Mariazeller Gründerweg - Stage 7

The last short stage of the trail leads from Gußwerk partly over the old railway line along the Salza to the Sigmundsberg. Here there is a chapel dedicated to St Sigismund with a wonderful view of Mariazell.

Passing the JUFA, you reach Rasing. Here, the Gründerweg trail leads past the legendary ‘Ursprungsfelsen’ rock, which plays an important role in the legend surrounding the founding of Mariazell: This rock is said to have suddenly blocked the path of the monk Magnus on his way from St. Lambrecht to the Mariazell area. After praying to the Virgin Mary, the rock split and Magnus was able to continue on his way. Today you can actually see a piece of rock here that appears to have been split in two. 

Continue to the main road to Mariazell, where you keep to the right and walk up the avenue to the basilica. 

There are interesting historical buildings, sights and pilgrimage sites along the stage (including the chapel on Sigmundsberg, the original rock in the Rasing and, of course, the basilica at the destination of Mariazell).

ÖBB www.oebb.at oder Verbundlinie Steiermark www.busbahnbim.at

Parking facilities in the centre of Gußwerk.

Alternatively, it is possible to walk the individual stages separately. In this case, however, the return journey to the starting point must be organised.