The pilgrimage site Mariastein seems to be guarded by the majestic Mariastein Castle with its high donjon
Altitude: 575 m a.s.l.
Mariastein is the smallest village in the area around the Hohe Salve mountain. Above the village rises Mariastein Castle with its high donjon, which was erected in order to protect the old Roman road. The white castle church dates back to the 14th century and was declared a pilgrimage site in the 15th century. This is where you can visit the lushly decorated Chapel of Grace.
Since Mediaeval times, numerous pilgrims have visited the chapel, accessible via 150 steps, in order to invocate the Gothic Madonna, seeking aid. Today, however, you can discover even more: The adjacent Mariastein Castle Museum shows you sacral objects of gold and silver, pilgrimage boards and musical instruments. The absolute highlight are the Tyrolean insignias with the sceptre, donated by Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, around the year 1600.
In summer, Mt. Hohe Salve (1,828 m a.s.l.) invites you to explore the Sun Dial Path and its famous wind harp on the top. If you prefer the valley basin, you can walk from the pilgrimage church on the Chapel Path in an hour to the Steinkapelle chapel. Also winter is a pleasant season in Mariastein, when the village forms together with the neighbouring Angerberg the eponymous high plateau, a paradise for cross-country skiers. Many wonderful cross-country ski trails snake across the winter landscape, such as the Mariastein Trail and the well-known Schneerosental Trail.
