Maria Alm Am Steinernen Meer

There are several distinct focal points for a stay in Maria Alm Am Steinernen Meer: hikes starting in the town centre, a chapel at the foot of the Steinernes Meer, the pilgrimage across the Steinernes Meer and mountain bike trails. If you are looking for a hotel, thinking about what you want to focus on can help you find your bearings: Would you like to explore routes and destinations on foot, are you interested in religious history, or are you planning your stay around cycling routes? The following local and cultural highlights make it easier to choose.

Hikes, chapels and seasonal routes

The Maria Alm panoramic circular trail starts in the town centre. One section of the hike offers views over Maria Alm; the route leads to the Gasteg Chapel. This gives the loop two clear points of reference: the starting point in town and the chapel as its destination. If you would like to include a route connected to the town in your stay, this trail is a concrete option.

Another hike starts at the municipal square in Maria Alm and follows the village road along Trail No. 23 towards Krallerwinkl. Its destination is the Kaseregg Chapel, an ancient farmers’ chapel at the foot of the Steinernes Meer, at an altitude of 1,049 metres. The hike can be extended to the Kaseregg Grotto, with its interesting rock formations. You can choose the chapel as your destination or extend the hike to include the grotto.

In summer, the Natrunbahn takes visitors from the town centre up to Prinzenberg Natrun. If you are planning to take the lift, check the timetable in advance. The Resi Trail and the Primbach Trails are among the mountain biking options in Maria Alm. Their opening conditions vary by season; check them before planning a ride.

Church, pilgrimage and regional culture

The Church of Maria in der Almb in Maria Alm was first mentioned in a documentary record. It was a single-nave church built in the Gothic style. Pilgrimages also shape the town’s religious history: the many votive offerings testify to the pilgrimage site of Maria Alm’s significance beyond the region. Most of these votive offerings can now be seen at the Heimatmuseum Schloss Ritzen.

The Maria Alm pilgrimage, also known as the Bartholomä pilgrimage, is one of Europe’s oldest high-altitude pilgrimages. It takes place every year with a large number of participants and is considered a cultural and spiritual event. Its route leads from Austria across the Steinernes Meer to St. Bartholomä on Lake Königssee in Germany. Both its name and route clearly connect the pilgrimage to Maria Alm, while also linking it to its destination on the German side of Lake Königssee.

The Bauernherbst, or traditional autumn festival, offers a different cultural dimension in the Hochkönig region around Maria Alm. Its programme includes traditional festivals, parades, folk music and craft demonstrations. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider not only religious sites but also regional festivals, music and crafts. You can weigh these priorities alongside the hiking destinations and the seasonal selection of mountain bike trails.

Discover more destinations: Hollersbach Im Pinzgau, Leogang, Niedernsill, Rauris, Zell am See, Fusch An Der Grossglocknerstrasse, Maishofen, Lofer.

Back to the main travel overview: Zell Am See.