The Blue Lord Pilgrimage Church in Kirchschlag is a special cultural and spiritual destination in the Waldviertel region.
The historic parish church is dedicated to St. Nicholas.
It also houses an extraordinary statue of Christ known as the Blue Lord.
The Blue Lord Pilgrimage Church is located right in Kirchschlag and not in Roggenreith.
In addition, the two towns are close to each other.
This makes it easy to combine your visit with other excursions, such as a trip to the Whiskey Experience or the Celtic Tree of Life Circle in Roggeneith.
From our vacation rentals in Gutenbrunn From there, you can visit the Blue Lord Pilgrimage Church as part of a peaceful day trip.
In addition, the trip offers relaxation and cultural experiences.
Why is the church called „Zum Blauen Herrgott“?
The name of the pilgrimage church comes from a life-size statue of Christ. It depicts Jesus as the Suffering Christ in a long blue cloak.
The painting is also known as „Jesus Nazarenus—Healing the Sick.“ The blue cloak gave the figure—and ultimately the pilgrimage site as well—its popular name.
The statue of Christ is located on a side altar in the parish church and serves as the spiritual center of the historic pilgrimage.
The Story of the Blue Lord
The statue of the Blue Lord was likely created around 1680. It is also modeled after a Spanish depiction of Christ. It is part of the pilgrimage church dedicated to the Blue Lord and is associated with the Trinitarian Order.
Before the statue arrived in Kirchschlag, it was located in Vienna. Historical sources mention, among other places, a former almshouse and a branch of the Order of the Trinitarians.
Around the turn of the 19th century, the statue of Christ finally arrived in Kirchschlag. Beginning in the early 19th century, the parish church developed into a place of pilgrimage.
The exact account varies somewhat across different sources. It is undisputed, however, that the Blue Lord has been closely linked to the history and religious tradition of Kirchschlag for more than two centuries.
A church with Romanesque and Gothic roots
Not only the statue of Christ, but also the church building itself is worth seeing.
The core structure of the church dates back to the Middle Ages. Particularly striking is the Romanesque semicircular apse, whose origins date back to the 13th century.
Over the centuries, the church has been expanded and altered several times. It was first mentioned in a historical document in 1436. In the first half of the 15th century, the church was given its Gothic south tower.
The church was later renovated in the Baroque style and elevated to the status of an independent parish church in 1784. Today, the church and the cemetery surrounding it are listed as historic landmarks.
Architectural Features
- medieval town center
- Romanesque semicircular apse
- Gothic South Tower
- Baroque changes
- Historic altars and furnishings
- Side altar with the Blue Lord
- historic church complex
- Cemetery surrounding the church
The various architectural styles tell the story of a long history and make the church well worth a visit, even for visitors interested in culture.
The Blue Lord as the „Healer of the Sick“
The statue of Christ was venerated under the name „Jesus Nazarenus—Healer of the Sick.“ People came to Kirchschlag seeking comfort, hope, and support during difficult times in their lives.
The focus was particularly on requests for help in times of illness and personal hardship.
Historical devotional images from the 19th century show that the pilgrimage to the Blue Lord was known far beyond the region at that time.
Even today, regardless of one's personal religious beliefs, the church can be experienced as a place of silence, reflection, and hope.
A Place to Pause
The pilgrimage church offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can sit quietly for a few minutes, take in the special atmosphere of the church, and let their thoughts settle.
Ways to Take a Mindful Break
- Take a look at the historic church interior
- Discover the Christ figure of the Blue Lord
- spend a few minutes in silence
- light a candle, if possible at the location
- reflect on personal wishes and hopes
- admire the church's architecture
- Get to know the nearby town of Kirchschlag
Please respect the fact that the church is, first and foremost, a house of worship. During services, devotions, and church ceremonies, please refrain from sightseeing and taking photographs.
Historical Hiking Trail Through Kirchschlag
A visit to the pilgrimage church can be easily combined with a tour of the historic Active Trail connect.
This easy loop hike begins at the Kirchschlag Elementary School and passes by the church on its way through the village. The route is about 3.45 kilometers long and can be completed in about an hour.
Information About the Historical Activity Trail
- Route length: approximately 3.45 kilometers
- Walking time: about an hour
- Difficulty: easy
- Circular Hike
- sections with good prospects
- Place to stop for a bite to eat
- described as accessible and stroller-friendly
This tour is ideal for guests who would like to combine a visit to the church with a leisurely stroll.
For more information:
Introductory hike for experienced hikers
If you'd like to go on a longer hike, you can combine the pilgrimage church with the original loop.
This circular hike takes you, among other places, to the Hubertus Chapel, the Waldhof Chapel, through the village of Roggenreith, and to the The Origins of the Kleine Krems. At the end of the hike, hikers pass by the Blue Lord pilgrimage church once again.
Information About the Initial Round
- Route length: approximately 15.22 kilometers
- Walking time: about three and a half hours
- Difficulty: medium
- Family-friendly loop hike
- the diverse landscape of the Waldviertel region
- described as accessible and stroller-friendly
- Places to Stop for a Meal in Kirchschlag
For more information:
Discover the Church and Roggenreith in a Single Day
Since Kirchschlag and Roggenreith are located close to each other, several tourist attractions can be combined into a single itinerary.
Suggestion for a fun-filled outing
- Visit to the Shrine of the Blue Lord
- A Walk Through Kirchschlag
- Lunch break or a stop for refreshments
- Continue on to Roggenreith
- A Tour of the Fire-Water-Garden
- Exploring the Celtic Cycle of Life and the Tree of the Year
- Guided Tour of the Waldviertel Whiskey Experience
- A cozy way to wrap up the evening at the whiskey café
This way, you can experience history, culture, nature, and local crafts all in one day.
Visitor Information
We were unable to find any reliable, up-to-date daily visiting hours for the church. Churches may also be temporarily closed to the public due to worship services, funerals, or other church events.
If you would like to take a guided tour of the church, we recommend contacting the parish office in advance.
Contact the Parish Office
Kirchschlag Parish
Office Address: Oberer Markt 13
3631 Ottenschlag
Phone: +43 2872 7272
Cell: +43 664 863 90 76
Please check the contact information again on the Kirchschlag market town website before your visit.
Information for Guests with Limited Mobility
No detailed, up-to-date information is available regarding the full accessibility of the church building. The church is situated on a hill on the southern edge of town and is surrounded by a cemetery.
Guests who use a wheelchair or walker, or who have limited mobility, should therefore check with the parish office or the market town administration before visiting:
- whether there is barrier-free access
- which input is most suitable
- where the nearest parking lot is located
- whether support is available during the visit
- whether the paths around the church and cemetery are easily passable
This way, you can plan the trip to suit your personal needs.
Address of the pilgrimage church
Parish and Pilgrimage Church of the Blue Lord
Kirchschlag
3631 Kirchschlag
Lower Austria
The church stands on a hill on the southern edge of town and can be seen from quite a distance.
Our tip for vacation guests
Be sure to allow plenty of time for your visit to the church. Don't just admire the Blue Lord, but also take in the Romanesque apse, the Gothic tower, and the other historical features.
It’s especially nice to combine this with the short “Historical Activity Trail.” If you’d like to hike longer, you can choose the “Ursprungsrunde” instead.
Afterward, you might want to visit Roggenreith, which features a whiskey experience center, a Fire-Water Garden, and a Celtic Tree of Life circle.
Combine a vacation in Gutenbrunn with culture and history
Our vacation rentals in Gutenbrunn are a cozy base from which to explore churches, historic sites, hiking trails, and unique attractions in the Waldviertel region.
After visiting the Blue Lord pilgrimage church, you'll return to the tranquility of your vacation rental and can wind down the day in a relaxed atmosphere.
Here's what you can expect from us
- Cozy vacation rentals for couples and families
- a wheelchair-accessible vacation rental
- Personal attention from Anna and Herbert
- Quiet location in Gutenbrunn
- Numerous places to visit in the area
- Nature, Culture, and Waldviertel Hospitality
Request a vacation rental in Gutenbrunn now
Would you like to discover the Shrine of the Blue Lord and other special places in the Waldviertel?
You can request your vacation rental directly here:
https://tbooking.toubiz.de/AUT00020100515644705/tbooking/?globalReset=1&lang=de
We look forward to welcoming you here in Gutenbrunn!
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.