Ein Mädchen mit einer Laterne in der Hand steht in winterlicher Abenddämmerung vor der Wallfahrtskirche Christkindl in Steyr.

Place of pilgrimage Christkindl

in 360° Alpenland

Between place of pilgrimage and urban culture

When the scent of fir branches fills the air and lights break through the twilight, Christkindl near Steyr becomes a special place. Situated above the town, the traditional place of pilgrimage is a place of contemplation during Advent - and at the same time part of a lively cultural experience in 360° Alpenland.

The baroque pilgrimage church with its world-famous image of the Christ Child has been attracting pilgrims and visitors for centuries. Especially in the run-up to Christmas, an atmosphere unfolds here that is touching: Candlelight, soft music, the view over the wintry Steyrtal valley. It is a moment that stays with you - quiet, clear and full of meaning.

It all began in 1695 when the Steyr bandmaster Ferdinand Sertl placed a wax figure of the infant Jesus in a tree hollow - and was healed after a heartfelt prayer. Word of the miracle spread quickly, and from 1702 the pilgrimage church Christkindl was built under Carlo Antonio Carlone, which was later completed by Jakob Prandtauer.

Around the place of pilgrimage

Spiritual tradition is combined with Christmas culture here. The traditional Christkindl post office, the nativity scene exhibition and the proximity to the historic old town of Steyr make the visit an atmospheric experience between faith, customs and architecture. Here you can see how closely nature, culture and history come together in the heart of Upper Austria.

Anyone who chooses the route to Christkindl will feel the special tranquillity of this place of power. A walk through the wintry landscape, a visit to the church, a look down on the 1,000-year-old town of Steyr - Advent in 360° Alpenland means taking time for yourself. For thoughts. For encounters. For the essentials.

In this way, the pilgrimage site of Christkindl during Advent becomes not just a destination, but a feeling: characterised by mindfulness, tradition and the Upper Austrian attitude to life.

A magnificent church in winter with snow-covered trees and a blue sky. The architecture is elegant and ornate.

Pilgrimage church Christkindl

Nativity scenes in Christkindl in Steyr: The image shows a complex, detailed scene with many human figures, buildings, and landscape elements. It is a colorful, symbol-rich depiction that showcases a variety of motifs and activities, brought together in an imaginative, vibrant composition.

Special cot rarities

A festively decorated Christmas tree stands in a brightly lit city street. An orange bus is parked next to it, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

Vintage bus trips

The picture shows a magnificent building with an imposing façade. It has two high towers with domes and a large portal with a statue above it. In front of the building is a square with stone paving and some fir trees.

Christkindl balloon launch

A hand stamps an envelope on a table. In the background, other documents are visible.

Christkindl post office

Ein Kind trifft das Steyer Christkind, das bereits den Wunschzettel in der Hand hält und den Kopf in zur Kamera dreht.

Steyrer Christkindl

The Steyr Christkindl

This is where the Christ Child lives: the Steyr Christ Child is a pre-Christmas ambassador in 360° Alpenland.
The costume, consisting of a spencer, skirt and coat, a crown and a bonnet, is based on historical models. The tailored costume is modelled on the baroque Lamberg cot figure of the angel of the Annunciation in terms of its features, design and silver lahn embroidery.

The colours green, silver and white were chosen for the colour scheme of the costume, as the Steyr festival costume, designed by Dr. F. Lipp, features these colours.

Master costume tailor Waltraud Musenbichler used 196.5 metres of fabric and trimmings and also embellished the costume with 540 crystal-coloured Swarovski stones.