Churches and Chapels Sightseeing

Pilgrimage Church Maria Klobenstein

The pilgrimage church of Maria Klobenstein is located in the valley of the Tiroler Achen on the border between Bavaria and Tyrol.

Pilgrimage Church Maria Klobenstein

The pilgrimage church of Maria Klobenstein is located directly on the German-Austrian border between Schleching (Bavaria) and Kössen (Tyrol) in the breakthrough valley of the Tiroler Ache.

The miraculous image of Mariahilf has been venerated here since the 17th century. Initially, there was only an image of the Virgin Mary on the site of the church. The Loreto Chapel was built in 1701, and the Mariahilf Chapel was built between 1731 and 1733. Since 1890, the two chapels have been structurally connected to form the pilgrimage church.

In 1886, the Lourdes Chapel was built just below the stone block. Spring water bubbles out of its small fountain, which is said to have healing powers for the eyesight. It is therefore also known as the water chapel. If you wish, you can take some healing water from the chapel.

The legend of Klobenstein

According to legend, an old farmer’s wife was surprised by a mudslide on the Klobenstein. Suddenly she heard a loud rumbling and saw a huge stone rolling directly towards her. In desperation she prayed to the Mother of God, who heard her prayers: the stone split in front of her and saved her from death. In gratitude, a chapel with a black Madonna was built at this legendary place.

Even today, many people walk through the roughly ten-meter-high, split stone. The challenge is to cross the gap without touching the stone walls. If you manage to “slip through,” the hiker will have one wish granted. However, this must remain unspoken and should not be material. In addition, the marriage of the couple who manage to “slip through” is said to last until the end of their lives.

Around the pilgrimage church

Just below the church, in the former hermitage, lies the rustic Klobenstein guesthouse with a unique ambience that invites you to stop for a break. Another tip, especially in summer, is a rafting tour on the Tiroler Ache, which leads directly through the Entenklamm (information on this is available from Sport Lukas Schleching).

On the smugglers’ path to Klobenstein

The Maria Klobenstein pilgrimage church can be reached either via Klobensteinstrasse or on foot via the popular “Schmugglerweg”. The themed hiking trail for the whole family begins in the center of Schleching and leads along the Ache through the Entenlochklamm gorge to Kössen. The hiking trail is accompanied by an audio play and a treasure map for young hikers. Next to the pilgrimage church, there are two spectacular suspension bridges and an impressive viewing platform on the Klobenstein.