Altötting

Altötting is renowned as the spiritual center of Bavaria and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Germany. Its heart is the Chapel of Grace (Gnadenkapelle), which houses a precious statuette of the Black Madonna made of linden wood dating from the 14th century. Over the centuries, more than 2000 votive images have accumulated around the chapel, testifying to the deep piety of pilgrims.

Dominating the square is the Basilica of St. Philip and James, a late Gothic three-aisled church from the 13th century with Baroque elements. The interior features rich stucco decoration, valuable altars, and an organ. Also worth visiting is the Monastery Church of St. Mary Magdalene, where the heart of Bavarian Elector Maximilian I is buried. For history lovers, the Altötting Pilgrimage Museum offers an exhibition on pilgrimage.

Czech tourists will appreciate the easy accessibility – Altötting lies only about 40 km from the border, approximately an hour's drive from Plzeň. We recommend combining the visit with a walk through the picturesque historic center, where you will find many restaurants serving Bavarian cuisine. The pilgrimage season peaks in summer, but the quiet charm of the place is also evident outside the main visitor streams.