Description
From Türnitz, the Via Sacra leads through the "Long Forest" of the Türnitz Gorge to Siebenbrünn (baroque Stations of the Cross and chapel). Pilgrims could refresh themselves at its hermitage in earlier times. From here, a path with bridges and walkways leads to the foot of Annaberg, the first “Holy Mountain” on the Via Sacra. Shortly after the Annaberg holiday cross, a steep last section begins to the pilgrimage site. At the pilgrimage church of St. Anne, pilgrims are greeted by a first view of the Ötscher. In Annaberg, the Mariazell plateau is reached (04:45 h). A magnificent panoramic view of the mountain world of Lower Austria and Styria accompanies pilgrims now over the “Holy Mountains” to Mariazell. From Annaberg it goes downhill – past the cemetery – and along the Stations of the Cross designed in monotype by Prof. Sepp Gamsjäger. Above the federal road near the Schachinger inn lies the “Annabründl” with a baroque pietà. On the Lassing Valley Path, one reaches the Joachim Chapel on the second “Holy Mountain” (01:45 h) and Wienerbruck. Away from the federal road, one hikes to the Josefsberg, the third “Holy Mountain” (01:30 h). Wall paintings in the parsonage show the work of the woodcutters in the forests around the Ötscher circa 1830. Now it continues to Mitterbach at the Lower Austria-Styria border (01:30 h). Already in Styria lies the Sebastian Chapel on the gentle “fourth Holy Mountain.” From here, the picturesque Sebastianiweg with its rosary stations leads to Mariazell (02:30 h). To be able to enjoy the arrival in Mariazell and the atmosphere of Austria’s most important Marian pilgrimage site in peace, an overnight stay in Mariazell is recommended. Return options to Vienna are possible with the “Mariazell bus” or by the Mariazell railway to St. Pölten.
Falkenschlucht variant: From Türnitz, it is possible to reach Ulreichsberg via the Lower Austria Pilgrim's Way, where it meets the Vienna Pilgrim's Way (Türnitz-Mariazell 10:00 h, 29.5 km). Alternatively, a marked path via the Ebenbauer alpine pasture leads back to Annaberg. (Türnitz – Annaberg via Ebenbauer alpine pasture 05:30 h.)
Starting point of the tour
Türnitz
Destination point of the tour
Mariazell
Directions
From Vienna:
South Motorway A2 towards Linz – continuation on Vienna Outer Ring Motorway A21 towards Linz/St. Pölten – continuation on West Motorway A1 towards St. Pölten – exit St. Pölten South – continuation on Mariazell Federal Road B20 towards Mariazell until Türnitz.
Direct connection Mariazell bus from Vienna/South Tyroler Platz.
Author's tip
Sights: Chapel Siebenbrünn with pilgrim fountain, pilgrimage church Annaberg, Gamsburg by Prof. Sepp Gamsjäger in Annaberg, church Joachimsberg, parish church Josefsberg, parsonage Josefsberg with Seccomalereien from the work life of the woodcutters (viewable by groups upon prior arrangement), Catholic and Protestant parish churches in Mitterbach, Gemeindealpe, Sebastian Chapel, Basilica Mariazell, Holy Fountain, Mariazell Local Heritage House, Lebzelterei & wax drawing shop Pirker and erLEBZELTEREI Pirker (demonstration bakery), Bürgeralpe, and much more.
