Theme path Path of reflection (Besinnungsweg) in Eichkögl - Touren-Impression #1 | © TVB Eichkögl Theme path Path of reflection (Besinnungsweg) in Eichkögl - Touren-Impression #1 | © TVB Eichkögl

Path of reflection (Besinnungsweg) in Eichkögl

The path of reflection forms an oasis of well-being in the pilgrimage town of Eichkögl, also known as Klein Mariazell. Along the approximately 6 km long path of reflection, ten stations present themselves in the form of artistic wooden stations, sacred buildings and landscape impulses.
"Silence doesn't ask questions, but it can give us an answer to everything." Writer Ernst Ferstl

Everyone is always and everywhere accessible, everything is instantly retrievable, everything is in motion. Silence is missing, although it is so important. Who doesn't long for a stay in a picturesque landscape surrounded by forests and meadows? What seems out of reach may be so close after all. 

"Places of inspiration along the way serve as an impetus to search for oneself. The new contemplation trail creates this free space for body, mind and soul." Thomas Brandl

The path of reflection creates places of peace, relaxation and inner contemplation. Here one escapes the hectic everyday life of the life.  Along the way, inns and farm stores make for culinary stops. Take your time and enjoy the impulses along the way.

The pilgrimage church Eichkögl, also called Klein Mariazell, is the starting point for pilgrimages to Mariazell and is located on the spiritual path between Kirchberg and Unterlamm. Forest, meadow and asphalt paths alternate. The Eichkögl woman Theresia Payer placed a votive image with a picture of Mariazell on a birch tree, where about 25 years later a chapel was built as a thank you after a serious illness of her husband Anton Kobald. The little church was soon visited by the faithful and devotees of Our Lady from near and far. Due to this increasing stream of pilgrims, the chapel soon became too small and the Kobald couple began to build a church. This was widened in 1890 and since 1926 Eichkögl has also been a parish in its own right.

Characteristics

Skill
Fitness

Best season

January
February
December

The tour in numbers

easy
Level of difficulty
5,8 km
Route
1:40 h
Time
123 hm
Uphill
123 hm
Downhill
437 m
Highest point

Map & downloads

More information

You can arrive by public transport. It is also possible to travel by car via the A2 Südautobahn. Freeway exit: Gleisdorf-West

Detailed information on how to get here can be found here .

The path runs as a loop from the village chapel in Erbersdorf, through the Kühgraben valley, to the pilgrimage church Klein Mariazell in Eichkögl.

1st departure: The village chapel in Erbersdorf is the starting point of the hike along the path of reflection. Here the path starts through the Kühgrabental valley to the pilgrimage church.

2nd Marian image: The history of Klein Mariazell began when Theresia Payer, still a child at the time, planted a birch tree and attached an image of the Virgin Mary to it in 1828.

3. sky watch: A look into the sky is a look into an enlightening future. A sound can fulfill wishes. Light gives hope and confidence in stormy times.

4. grove of forces: to set the spirit in vibration. Klein Mariazell is a place of vitality. Nature is a retreat from everyday life, it gives people energy and strengthens the spirit.

5. windows of nature: the forest thins out, a gate opens, views become free. Views and insights create free space. The guardian of silence is already looking over the woods.

6. far view: the highest point on the Eichkögl ridge is sometimes the Nikolauskapelle. Here, on the way to the pilgrimage church, you can let your gaze wander into the distance.

7th pilgrimage church: Maria has helped - A series of votive pictures document the thanks of pilgrims who have experienced comfort and healing here. Due to the increasing flow of pilgrims, an initial chapel became the pilgrimage church Klein Mariazell.

8. small monuments: sacral buildings have been built by people out of gratitude and for faith. The wayside shrine of the Rath family is a place of devotion for pilgrims.

9. community: Klein Mariazell is a place of encounter. The human being is the center of attention. His spirituality finds an anchor in Eichkögl, body, mind and soul find each other.

10. seedling: worries and fears require hope. A miraculous recovery created new life in Eichkögl. Gratitude gave rise to the chapel in Klein Mariazell with its altar of grace.

A sightseeing stop at the pilgrimage church Eichkögl is an absolute must, because it is not called "Little Mariazell" for nothing!

Detailed information about arriving by ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) can be found at  www.oebb.at or on the Verbundlinie Steiermark website  www.busbahnbim.at

With Verbundlinie’s BusBahnBim route planner app, planning your journey has never been easier: simply enter towns and/or addresses, stop names or points of interest to check all bus, train and tram connections in Austria. The app is available free of charge for smartphones – on Google Play and in the App Store

Gemeinde Eichkögl
Eichkögl 30
8322 Eichkögl
Tel. +43 3115 25 90
gde@eichkoegl.gv.at
www.eichkoegl.gv.at

Wanderkarte Besinnungsweg Eichkögl

Vulkanland-Wanderkarte "Mensch & Natur" 1:500.000 Steirisches Vulkanland Tel. +43 (0)3152 8575-710 www.spuren.at

Gallery

Spiegelsee Reiteralm | © photo-austria / Christine Höflehner

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