Attractions & Landmarks In Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer

The charming Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer in the Austrian Alps is surrounded by natural beauty and incredible monuments. Part of the Berchtesgarden Alps, the village lies at the foot of the Hochkönig mountain range. The settlement’s name, “Maria on the Stone Sea”, refers to the rocky landscape first covered by glaciers.

Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer has a long history and culture dating back to the 12th century, when it was founded as a mining community. The hamlet’s Gothic church, which has the tallest bell tower in the Salzburg region, is known because, in addition to other celebrations, the village hosts the Harvest Festival, the Alpine Festival and the Christmas market.

Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer is a well-known tourist destination open to visitors from all over the world. Outdoor sports offered by the neighborhood include skiing, hiking, cycling, golf and paragliding. With stunning views of the nearby mountains and valleys as well as charming wooden houses, flower gardens and alpine meadows, the town is also very visually beautiful.

The sites and monuments presented by Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer will not disappoint you if you choose to visit them. Don’t miss these highlights:

Schmittenhöhe

Rising to a height of 1,965 meters above sea level, the Schmittenhöhe mountain offers amazing sweeping views of the magnificent Alps all around. The cable car makes it simple to reach the mountain’s top in about ten minutes. Once at the summit, enjoy the amazing surroundings and investigate the several eating choices, little stores tucked away on the hillside.

With an amazing 77 kilometers of slopes suitable for all skill levels—from beginners to advanced—the Schmittenhöhe is a real refuge for skiers. Apart from that, the mountain features an outstanding 25 ski lifts, a snow park, and a ski school. The mountain draws a lot of hikers in the summer because of its vast system of paths covering an amazing forty kilometers. These paths provide access to many amazing points of view, little cottages, and grand mountains. On the mountain, paragliding chances also exist so people may feel the excitement of flying over the grand Alps.

Apart from a natural beauty, the Schmittenhöhe is a center of cultural activity hosting several events all year long. These comprise the mesmerizing Schmitten Night Show, the creative Schmitten Art on Snow, and the enchanted Schmitten Sound of Music.

Kitzlochklamm

Kitzlochklamm has a stunning canyon with magnificent rock formations, flowing waterfalls, enigmatic caverns and magnificent bridges. As the Rauriser Ache River slowly eroded the limestone over a long period of time, the gorge was created. For anyone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, this breathtaking gorge is a true natural wonder that must be seen.

One can explore Kitzlochklamm via a hiking trail which usually takes an hour and a half. The trail begins at the entrance to the gorge and requires a nominal entrance fee. Along the river, the trail crosses various bridges and tunnels and passes several very interesting sights such as the Hermitage Cave, the Waterfall Cave, the Devil’s Pulpit and the Kitzlochklamm Chapel.

The opening hours of the Kitzlochklamm, open from May to October, are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The gorge is closed in winter as a safety precaution, as freezing conditions and avalanches could put visitors in danger. The gorge is closed as a safety measure after heavy rains.

St. Bartholomä

Situated on a lovely peninsula in the Königssee, a well-known lake honored for its glistening clean water and magnificent surroundings, is the little pilgrimage chapel of St. Bartholomä. Nestled inside the magnificent Berchtesgaden National Park, this lovely lake is surrounded by towering mountains, including the second highest mountain in Germany, the Watzmann.

Originally built in the 12th century, St. Bartholomä is a monument to St. Bartholomew, the patron saint of dairymen and alpine farmers. The church boasts a distinctive red onion-shaped dome and a Baroque inside complete with altars, paintings, and sculptures. Apart from its various characteristics, the church offers a little cemetery where numerous local families find their last resting place.

From the little village of Schönau am Königssee, a lovely boat trip easily gets one to the gorgeous island of St. Bartholomä, which takes about 35 minutes. Showcasing the amazing acoustics of the lake, the boat trip is absolutely remarkable and lets you enjoy the breathtaking majesty of the lake and sink yourself into the captivating sound of the trumpet of the boatman. Along with stops at other sites, like the floating iceberg Eisberg and the historic hunting lodge Saletalm, the boat excursion covers

Apart from its religious and historical value, St. Bartholomä is a refuge for a wide spectrum of species. Natural paradise here is the region, home to deer, chamis, marmots, eagles, and trout. The lake also offers a variety of water sports including kayaking, swimming, and fishing so people may completely enjoy the water.

Other Attractions and Landmarks

Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer has many other fascinating sights and monuments that are certainly worth a visit. A few of them include:

Watzmannhaus: Perched on the grand Watzmann mountain, the Watzmannhaus has an astounding elevation of 1,930 meters. Climbers and hikers trying to reach the top of the Watzmann or explore the surrounding region frequent the hut. Among the other conveniences the hut provides are 120 beds, a restaurant, and a terrace with an amazing view of the Königssee and the Alps.
Fischunkelalm: Charming alpine meadow Fischunkelalm is situated on the lovely coast of the smaller lake, Obersee, which is connected to the Königssee. With cows contentedly grazing, cheese being created, and little wooden cottages scattered throughout the scene, the pasture provides a window into the rural life of the area. Apart from the lovely pasture, there is a little church and a wonderful snack bar providing a range of local goods to enjoy, including butter, cheese, and milk, just next to.
Kührointalm: Rising 1,400 meters above sea level, Kührointalm lies on the lovely slope of the Watzmann. Views of the Wimbach Valley, the Wimbach Gorge, and the Watzmann Glacier abound from the grassland. Along with a café, playground, and mountain cabin with eighty beds, the pasture also hosts.
Obersee: Nestled in the Berchtesgaden National Park, Obersee is a stunning lake whose little stream links it to the Königssee. With better water quality than the Königssee, the lake is smaller and calmer. Towering cliffs round the lake, and at its southern tip it has a breathtaking cascade. One may reach the lake either by trekking from the Saletalm or by boat from the Königssee.
Wimbachgrieshütte: In the Wimbach Valley, there also lies a mountain hut known Wimbachgrieshütte at 1,327 meters above sea level. A variety of hikes, including the Wimbachklamm, a gorgeous narrow gorge with a wooden walkway, the Wimbachschloss, an amazing rock formation looking like a castle, and the Trischübel, a stunning panoramic view of the valley, find a handy beginning point in the hut. Along with a café and a sun patio, the hut has 34 bedrooms.
Zeller See: Stunning lake Zeller See lies close to Zell am See town. One of the most fascinating lakes in the area, it is well-known for both size and natural beauty. The lake’s amazing blue color exactly reflects the big Schmittenhöhe mountain. At the lake, there are a lot of water sports like swimming, diving, sailing, and surfing. Along with the lovely cafés, restaurants, and stores, the lake presents a promenade that gives a great chance to walk, bike, or skate.
Archenkanzel: Archenkanzel is a point of view perched on the magnificent Jenner mountain at a startling 1,340 meters. From this vantage point—a wooden platform across the brink of the cliff—one may marvel over the Königssee, the St. Bartholomä church, and the grand Watzmann mountain. One may reach the point of view either from the Königsbachalm by hiking or from the village of Schönau am Königssee via a cable car.
Peter-Wiechenthaler-Hütte: On the Hochkönig mountain range, the Peter-Wiechenthaler-Hütte stands at an amazing 1,752 meters. Hikers and climbers looking to explore the Hochkönig’s ridges—including the Schwalbenwand, the Breithorn, and the Torsäule—find attraction in the hut. The hut boasts a winter room, café, and forty bedrooms.
Erichhütte: On the Hochkönig mountain range, the Erichhütte is located on an amazing 1,545 meters. Hikers and climbers wishing to explore the Hochkönig, the highest peak in the area, or tackle the Matrashaus find great popularity at the hut.