Accommodation in Europe: Austria, Czech Republic, Italy: 1, Hidden Spring; United States edition (May 1, 2009), 264 pages