The best hikes from bus stations around Haslau-Maria Ellend

Every now and then a ship passes by.

The Lourdes Grotto of Maria Ellend is a historically documented part of the pilgrimage site at the Maria Ellend shrine. It was built in 1909 on the opposite side of the road from the parish and pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Rosary and is modeled after the famous grotto of Lourdes in France. It is nestled within a park-like landscape of approximately four hectares, which was landscaped at the beginning of the 20th century with Stations of the Cross, a Rosary path, and several chapels. Since then, the grotto has served as a central place for Marian devotion, quiet prayer, and larger outdoor devotions, enriching the pilgrimage tradition of Maria Ellend both in terms of content and location.

The parish and pilgrimage church of Maria Ellend, officially "Our Lady of the Rosary," belongs to the Hainburg deanery of the Archdiocese of Vienna and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region. The first records of a Marian chapel on this site date back to 1466, when the chapel "Our Lady of Ellend" was first mentioned. The original church was destroyed in 1529 during the Turkish Wars. On the same site, the newly settled Croatian community built a second church in 1584, which was initially dedicated to Saint Mark and elevated to parish church status in 1659. After further war damage, the building fell into disrepair by 1710. The present church was rebuilt between 1770 and 1772 on what was then the imperial road and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. In 1910, a mosaic depicting the "Madonna of the Road" was added to the facade, and a Lourdes grotto, Stations of the Cross, and a Rosary path were created in the surrounding area, reinforcing the pilgrimage character of the site. Architecturally, the church presents a simple exterior with a hipped roof and rectangular windows. The interior is dominated by a high altar dating from around 1770, upon which stands a miraculous statue of Mary with Child from around 1600, complemented by a simple wooden pulpit from the same period. Since 1929, the parish and pilgrimage site have been under the care of the Missionary Congregation of the Holy Family, ensuring that the church tradition, the pilgrimage activities, and the veneration of the Virgin Mary remain vibrant to this day.

The Haslau Traverse is a section of the trail that winds through the floodplain landscape in the Haslau area. This section of the route allows you to explore the Danube floodplains off the main paths and often passes smaller waterways or unspoiled stretches. The traverse offers an opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of nature and explore the unique environment of this stretch of the Danube.

The trail through the Danube floodplain near Haslau offers a typical nature experience in a floodplain landscape. It leads through wooded sections and open areas characterized by the proximity to the Danube. This section of the trail is mostly flat and natural, making it ideal for hikes or walks in a tranquil setting. Users can observe the specific flora and fauna of a floodplain landscape and experience the natural features of the terrain.

The first station of the Way of the Cross in Maria Ellend marks the beginning of this path, which leads to the Lourdes Grotto. This point offers a tranquil setting that invites relaxation. The station is part of a hiking trail and can be used as a starting point for walks in the surrounding area.

Right next to the Lourdes Grotto in Maria Ellend, you'll find a lovingly crafted nativity scene that can be admired year-round. This detail blends harmoniously into the tranquil atmosphere of the grotto and offers another reason to pause for a moment. A lovely little highlight that will further enhance your tour of Maria Ellend.

The climb to Calvary Hill in Maria Ellend combines culture and nature in just 2 km – past ornate Stations of the Cross and gentle field paths to the striking wooden cross at 186 m. At the top, a panoramic view over the Marchfeld and the Carpathian Mountains awaits, before you relax in the shady forest with a regional picnic. Perfect for those seeking spiritual contemplation and enjoyment of nature in a short time.