Salvenkirchlein
The highest pilgrimage church in Austria
High up on the 1,829-metre summit of the Hohe Salve sits the Salvenkirchlein - one of the most impressive pilgrimage sites in Tyrol and also the highest pilgrimage church in Austria. It is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and has been attracting pilgrims and visitors for centuries.
The early baroque high altar from 1666, which features a painting of the baptism of Jesus and the statues of St. John the Baptist and St. Bartholomew, is particularly worth seeing. The Salvenkirchlein is not only a place of spirituality, but also a popular excursion destination. It can be reached via hiking trails as well as by cable car from Hopfgarten and Söll. Of course, in summer you can also reach the pilgrimage church on foot on a wonderful hike.
A visit to the Salvenkirchlein not only offers an insight into the rich history of Tyrol, but also a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding Alps.
History
The chapel was first mentioned in a document in 1589. According to tradition, the farmer Andreas Schwender from Brixen im Thale had the little church built as thanks for his recovery. The first holy mass was celebrated here as early as 1617. Due to the growing number of pilgrims, the chapel was extended in 1625. After a devastating lightning strike in 1640, it was rebuilt until 1643. The current building dates back to 1641 and a wooden porch was added in 1972.
How do I get to the Hohe Salve?
Mountain railroads to the Hohe Salve
- Hopfgarten: Salvista run I + II
- Söll: Hexenwasser gondola lift + Hohe Salve cable car
- Itter: Salvistabahn (only up to the Kleine Salve - hike up to the Hohe Salve possible - 380 m difference in altitude)
Contact us
Pfarre Brixen im Thale
Dorfstraße 88
AT-6364 Brixen im Thale
Email: pfarre.brixen@eds.at
Telefon: +43 5334 8161
