Brunnenthal is known for its pilgrimage history, the Brunnenthal Summer Concert Series and easy hiking trails. When planning your stay, you can focus on the historic pilgrimage sites, Baroque music or trails through the countryside. These different themes offer concrete starting points for discovering Brunnenthal according to your interests.
Pilgrimage and Architectural History
The Gnadenbad, also known as AugenbrĂĽndl, was already a popular pilgrimage site in the 17th century. According to local religious tradition, the pilgrimage to Our Lady of Brunnenthal began with the healing of Georg Auer, a farmer from the village of Haraberg. The bathhouse was built in 1679/81 as the number of pilgrims increased. The spring lies between the Gnadenkapelle and the bathhouse and is the true centre of the old Brunnenthal pilgrimage.
The Gnadenkapelle was consecrated on 19 April 1731 by the Bishop of Passau, Dominik Count Lamberg, in honour of Our Lady of the Snows. Today it is used as a baptismal chapel; specific arrangements for its use may change, so if you are planning a visit, it is advisable to check in advance. Inside the covered spring house at the chapel stands a stone statue of the Mother of God with the infant Jesus. The water no longer flows from the statue’s breast; instead, it is channelled through a separate pipe.
Another historic building is the Steinschnitterkapelle. It dates from the second half of the 17th century and depicts a scene from the founding legend. As a building of folkloric interest, it offers another perspective on local tradition alongside the pilgrimage sites.
Baroque Music at the Summer Concert Series
The Brunnenthal Summer Concert Series was founded in 1981 under the name “Brunnenthal Organ Summer”. Since 1990, under the artistic direction of Helene Pürmayr, it has presented concerts of Baroque music on original instruments; the Baroque organ is also featured. This gives the town a distinct musical focus alongside its religious buildings. If a concert is important to your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.
Hiking Trails and Different Starting Points
Four easy hiking trails pass through the municipality, all starting at the village square. They lead through varied landscapes and offer beautiful views as far as the northern edge of the Alps. The Maria Brunnenthal Pilgrimage Trail, on the other hand, starts at the Schärding landing stage. These different starting points make it easier to factor your preferred route into your plans from the outset. As route details may be updated, check the municipal information before setting out.
Regional Cuisine and Finding Accommodation
ERNI KOCHT in Brunnenthal serves fresh regional specialities from Erni’s kitchen, with a seasonal menu that changes weekly. The selection therefore varies with the season and from week to week. When looking for a holiday apartment for your stay in Brunnenthal, you can choose based on whether you mainly want to experience the pilgrimage history, concerts or hiking trails.
Discover more destinations: Taufkirchen an der Pram, Altschwendt, Sigharting, Andorf, Vichtenstein, Enzenkirchen, Eggerding, Engelhartszell.
Return to the main travel overview: Schärding.
