Hotel Waldrast Nature Resort & Stay

How do I get to Maria Waldrast?
From the Matrei am Brenner highway exit, it’s about 7 km to the Waldrast Natur Resort. The access road is a well-maintained toll road. The toll road is open 24 hours a day and currently costs EUR 7 for passenger cars. Access is free for hotel guests.

Is there a toll for hotel guests as well?
No. The access road is free for overnight guests.

Can I travel by public transportation?
Yes. For guests arriving by public transportation, we provide a travel voucher for the train ride from Innsbruck to Matrei am Brenner, as well as a free pickup from the Matrei am Brenner train station.

Is there parking available?
Yes, parking spaces are available right next to the Klostergasthof.

Can I drive to Waldrast in the winter?
Yes. The paved mountain road provides access to the resort even in winter. Snow chains are required in winter driving conditions.

Do I need to bring snow chains in the winter?
Yes. Snow chains are required in winter conditions. Snow chains are mandatory from December through March.

Can I follow the GPS directions in winter?
Please follow only the paved mountain road. GPS devices may suggest alternative routes. Under no circumstances should you drive on the toboggan run.

As a guest, can I travel to the resort in winter without a car?
Yes. If you’re traveling by train, a free shuttle can be arranged from the Matrei am Brenner train station to the resort. Please make a reservation in advance.

Can I go sledding at Maria Waldrast in the winter?
Yes. Maria Waldrast is the starting point and destination for winter activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and ski touring. The sledding run starts right outside the front door, is covered with artificial snow, and is illuminated.

When is the Klostergasthof open?
Our Klostergasthof has seasonal hours. For day visitors, the Klostergasthof is open until 5:00 p.m. For our hotel guests, it is open until 6:30 p.m.

Can I eat at the Klostergasthof as a day visitor?
Yes. The Klostergasthof is also open to day visitors.

Is there a sun terrace?
Yes. The panoramic sun terrace offers about 150 seats, some of which are covered, with a view of the main Alpine ridge.

Payment
You can pay on site in cash or with a debit or credit card (Mastercard, Visa).

What is served at the Klostergasthof?
The kitchen offers traditional Tyrolean dishes and regional specialties. Whenever possible, the restaurant uses produce from its own farm as well as game from its own and neighboring hunting grounds.

Are the opening hours the same in winter?
Opening hours may vary by season. Please check the website or contact the Waldrast Natur Resort directly for current opening hours before your visit.

What is Maria Waldrast?
Maria Waldrast is a historic pilgrimage site and Servite monastery located at an elevation of approximately 1,638 meters at the foot of the Serles. For more than 600 years, people have been coming here to make a pilgrimage, pause for reflection, and find peace.

When did the pilgrimage to Maria Waldrast begin?
The origins of the pilgrimage date back to 1407. At that time, two shepherd boys discovered an image of the Virgin Mary inside a hollow larch trunk. In 1409, permission was granted to build a church.

Can you visit Maria Waldrast even without a religious reason?
Yes. Today, Maria Waldrast is not only a place of pilgrimage but also a destination for experiencing nature, relaxation, tranquility, and personal reflection. Guests and day visitors are warmly welcome.

Can you organize a pilgrimage to Maria Waldrast?
Yes. Maria Waldrast is an ideal destination for both individual pilgrimages and groups. For special requests, church services, or religious celebrations, we recommend contacting us in advance.

Why is Maria Waldrast also referred to as a place of power?
The unique combination of a historic monastery complex, a pilgrimage church, mountain scenery, forest, and a peaceful setting makes Maria Waldrast a special place for reflection and relaxation.

Waldrast Water
Waldrast water comes from the Marienbrunnen (Mary’s Fountain) in front of the Maria Waldrast pilgrimage church in Tyrol. It has been known for centuries and is valued by many people for its special properties.

• The spring has been in use since the 16th century.
• In old Waldrast miracle books, the water is mentioned as something special.
• In the past, the water was believed to have healing properties.

To this day, people come from near and far to drink the water and experience the special atmosphere of the pilgrimage site.

Waldraster Water was analyzed by the University of Erlangen in June 2004. The analysis revealed the following components:

Calcium 493 mg

Magnesium 39.6 mg

Sodium 40.9 mg

Sulfate 1,060 mg

Bicarbonate 380 mg

Chloride 51.5 mg

Nitrate 1 mg

Particularly notable are the high calcium and sulfate contents. The analysis confirms the water’s unique mineral composition. Waldraster water has an alkaline composition—making it ideal for our fasting retreats.

Masses & Church
When are Masses held at Maria Waldrast?
The regular Mass times are currently:
•Monday through Friday: 7:15 a.m.
•Saturday: 3:00 p.m.
•Sundays and holidays: 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
•From May 1 through September 30, additionally on Sundays and holidays: 3:00 p.m.

Can I attend Mass as a hotel guest?
Yes. The church is open to visitors and hotel guests.

Can I have a baptism or wedding at Maria Waldrast?
Inquiries regarding baptisms, weddings, and special Masses can be arranged directly with the appropriate contacts.

Where can I find information about church ceremonies?
For questions regarding Masses, baptisms, and weddings, please contact kloster.waldrast@serviten.at.

History
How old is Maria Waldrast?
The history of the pilgrimage site dates back to 1407. The Servite monastery itself was built in the 17th century; the cornerstone for the monastery was laid in 1621, and construction was completed in 1644.

Why is the place called “Waldrast”?
Originally, there was a small clearing in the forest here. People traveling from one valley to another over the mountain passes would rest there—hence the name Waldrast.

What happened to the monastery in 1785?
Emperor Joseph II dissolved the monastery in 1785 and banned the pilgrimage. The buildings fell into disrepair. In 1844, the ruins were repurchased by the order and rebuilt.

What happened during World War II?
In 1941, the monastery and church were closed. In June 1945, the Servites were able to return and carry out necessary repairs. Between 1986 and 1995, the church and monastery underwent extensive renovations.

What is the elevation of Maria Waldrast?
Maria Waldrast is located at an elevation of approximately 1,638 meters above sea level at the foot of the Serles.