Pinzgauer Marienweg

Through the high alpine valleys of Salzburg's Pinzgau region, the Pinzgauer Marienweg connects five Marian churches in a circuit of Marian devotion. Established in 2011, this route leads pilgrims through some of Austria's most spectacular mountain scenery to the "Pinzgauer Dom" - the pilgrimage church of Maria Kirchental.

📜 History & Significance

The Pinzgau region has been Marian territory for centuries, with churches and shrines to Our Lady scattered through its alpine valleys. The Pinzgauer Marienweg was created to connect these traditional pilgrimage sites in a single route, reviving and formalizing devotional paths that mountain communities had followed for generations.

Maria Kirchental, the journey's destination, has drawn pilgrims since the 17th century. The baroque church, set in a high valley with views of the surrounding peaks, is affectionately known as the "Pinzgauer Dom" (cathedral of the Pinzgau) despite its modest size.

🥾 Route Overview

The Pinzgauer Marienweg covers approximately 135 km through the Pinzgau region, typically completed in 5-7 days of walking. The classic route leads from Jochbergwald over the Pass Thurn, visiting five Marian churches before reaching Maria Kirchental.

The route traverses alpine landscapes at elevations between 800 and 1,600 meters, passing through traditional farming villages and offering views of the Hohe Tauern peaks. The path combines historic pilgrimage routes with modern hiking trails.

☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites

Maria Kirchental - The "Pinzgauer Dom," a baroque pilgrimage church in a remote mountain valley. The church houses a venerated statue of the Virgin and has been a center of Marian devotion since 1694.

Maria Alm - A pilgrimage church with the tallest spire in Salzburg province, the route's other major Marian destination.

The four other Marian churches along the route each preserve their own traditions and miraculous images, creating a circuit of alpine devotion.