Breitenweinzier: Pilgrimages, Trails and History

Breitenweinzier can be explored through several specific highlights: its early written history, the village and sports festival, and the trails and pilgrimage destinations on nearby Bogenberg. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between these options based on timing and interests. A 1.5-kilometre loop, guided tours by arrangement, an annual pilgrimage and a festival in early July offer different reasons to visit.

Local History and Dates

Breitenweinzier is documented in written records around 1170 under the name “Winzzer”. This name in the records provides an early chronological reference point for the history of the village. The VfB Breitenweinzier village and sports festival is also part of the recurring annual calendar: it takes place every year in early July. If you plan to travel for it, check the exact date for the year you wish to visit. A parish notice from August 2024 lists a rosary prayer at 7 p.m. in St. Urban’s Chapel. If you plan to visit for this occasion, check the current parish schedule.

Trails on Nearby Bogenberg

The circular hike on nearby Bogenberg is 1.5 km long, rated easy and follows well-maintained forest and forestry roads. It leads to the St. Salvator Chapel, with its hermitage and dungeon. Information boards on Bogenberg cover topics relating to nature, culture and history. In Bogen, Bogenberg is a natural-history attraction because of its flora and fauna.

Another route description concerns the Lippweg (No. 4): it descends to the edge of town in Bogen; from there, the Janerweg (No. 12) climbs steeply uphill to the pilgrimage church. These details help you choose a route based on its character: the loop’s length, difficulty rating and surface are specified, while the Lippweg and Janerweg descriptions give the direction and steep climb.

Pilgrimage and Culture on Bogenberg

Nearby Bogenberg is home to a historic Marian pilgrimage church with a miraculous image dating from the late 13th century. The Holzkirchen Candle Pilgrimage takes place there every year at Pentecost. Church tours and tours of the museum and church are available by arrangement. Tours therefore require advance arrangements; the pilgrimage is a recurring event held at Pentecost.

A section of the nearby Bogenberg District Museum is devoted to Bogenberg. Religious objects and valuable sculptures from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque periods are also on display there. The museum offers a different focus from the trails: its main themes are religious art and the history of Bogenberg.

In Bogen: Monastery History, Nature and Visitor Information

The village of Oberalteich in Bogen was a monastic settlement with a Benedictine abbey until secularisation in 1803. The former monastery buildings form the historic centre of Oberalteich and have been renovated. Bogen railway station has an information centre offering tourist information and details about train connections. The station also houses the Bavarian Forest Nature Park information centre, with the permanent exhibition “The Danube and Bogenberg”. Check practical visitor information for the information centres in advance.

The Bavaria-Bohemia Europe Park is an urban green space in the centre of Bogen, intended for the recreation of local residents and tourists. A tree trail in the park features more than 20 tree species. The European pilgrimage route VIA NOVA also passes through Bogen. Alongside its monastery history, you will therefore find attractions related to nature, green spaces and pilgrimage routes.

For the broader travel overview: Bogen.