Maria Schnee Hochalm

The church, consecrated in 1660, is a popular excursion destination in summer and winter. It lies at 1,880 m in the Seckau Alps. The worship of the Virgin Mary on the Hochalm began at the beginning of the 18th century.

In the summer months, the statue of the Mother of God can be seen here. To this day thousands of people go on pilgrimage to the Hochalm, where pilgrimage services are held annually. During the Corpus Christi procession, the statue of the high alpine pasture Mother of God, decorated with flowers, is carried through the village. During the winter months the statue is kept in Seckau. Only in spring is it carried together to the Hochalm.

The name Maria Schnee is said to be the founding legend of the Roman basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, according to which in the year 358 fresh snow is said to have indicated the location of the church building on the Esquiline Hill in Rome. The little church was renovated for the 300th anniversary.

Alpine pastures

To this day, thousands of people go on pilgrimage to the Hochalm, where services are held on the first Sunday in July and August, on Annatag (26 July) and on 5 August (Patrocinium Maria Schnee). For the 200-year anniversary celebration in 1860, 15,000 people made a pilgrimage to the Hochalm. The construction of the tower and the restoration work took place at the beginning of the 19th century.

Tip:

The summit cross of the Hochalm is only a few metres away. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view not only of the Mur valley but also of the Eisenerz Alps and the Hochschwab region. The following tours lead you to Maria Schnee on the Hochalm: Hiking Map 1, Tour 24a, b, c.