Friedenskircherl

Friedenskircherl is a small chapel located on the summit of Stoderzinken, a mountain in the Austrian Alps. It was built in 1901 in memory of Emil Ritter von Horstig, a pioneer of the Stoderzinken region. The chapel offers a stunning view of the Enns valley and the Dachstein glacier. It is also a popular destination for hikers and climbers, who can reach it by a narrow path along the rocks or by a via ferrata (iron road) from the Rosemi Alm. Friedenskircherl means “peace chapel” in German, and it is a symbol of harmony and tranquility in nature.

The Pioneer of Stoderzinken

The story of Friedenskircherl begins with Emil Ritter von Horstig, a nobleman and engineer who was born in 1842 in Vienna. He was fascinated by the mountains and the natural sciences, and he devoted his life to exploring and developing the Stoderzinken region, a part of the Schladming-Dachstein area in Styria. He built roads, bridges, huts, and mines, and he also conducted geological and meteorological research. He was the first to climb the Stoderzinken peak in 1871, and he also discovered several caves and waterfalls in the area. He was a friend of the famous Austrian writer Peter Rosegger, who often visited him and wrote about his adventures in the mountains.

Emil von Horstig was a visionary and a philanthropist, who wanted to share his love for the Stoderzinken region with others. He founded the Stoderzinken Alpine Association in 1896, and he donated land and money for the construction of a tourist resort and a cable car. He also supported the local population, especially the farmers and the miners, by providing them with jobs, education, and health care. He was known as the “father of Stoderzinken” and he was respected and loved by everyone.

The Peace Chapel

Emil von Horstig died in 1900, at the age of 58, after a long illness. He was buried in Gröbming, the nearest town to Stoderzinken. His widow, Anna von Horstig, decided to honor his memory by building a chapel on the summit of Stoderzinken, where he had spent so many happy hours. She commissioned the architect Josef Schmalzhofer, who designed a simple but elegant chapel in the neo-Gothic style. The chapel was built in 1901, using local materials and craftsmen. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the miners, and it was named Friedenskircherl, meaning “peace chapel” in German. Anna von Horstig also donated a large bronze bell, which was cast in Vienna and transported by oxen to the chapel. The bell bears the inscription: “Peace to the living, rest to the dead, glory to God”.

The Friedenskircherl was inaugurated on August 15, 1901, the feast of the Assumption of Mary. A large crowd of people attended the ceremony, including Peter Rosegger, who gave a speech praising Emil von Horstig and his achievements. The chapel was blessed by the bishop of Graz, and the bell was rung for the first time, sending its sound across the valleys and mountains. The Friedenskircherl became a place of pilgrimage and worship, as well as a popular attraction for tourists and mountaineers. It also became a symbol of peace and harmony, especially during the turbulent times of the two world wars and the Cold War.

The Hike to the Chapel

The Friedenskircherl is accessible by foot from the Stoderzinken Alpenstraße, a scenic road that leads to the Stoderhütte, a mountain hut and restaurant. From there, hikers can choose between two routes to reach the chapel: a shorter but steeper one, or a longer but gentler one. Both routes offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, and they pass by several points of interest, such as the Rosegger Monument, the Stoderzinken Cross, and the Stoderzinken Cave.

The shorter route takes about 20 minutes, and it follows a narrow path that runs along the rocks and cliffs. It is suitable for experienced and sure-footed hikers, who are not afraid of heights. The path is marked with red-white-red signs, and it has some railings and ropes for safety. The path ends at the Friedenskircherl, which sits on a rocky outcrop like an eagle’s nest. From there, hikers can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Enns valley and the Dachstein glacier, and they can also visit the chapel and ring the bell.

The longer route takes about 40 minutes, and it follows a wider and more comfortable path that winds through the meadows and forests. It is suitable for families and leisurely hikers, who prefer a more relaxed and scenic walk. The path is marked with yellow signs, and it has some benches and picnic tables along the way. The path joins the shorter one near the Friedenskircherl, where hikers can also admire the view and explore the chapel.

The Via Ferrata to the Chapel

For those who are looking for a more adventurous and challenging way to reach the Friedenskircherl, there is also a via ferrata (iron road) that starts from the Rosemi Alm, a mountain pasture and restaurant. A via ferrata is a protected climbing route that consists of metal cables, ladders, and bridges, that allow climbers to ascend steep and exposed terrain. The via ferrata to the Friedenskircherl is rated as C/D, which means it is difficult and requires good physical condition and climbing skills. It is also recommended to wear a helmet, a harness, and a via ferrata set, which are available for rent at the Rosemi Alm.

The via ferrata takes about an hour and a half, and it covers a distance of 1.2 kilometers and a height difference of 250 meters. It starts with a short walk through the forest, and then it follows a steep and rocky ridge, where climbers have to use the cables, ladders, and bridges to overcome the obstacles. The via ferrata offers a thrilling and rewarding experience, as climbers can enjoy the adrenaline rush and the stunning views of the mountains and valleys. The via ferrata ends at the Friedenskircherl, where climbers can also rest and visit the chapel.

Gröbming, Austria