The heart of the town is the shrine of Mariazell and its magnificent basilica, an attraction for both pilgrims and visitors for centuries. Generation upon generation have left their marks here, as can be seen in the many treasure chambers, votive pictures and offerings left by pilgrims throughout the years. The Statue of Grace, Magna Mater Austriae (Magna Hungarorum Domina, Mater Gentium Slavorum) serves as a symbol of the journey for many of the people who visit Mariazell, often helping them to find their own personal aim in life.
In the summer months the Mariazeller Land Region offers numerous recreational activities in addition to leisurely hikes and climbing tours:
- Explore the Bürgeralpe Mariazell mountain with its aerial cableway, the lumberjack adventure park Holzknechtland & Biberwasser, the WakeAlps water ski lift and several BikeAlps mountain bike trails
- Visit the town of Mitterbach with its chairlift, mountain go-carting track, climbing playground and summit hiking path
- Experience the natural wonders of Lake Erlauf for swimming, diving and boating
- Enjoy art, culture & culinary delights in the treasure chamber at the basilica, at the museum of local history in Mariazell or on a ride with the museum tramway. Experience the gingerbread bakery erLEBZELTEREI Pirker, the production of the famous Magenlikör digestif and the workshop of Pantherstrick Arzberger as well as visiting the pharmacy Apotheke Zur Gnadenmutter
During the Mariazell Advent season, Austria’s largest traditional advent market offers a wide range of arts & crafts, regional delicacies and countless concerts and attractions for the whole family to help get you into the holiday spirit.
Throughout the winter, one of the most modern lift systems carries visitors to the perfectly prepared slopes of the Bürgeralpe mountain, as well as to the toboggan run and the snow park at the Gemeindealpe mountain.