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Guide to Hiking the Easy Maria Plain Trail in Salzburg
If you’re looking for scenic and easy hiking trails in Salzburg that are easy, scenic, and meaningful—Maria Plain is the perfect. match
During my 2-week Austria trip, I spent a week in Salzburg and wanted some time that felt quiet, local, and different from the usual Old Town sightseeing.
A local jeweller casually mentioned Maria Plain, and that tip led to one of our favourite hikes.
I did it with my 60-year-old mum—no car, no tour. Just a public bus, croissants from a bakery, and a hill that opened into meadows, forests, and a beautiful pilgrimage basilica.
You’ll find history, local faith, wildlife, and some of the best views of the town all in one short and easy hike of 1.5km and Maria Plain trail is surely a hidden gem of Salzburg.
This post covers how to reach Maria Plain, what the hike is like, and why it’s a must-do if you enjoy slow travel and authentic experiences.
How to reach Maria Plain from Salzburg without a car
If you’re in the city centre, take Bus 21 using public transport is easy in Salzburg) and get off at Bergheim b.Salzburg Ortsmitte. This is the most common starting point for the hike.
This route is covered in Salzburg card so we didn’t have to pay anything. (Read the card review here )
You can board the bus from stops like Mirabellplatz, Hauptbahnhof, or Hofwirt. The ride is short and takes you straight into the city’s quieter suburbs.
Another option is to take the S-Bahn to Bergheim station and walk uphill from there.
We started from our hotel near Salzburg Hofwirt bus stop in Neustadt, took Bus 21, got off at Bergheim b.Salzburg Ortsmitte , and grabbed fresh croissants from a small bakery near the stop.
What to expect on the Maria Plain trail
The trail is about 1.5 km one way from Bergheim Ortsmitte bus stop to the Maria Plain Basilica. We took around 30–40 minutes, stopping for photos and breaks.
It’s a very easy uphill walk—no stairs, no climbing. I did it with my 60-year-old mum without a problem. The path is mostly gravel, some paved village roads, and a short forest bit, which was dry in summer.
The walk starts in a quiet suburb, passes a church and cemetery, then opens up to meadows, farms, pine trees, and shaded forest. We even spotted a stag!
It’s not crowded—just a few locals. Not touristy at all.
In summer, Salzburg is cooler compared to Vienna and gets rain. The meadow is open, but forest bits are shaded. Winters may be slippery.
There are no cafes or toilets on the way. A few benches show up near the church. The only restaurant and toilet are at the top, behind the basilica.
You won’t get lost—just follow the path uphill toward the spire. Mobile signal works fine.
You’ll spot trail signs along the way. Don’t worry if the time and numbers seem odd—Austria shows hiking trail duration, not distance.
Key landmarks on Maria Plain hiking trail
This hike may be short, but it’s full of small surprises along the way. Here’s what you’ll pass on the trail from Bergheim to Maria Plain Basilica—each stop adds something to the journey.
1. Bäckerei Rösslhuber
Right after getting off at Bergheim, you’ll spot this little local bakery across the road. Nothing touristy, nothing Instagrammable—just warm croissants, seeded rolls, and that buttery smell you can’t walk past.
It’s a big local bakery with few seatings. The cafe made the start feel more local and real.
We grabbed two croissants and coffee here to eat on the way up- which is a big thing for vegetarian travellers like us in Austria.
2. Pfarrkirche Bergheim and its cemetery
About 5 minutes from the bakery, the quiet road leads to Pfarrkirche Bergheim, a small yellow church with a cemetery that draws you in. At first glance, it’s simple. But once inside the gates, the place feels different.
Graves line curved stone paths, framed by flowers, lanterns, and benches. It’s not lush or dramatic like St Peter’s Cemetery in Salzburg, which feels like a botanical garden. This one is more personal—like a well-tended backyard, quiet and full of memory.
It started to drizzle just as we reached. My mum and I stood under the church wall for a bit, then stepped inside.
The interior surprised me—bright, warm, with golden Baroque details and a white ceiling that arches softly above, like a cloud.
3. Parish road fork
About 200 metres uphill from the church, the paved road splits. Most walkers head left to the basilica—but I say take the right fork, onto Hofstättweg.
It means “farm road,” and it fits. After a short climb, the trees clear, and suddenly you’re facing open meadows, quiet farm fields, and in the distance, the gorgeous Salzburg Fortress floating above it all.
That view caught us by surprise—rural peace below, royal skyline ahead. It felt like two Salzburgs in one frame.
4. Bildstock wayside shrine in the woods
About 150 metres uphill from the fortress viewpoint, the paved road turns to gravel. The trees start closing in, and between them sits a small white shrine you might miss if you’re not looking.
It’s a Bildstock—a traditional Alpine wayside shrine. We only recognised it thanks to a kind Salzburg grandfather we met earlier on the trail.
He was walking alone, noticed we weren’t locals, and smiled. When we said we were heading to Maria Plain, he told us Watch for a small shrine in the woods. Locals build them to give thanks or mark special moments.”
When we found it, the shrine had a mossy roof, a worn stone base, and inside—painted crucifixion scenes, a candle, and a bronze lantern. It felt quiet and personal. Not something you just walk past.
5. Lightly wooded trail after the shrine
Just past the Bildstock, the gravel path curves into a quiet forest stretch. It’s not dense—just tall summer trees spaced wide enough for the breeze to move through. This part felt like the calmest bit of our walk.
We got lucky here. A stag with full antlers stood still right in front of us—just for a second—then disappeared into the trees before I could grab my phone. That one moment felt more memorable than the viewpoint.
You’ll see this forest bit on the map between the Bildstock and Pax Natura. If you’re rushing, it’s easy to miss. But it’s shaded, peaceful, and worth a pause.
If you veer off Pariser Straße and stay on this path, it joins Hofstädtweg—and from there, you can loop around to Walkirchen for a longer scenic walk if you’re not in a hurry.
6. Paxnatura Natural Burial Ground
About 200 metres before the church, the forest opens into a quiet meadow—trees, wildflowers, and a few flame-shaped sculptures near the trunks. We didn’t realise it was a graveyard.
A woman stood in the grass, still and emotional, like she was near someone she’d lost.
But nothing around her looked like a cemetery—no granite, no crosses, no fences.
As she walked back, we exchanged a smile. She told us this was Paxnatura—Salzburg’s natural burial ground, where people are laid to rest under trees or in meadows, marked only by plaques or shared stones.
It’s open to all. And just beyond the trees, the twin towers of Maria Plain rise quietly above.
7. Wallfahrtskirche Maria Plain
The final stretch of the path gets a bit steeper, but it’s short. As the trees thin out, you’ll see the twin towers of Maria Plain Basilica—soft yellow with white trim, standing quietly on the hill.
As we reached the top, I felt it again—that same quiet stillness I’d sensed at the village church. No fanfare. Just something sacred, waiting.
Inside, the space is full of gentle light—not candlelit, but soft white and blue, with gold-leaf details that glow calmly.
The high altar pulls your eyes straight in—ornate and luminous, with the painting of Mary and Baby Jesus at its heart. Mozart’s Coronation Mass is said to have been written for this space, and somehow, you can feel that stillness in the air.
Everything fits—the blue-and-gold pulpit, painted balconies, carved saints, old artwork, and a pipe organ that blends into the ceiling.
8. Meadows of Maria Plain
In front of the basilica, the trail opens into a wide grassy slope. No fences, no signs—just open land.
A large tree stands at the edge with a bench underneath. From here, you get a clear view of Salzburg—rooftops, the fortress, and distant mountains. To the side, there’s a roofed crucifix shrine, partly covered in ivy. It stays hidden unless you walk closer.
Near the church wall, there’s a gift shop. It was shut when I visited, but through the glass you can still see old prayer cards, saint figurines, and photos from past decades. Not a shop. More like a memory.
You’ll also spot a metal signpost showing distances to Rome, Santiago, and Jerusalem—a reminder that this hill is part of something older and bigger.
Next to the church is Hotel Gasthof Maria Plain, where pilgrims stay after Mass. Even if you’re not attending service, it’s a peaceful place to rest.
What is the history of Maria Plain?
Maria Plain isn’t just a scenic hilltop church—it’s been a pilgrimage site for centuries. The story goes back to the Thirty Years’ War, when a painting of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus survived a fire in Bavaria.
That painting was brought to Salzburg, and by 1674, a basilica was built here to honour it. The image still sits at the high altar today.
The church is built in Baroque style, inspired by Salzburg Cathedral but far more intimate. Even Mozart’s Coronation Mass is believed to have been composed for Maria Plain—a sign of how deeply rooted this place is in Salzburg’s cultural and spiritual life.
It’s not a tourist church—it’s a place locals still walk to for Mass, quiet reflection, or to sit on the grass and talk.
A Salzburg grandfather we met on the trail was genuinely happy that tourists like us were visiting a local place. But was also worried if people like us would spoil the sanity of place!
What are the opening hours and Mass rules?
Maria Plain is open every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though in winter, it usually closes around nightfall.
Mass is held on Sundays and public holidays, typically in the morning—usually before 11:00 AM.
If you’re attending Mass, you can walk in and join quietly. But if you’re visiting as a tourist, avoid arriving during Mass hours. The church requests silence, and you’re not allowed to walk around or take photos during the service.
We visited in the evening, and the space was almost empty. That gave us time to sit quietly inside, without feeling rushed or out of place.
Practical tips for visiting Maria Plain
How long the trip takes
From Salzburg city centre and back, the whole trip takes about 4 hours—including the bus ride, walking the trail, photo stops, and sitting quietly by the church or viewpoint. No rush needed.
Best time to visit Maria Plain
The best time of day to hike Maria Plain is post-lunch. That way, you avoid disturbing pilgrims walking up for morning Mass, and you’re more likely to meet locals enjoying the afternoon.
In summer, Salzburg stays cooler than Vienna and often gets cloudy skies—great for walking Maria Plain trails. No need to worry about sunstroke.
Spring (late March to May) is the most beautiful. The trail bursts with wildflowers, and families come out around Easter.
Winters aren’t ideal—the paths aren’t always maintained and can get slippery is what locals say.
Basic amenities
Don’t expect the full tourist setup like in Salzburg Old Town—no cafés on every corner, no info desks, and definitely no souvenir stalls.
Maria Plain is quiet, and the facilities are minimal—but enough.
There’s a toilet behind the church, a small gift shop (open only sometimes), and a restaurant nearby where pilgrims often stop after Mass.
You’ll also find a few benches under trees and near the viewpoint, but no drinking water—so bring your own bottle.
It’s just enough to feel comfortable. But if you’re used to convenience at every step, come prepared instead
What to wear while taking Maria Plain Trail?
There’s no strict dress code, but since Maria Plain is a pilgrimage trail, it’s best to dress modestly. Wear something that covers your knees (like capris or knee-length shorts) and a top with sleeves. Just pair it with comfortable walking shoes.
Make sure your outfit is hiking-friendly and suits the weather. In summer, I wore cotton capris and a T-shirt—worked perfectly. My mum did the hike effortlessly in a saree.
Where to eat nearby
Before the hike, stop at the Rösslhuber bakery near Bergheim bus stop for fresh croissants or rolls. It’s small, local, and perfect if you’re starting out in the morning.
Opposite Rösslhuber, you can eat a proper meal at Hotel Gmachl. It’s got a lovely garden terrace and serves traditional Austrian dishes in a quiet setting – There are no muc h vegetarian options though. So we left to Salzburg for our veg meals.
What to do after the hike
Maria Plain is in Bergheim, just outside Salzburg. But apart from a few cafés and a quiet vibe, there’s not much else to do there for travellers. Once you’re done with the hike and the viewpoint, it’s best to head back into Salzburg.
You can end your day at the Augustiner Bräu to sip traditionally brewed beer under chestnut trees or inside old monastery halls. After a peaceful walk, this is the perfect place to sit back and do nothing.
Or just take a slow stroll along the Salzach River, watching the sun dip behind the city. No itinerary. No pressure.
Where to stay if you’re not heading back
Most travellers visit Maria Plain as a half-day trip from Salzburg. But if you’re here for pilgrimage or want total quiet neighbourhood to stay, you could stay nearby.
Two options to consider:
Final verdict: Is Maria Plain Salzburg worth hiking?
Yes, absolutely—especially if you’re looking for a break from Salzburg’s usual tourist rush. Maria Plain gave me the kind of travel day I didn’t know I needed. It was calm, scenic, and full of small, meaningful moments.
The trail itself is easy, the views are lovely, and the church has a quiet presence that stays with you.
You don’t need fancy tickets, guides, or a packed itinerary.
Just take a bus, walk at your own pace, and let the experience unfold. It’s a place where locals still come to pray, rest, and reflect. And that shows.
If you only have time for one offbeat hike near Salzburg, let it be this one.
