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Wieskirche / Steingaden

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Wieskirche, officially the Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour on the Wies, is considered one of the most magnificent Rococo churches in the world. Built between 1745 and 1754 based on designs by Dominikus Zimmermann, it impresses with its exuberant stucco decoration and light-flooded architecture. Every year, thousands of visitors pilgrimage to the secluded Allgäu moorland to marvel at the 'Miracle of the Wies.' Only a few kilometers away lies the municipality of Steingaden with the Welfenmünster, a former Premonstratensian abbey church that combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque stylistic elements. The region is a well-suited starting point for hikes and cycling tours in the Pfaffenwinkel area. The rolling hills offer wonderful views of the Ammergau Alps. Local restaurants serve typical Bavarian snacks (Brotzeit) and regional cheese specialties. The Wieskirche is best reached by car via the Romantic Road or by bus from Füssen or Weilheim. A visit can be perfectly combined with the royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

Location: Bavaria, Germany
Top sights: Heilig Kreuz · Alpenpanorama · Kamera Museum Steingaden
Nearby: Oberammergau (19 km)
Population: ~2.828 (2011)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-3	1	6	10	14	15	15	11	7	2	-3
Rain mm	83	65	81	84	149	175	172	185	119	91	70	74

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Wieskirche is an active church and open to visitors. The magnificent Rococo interior can be viewed; silence is requested during services.

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Typical hours

The church is typically open daily from about 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., depending on season and service times. Check the website in advance.

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Photography

Photography inside is usually allowed, but without flash and tripod to protect the delicate Rococo decoration.

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Time needed

A visit takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the service and visitor numbers. An hour is enough for a quiet contemplation of the altar and frescoes.

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Combine with

Combine the Wieskirche with the nearby Steingaden monastery or the Wies chapel. A detour to the royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau is also worthwhile.

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Getting there

The Wieskirche is best reached by car via the B17, then follow the signs. Buses run from Steingaden train station, which is on the railway line.

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Insider tip

Visit the church in the late afternoon when the sunlight highlights the Rococo stuccowork and ceiling fresco beautifully.

Geography

Population

2,828 (2011)

Coordinates

47.70000, 10.86667

Facts

UNESCO World Heritage
Bavarian Rococo gem
Dominikus Zimmermann art
Pilgrimage site since 1738
Pfaffenwinkel region
Steingaden Welfenmünster
On the Romantic Road
Magnificent ceiling frescoes

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Linderhof Palace16 km · SEExplore →

Schloss Neuschwanstein18 km · SWExplore →

Oberammergau19 km · SEExplore →

Füssen19 km · SWExplore →

📍Marktoberdorf20 km · WExplore →

Ettal Abbey22 km · SEExplore →

Qoorgaab Ruins23 km · SExplore →

Macajilayn Ruins23 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Wieskirche / Steingaden (4)

Heilig Kreuz⛪ religious

Baroque Church of the Holy Cross in Steingaden, featuring a late Gothic winged altar.

Alpenpanorama 🌿 nature

Alpine panorama viewpoint near the Wieskirche pilgrimage church.

Kamera Museum Steingaden 🏛 museum

Camera museum displaying vintage cameras in Steingaden.

🕒 Th 14:00-18:00

Klostermuseum im Pfarrhof 🏛 museum

Museum in the former rectory of Steingaden monastery, displaying sacred art.

🌐 steingaden.de🕒 Apr-Sep: Tu,Th 15:00-17:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the Wieskirche free?

Yes, entry is free, but donations for the upkeep of the church are welcome.

Is photography allowed inside the church?

No, photography and filming inside the church are prohibited to protect the artwork.

What are the opening hours?

Summer approx. 8am-8pm, winter approx. 8am-5pm. No sightseeing during religious services.

Why is the Wieskirche a UNESCO World Heritage site?

It is considered one of the most first-rate masterpieces of Bavarian Rococo.

Is there parking available on site?

Yes, there is a large paid parking lot just a few minutes' walk from the church.

Wieskirche / Steingaden: where is it located?

Wieskirche / Steingaden is located in Bavaria, Germany.

Wieskirche / Steingaden: what is there to see?

Highlights include Heilig Kreuz, Alpenpanorama, Kamera Museum Steingaden.

Wieskirche / Steingaden: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Wieskirche / Steingaden: why is it worth visiting?

The Wieskirche, officially the Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Saviour on the Wies, is considered one of the most magnificent Rococo churches in the world.

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