The Roman Catholic pilgrimage church of Maria Schnee is located at an altitude of 1586 meters, far from any roads and the noises of civilization, guaranteeing relaxation. Hikers and pilgrim groups often visit the church and are frequently amazed to find such a jewel off the beaten path, where the old pass road over the Gleinalm Saddle, near Speikkogel, once ran.
The History of the Pilgrimage Church
The first mention of paid masses on the Gleinalpe dates back to 1670. The church was consecrated in 1711 and rebuilt by Count Gottfried von Dietrichstein in 1740. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, masses were regularly celebrated on Sundays and holidays. From the 19th century onwards, this was no longer possible, so it was agreed in 1869 that masses would only be celebrated on five saint's memorial days. This tradition continues to this day.
In 2004, a lightning strike caused a devastating fire that destroyed the church down to its foundations. The following year, the church was lovingly restored and rebuilt by the owning family. The solemn reconsecration took place in 2005.
The Appearance of the Pilgrimage Church
The church is characterized by its western steeple with a pointed helmet and the single-nave interior. The stone high altar, as wide as the western wall, features a painted altar panel depicting the conversion of Saint Hubertus and the Holy Trinity.
Wooden statues of Saints Leonhard and Oswald adorn the altar. A group of statues with the crucified Jesus, Mary, and John stands in a wall niche. The vestibule of the church contains a statue of Saint Joseph and is freely accessible during the day in the summer, allowing visitors to pray and meditate in peace.
Mountain Masses in the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Schnee
In the summer months, mountain masses are held annually on the same days at the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Schnee:
- June 24 (Saint John)
- July 2 (Visitation of Mary)
- July 25 (Saint James)
- August 5 (Maria Schnee)
- August 24 (Saint Bartholomew)
The masses begin at 10:30 AM. On these days, the forest road to the church is accessible by car or bicycle from the Hoyer parking lot (Neuhof). Access is at your own risk and is open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.