The Sanctuary of Maria Hilf in Speiden

In Speiden, a district of the municipality of Eisenberg, stands the artfully equipped pilgrimage church Maria Hilf, which is a delightful excursion destination for Allgäu holidaymakers in Füssen. The church is surrounded by the magnificent Alpine foreground, which can be enjoyed on a beautiful hike with unforgettable views of the Allgäu mountains.

The origin of the Sanctuary of Maria Hilf dates back to an incident during the Thirty Years' War. At that time a Speiden peasant saw his daughter kneeling at the grave of three soldiers of the Schlick regiment who had succumbed to the plague. He learned from his daughter that the three men had saved her life during his extended absence. The soldier was honored by the farmer. 1635 He erected a chapel of mercy, in which he set up a Madonna figure, which had come into his possession some time before. As can be found in the Zeller Mirakelbuch, a first miracle occurred during the construction of the chapel: a woman who was severely impaired could suddenly walk again without problems. In the next few years, many more miracles followed and believers from all parts of the country quickly made pilgrimage to the chapel, which was then replaced by the much larger pilgrimage church, whose inauguration 1678 took place.

The magnificent equipment of the Sanctuary Maria Hilf should completely inspire all art and culture interested Allgäu holidaymakers. A showpiece of the church is the beautiful main altar with its figures of saints, which was made by the sculptor Peter Heel and is considered the gem of Rococo. Also the marble pulpit, detailed ceiling frescoes and many paintings with religious motifs delight the eyes of church visitors. The image shows Our Lady on a throne with the Child Jesus in her arms. The Church is also a place of silence and devotion, which invites you to go within yourself and let your thoughts wander.

Around the Sanctuary Maria Hilf stretches the dreamlike Allgäuer Voralpenlandschaft with its meadows, hills and mountains. A great hike with the church as a starting point and destination offers a variety of landscape impressions and views of the Ostallgäu mountains. Follow for this ca. 5 Kilometer long tour, which has a simple claim, simply at the church of the hiking trail signage to Zell. Shortly before Zell, turn left to wood to march on an asphalt road to Unterdolden and back to Speiden. During the tour you will often see the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle in the distance and the two impressive castle ruins Eisenberg and Hohenfreyberg, which dominate the landscape here, come into your view several times.

After the church visit and the hike through the pre-Alpine country, a stop at Mariahilfer Sudhaus is recommended. Here you will be spoiled within a cozy ambience with delicious beers from your own production such as the Mariahilfer Keller-Pils, Bavarian breadtimes and all kinds of Allgäuer delicacies such as liver cheese with potato salad or apple strudel. Mariahilfer Sudhaus welcomes its guests daily, except on Mondays and Tuesdays.

A visit to the historic and splendidly equipped pilgrimage church Maria Hilf is highly recommended for an Allgäu holiday. In combination with a hike through the picturesque pre-Alpine country and a cozy stop at the Mariahilfer Sudhaus, there is an all-round successful holiday with many varied impressions.