Kirchen und Kapellen des ehem. Benediktbeurer Klosterlands Süd

The tour begins at the Benediktbeuern Monastery. The St. Benedict Basilica was built from 1681 to 1686 in high baroque style. In 1973, Pope Paul VI elevated the parish church to the papal rank of “Basilica minor”, thus strongly recommending it as a pilgrimage site to St. Benedict. At the northeast corner of the basilica is the Anastasia Chapel, built from 1751 to 1753, regarded as a unique rococo jewel. It is dedicated to the martyr Anastasia, who perished during the Christian persecutions in 305 under Diocletian. You cross the railway track, follow Bahnhofstraße and cross the federal road. In the village square stands the Mariakirche, built from 1963 to 1965, as a centrally located house of worship with a striking pyramidal roof. The impressive cross in the altar area comes from the basilica. Initially, you stay on Dorfstraße and then follow Häusernstraße, where you will encounter the chapel of the Flagellated Savior in Häusern. This chapel has a very famous big sister, the Wieskirche near Steingaden. Also in the Wieskirche, the focal point is a figure of Jesus, depicting how brutally Jesus was scourged by Roman soldiers before his crucifixion. You then continue to the end of Häusernstraße, turn left, cross the Lainbach and reach Mariabrunn, a small chapel with a statue of Mary that dates back to around 1880. Throughout the year, candles and fresh flowers testify to the great veneration of the "Patrona Bavariae". You cross the Lainbach bridge once again and immediately turn left. On the gravel path 'Am Weidach', you arrive at the Alpenwarmbad. There, keep right on Von-Velsen-Straße, then turn left at the federal road and arrive in Ried. Following Dorfstraße, you reach the Holy Cross Chapel in Ried. Originally this chapel was built on the Lainbach, but after a flood it was relocated to the village. For cyclists in good condition, a steep detour up along the Dorfstraße and Pfisterbergweg to the Chapel of St. Mary Pfisterberg is recommended. At the beginning of the hamlet stands a small, inconspicuous chapel without a church tower and bell, but with a very valuable figure of Mary. For the strenuous ascent, one is rewarded with a beautiful view over the Loisach-Kochelsee moor towards the Benediktbeuern Monastery. Back in Ried, you cross the federal road, follow Franz-Marc-Straße into the Moos, first heading towards Brunnenbach and then slightly uphill toward the village. The Orterer Chapel to the Holy Cross has a valuable interior. Especially the angels at the high altar surrounding the cross presumably come from the famous Baroque sculptor Ignaz Günther. Another detour leads northwest on Orterer Straße to the Chapel of St. Mary in Pessenbach. It lies in the middle of the fields, and thus is also closed. However, the view over the Loisach-Kochelsee moor to the neighboring monastery in Schlehdorf is unique. Back in the village, follow the bike path along the train line south to Kochel am See. The tower and vault of the St. Michael parish church on Schlehdorfer Straße were constructed around 1680, with the fine stucco added around 1730. In the cemetery lies the grave of the painter Franz Marc and his wife. For the return journey, a detour to the Monastery of St. Tertulin of the Missionary Dominican Sisters in Schlehdorf is recommended. Lake Eichsee at Schlehdorf-Unterau is perfect for a swimming break. The Trift Canal north of Lake Eichsee leads back toward Benediktbeuern.