Mützens: Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the Pilgrim Way to Maria Waldrast

Mützens can be discovered through two religious landmarks: the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the pilgrimage to Maria Waldrast. The church is a branch church of the Matrei am Brenner parish; its patronal feast is celebrated on June 29. For your trip planning, this offers both a local church patronal feast and a pilgrimage tradition linked to a specific route starting in Mützens.

Church and pilgrimage

The story of the pilgrimage’s origins leads to Mützens: on Holy Saturday in 1407, the two shepherd boys Hans and Peter from Mützens discovered the image of the Virgin Mary in a hollow larch trunk. On April 19, 1409, Prince-Bishop Ulrich II of Brixen granted permission to build the first small church on the site of today’s Maria Waldrast monastery. The cornerstone for the Servite monastery adjoining the Maria Waldrast pilgrimage church was laid in 1621 under Prince Leopold V; construction was completed in 1644 under Archduchess Claudia de’ Medici. These dates mark distinct milestones: the reported discovery, permission to build a first small church, and the later completion of the monastery.

Pilgrim routes and how to get there

A pilgrimage hike starts at the Mützens parking lot. The route to Maria Waldrast is five kilometers long, takes about an hour and a half, and leads through spruce forests. In winter, the ascent starts at the toll station in the Mützens district and follows the road to Maria Waldrast; the route takes about two hours.

For planning your time, these details are not interchangeable: they refer to different starting points and types of route. The key question is whether you mean the pilgrimage hike from the parking lot or the winter ascent along the road from the toll station. Check the current conditions on your chosen route before setting out.

For the drive to Maria Waldrast, the Matrei am Brenner motorway exit is a useful landmark: from there, a well-maintained toll road leads to the destination. Parking is available directly at the Maria Waldrast monastery inn. As toll conditions and parking regulations can change, check them before your trip.

Winter activities and Waldrast water

If you are deciding between tobogganing and cross-country skiing as you plan your trip, two details are specific: the Maria Waldrast toboggan run is 3.5 kilometers long and has a separate uphill route; there are high-altitude classic-style trails at Maria Waldrast. These activities are available seasonally. Check in advance to see what is currently operating.

Waldrast water also has a historical connection: the spring was enclosed as early as the 16th century. Together with the dates associated with the church and monastery, it is another specific point of interest for anyone interested in the history of the pilgrimage while planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Schmirn, Oberperfuss, Neustift Im Stubaital, Völs, Hatting, Reith Bei Seefeld, Gries Im Sellrain, Mühltal

Return to the main travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.