Hechenberg – Hiking the Scenic Loop

The Hechenberg scenic loop is a practical starting point for planning your trip. The circular trail reaches the entrance to Hechenberg, continues through Walleiten and Helfersried, and then follows forest paths towards the pilgrimage church of Maria Elend and Dietramszell Monastery. The loop thus connects named places with forest paths and church destinations.

On foot along the Hechenberg scenic loop

The loop offers views of the mountains and the Alpine foothills. Hechenberg and Dietramszell are possible stops for refreshments. Check the trail conditions and signage before setting out, as both can change. Trip planning therefore brings together two distinct themes: the route through several places and the views of the landscape.

Scenery and regional cuisine

Hechenberg is designated as a viewpoint. When planning, you can distinguish between this named place as a point of interest and the scenic loop as a route. The Moarwirt is known for regional organic cuisine. As its offerings and opening arrangements may change, check the current details before visiting.

Church art and architectural history in Dietramszell

In the wider destination of Dietramszell, church art and architectural history add another perspective on Hechenberg. The dome fresco in the pilgrimage church of St. Leonhard was painted by Christian Wink. The altars and pulpit are the work of Philipp Rämpl; according to a traditional account, he created his largest and finest work there. Johann Baptist Zimmermann, Franz Xaver Schmädl and Philipp Jakob Rämpl contributed to the interior decoration of the former monastery church, now the parish church of the Assumption of Mary in Dietramszell.

The former parish church of St. Martin is now a monastery church and was built in 1717. At the Assumption of Mary, the contributions of several artists to the interior decoration are noteworthy; at St. Martin, its former and current functions can be distinguished, as can its year of construction. The churches thus offer different points of connection for exploring the history of the wider destination.

The architectural history of the Kreuzbichl cemetery church also includes several specific dates. In 1641, Provost Georg Wagner had a chapel with a tower added to its west side in honour of Our Lady of Einsiedel in Switzerland. The Totenkerker Chapel on the south side of the cemetery church was built in 1666. In 1826, it was sold to the von Schilcher family and serves as a family crypt. The two chapels can therefore be distinguished by their different locations and architectural histories.

The name “Elend” also has a local linguistic history. In the local dialect, it is pronounced “illat”; its etymology traces it from “alilanti” through “elilanti”. In a broad sense, the word means “other land”, “foreign land”, “borderland”, or land outside the municipal boundary. These meanings connect foreignness with a boundary to the local area.

Discover more destinations: Linden.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Dietramszell.