The Pirker family, owners of the well-known gingerbread bakery, operates three café-restaurants with gingerbread shops in Mariazell: the ****“Mariazellerhof” Hotel, located 150 meters below the basilica; “Pirker am Hauptplatz”; and the new “Pirkers.”
On the ground floor of the “Mariazellerhof” hotel, there is a charming café and a shop where you can buy the famous Mariazell gingerbread (more than 80 different varieties), herbal bitters, mead, liqueurs, spirits, vinegar, and beeswax candles—all produced in-house and crafted by hand. The comfortable guest rooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the hotel and have been redesigned and lovingly renovated.
The Pirker on the main square is a beautiful Art Nouveau building with a magnificent terrace. A popular meeting place is the café-restaurant right across from the basilica, featuring homemade pastries and a gingerbread shop just around the corner. Those interested in the history and production of Mariazell gingerbread can learn more at the “Lebkuchenwelt” and the demonstration bakery (guided tours with tastings by appointment). The building also houses a wax-making workshop and a distillery.
The large gingerbread bakery is open to visitors, and at the new “Pirkers,” also located directly on the main square, Styrian and Italian specialties await hungry pilgrims and food lovers.
Tip: Georg Rippel is available to assist youas a Via Sacra expert. Overnight guests are welcomed with a pilgrim gingerbread cookie.
Public Transportation – Easy & Convenient
Travel in comfort on the Mariazellerbahn. From the Mariazell train station, the accommodation is about a 1,600-meter walk or just a few minutes by taxi. Your hosts will be happy to assist with arranging transportation.
