Wieskirche
Wallfahrtskirche zum Gegeißelten Heiland auf der Wies
A Rococo pilgrimage church in the middle of a meadow, plain on the outside but extravagantly decorated inside, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
The Wieskirche stands in a meadow near Steingaden (Wies means 'meadow'). In 1738, a local farm woman claimed to see a wooden statue of the 'Scourged Savior' shed tears, which drew large crowds of pilgrims. The Zimmermann brothers then built this pilgrimage church between 1745 and 1754. From the outside, it is simple, with white walls and a red roof. Inside, it is a golden-white Rococo marvel, with an oval main hall, bright windows, elaborate stucco decoration, and a huge ceiling fresco depicting the Second Coming of Christ. It is considered a pinnacle of Rococo art and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Entry is free, though donations are welcome, and concerts are held in the church each summer. The church is not on a railway line. It is about 30 minutes by car from Füssen, or you can take bus 73, which runs infrequently. It is usually combined with Neuschwanstein, Linderhof Palace, and Oberammergau as a one-day driving route. Please keep quiet inside the church, and do not wander around or take photos during mass.
Opening hours
Summer approx. 08:00–20:00; winter approx. 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Linderhof Palace
- Tegelberg Cable Car
- Forggensee
- Oberammergau
- Pöllat Gorge
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Marienbrücke
- Königliche Kristall-Therme Schwangau