Step by step, we now dive into the legendary Nibelungengau and can collect up to FOUR pilgrim stamps today! See the image below. In addition to the already special landscape, we reach Maria Taferl, a pilgrimage site known far and wide, followed by Artstetten Castle, a historically very significant site for Austria and the world! This is where the tomb of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este is located—more on that below. Today’s stage is therefore planned to be a bit shorter, as we have several climbs to tackle (nearly 400 meters in total) and there are significant sights to see! It would be a shame to simply “walk through” here. Regarding the route: From Ybbs / Persenbeug to Marbach, the path is quite flat and runs mostly directly along the left bank of the Danube.

In Marbach, Cafe Konditorei Braun invites you for a stopover, as they offer their widely known cream rolls and pilgrims even get a Jerusalem Way stamp in their pass. Refreshed, you now face the climb of around 200 meters in altitude up to the village of Maria Taferl with its eponymous pilgrimage church; fittingly, the Jerusalem Way route runs here along the “Path of Penance.” This offers a good opportunity to reflect while walking slowly, perhaps to say a prayer or simply to be grateful for your pilgrimage and life journey so far. Once at the top, a great view awaits as a reward! The history of the church begins with the first documentary mention of a chapel at Maria Taferl in 1659. In 1660, work began on converting it into a pilgrimage church, which was consecrated in 1724. Finally, in 1947, it was designated a basilica by Pope Pius XII. Here at the top, we have reached the highlight of today’s stage and look out over the Danube Valley. However, it is not just a simple downhill walk to the stage destination of Artstetten; instead, a series of more or less gentle ascents and descents follow in the hilly terrain. Artstetten Castle houses a museum worth seeing and the tomb of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este! Franz Ferdinand had been the heir to the throne since 1896 of Austria-Hungary from the House of Habsburg-Lorraine. He and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, were assassinated in the Sarajevo attack. The act triggered the July Crisis, which led to the First World War!!

Accommodation options for pilgrims include, for example, GASTHOF FREY in Maria Taferl, which also has a beautiful pilgrim stamp. And in Artstetten at the SCHLOSSGASTHOF—what a beautiful atmosphere! Upon presentation of the pilgrim pass, Jerusalem Way pilgrims receive a special price for overnight stay and breakfast there. And there is a Jerusalem Way stamp featuring the dove of peace! Reservation recommended (www.schlossgasthof.at). It is safe to say that this was once again a special stage both scenically and culturally on the way to Jerusalem through Austria. We can certainly toast to this in the evening with a glass of wine or beer.   😉

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