Großholzhausen: Chapel, Oak Cross and the Way of St. James

Discover Großholzhausen through its religious landmarks and hiking trails. The Lourdes Chapel and the oak cross tell different local stories; the Way of St. James stage adds a practical hiking perspective. If you are looking for hotels for your stay, you can first consider whether local history or hiking will play a greater role in your travel plans. For a broader perspective, head to Raubling, where nature and environmental education offer different themes.

The chapel and local religious history

The Lourdes Chapel in Großholzhausen was built in 1912 by the Mairbauer family out of gratitude and in fulfilment of a vow. At the centre of the chapel is a Lourdes grotto. The building’s history and the grotto offer two points of reference: the vow explains why it was built, while the grotto is the focal point inside. The chapel invites visitors to spend some time in quiet reflection. Please refrain from lighting candles.

Memorials and dates

The oak cross in Großholzhausen, erected in 1834, commemorates the people from Holzhausen who died of the plague in 1611. The date of its erection and the event it commemorates thus refer to two different points in time: the cross dates from 1834, while the memorial honours those who died in 1611. The tradition of the Holy Sepulchre at St. George’s in Großholzhausen also probably dates back to 1830. This tentative date differs from the firmly established years associated with the cross and the chapel. Together, these sites represent different forms of religious remembrance and different historical connections.

The Way of St. James and the footpath to Schwarzlack

Großholzhausen lies along Stage 17 of the Way of St. James, a moderately difficult 45.9-kilometre route from Au near Bad Aibling into the Inn Valley. Its length and difficulty offer practical guidance for assessing the stage. A separate footpath climbs from the Baroque parish church of St. George to Schwarzlack. If you are planning a hike, check current trail conditions and the route before setting out, as conditions and route management can change.

Raubling: nature and environmental education in the wider area

In the wider destination of Raubling, the Nicklheim Moor Station is designed as an environmental education centre for schools. The Nicklheim Moor Station nature walk first leads to a birdwatching station, then past the Green Classroom and a peat cutter’s hut to a viewing platform overlooking the moor. The station is specifically intended for schools; the route also passes the named stops and ends at the viewing platform.

The Nicklheim peat bogs in Raubling are home to peat mosses, sundews, numerous dragonfly species and many rare bird species, particularly during the bird migration season. This seasonal aspect is a useful planning consideration for nature lovers. Unlike the religious memorial sites in Großholzhausen, Raubling focuses on the moor landscape, biodiversity and environmental education.

Discover more destinations: Kleinholzhausen

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Raubling.