The Philippsberg Church in Schlatt is home to the only mechanical Lenten nativity scene in Central Europe. Its moving display and historic mechanism make it a distinctive cultural attraction for travelers interested in the history of churches and technology.
Lenten Nativity Scene and Philippsberg Church
Painted wooden or tin figures pass before visitors on a two-tier rotating stage. The stage is powered by a clockwork mechanism dating from 1712. The stage, the figures’ materials, and the drive mechanism are all specific components of the same work: the Lenten nativity scene can be appreciated both as a display and for its mechanics.
The scene is scheduled to be open for viewing on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check the schedule for the relevant Holy Week before you travel.
The Philippsberg Church was converted into a Calvary church in 1721. The heritage register dated June 23, 2026, lists the Calvary Church of St. Philip and St. James, Philippsberg 4, 4690 Schlatt, as protected by ordinance. The year dates the conversion; heritage protection adds another aspect to the building’s history. The 1712 clockwork predates the 1721 conversion.
A Stations of the Cross route leads from Schwanenstadt to the Philippsberg Church in Schlatt. This provides another religious point of interest alongside the Lenten nativity scene. The two features offer different perspectives: the nativity scene centers on its figures and clockwork, while the Stations of the Cross focuses on the route to the church.
BreitenschĂĽtzing: Railway and Cultural History
The BreitenschĂĽtzing station building is also among the protected buildings in the municipality. It is located at BreitenschĂĽtzing 22, 4691 Schlatt, and is protected as a historic monument under Section 2 on the basis of a positive determination. The heritage register dated June 23, 2026, lists this protected status.
From 1854 to 1965, the historic coal railway transported mined coal from the Kohlgrube mining area to Breitenschützing station, which was then a railway hub. Local history therefore encompasses both the transportation of the raw material and the station’s role in the railway network of the time.
Excavated Roman-period building remains dating from the 3rd century are located near Breitenschützing. An early medieval burial ground has also been identified in Breitenschützing-Schlatt; material excavated there was documented between 1954 and 1978. These two finds offer different perspectives on the area’s history.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Travel Interests
If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Schlatt, your reason for traveling can be a useful first filter. For the Lenten nativity scene, take account of the seasonal viewing hours and the dates of Holy Week. The history of churches, railways, and archaeology also offers different themes to consider when planning your stay.
Discover more destinations: Schörfling Am Attersee, Atzbach, Weyregg Am Attersee, Steinbach Am Attersee, Ziegelhaid, Mühlbach, Oberhofen Am Irrsee, Neukirchen An Der Vöckla
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