Since the 14th century, a pilgrimage has taken place around St. Bartholomew's Day, the day that the chapel was first consecrated, leading pilgrims from Maria Alm, near Saalfelden in Austria. The pilgrimage is said to have originated as a taken of thanks on the part of the inhabitants of Saalfelden when they were spared the ravages of the black plague.

Now including over 1.000 participants (the oldest is 85), the pilgrims are accompanied by musicians and cross the Steinernes Meer range climbing a difference in altitude of 1.340 m or 4.400 ft. At the Austro-Bavarian border, they are welcomed by a Bavarian delegation consisting of the mayor and other officials.

After a special service is held at St. Bartholomew in which both the Bavarian and Austrian church representative officiate, the rest of the weekend is spent in muscial celebration.

30 August 2008

Pilgrimage from Maria Alm to Saint Bartholomew

approx. 3.00 a.m. departure, parking lot Königssee - with bus transfer to Maria Alm - climbing up to the "Riemannhaus" in the "Steinernen Meer"

Bustransfer is possible

at 8.00 a.m. open-air church and afterwards hike through the "Steinernes Meer"