In 1407, shepherds driving their flocks through the high alpine meadows between the Stubai and Wipp Valleys stopped to rest in a clearing—Waldrast, the forest rest. In the trunk of a ancient tree, they discovered something that would transform their resting place forever: an image of the Virgin Mary. Word spread through the valleys, and soon pilgrims were climbing the mountain paths to pray where heaven had touched earth.
At 1,641 meters above sea level, the Servite monastery of Maria Waldrast ranks among the highest pilgrimage sites in Europe. Beneath the dramatic peak of the Serles—the mountain locals call the "Altar of Tyrol"—the sanctuary has welcomed the faithful for more than six centuries. Archduke Leopold V laid the foundation stone for the Servite monastery in 1621, and Archduchess Claudia de' Medici saw it completed in 1644.
Four centuries later, the Servants of Mary still welcome pilgrims to this mountain sanctuary. The former monks' cells have become simple guest rooms; the sun terrace offers views across Tyrolean peaks; and the Gothic choir preserves a carved Madonna of about 1420 that has drawn the faithful through war and peace, through the rise and fall of empires, through everything the centuries have brought.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The discovery of the Marian image in 1407 transformed a shepherd's resting place into a pilgrimage destination. A chapel quickly arose, and devotion spread through the surrounding valleys as word of graces received circulated among the faithful. By the early seventeenth century, the site's fame warranted a proper monastery.
The Servite Order—founded in thirteenth-century Florence by seven merchants who devoted themselves entirely to Mary—had established itself in Austria in 1614 at the request of Anna Juliana Gonzaga. Leopold V entrusted them with Maria Waldrast in 1621. The monastery they built combines alpine practicality with Baroque spirituality, its thick walls protection against the mountain winters.
The church preserves a Gothic choir from the fifteenth century and the miraculous image—a carved seated Madonna offering an apple to the infant Jesus, dating to about 1420 and later enhanced with Baroque embellishments. Passion panels on the nave walls date from the same period, creating a medieval core within the Baroque shell. The apple Mary offers symbolizes the redemption of Eve's sin through her yes to God.
Today Maria Waldrast is recognized alongside Maria Luggau in Carinthia and Maria Weißenstein in South Tyrol as one of the three great alpine Marian pilgrimage sites—each a jewel of faith set high among the peaks.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Maria Waldrast
Kloster Maria Waldrast
Servite Monastery and Pilgrimage Church
The monastery complex includes the pilgrimage church, cloister, guest house, and restaurant with sun terrace. The Gothic choir and miraculous image form the spiritual heart; the monastery offers accommodation in former monks' cells and serves regional Tyrolean cuisine. The Servite friars maintain the liturgical rhythm of prayer that has sanctified this mountain for four centuries.
The Miraculous Image
The carved Gothic Madonna, dating to approximately 1420, shows Mary seated and offering an apple to the Christ Child—a tender gesture rich with theological meaning. Though later adorned in Baroque style, the image retains its medieval power. It stands in the Gothic choir, the focus of pilgrims' prayers for six centuries.
The Serles
The dramatic mountain peak (2,717m) that towers above the monastery is known as the "Altar of Tyrol" for its distinctive shape. The mountain forms a natural backdrop to prayer, its heights drawing the eye upward toward heaven.
Alpine Pilgrimage Paths
Multiple historic routes climb to Maria Waldrast from the valleys below. The physical effort of the ascent—through forest, across meadows, past Alpine flowers—becomes itself a form of prayer, preparation for the encounter that awaits at the summit.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of the Visitation — May 31
The Servite Order has a particular devotion to Mary under the title of the Visitation. This feast brings pilgrims to honor Mary's journey to Elizabeth, the mystery of two mothers bearing divine gifts.
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows — September 15
As Servants of Mary, the Servites particularly honor the Sorrowful Mother who stood beneath the cross. This feast draws pilgrims for special devotions at the mountain sanctuary.
Assumption of Mary — August 15
The great Marian feast fills the small church with pilgrims who have climbed from the valleys below. The summer weather allows for outdoor celebrations overlooking the peaks.
Pilgrimage Season — May to October
The mountain monastery welcomes pilgrims throughout the alpine summer, with daily Mass and opportunity for confession and spiritual direction from the Servite community.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Kloster Maria Waldrast (pilgrim accommodation) — The monastery offers simple guest rooms in former monks' cells—a chance to experience monastic hospitality in the high Alps. Full board available with Tyrolean cuisine. Website
Hotel Matreier Hof ⭐⭐⭐ — Comfortable hotel in Matrei am Brenner at the foot of the toll road to Maria Waldrast. Reserve this hotel
Gasthof Serlesblick (guesthouse) — Mountain guesthouse with views of the Serles peak, combining alpine atmosphere with comfortable accommodation.
🚗 Getting There
By Car: A toll road (approximately €8) from Mützens above Matrei am Brenner winds up to the monastery. The road is open from May to October depending on snow conditions. A shuttle service operates for those who prefer not to drive the mountain road.
On Foot from Wipptal: The Quellenweg path or the sledge run route climb through forest from Matrei am Brenner to the monastery—approximately 2 hours of moderate hiking, gaining 600 meters in elevation.
On Foot from Stubaital: A beautiful hike leads from the Koppeneck mountain station of the Serles Cable Cars to Maria Waldrast—approximately 1.5 hours through alpine meadows with spectacular views.
Note: The monastery is typically closed from November to April due to snow. Some winter pilgrims reach it on snowshoes or touring skis.
📚 Further Reading
P. Reinhold Stecher. Maria Waldrast: Gnadenort im Wipp- und Stubaital — History of the pilgrimage site by a Servite father (in German).
🔗 Useful Links
Maria Waldrast — Official website with accommodation, restaurant, and pilgrimage information.
Stubai Tourism — Hiking information for routes to Maria Waldrast.
Wipptal Tourism — Visitor information for the Brenner Pass region.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Maria Weißenstein (50 km) — South Tyrol's greatest pilgrimage site, another alpine Marian sanctuary.
Innsbruck (25 km) — Tyrolean capital with the Hofkirche and tomb of Emperor Maximilian I.
Stams Abbey (40 km) — Cistercian monastery in the Inn Valley with magnificent Baroque church.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"As a spiritual oasis, a monastery reminds today's world of the most important, and indeed, in the end, the only decisive thing: that there is an ultimate reason why life is worth living: God and his unfathomable love." — Pope Benedict XVI, Address at Heiligenkreuz Abbey, September 9, 2007
