Close to the Semmering, Maria Schutz is a place that has been attracting pilgrims for centuries. The baroque pilgrimage church at the foot of the Sonnwendstein with its two towers can be seen from afar.
Many people consciously make their way to the basilica in Maria Schutz to get away from everyday life, get closer to God and find clarity.
The hike from Semmering to Maria Schutz is very popular. Maria Schutz is also an ideal starting point for hikes up the Sonnwendstein.
Right next to the pilgrimage church in Maria Schutz, a special temptation awaits: the legendary giant Krapfen (doughnuts) from the Kirchenwirt restaurant. One bite, and a fine veil of powdered sugar appears over your nose. Anyone who stops off in Maria Schutz knows that a visit is not complete without doughnuts.
If you want to experience the most beautiful view of the Maria Schutz pilgrimage church, hike up to the Georgswarte. The ascent begins at the former Bärenwirt. Once at the top, a panorama opens up that not only focuses on the church, but also impressively frames the surrounding landscape. The Georgswarte is located on the way to the Eselstein. It was from here that Carl Ritter von Ghega once drew up the plans for the world-famous Semmering Railway.
