The beautiful countryside one passes through on the way to Mariazell invites to plan a road trip to Austria ́s most important Marian Shrine. The possibility to travel by train through beautiful sceneries on the new panoramic-train “stairs to heaven” turns the arrival into an experience on its own.

Upon arrival in Mariazell one can spot the Basilika from far away. Attending a prayer at the sacred chapel of grace followed by a tour of the treasuries is only one possible option to spend the visit. Alternatively, the renowned ginger-bread factory “Pirker Lebkuchen”, the 300-year old pharmacy “Apotheke zur Gnadenmutter” or the liqueur manufactory “Arzberger” can be visited. It is also possible to ascend the mountain “Bürgeralpe” by the newly built monocable ropeway Bürgeralpe Express.

Day 1:

• Attend a service in the sacred chapel of grace
• Visit the treasuries of the Mariazeller Basilika with a guide or brand-new audio guide App
• Take a tour visiting the

o World-famous ginger-bread factory “Pirker Lebkuchen”

• decorate your own heart-shaped ginger bread

o 300-year old pharmacy “ Apotheke zur Gnadenmutter”

• mixing ointments

o Liqueur manufactory “Arzberger”

• taste the different kinds of bitters

o Museum “Heimathaus”

• Learn about local customs and traditions

• Take a guided tour and get to know the city

Day 2:

• Ascend on the newly built monocable ropeway to the top of the mountain “Bürgeralpe”
• Visit the viewing tower
• Ride the downhill tracks of the “BikeAlps”
• Options: family track and advanced track
  o Experience different watersports on the “WakeAlps”
• including Europe ́s highest wakeboard cable
  o Kids will love the themed playground “Biberwasser”
  o Themepark on woodcutters “Erlebniswelt Holzknechtland”

• Visit lake “Erlaufsee”: take a walk around the lake, visit the high ropes course, rent a boat or stand-up paddle and enjoy a splendid afternoon
• Hike the steps upon the hill “Kalvarienberg” and marvel at a mechanical crib depicting 12 scenes from the new testament with 130 movable characters

In the afternoon: Excursion to the Lake “Erlaufsee” – take a stroll around the lake, visit the high ropes course, rent a boat or stand-up-paddle and enjoy a relaxed afternoon

Day 3:
Visit the treasuries of the Mariazeller Basilika with a guide or audio guide followed up by a visit of one of the manufacturers or the museum.