The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Maria Waldrast, Austria

At 1,641 meters above sea level, the Servite monastery of Maria Waldrast ranks among the highest pilgrimage sites in Europe. Here, where the Stubai Valley meets the Wipp Valley beneath the dramatic peak of the Serles, shepherds discovered an image of Our Lady in a tree trunk in 1407. They had come to rest in this alpine clearing—"Waldrast" means forest rest—and found instead a place of encounter with the divine. Archduke Leopold V laid the foundation stone for the Servite monastery in 1621, and Archduchess Claudia de' Medici saw it completed in 1644. Four centuries later, the Servants of Mary still welcome pilgrims to this mountain sanctuary. The former monks' cells have become simple guest rooms; the sun terrace offers views across Tyrolean peaks; and the Gothic choir preserves a carved Madonna of about 1420 that has drawn the faithful through war and peace.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The discovery of the Marian image in 1407 transformed a shepherd's resting place into a pilgrimage destination. A chapel quickly arose, and devotion spread through the surrounding valleys. By the early seventeenth century, the site's fame warranted a proper monastery. The Servite Order—founded in thirteenth-century Florence by seven merchants who devoted themselves to Mary—had established itself in Austria in 1614 at the request of Anna Juliana Gonzaga. Leopold V entrusted them with Maria Waldrast in 1621. The monastery they built combines alpine practicality with Baroque spirituality. The church preserves a Gothic choir from the fifteenth century and the miraculous image—a carved seated Madonna offering an apple to the infant Jesus, dating to about 1420 and later enhanced with Baroque embellishments. Passion panels on the nave walls date from the same period, creating a medieval core within the Baroque shell. Today Maria Waldrast is recognized alongside Maria Luggau in Carinthia and Maria Weißenstein in South Tyrol as one of the three great alpine Marian pilgrimage sites.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Maria Waldrast

Kloster Maria Waldrast

Servite Monastery and Pilgrimage Church The monastery complex includes the pilgrimage church, cloister, guest house, and restaurant with sun terrace. The Gothic choir and miraculous image form the spiritual heart; the monastery offers accommodation in former monks' cells and serves regional Tyrolean cuisine. Address Maria Waldrast 26, 6143 Mühlbachl GPS 47.1089, 11.4569 Map Google Maps Web mariawaldrast.at

The Miraculous Image

The carved Gothic Madonna, dating to approximately 1420, shows Mary seated and offering an apple to the Christ Child. Though later carved in Baroque style, the image retains its medieval power. It stands in the Gothic choir, the focus of pilgrims' prayers for six centuries.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

Feast of the Visitation — May 31

The Servite Order has a particular devotion to Mary under the title of the Visitation. This feast brings pilgrims to honor Mary's journey to Elizabeth.

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows — September 15

As Servants of Mary, the Servites particularly honor the Sorrowful Mother. This feast draws pilgrims for special devotions.

Assumption of Mary — August 15

The great Marian feast fills the small church with pilgrims who have climbed from the valleys below.

🚗 Getting There

By Car: A toll road from Mützens above Matrei am Brenner winds up to the monastery. A shuttle service operates for those who prefer not to drive the mountain road. On Foot from Wipptal: The Quellenweg path or the sledge run route climb through forest from Matrei am Brenner to the monastery. On Foot from Stubaital: A beautiful hike leads from the Koppeneck mountain station of the Serles Cable Cars to Maria Waldrast. Accommodation: The monastery offers simple guest rooms in former monks' cells—a chance to experience monastic hospitality in the high Alps.

🔗 Useful Links

Maria Waldrast — Official website with accommodation, restaurant, and pilgrimage information. (mariawaldrast.at) Stubai Tourism — Hiking information for routes to Maria Waldrast. (stubai.at)

🪶 Closing Reflection

"In the silence of these mountains, above the noise of daily life, we find space to hear what God whispers to our hearts." — Servite pilgrimage tradition