A defining landmark in Kleinsöding is St. Sebastian’s Church; the cultural character of the town is also shaped by religious customs and recurring pilgrimages. When planning your trip, it is worth checking the calendar: the pilgrimages take place at Easter, Pentecost and in summer, while information about the cycling route offers practical guidance of its own.

Church and Customs

St. Sebastian’s Church in Kleinsöding was built around 1508. The Catholic branch church of St. Sebastian and the former cemetery grounds are protected as historic monuments by ordinance.

“Maschta singing” is a religious tradition with its own name. “Maschta” is a popular expression for “Marter” (martyrdom); the custom has been practised in this form for centuries and is now observed only in the parish of Mooskirchen. The name points to a different aspect of cultural history than the church’s construction date: here, the focus is not on building history, but on a long-standing religious practice passed down through generations.

Pilgrimages and Festival Calendar

Several pilgrimages are made to Sebastian’s Church each year. On Easter Monday, residents of the parish of Sankt Bartholomä make the pilgrimage there; on the Tuesday after Pentecost, residents of the parish of Sankt Johann ob Hohenburg set out for the same church. In July, residents of the parish of Hitzendorf also make the pilgrimage there. The dates are spread across Easter, Pentecost and summer, and each pilgrimage starts from a different parish. If you would like to combine your visit with a pilgrimage, check the specific date in advance.

A schedule for Easter Sunday 2026 listed Kleinsöding first, ahead of Großsöding, in the order of the arrival of the Marter processions. The Riegelfest, which includes a church service, has been held in summer almost without interruption since the church community was founded in the 1980s. A 2019 article also mentions recurring choir concerts at Sebastian’s Church. The Riegelfest and the concerts are different cultural events; the information about the concerts refers to 2019. For your plans, it is advisable to check the specific festival and concert dates.

Getting Around by Bicycle

A sign at the level of Sebastian’s Church in the Kleinsöding district marks the start of a cycling route. A report dated 26 July 2023 mentions unclear signage and a route in poor condition. The same report notes a cycling connection near Kleinsöding from Söding-Sankt Johann in the direction of Lieboch along the B70. If you are planning a bike ride in this direction, check the current route, signage and condition before setting off.

If you would like to plan your trip around a pilgrimage or the summer Riegelfest, compare the event with your planned travel dates and check the specific date before booking.

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