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The basilica in Mariazell is beautiful and world-famous

The Bruder Klaus Church at Hubertussee is a small, atmospherically situated Catholic church on the northern shore of the lake in Walstern near Mariazell. Built in 1966/67, it is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Flüe, also known as Brother Klaus. The simple architecture blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, with the stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the saint's life and the striking iron entrance portal adding distinctive touches.

Turning off the main street of Mitterbach, opposite the lumber yard, we can reach this point, from which there is a nice view of the Erlaufstausee. The lake was created artificially, we can only see a small part of it from this point. Unfortunately, we cannot ride bicycles on the hiking trails. For a break, we can stop at the Stapelhaus cafeteria, from whose terrace we can also see the lake.

The Luckertes Kreuz (holed cross) is a legendary memorial site in Austria, located about 1.5 km from Mariazell, on the Kreuzberg, next to the main road. ​It gets its name from the hole in the middle of the cross. According to popular belief, girls wishing to get married must pray through the hole nine times in order to find a good husband.

The steam train only runs on weekends between Erlaufsee and Mariazell. The services are seasonal, usually from mid-May to the end of October, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is worth checking the exact schedule on their website, as the schedule may change in case of bad weather or low occupancy.

The Erlauf Reservoir Tavern at the entrance to the Ötscher-Tormäuer Nature Park is a real insider tip. From the terrace, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Erlauf Reservoir, the Ötscher Mountains, and the Gemeindealpe. The modern stacked house, built from nine tons of local wood, invites you to enjoy small snacks and refreshments after a hike. The tavern is open from 11 a.m. on weekends from May to October (almost daily in summer).

The Mariazell Basilica, officially the "Basilica of the Nativity of Mary," is considered Austria's most important pilgrimage site and is located 868 meters above sea level in the Styrian town of Mariazell. Its history begins in 1157, when, according to legend, the Benedictine monk Magnus erected a small linden wood statue of the Virgin Mary at this site – the miraculous image now venerated as the "Magna Mater Austriae." Over the centuries, these humble beginnings developed into a central Marian pilgrimage site for pilgrims from many parts of Central Europe, including Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Croatia. The current building was built primarily between 1644 and 1683 in the Baroque style, incorporating Gothic elements from the predecessor, such as the high choir and the approximately 90-meter-high tower. Inside, visitors will find magnificent Baroque altars, fine stucco, and the central Chapel of Grace, with its Romanesque statue of the Virgin Mary, sumptuously decorated with silver and gold. In 1907, Pope Pius XI granted the church the title of "Basilica Minor," and in 1983, Pope John Paul II visited the famous pilgrimage site. Today, the basilica is not only a spiritual center but also a significant cultural monument, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Mariazell is one of Europe's most important pilgrimage sites, with a history spanning over 850 years, attracting pilgrims from all over Central Europe since the Middle Ages – including numerous cyclists on spiritual or historical routes. The impressive basilica, the Baroque architecture, and the location in the heart of the Alps make the town a fascinating destination for culture-loving cyclists.