"Mariazell" Top 5 Page for this destination Mariazell by phil_uk_net

Mariazell Travel Guide: 91 reviews and 252 photos

Mariazell - where is everyone?

How did I end up here? I met an Austrian business consultant in Thailand who was helping to set up a small company in Mariazell. He was recruiting and one of the positions was quite appropriate for my skillset. I was looking for some work so we agreed mutually that I would make a 2 week visit to explore the job.

Mariazell is a very small, tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone else and there are no secrets. I am used to living in, or near, large cities and found the lack of people a real problem to cope with. Restaurants close at around 8:30pm and the streets are empty. The surrounding area is mountainous and very pretty. I visited in winter when everything was covered with snow. However, long term I think I would get bored out of my head living here.

Mariazellerland

The countryside around Mariazell is stunningly pretty and the winter snow adds a certain charm.

Basilica

The Roman Catholic Basilica in Mariazell is famous throughout Austria and beyond as a destination for pilgrims. It was covered up for maintenance unfortunately when I was there.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A postcard pretty alpine village
Cons:Boring if you are not used to small-town life
In a nutshell:Nice to pass through or visit for a day but no longer

Last visit to Mariazell: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Mar 11, 2003
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Reviews (31)

View across the rooftops Favorites (17)

The view across the rooftops of Mariazell showing the Basilica (covered up for maintenance unfortunately) and the... more travel advice

Cold but pretty Favorites (17)

If you enjoy beautiful scenery, solitude and cold weather this is the place for you! more travel advice

Beautiful countryside Favorites (17)

Stunning landscapes like this one. more travel advice

Train ride between Mariazell and St.... Things to Do (2)

There is a narrow gauge train line that runs between between Mariazell and St. Pölten. It is a really scenic journey... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Nightlife?
Sports & Outdoors (4)
See All Scuba diving
Hotels (2)
See All Brauhaus Mariazell

Comments (14)

FOotFetish Oct 15, 2003 at 2:58 AM Report Abuse

Phil! This looks like a "kampong" place with style.HEE! Great place for retirement maybe?......hmm..put that on my "PLACES FOR RETIREMENT" list
jenniferchin Sep 13, 2003 at 10:08 AM Report Abuse

Fasching sounds fascinating !
Ivan_Jimenez Sep 13, 2003 at 9:49 AM Report Abuse

So... I guess you never took the job... Phil the party animal needs really happening nightlife. Let me call Peter Stringfellow, I will book you a table at Angels..;-)
herzog63 May 24, 2003 at 2:14 AM Report Abuse

I'd love to give the Ice Bowling a try! Mariazell sure looks like a wonderful place to spend a winter! I love the colors of your photos!!
bugalugs May 13, 2003 at 7:12 AM Report Abuse

such wonderful photographs Phil, and was the 'nightlife' tip really that great!! btw I never go anywhere without my elasticated trousers!!!!! :-)
pepples46 Apr 2, 2003 at 10:25 PM Report Abuse

hmm that's what the Brauhaus did..I remember it as a real nice Pub...wonderful page and infos, tks Phil for sharing
syllybabe Apr 2, 2003 at 9:50 PM Report Abuse

This looks like a beautiful alternative to Canvey Island, Phil. Here would be good, too, I think. Much alcohol at Fasching? LOL. Ok...no comment!
MEdelmann Mar 17, 2003 at 10:56 AM Report Abuse

Great infos and wonderful pics, Phil! In fact Mariazell is very famous in Austria (especially for pilgrims) but the wonderful basilica is completely restored now ....
globetrott Mar 16, 2003 at 2:39 PM Report Abuse

great infos and wonderful pics ! Mariazell is a must, but it is simply too close to my home, to have my own page of it ! ;-))
cjohnson99 Mar 12, 2003 at 3:36 AM Report Abuse

These pages are absolutely brilliant and designed just for me!