Discover Maria Bild from two perspectives: its pilgrimage church with religious art, and hiking trails that lead through forests and into the Saubach Valley. The church is a starting point for the Angel Trail and Land Trail; the Water Trail is characterised by shady stretches through the forest and its route along the Saubach. You can make culture, a hike or both the focus of your stay.
Pilgrimage Church and Religious Art
The Maria Bild pilgrimage church was built in 1793 under Abbot Marian Reuter of Heiligenkreuz and St. Gotthard. A copy of the miraculous image of Maria Pötsch from Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral is displayed on the high altar. Another layer of history is reflected in the 2014–2015 restoration, during which the high altar of the Church of the Visitation of Mary in Maria Bild was redesigned. This brings together the 18th-century church building and a much later alteration to the altar. Anyone interested in the history of pilgrimages and religious art will find specific topics here to explore as part of their trip.
Water Trail and Angel Trail
The Water Trail runs mostly along forest and field paths. Much of the route passes through shady woods and along the banks of the Saubach. Pilgrim stations and numerous meditative spots amid nature line the route. Here, forest and riverside stretches combine with stations that make room for the contemplative side of the trail.
The Angel Trail is part of a historic pilgrimage route. From the pilgrimage church, it follows a forest path into the Saubach Valley, passes the Weber Cross and continues east along the Saubach. It then climbs a small forest slope back to the church. Its described route therefore differs from that of the Water Trail: the Weber Cross and return to the pilgrimage church are part of the Angel Trail, while the Water Trail is characterised by shady forest stretches and pilgrim stations.
Putting the Land Trail in Context
The Land Trail also starts at the pilgrimage church. It follows a section of the Water Trail and a forest path into the Saubach Valley, as well as passing through the entire municipality of Weichselbaum. At 14.2 kilometres, it is the longest and most challenging hiking trail. If you are planning your tour by length and difficulty, this gives you a concrete point of reference for choosing a route.
Businesses along the Land Trail are not open continuously; some have flexible opening hours. To arrange a wine tasting or shop at a direct-marketing business, book an appointment with the business in advance. As trail sections and surfaces can change, also check current trail conditions before setting out.
Wine Traditions and Events
The local wine tradition includes the Gratl Family Winery, whose roots date back to the 18th century. The Land Trail includes wine-growing businesses along the route for organised hiking groups that have given advance notice. For individual wine tastings or purchases, however, arrange an appointment with the business in advance.
Cultural events also add to the themes of the place. The Kultur.Verein Maria Bild at the LandRastHaus Maria Bild offers, among other things, cabaret, music shows, theatre workshops, and photography and art exhibitions. As the programme may change, check the current event dates before your visit. Depending on your interests, you can complement the historical and landscape highlights with a specific cultural offering.
Discover more destinations: Heiligenkreuz Im Lafnitztal, Neuhaus Am Klausenbach, Eltendorf, Poppendorf im Burgenland, Jennersdorf, Weichselbaum, Sankt Martin An Der Raab, Deutsch Kaltenbrunn.
Back to the main travel overview: Jennersdorf.
