Upper Austria Mariazell Route: C: 5th stage: Ybbsitz - Maria Seesal - Lunz am See - Lackenhof

Description

The fifth stage of this variant of the Mariazell Route starts at the so-called Ybbsitz Smithy Center, known for its artistic metal design and traditional blacksmithing. Everywhere in the town, we discover interesting sculptures, old machines, smithies, and other signs of the old craft. In 2010, "Blacksmithing in Ybbsitz" was even added to Austria's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. On the "Smithy Mile," an interesting three-kilometer themed trail, we start at FeRRUM (World of Iron) and hike out of town, passing, for example, the Experience Bridge. At Bauernschrotmühl, we have a wonderful view of the uniquely shaped Prochenberg (1123m) and hike uphill to Mitterlehen. Here, at the small chapel, a breathtaking panorama of the mountains to the east also unfolds. From Mitterlehen, it is not far to the romantic pilgrimage church Maria Seesal. Situated on a hilltop hidden in the forest, this church has a very special history. According to legend, the construction of the pilgrimage church is due to a dream by Helene Wochner, who saw an image of Mary one night in her sleep. When she later found the same image in a mill, she placed it on a mountainside. The image was followed by a wooden chapel, then a stone chapel, and finally, between 1904 and 1906, the current pilgrimage church was built above this chapel. Below the church, we walk south along winding roads until the path bends and we walk through between the Gschlief and Spitzkogel and Hamotkogel. For some time, the path steadily goes uphill until we reach Oberhackstock and Haslau. Through beautiful mixed forests and past countless fish ponds, the path leads us to Bodingbach and Holzapfel, where we stop at an original chapel to take a breather. We reach Lunz am See and can make a detour to the Amonhaus at the town's entrance on the right – one of Austria's most beautiful Renaissance buildings. The building was constructed in 1551 by an Italian builder. Its richly decorated facade shows various motifs such as hearts, lilies, and dolphins; the arcade courtyard is often used for exhibitions and concerts. At the Lunz church, the route leads us along the Seebach stream to Lake Lunz, which now lies picturesquely before us, nestled between lush green forests. Along the shady south shore of the lake, the trail continues on an idyllic gravel path to Schloss Seehof, an impressive building near the lake. After a short climb, we reach Durchlass and hike through the forests to Maierhöfen. Here, we now immerse ourselves for a longer time in the deep forest but also enjoy several wonderful views of the surrounding mountain world. After a long hike, we finally reach Lackenhof. There is a small but very beautiful church with a lovingly designed garden and a scenic cemetery located on the slope.

Starting point of the tour

Ybbsitz

Destination point of the tour

Lackenhof

Route description Upper Austria Mariazell Route: C: 5th stage: Ybbsitz - Maria Seesal - Lunz am See - Lackenhof

From the church, follow the Smithy Mile to Bauernschrotmühle, turn off to the Mitterlehen farmstead (676 m), and continue to the pilgrimage site Maria Seesal (524 m). Along the road following the Schwarzen-Ois south to the Fuchslehen farmstead, then take the marked path upward east to Gscheid (843 m) and further on to Bodingbach (662 m). Shortly afterward, heading south, the path on the left leads to the Ötscherland Express railway track. Follow the railway experience trail to just before the start of the town of Lunz am See, then a path down to the road and the parish church. Now along the main street (towards UNI market), turn right at the intersection into Seestraße, until GH Zellerhof. Now right again (small bridge), then immediately keep left and along the lake promenade to Lake Lunz. Along the shaded south shore to Schloss Seehof. At the junction Durchlass/Maierhöfen steeply uphill to Durchlass (768 m). Along Maierhöfen following the Lackenbach uphill to Lackenhof (809 m). From Ybbsitz to Maria Seesal 2 hrs, another 3.5 to 4 hrs to Lunz, and another 3 hrs to Lackenhof.