There’s something in the air
The unique features of the Mariazeller Land region
There’s something in the air … what is it exactly? A wonderful feeling of having got somewhere? Of achieving a goal? Is it community? Or is it just the spicy scent of delicious Lebkuchen gingerbread? Perhaps it’s a bit of everything – and that’s exactly what makes this place so special.
Wherever you look – in Mariazell you learn a lot about life and about yourself. Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to what is one of Central Europe’s most important places of pilgrimage. Different cultures and people, different pleasures and landscapes unite here and contribute to the special atmosphere. It’s not for nothing that a popular saying goes “the longest journey is the journey to yourself!” Perhaps Mariazell is therefore not only the destination of a long pilgrimage or cycle tour along the Traisen Valley Cycle Trail, but in a way, also a journey to finding oneself.
Perhaps the most famous landmark of Mariazell, theBasilica, is located directly on the market square. It is the first port of call for those who have arrived in Mariazell and want to get to know the town and its people. This gothic-baroque house of God was first built as a Romanesque stone chapel in the twelfth century, but much has changed. You might think the walls could talk.
Before you continue to explore the region, a very distinctive smell will inevitably reach your nose: the sweet scent of honey, spices and Lebkuchen gingerbread. The Pirker family has been producing the world-famous Mariazell honey Lebkuchen gingerbread and other irresistible delicacies here for more than 300 years. the recipe is a strictly guarded family secret that is passed down from generation to generation.
Fortified with Lebkuchen and other goodies, you can contentedly make your way up the Bürgeralpe. While in winter skiers glide their way down the slopes, in summer other adrenaline-filled experiences take centre stage: downhill mountainbiking trails, wakeboarding at Europe’s highest wakeboarding venue WakeAlps and the Holzknechtland promise an exciting summer. The mountain offers a unique 360 degree view of the Alpine foothills of Lower Austria and Styria, while the Mariazeller Bergewelle provides a cultural experience.
But what would a summer be without a chance to cool off? Just a few kilometres from Mariazell, the lakes of the Hubertusee and the Erlaufsee, the natural jewel of the Mariazeller Land region, provide refreshing moments.
The conclusion is clear: There’s definitely something in the air! Historic buildings, sweet delicacies and above all impressive adventures – this is a place where you can find yourself and discover a load of new things!
Author: Vera Leitner
Further recommendations, tips and news
Landscapes influence people and people influence landscapes. Austria has a lot to tell you about.
No folding now!
The well-known author Karin Wasner explains how a bet changed her attitude to cycling on the Traisen Valley Cycle Trail....
tip
A cultural and architectural jewel
The diverse Joanneum Quarter in Graz, City of Design and European City of Culture, is a popular meeting place for...
tip
Celebrating life and wine
Grapes love the gentle influence of the Danube. And people love the wine and wine festivals....
tip
Discovering the town of culture
Hartberg: Historical buildings and a wide variety of events and modern art....
tip
Pumpkin power
In Styria, everyone associates pumpkin with the famous pumpkin seed oil. However, it is even more diverse and has...
tip
Fine wines in fine walls
The Styrian Wine Route offers not only fine wines, but also modern architecture to admired....
tip
The world’s smallest wheat beer brewery
An addition to excellent beers and the cosy atmosphere of the world’s smallest wheat beer brewery, the Hausbrauerei...
tip
The white gold of the Innviertel
Surspeck is a regional delicacy from the Innviertel region of Upper Austria. It even has culinary region dedicated to it....
tip
The full splendour of the monarchy
A cycle tour along the Danube is also a journey back in time to the world of the Habsburgs....
tip