Upper Austria Mariazell Path: C: Route via Sonntagberg and St. Leonhard im Wald - 7 daily stages
Hiking tour Starting from Pöstlingberg/Linz
This suggested route takes you via the most beautiful pilgrimage destinations in the Mostviertel region - Seitenstetten Abbey, Sonntagberg and St. Leonhard im Wald - to Ybbsitz and on along the original route to Mariazell, which you reach after seven stages and 156 kilometers. The highest daily distance is 31.9 kilometers.
This suggested route takes you via the most beautiful pilgrimage destinations in the Mostviertel region - Seitenstetten Abbey, Sonntagberg and St. Leonhard im Wald - to Ybbsitz and on along the original route to Mariazell, which you reach after seven stages and 156 kilometers. The highest daily distance is 31.9 kilometers.
On the first stage of this variant C route, we make a pilgrimage from the Pöstlingberg in Linz to St. Florian. From here, we do not continue along the classic route of the Mariazellerweg, but branch off in the direction of the town of Haag, from where we continue to the Sonntagberg. Via St. Leonhard im Wald we reach the forging center Ybbsitz and here we meet the original course of the Mariazellerweg again, which we follow via Maria Seesal, Lunz am See, Lackenhof and Mitterbach to Mariazell.
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.
In April and May, one must still expect snow remnants. Walking through the alpine landscapes requires some familiarity with nature and potential hazards, especially regarding weather and orientation. In case of thunderstorms, one must remember in time to find shelter and protection. The attached recommended maps and guides should definitely be used. Also, a mobile phone (with charger for recharging at the accommodations) should definitely be taken on the pilgrimage. Based on the lengths and altitude profiles, the pilgrimage routes can be very individually put together. It is important to consider beforehand how many kilometers can be achieved per day and the stages must be planned in advance. Please also clarify the availability of accommodations by phone in advance! Local tourist offices can also be consulted here (observe opening hours!).
This pilgrimage was put together in seven stages. The final stage was shortened so that the morning mass in Mariazell can be attended.
The backpack should really only contain the absolute necessities on a pilgrimage route! GPS devices or mobile phones with internet access are very helpful for orientation.
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 - Ybbsitz (18.5 km)
Stage 5: Ybbsitz - Lackenhof (31.9 km)
Stage 6: Lackenhof - Mitterbach (18 km)
Stage 7: Mitterbach - Mariazell (6.5 km)
You can park your car below the Pöstlingberg church, or, if you want to arrive by the Pöstlingberg railway, near the main square.
Arrival from Salzburg and Vienna: Westautobahn A1, exit Linz/center
Arrival from Prague, Freistadt: Mühlkreisautobahn A7, exit Linz/Hafenstraße
Arrival from Regensburg, Passau: Innkreisautobahn A8 to A1, exit Linz/center or toll-free along the Danube on B 127.
You can reach Linz by train or bus, then from the main square take the Pöstlingberg railway up to Pöstlingberg.
Mostviertel Tourism GmbH
Töpper Schloss 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 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 call: 140, International emergency call: 112
Recommended literature:
Pilgrimage paths to Mariazell – West + South volume, www.styriabooks.at
Hiking experience Mariazeller Land and Ötscher, www.kral-verlag.at
Pilgrimage paths, www.kral-verlag.at
Letzte Änderung: 3 Aug 2026
