The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Pöstlingberg, Austria

High above Linz, on a 539-meter hill overlooking the Danube, stands a pilgrimage church that has drawn the faithful since prehistoric times. Long before Christianity arrived, pilgrims climbed to a sacred rock crevice on the Pöstlingberg. In 1716, a chapel dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary was built on the summit. The devotion grew so rapidly that by 1748, the present Baroque church rose to accommodate the crowds—its white twin towers and copper dome becoming the defining landmark of Upper Austria's capital.

Today pilgrims can ascend as their ancestors did on foot, or ride the Pöstlingbergbahn—one of the world's oldest and steepest adhesion railways, climbing gradients of up to 11.6% since 1898. At the summit, the Wallfahrtsbasilika offers both spiritual consolation and breathtaking views across Linz to the alpine horizon.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The origins of pilgrimage to Pöstlingberg predate Christianity. A rock crevice on the forested slopes served as a sacred site in prehistoric times. When Christian missionaries arrived, they consecrated the mountain to the Virgin Mary. The first chapel appeared in 1716, and devotion to Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows quickly attracted pilgrims from across Upper Austria.

The Baroque architect Matthias Krinner designed the present church, completed in 1748. Its dedication to the Seven Sorrows of Mary reflects the Counter-Reformation emphasis on Marian devotion and meditation on Christ's Passion. The Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales now care for the sanctuary.

Pope Paul VI recognized the church's significance by elevating it to a minor basilica on January 1, 1964. On January 1, 2023, the basilica became part of the Urfahr parish, continuing its mission of welcoming pilgrims and tourists to this sacred summit.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Pöstlingberg

Wallfahrtsbasilika Sieben Schmerzen Mariae

Pilgrimage Basilica of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

The Baroque basilica crowns the Pöstlingberg with twin towers visible throughout Linz. The interior features a high altar dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother, with side altars honoring various saints. The church's position offers panoramic views of the Danube valley and the distant Alps.

Address Am Pöstlingberg 1, 4040 Linz GPS 48.3228, 14.2561

Map Google Maps Web dioezese-linz.at

The Sacred Rock Crevice

On the hiking path from the Collegium Petrinum, about three-quarters up the mountain, lies the ancient rock formation that drew prehistoric pilgrims. Though less visited today, it remains a place of prayer and reflection on the mountain's deep spiritual history.

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows — September 15

The patronal feast draws the largest crowds of the year. The memorial of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary brings special Masses, processions, and devotions throughout the day.

Assumption of Mary — August 15

As at Marian shrines throughout Austria, the Assumption brings pilgrims to honor Mary's entry into heaven. Many couples choose this date for weddings at the basilica.

🚗 Getting There

By Pöstlingbergbahn: The historic tram, operating since 1898, departs from Linz Hauptplatz and climbs to the summit in about 20 minutes. With gradients up to 11.6%, it ranks among the world's steepest adhesion railways.

By Car: A winding road ascends from Urfahr to parking areas near the summit. The drive offers views of Linz and the Danube below.

On Foot: Multiple hiking trails climb the Pöstlingberg from various starting points in Linz. The ascent takes approximately one hour and passes the ancient rock crevice sacred to prehistoric pilgrims.

🔗 Useful Links

Linz Tourism — Visitor information for Pöstlingberg and the pilgrimage basilica. (linztourismus.at)

Pöstlingbergbahn — Schedule and information for the historic mountain railway. (linzag.at)

🪶 Closing Reflection

"The Seven Sorrows of Mary teach us that faith does not spare us from suffering, but gives us the strength to bear it with hope."

— Traditional pilgrimage reflection