Maria Wörth between the church island and Lake Wörthersee

Maria Wörth is located on Lake Wörthersee. The peninsula extends far into the lake and was an island until 1770. Its lakeside location and ecclesiastical architectural history give the place two distinct characteristics: the peninsula’s landscape and an ensemble with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque features.

If you choose your hotel based on your destination, these features of the place can help with your decision. Maria Wörth offers a focus on cultural history as well as specific starting points for activities on and around the lake. You can weigh up which of these aspects is more important for your trip by considering the features described below.

Churches and architectural history on the peninsula

The listed monument complex includes two significant Romanesque churches that were later altered in the Gothic and Baroque styles. The parish church stands at the highest point of the peninsula. Its present appearance is predominantly Late Gothic, and its features also include a slender north tower. The church thus brings together Romanesque origins and later architectural changes.

Inside the parish church, a Baroque high altar dating from 1658 has been preserved, along with a Madonna and Child dating from 1460, shown enthroned. The two dates refer to different elements: the altar and the depiction of the Madonna and Child. Visitors interested in art and architectural history can distinguish between different periods of origin in one place, rather than assigning the church to just one period.

The Rosary Church was built or expanded as a second, smaller church for regular parish services and was consecrated in 1155 by Bishop Roman of Gurk. It is called the Winter Church because the feast days of the saints venerated there fell in winter. A significant Romanesque fresco cycle has also been preserved in the church. Its function, traditional name and wall paintings each offer a different way to understand the building.

Another distinctive building is the Maria Wörth charnel house: a two-storey Late Romanesque rotunda with a Gothic portal dating from the 16th century. It was dedicated to Saints Catherine, Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene in 1279. Compared with the parish church and the Rosary Church, the round shape and later portal stand out here. Together, the three buildings reveal different forms and traces of different periods, without needing to be reduced to a single building phase.

Getting around, events and activities

A covered staircase leads to the former collegiate church on the highest plateau of the rocky island. The Maria Wörth Tourist Information Office is in the heart of the peninsula. The IBIKE BOX, where you can rent e-bikes, is also in the middle of Maria Wörth, at Freisinger Platz. These location details help you distinguish between the town’s central points and services.

Events also have different seasonal highlights. The nighttime Marian boat procession on Lake Wörthersee takes place every year on 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. It reaches Maria Wörth and ends there with the renewal of the consecration to the Mother of God. In 2026, the romantic Advent at the Church Island includes an Advent market. If you are planning a visit in another year, check the relevant event dates and programme.

Wörthersee Sports offers water skiing at the Maria Wörth boat landing. Check the provider’s latest information before your visit. The Maria Wörth–Reifnitz hike also starts at the boat landing: it follows hiking trails 1 and 7 to the Pyramidenkogel, then continues to Reifnitz via trails 7 and 5. Check local conditions before setting out. The routes described and the water-skiing offer appeal to different interests; the route description does not state a walking time or difficulty level.

The buildings offer a clear focus on cultural history; the hiking route and water skiing provide other options for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pörtschach Am Wörther See, Grafenstein, Reifnitz, Poggersdorf, Moosburg in Kärnten, Höflein, Sankt Martin Am Techelsberg, Ebenthal In Kärnten.

Return to the main travel overview: Klagenfurt-Land.