The German Romantic Mile is a popular destination for many Christmas travelers. It is full of fairy tale like medieval castles, vibrant markets and scenic views that make the holidays bright.
Steingaden and Weiskirche are two nearby towns and Romantic Mile stops you won’t want to miss. Steingaden is known for being the site of the historic Steingaden Abbey while Wieskirche is the site of the Pilgrimage Church of Wies, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Steingarden has other churches and religious sites that feature outstanding architecture and serve as places of quiet reflection during the holiday season.
If you are thinking of stopping in Steingaden and Weiskirche, here are some things you won’t want to miss out on.
Steingaden Abbey
This Abbey was a Premonstratensian monastery that was founded in 1147 by Welf VI. It features impressive late Gothic architecture. It served as the burial place for Welf VI and his son Welf VII.
Many of the monastery’s buildings were destroyed over the years. However, you can still view the wing containing the Romanesque cloisters. The former abbey church, The Welfenmunster, also still stands and serves as the parish church of Steingaden.
Visitors can view a carved sandstone panel of the Welf arms that dates back to 1200. It is the oldest known surviving heraldic representation in Germany.
Wies Church
The Wies Church was closely connected to Steingaden Abbey. It was built in 1745 when Wies became a popular pilgrimage destination. It remains as an important pilgrimage center to this date.
The church is oval shaped and features rococo architecture. It is located at the foothills of the Alps.
Its status as a pilgrimage destination is largely owed to a dilapidated figure of Christ. It was said that tears were coming from the structure. Many people thought the liquid that came from the cross could cure ailments and that the church was the sight of a miracle.
As a result, it attracted a large number of pilgrims. They built a small chapel to house the statue but they soon realized it was too small to hold everyone that came there to worship. Steingaden Alley was used to hold the overflow.
The church is full of sculptures and figures meant to bring the supernatural to life.
Ettal Abbey
Ettal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in the village of Ettal which is about 25 minutes outside of Steingaden. It has a community of over 50 monks, and it is one of the largest Benedictine houses. It is a major tourist attraction.
It was founded in 1330 by Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian. It is the location of a primary trade route between Italy and Augsburg. Legend has it that Ludwig’s horse genuflected three times on the site of the original church building where a statue of the Madonna and child now stands.
The church has experienced its share of damage but was reconstructed with a double shelled dome that features the altars and the chancel. The façade and bell towers were renovated as well. The new buildings and Ettal’s economical importance made the abbey one of the most important monasteries in the alpine region.
In addition to being an important religious building, the abbey also runs a brewery, a distillery, a bookstore, an art publishing house, a hotel, a cheese factory and other small businesses. The distillery produces Kloster Liqueur, an herbal liqueur that comes in a wide range of herbal varieties.
Pilgrimage Church of the Visitation of Virgin Mary
This church is located in Ilgin, a district of Steingaden. It features a roof turret and three-sided closing chorus.
It is known for a miraculous image on the high altar, a late Gothic wooden sculpture of the Virgin and Child that dates back to the 15th century. The Visitation of Mary is an altarpiece that hangs directly above the sculpture. The church also houses a stunning organ built in 1723.
Church of the Holy Cross
The Church of the Holy Cross is located in Kreuzberg, a district of Steingaden. It was built in 1888 and refurbished in 1995. It serves as a community, cultural and event center. Check out what events the facility may be hosting during your visit.
Steingaden and Wieskirche have plenty of religious sites that will make your holiday bright. Their old school charm makes them great destinations for reflection and worship. Which of these landmarks will you be checking out first?
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