10 - 16 December 2012

The origin of Maria Alm's church as a place of pilgrimage begins with the legend of a forester mauled to death by a bear in 13th century. Mourners erected a cross and a picture of the Virgin Mary, miracles started to happen, the image became known for its healing powers and pilgrims started to worship at the site. As more and more pilgrims came, the image was moved into the church. Legend then becomes recorded fact through votive pictures depicting the miracles. The original gnadenbild (picture with healing powers) was lost but a copy remains in the church and also at the entrance to the Almerwirt hotel. Now, thousands of pilgrims come to Maria Alm every year, which means Simon is kept in worthy employment and lots of people have become rich. All thanks to one bad tempered bear.