Welcome to Hotel zum Kirchenwirt

Next to the mighty Basilica of Mariazell, there is another pilgrimage site within the pilgrimage site: The Calvary Hill is only a few meters away. The path leads past the mechanical nativity scene, which was closed during my visits (August 2020 and September 2021). The journey continues along the Way of the Cross through a short forest until reaching the destination with the three crosses and a magnificent view.

The atmosphere is particularly mystical at sunrise. Therefore, my tip for a visit: The towers of the Basilica of Mariazell seem to disappear into the morning mist (see image above). The entire mountain landscape then appears very mysterious. On the way back to the town center, you can combine the visit with a stop at the Chapel of the Holy Spring.

The Bürgeralpe is a scenic mountain at an altitude of 1,267 meters and offers a panoramic view of Styria and Lower Austria.

A cable car, the Mariazeller Schwebebahnen, takes you directly from the town to the Bürgeralpe. The round-trip ticket costs a proud 28 euros. If you hike up but want to return by cable car, the cost is only 21 euros (as of 2024). With a valid SteiermarkCard or NiederösterreichCard, the cable car ride is free.

On the Bürgeralpe, you'll find the easy hiking trail "Drei Seen Blick". During the 45-minute walk, you'll have views of the Hubertussee, Erlaufsee, and Kristallsee. The Kristallsee is located directly on the Bürgeralpe.

Both in summer and winter, the Mariazeller Bürgeralpe is a popular destination, offering a wide range of recreational activities on the mountain. There's the large adventure park Holzknechtland and Biberwasser. In the two lakes on the Bürgeralpe, you can try water skiing and stand-up paddling. A relatively new addition is the forest roller coaster Flylinas Hexenflug, providing a unique flying experience. For detailed information, visit the official website of the Bürgeralpe ↗.

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Another classic excursion in Mariazell is closely linked to the famous Mariazeller Honey Gingerbread, which has been contributing to the region's good reputation for over 300 years, far beyond the basilica.

In the Pirker empire, there's the Pastry Shop at the Main Square, located directly opposite the basilica. With its unmistakable terrace, it is clearly the leader in the business of the best cakes – and, of course, gingerbread.

Alternatively, you can turn the corner and pick up the gingerbread as a souvenir at the erLEBZELTEREI Pirkerab. This gingerbread has been produced by the bakery for 170 years. You can immediately recognize it by the typical aroma that greets you as soon as you step into the sacred halls.

This is also because, in addition to admiring the beautiful gingerbread creations, you can watch the bakers at work in the open bakery. And of course, there’s a tasting involved! And it doesn't always have to be the classic gingerbread heart...

Before reaching Mariazell, there are many stations along the way that offer excellent opportunities for day trips, each with its own unique attractions. Whether you're looking for a leisurely day of strolling, a scenic mountain adventure, or a lively bike ride, there are plenty of options to choose from.

I’ve ridden the Mariazellerbahn before and was already familiar with the "Heaven's Staircase" from previous trips to Mariazell and as the "Hiker's Train" for exploring the Ötschergräben. However, it wasn’t until my trip to Gemeindealpethat I truly experienced—quite literally—that one can feel a sense of freedom not only on the "Heaven's Staircase" but especially in the "Alternative Trains."

The motto is not only true for the Heaven’s Staircase: "Close to the heavens." And yes, when riding in the Panorama or Observation cars, you truly feel as if you're right next to the sky.