Upper Austria Mariazell Way: D: Route via Sonntagberg and Waidhofen an der Ybbs - 7 daily stages

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 146,36 km
Duration: 51:00 h
Ascent: 3428 m elevation gain
Descent: 3070 m elevation gain

The route of variant D leads the pilgrim in seven daily stages from Pöstlingberg in Linz to Mariazell. From St. Florian we go on pilgrimage to the town of Haag and the Sonntagberg. In Waidhofen an der Ybbs, the trail meets the original course of the Mariazell Trail and follows its route from then on.

Starting point of the tour: Pöstlingberg/Linz
Tour destination: Mariazell

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 146,36 km
Duration: 51:00 h
Ascent: 3428 m elevation gain
Descent: 3070 m elevation gain

Fitness level required:
4/6
Overall experience:
5/6
Scenery:
5/6

Lowest point253 m
Highest point1286 m

Stage tour
Nice views
With refreshment stops

Downloads

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(GPX)

Description

Unlike the classic route of the Mariazell Trail, this one runs from St. Florian via the town of Haag and on to Sonntagberg. The two paths only meet again in Waidhofen an der Ybbs and Route D now also follows the classic Mariazell Trail to Ybbsitz, Maria Seesal, Lunz am See, Lackenhof, Mitterbach and finally Mariazell. We reach Mariazell on this variant of the Mariazell Trail after seven daily stages and 151 kilometers.

If you want to make a pilgrimage from Pöstlingberg to the "Magna Mater Austriae" in Mariazell, you should prepare well and plan the tour precisely. After all, there are over 170 kilometers to cover and some of the terrain is alpine. The highest point is the Ötscher, whose summit does not have to be climbed directly, but the Riffelsattel at an altitude of 1,283 meters is also a physical challenge.

safety instructions In April and May, snow remnants must still be expected. Walking in the alpine landscapes requires a certain familiarity with nature and potential dangers, especially regarding weather and orientation. In case of thunderstorms, one must remember in time to find shelter and protection. The maps and guides recommended in the appendix should definitely be used. Also, a mobile phone (with a charger for charging in the accommodations) must absolutely be taken on the pilgrimage. Based on the lengths and elevation profiles, the pilgrimage routes can be individually organized. It is important to consider beforehand how many kilometers can be managed per day and to plan the stages in advance. Please also clarify the availability of accommodations by phone in advance! Local tourism offices can also be used here (take opening hours into account!).This pilgrimage has been organized into seven stages. The last stage has been shortened to allow attending the morning mass in Mariazell.
Equipment The backpack on a pilgrimage route should really only contain the absolute essentials! GPS devices or mobile phones with internet access are helpful for orientation.
Route description Stage 1: Linz/Pöstlingberg - St. Florian (18.2 km)Stage 2: St. Florian - Haag (26 km)Stage 3: Haag - Sonntagberg (28.2 km)Stage 4: Sonntagberg - Maria Seesal (24.3 km)Stage 5: Maria Seesal - Lackenhof (25.3 km)Stage 6: Lackenhof - Mitterbach (18 km)Stage 7: Mitterbach - Mariazell (6.5 km)
Parking You can park the car below the Pöstlingberg church, or, if you want to arrive by the Pöstlingbergbahn, near the main square.
Getting there Arrival from Salzburg and Vienna: West Motorway A1, exit Linz/Center Arrival from Prague, Freistadt: Mühlkreis Motorway A7, exit Linz/Hafenstraße Arrival from Regensburg, Passau: Innkreis Motorway A8 to A1, exit Linz/Center or toll-free along the Danube on B 127.
Public transport You can reach Linz by train or bus, then from the main square take the Pöstlingbergbahn up to Pöstlingberg.

Recommended period

Mostviertel Tourismus GmbH
Töpperschloss Neubruck, Neubruck 2/10, 3283 Scheibbs
T +43/7482/20 444
info@mostviertel.at , www.mostviertel.at

TVB Mariazeller Land

Main Square 13, 8630 Mariazell

Tel.: +43 (0)3882/23 66

Upper Austria Tourism Information

Freistädter Straße 119, 4041 Linz

info@oberoesterreich.at

www.wandern.at

Useful Maps:

ÖK 4319 Linz, ÖK 4320 Perg, ÖK 4326 Steyr,

ÖK 4202 Ternberg, ÖK 4203 Waidhofen,

ÖK 4203 Ybbsitz, ÖK 4204 Lunz, ÖK 4210 Mariazell

All at scale 1:50,000 (also available enlarged at 1:25,000)

F&B hiking maps 261 (1:50,000), 051 (1:50,000),

052 (1:50,000), 5031 (1:35,000)

Kompass 22 (Mariazell, Ötscher, Erlauftal, 1:25,000),

Kompass 212 (Hochschwab, Mariazell, Eisenwurzen, 1:50,000),

Kompass 202 (Around Linz, Mühlviertel, Wels, Steyr, 1:50,000)

Important Phone Numbers:

Alpine emergency: 140, International emergency: 112

Recommended Literature:

Pilgrim Ways to Mariazell – West + South Volume, www.styriabooks.at

Hiking Experience Mariazeller Land and Ötscher, www.kral-verlag.at

Pilgrim Ways, www.kral-verlag.at

Letzte Änderung: 25 Feb 2026