Eastern Switzerland
Maria Bildstein pilgrimage site
Take a leisurely hike to the pilgrimage site of Maria Bildstein and find peace in the beech forest. Statues and grottoes along the pilgrimage route recount the life of Christ.
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The peaceful walk starts at the “Kaltbrunn, Steinenbrücke” stop, which you can reach by Postbus. In Kaltbrunn, take the left-hand path and follow the rocky stream to the level crossing at Widen. After crossing the railway line, the route climbs slightly and leads through the hamlet of Gsäss to the Maria Bildstein pilgrimage site. Surrounded by forest, this place radiates peace and tranquillity.
One of the highlights of Maria Bildstein is the grotto and pilgrimage route through the beech forest, where you will find grottoes containing large statues that tell the story of Christ’s life. After leaving Maria Bildstein, a wide forest road leads to Schmittenäcker, where you can enjoy a view of the Gastermatt and the Schänis glider airfield.
The next stretch of the hike takes you through Oberwald to Benken Giessen, where you can hop back on a Postbus and begin your journey home.
If you want to continue hiking, you can extend the route by around 45 minutes by following the Linth canal to Grynau Castle. Your journey home will be just as easy from there, as PostBus route 521 is available to transport you.
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Duration |
2 hrs |
Difficulty level |
Easy |
Length |
7.8 km |
Outward journey |
Kaltbrunn, Steinenbrücke |
Return journey |
Giessen |
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