9 Must-Visit Religious UNESCO Sites in Germany - AFAR
"An 18th-century rococo masterpiece with interiors that remain largely original, featuring densely detailed biblical scenes, angels rendered in trompe-l'œil, and lavish ornamentation that creates a hushed, contemplative atmosphere for pilgrims and visitors." - AFAR
Visited along with a small group tour. A beautiful rococo church with all the pomp and splendor. Visited on an early morning Saturday before all the tour buses arrived so it was quite peaceful. Very beautiful church . The surrounding area has beautiful views. We did not go into the restaurant located nearby but it might be a nice place for lunch.
Fabian
Google
Very beautiful, fascinating!
But you have to pay for parking even though it takes you about 5min to look inside the church. Also go to the church st Johannes Baptist nearby, it’s free and even prettier! Don’t understand why Wieskirche is way more popular
Kim L.
Google
The outside of this church could easily fool you into thinking it is just like any other church.
But step inside and you will be amazed at the gold and colourful artwork on the ceiling. It reminds me of the Sistine Chapel in a way, with the incredible drawings of scenes from important religious events.
You can pay €1 to light a candle inside, or €1.50 to buy a decorated candle (obtained near the entrance), although this is only for you to light at home.
You can write your prayer on a pice of paper and leave it near the altar, along with other people’s prayers.
Entry to the church is free, parking is paid for. The car park is large enough to accommodate motorhomes.
Demetrius
Google
If you are in the area, this is a must see. It is free entry. Though donations are advised. The views on the way and the views outside the church are also spectacular. This is a fantastic piece of rococo architecture.
Harold H.
Google
Don’t let the simple exterior fool you, this charming church hides breathtaking beauty inside. A true hidden gem, it’s well worth a stop, especially if you’re on a road trip. Conveniently, there’s a car park nearby, making it easy to visit. Step inside and prepare to be amazed by its stunning interior!
daisy A.
Google
Just amazing!! You can't believe your eyes! Very well organised with walking distance Parking lot and a restaurant opposite the church. There are souvenir shops and public toilets next to the parking.
de N.
Google
The Wieskirche, a stunning Rococo church and UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands peacefully in the middle of a meadow. Despite its unassuming exterior, the interior dazzles with gorgeous decorations. It’s an absolute must-visit along the Romantische Straße (Romantic Road), and we can’t wait to return.
david A.
Google
A Rococo church from 1754, which hide a great story of the Jesus painting. Unesco world heritage. beautiful interior architecture from altars to ceiling to walls. outstanding exterior architecture. surrounded by green fields, horse stables. theres a parking available for 2€, restaurants, kiosks and souvenirs shops are also at the entrance square.
Michael U.
Yelp
Standing in contrast to the Gothic and Roman Cathedrals of Frankfurt, Cologne and Trier The Pilgrimage Church of Wies appears as a bright white structure on approach of Steingaden, the relatively humble exterior in no way preparing visitors for the glorious Rococco spectacle inside. Built between 1745 and 1754 to house a statue said to have shed tears, and designated by UNESCO in 1983, do put this on a list of places to visit when traveling through Bavaria.
Anna L.
Yelp
Absolutely the most beautiful church I have ever set foot in. Stunning, gorgeous rococo architecture! Should not be missed if you are in the area. I've visited more than once, but the most memorable for me was when I took my dad. He grew up in Germany and even served as an altar boy for a time so he had an interest in Catholicism. He always loved the grandeur of the European churches, but had never seen the Wieskirche. What a treat it was to take him here and see his eyes light up when he walked in the door. We were all awestruck by the churches beauty, but he was just floored by the experience.
Now I was baptized Catholic, but I can't say that I am a big church goer or even agree with tenets of the Catholic faith. However, this church definitely makes you feel spiritual. Take your time and enjoy as much as you can of this beauty. I can pretty much guarantee you will want to come back for another visit.
Adrienne G.
Yelp
Wies Church is just outside the region of the Fairy Tale Castle (Neuschwanstein). Lovely tribute to the rococo style. It's also called the Church In the Meadow & its pics will clearly show you why
Inside there are very elaborate paintings & gilding against stark white columns - makes for an extremely ornate backdrop
This church was made especially famous in the 1700s when a farmer and his wife saw the wooden statue of Christ chained to a tree, cry real tears. Since then, many people make a pilgrimage to this site to honor the event, see some gorgeous artwork & admire & appreciate the people who made this dedication
Did we see any tears? No but then again, we were too busy looking at all the other gorgeous adornments around the place
Sam S.
Yelp
This place is one of my favourite spots to visit in Bavaria. The first time we visited here was four years ago in the winter and, this place was standing almost all by itself in the middle of nowhere. I was in awe when we walked into this empty church and looked around.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and is my favourite church in Bavaria. The insides are done in traditional Bavarian style with beautiful paintings all throughout and beautifully sculpted walls and statues.
Take the time to sit down and observe all the detail and enjoy the peaceful surrounding of the church. A must visit in Bavaria.
M W.
Yelp
Wow, what an unexpected delight. We were on a swing through Austria, seeing the sights, and got on a Schloss-Neuschwanstein tour that stopped at this little gem. I did not expect to see this in the middle of Bavaria. We saw a lot of great cathedrals in Salzburg, Vienna, Innsbruck, etc., but this one was unexpected and I guess that is what made it so delightful. Definitely worth the stop if you like old churches.
Candi K.
Yelp
Oh, the Wieskirche! A World UNESCO Heritage Site! A lovely tribute to Roccoco architecture! And, alas, the church where I found out that I am highly allergic to its incense and nearly had to pull out an epipen (and then realized that I had forgotten to bring an epipen to Germany). Oh the joys. Now to find out if it's just the Wieskirche "brand" of incense or if I am destined to never become Catholic.
There's not much in Wies other than the church & a few souvenir shops and homes. We paid our few euros in the parking machine before heading up past the cows to the church. I only got a few good looks before I ended up trying to reset my lungs outside, so I had to take in most of it via digital photographs in the car on the way back to our hotel. It is very, very beautiful. Don't let the outside fool you.
If you are looking for reasonably priced tourist schlub souvenirs, the prices at Wies are actually really reasonable. I procured a little teddy bear Christmas ornament wearing leiderhosen and the cute little hat for only 3 or 4 euros...seen at other sites for double or triple that.