Discover Mützens: Pilgrimage, Culture and Winter Experiences

Mützens combines a special religious history with a varied route to Maria Waldrast. Anyone looking for a mix of culture, woodland landscapes and winter activities for their holiday will find specific points of interest here to help plan their trip. The village is a suitable starting point for a pilgrimage hike and also offers insights into the history of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and Maria Waldrast Monastery.

Church, Patron Saint’s Day and Pilgrimage History

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Mützens is a subsidiary church of the Matrei am Brenner parish. Its patron saint’s day is celebrated on 29 June. Following the church patron saint’s day in Mützens, a traditional Mütznerfestl was held. In addition to its architectural sights, the village therefore also offers an insight into a local festival tradition.

Maria Waldrast is associated with an impressive pilgrimage history. On Holy Saturday in 1407, the two shepherd boys Hans and Peter from Mützens discovered the image of the Virgin Mary in a hollow larch trunk. On 19 April 1409, Prince-Bishop Ulrich II of Brixen granted permission to build the first small church at the site of today’s Maria Waldrast Monastery. The foundation stone for the subsequent Servite monastery was laid in 1621 under sovereign Leopold V; construction work was completed in 1644 under Archduchess Claudia de’ Medici.

From Mützens to Maria Waldrast

For a pilgrimage hike, the Mützens car park is one possible starting point. From there, a five-kilometre route leads to Maria Waldrast and takes about one and a half hours. The route passes through spruce forests, combining exercise with a peaceful woodland landscape. Take the approximate distance and duration into account when planning your day, especially if you would like to combine the route with other sightseeing or activities.

Another option is the winter ascent from the toll station in the Mützens district. This ascent along the road to Maria Waldrast takes about two hours. Parking spaces are available directly at the Maria Waldrast monastery inn. Maria Waldrast can also be reached from the Matrei am Brenner motorway exit via a well-developed toll road. Depending on the season and the activity you have in mind, you can therefore choose between a hiking route, a winter ascent and travelling by road.

Tobogganing, Cross-Country Skiing and Waldrast Water

There are also several separate experiences around Maria Waldrast in winter. The Maria Waldrast toboggan run is 3.5 kilometres long and has a separate ascent route. There are also high-altitude cross-country ski trails near Maria Waldrast for classic-style skiing. Anyone planning an active day with different focal points can therefore choose between tobogganing, classic cross-country skiing and the winter route along the road, without combining these activities into a single route.

Another special feature is Waldrast Water. The spring was already captured in the 16th century. Modern analyses attest to, among other things, a high magnesium content in the water. Together with the pilgrimage church, the monastery and the paths through the spruce forests, this creates a destination where nature experiences and religious history are closely linked, without limiting the stay to a single activity.

The Right Accommodation for Planning Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Mützens, it is worth deciding on your preferred focus first. If you would like to discover the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the patron saint’s day and the history of Maria Waldrast, the cultural and spiritual side of the village takes centre stage. For a trip involving tobogganing, high-altitude cross-country ski trails or a hike to Maria Waldrast, the planned season and preferred route are important points of reference instead. Then consider which other destinations you would like to include in your stay.

For a regional comparison, you can also view Lans, Vals, Igls, Reith Bei Seefeld, Wattens, Patsch, Absam and Natters.

For the overarching travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.