The Maria Wörth peninsula extends far into Lake Wörthersee; until 1770, it was an island. The village lies on the southern shore of the lake. Topics to explore during a stay include the churches and their architectural history, a hike towards Reifnitz, and events and activities on the water. You can focus on cultural history or combine it with a specific tour.
Churches and architectural history
The Maria Wörth heritage site includes two important Romanesque churches that were altered in the Gothic and Baroque periods. The parish church stands at the highest point of the peninsula; its present appearance is predominantly Late Gothic, and it has a slender north tower. Its furnishings include a Baroque high altar from 1658, with a Madonna and Child enthroned, dating from 1460. The two dates mark the different periods in which the altar and the figure of Mary were created.
An important Romanesque cycle of frescoes has been preserved in the Rosary Church. It served as a second, smaller church for regular parish services; it remains unclear whether it was built or adapted for this purpose. In 1155, Bishop Roman of Gurk consecrated it. It is called the Winter Church because the feast days of the saints venerated there fell in winter.
The Maria Wörth charnel house is a two-storey Late Romanesque rotunda with a Gothic portal dating from the 16th century. In 1279, it was dedicated to Saints Catherine, Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene. A covered staircase leads to the former collegiate church on the highest plateau of the rocky island. Together, these buildings offer different ways to explore the history and architecture of the village.
Hiking and activities on the lake
The Maria Wörth–Reifnitz hike begins at the boat landing. It follows hiking trails 1 and 7 to the Pyramidenkogel; from there, it continues to Reifnitz via trails 7 and 5. Check local conditions before setting out. The boat landing is also the starting point for the tour and the place where Wörthersee Sports offers water skiing. Check the operator’s current information before making specific plans.
Another way to get active is to rent an e-bike from the IBIKE BOX on Freisinger Platz, in the heart of Maria Wörth. There are several activities to choose from: a hike along several trail sections, e-bike rental in the village, or water skiing at the boat landing. The routes and locations mentioned provide specific guidance without specifying a particular hiking duration or difficulty.
Seasonal experiences
The nighttime Marian boat procession on Lake Wörthersee takes place every year on the Feast of the Assumption, 15 August. It reaches Maria Wörth and ends there with the renewal of the consecration to the Mother of God. The 2026 Church Advent on Maria Wörth’s church island includes an Advent market. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the relevant dates and programme details in advance.
When planning, it makes a difference whether your focus is on the churches and their architectural history, a hike, or a seasonal event. The historic buildings and the route description offer different points of interest from events tied to specific dates. This lets you choose Maria Wörth based on what matters most to you during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Poggersdorf, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Sekull, Lukowitz, Krumpendorf, Ebenthal in Kärnten, Plaschischen, Sekirn
See the regional travel overview: Klagenfurt-Land.
