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

Description

The fifth stage of this variant of the Mariazell Trail starts in the so-called forging center of Ybbsitz, which is known for its artistic metalwork and traditional blacksmithing. Everywhere in the village we discover interesting sculptures, old machines, forges and other references to the old craft. In 2010, "Forging in Ybbsitz" was even added to the list of Austria's Intangible Cultural Heritage. We start at FeRRUM (World of Iron) on the "Blacksmith's Mile", an interesting three-kilometre themed trail, and walk out of the market, where we pass the adventure bridge, for example. At Bauernschrotmühl we have a wonderful view of the interestingly shaped Prochenberg (1123m) and hike uphill to Mitterlehen. Here, at the small chapel, we also have a fantastic panorama of the mountains to the east. From Mitterlehen it is not far to the romantic pilgrimage church of Maria Seesal. Situated on a hill, hidden in the forest, this church has a very special history. According to legend, the construction of the pilgrimage church goes back to a dream of Helene Wochner, who saw an image of the Virgin Mary in her sleep one night. When she later discovered the same image in a mill, she erected it on a hillside. The image was followed by a wooden chapel, then a stone chapel and finally, in 1904-1906, today's pilgrimage church was built above this chapel. Below the church, we walk in a southerly direction along winding roads until the path bends and we hike between the Gschliefkogel and Spitzkogel and the Hamotkogel. Here the trail climbs steadily for a while until we reach Oberhackstock and Haslau. Through beautiful mixed forests and past countless fish ponds, the trail leads us to Bodingbach and Holzapfel, where we stop at an original chapel and take a breather. We reach Lunz am See and can make a detour to the Amonhaus - one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Austria - on the right as we enter the town. The building was constructed in 1551 by an Italian builder. Its richly decorated façade features various motifs such as hearts, lilies and dolphins, while the arcaded courtyard is often used for exhibitions and concerts. At the Lunz church, the path leads us along the Seebach stream to Lake Lunz, which now lies picturesquely before us, nestled between lush green forests. We continue along the southern shore of the lake on an idyllic gravel path to Seehof Castle, an impressive building near the lake. After a short climb, we reach Durchlass and walk through the woods to Maierhöfen. Here we immerse ourselves in the deep forest for a long time, but also enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding mountains several times. After a long hike, we finally reach Lackenhof. There is a small but very beautiful church with a lovingly landscaped garden and a lovely cemetery on the hillside.

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.