Germany & Austria & Czechia
Catholic Shrines of Europe
Benedictine Monasteries, Alpine Shrines & Baroque Churches
Pilgrimage Overview
Germany and Austria together offer one of the richest concentrations of Catholic sacred sites in the world. From the great Benedictine abbeys of Bavaria to the pilgrimage church of Oberéammergau, the Marian shrine of Altötting, and the magnificent monasteries of Austria, this pilgrimage is a journey into the heart of Central European Catholic culture.
Pilgrims discover the legacy of St. Benedict, whose Rule shaped Western civilization, and the Marian traditions that have drawn pilgrims to Altötting for over five centuries. Beautiful baroque churches, Alpine landscapes, and a living tradition of monastic prayer make this pilgrimage as spiritually rich as it is visually stunning.
Spiritual Highlights
Pray at the Chapel of Grace in Altötting, Bavaria’s most important Marian shrine
Visit the Benedictine Abbey of Ettal and its magnificent baroque church
Attend Mass in Oberéammergau, home of the world-famous Passion Play
Explore the Abbey of Melk, one of the world’s most spectacular monasteries
Visit the Cathedral of Salzburg and the birthplace of Mozart
Discover Vienna’s imperial churches including St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Walk through the Alpine pilgrimage routes with their wayside shrines and chapels
Quick Facts
May – October
Easy to Moderate
10–12 Days
Catholic roots of Central Europe.
Key Holy Sites
Chapel of Grace – Altötting, Bavaria
The most important Marian pilgrimage site in the German-speaking world, home to a miraculous Black Madonna that has been venerated for over five centuries. St. Konrad of Parzham served here for 41 years.
Benedictine Abbey of Ettal
A magnificent Benedictine monastery in the Bavarian Alps, founded in 1330, featuring a stunning baroque church and a Marian statue brought from Rome.
Oberéammergau
The Bavarian village famous for its Passion Play, performed every ten years since 1634 as a vow of gratitude for deliverance from the plague.
Abbey of Melk – Austria
Perched dramatically above the Danube, this Benedictine monastery is one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Vienna
The great Gothic cathedral at the heart of Vienna, symbol of the city and a place of prayer for centuries.
Salzburg Cathedral
A magnificent baroque cathedral where Mozart was baptized, in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Maria Plain Pilgrimage Church – Salzburg
A beloved Marian pilgrimage church overlooking Salzburg, home to a miraculous painting of Our Lady.
Sample Pilgrimage Programs
Germany - Austria - Prague
Pilgrimage through the heart of Central Europe on a faith-filled pilgrimage across the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany. Discover the spiritual treasures of Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Altötting, and Munich while celebrating daily Mass, venerating sacred shrines, and experiencing the rich Catholic heritage, music, culture, and traditions of these historic lands.