Sankt Martin bei Lofer: Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Those planning a trip to Sankt Martin bei Lofer can explore both natural and geological history as well as religious cultural heritage. The Vorderkaserklamm gorge, the St. Martin Geology Park and the architectural history of Maria Kirchental offer different thematic focuses. A Stone Age themed trail and described hiking routes add further activity-related options to these themes.

Nature and Geological History

The Vorderkaserklamm gorge was declared a natural monument in 1977 and is located between St. Martin bei Lofer and Weißbach bei Lofer. The St. Martin Geology Park presents traces of the former prehistoric sea, information about the formation of the mountains and the effects of the glaciers of the last ice ages.

Churches and Cultural Heritage

The pilgrimage church of Maria Kirchental in Sankt Martin bei Lofer was built from 1694 to 1701 by master builder Stefan Millinger, based on plans by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The construction period and the named designers give the church a specific connection to architectural history. Almost 1,200 votive tablets have also been preserved in Maria Kirchental. This collection adds another distinct aspect of cultural heritage to the building’s history.

As of June 30, 2025, the Salzburg Register of Monuments lists the pilgrimage church of Maria Kirchental as protected under a declaratory decision. The Catholic parish church of St. Martin and the cemetery in Sankt Martin bei Lofer are also protected as monuments, in their case by ordinance. The legal bases for protection therefore differ: a declaratory decision is specified for Maria Kirchental, and an ordinance for the parish church and cemetery. Those interested in the history of the town can consider the construction period, architecture and different protection statuses as separate aspects.

Trails and Experiences

In Lamprechtshöhle, the route through the section of the show cave developed for visitors leads around 700 metres into the mountain. It climbs 70 metres to a spacious viewing platform. Check the latest access details for Lamprechtshöhle before your visit.

The Stone Age Experience Trail is an approximately 2-kilometre hiking route with six different play stations. Information boards along the trail present the history and way of life of the Stone Age; the experience is designed with families in mind. Unlike the cave, the approximate trail length and stations define the described experience, while the boards provide its main subject matter. The two experiences therefore differ both in theme and in the route features specified.

Hiking Routes for Orientation

A hike along Moserpromenade and Moosweg passes the Gasthof Hochmoos and returns to Sankt Martin bei Lofer through an underpass beneath the main road. Moosweg crosses the raised bog to the main road and joins the Lofer–Sankt Martin walking and cycling path. The first hike returns to Sankt Martin bei Lofer; Moosweg crosses the raised bog and joins the Lofer–Sankt Martin walking and cycling path.

Discover more destinations: Königsleiten, Walchen, Gries Im Pinzgau, Piesendorf, Leogang, Niedernsill, Lend, Sankt Georgen

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