Discover Griesstätt: Art, History and Trails

Works of Art and Local History

The Marienbrunnen (Fountain of the Virgin Mary) stands in front of the parish church in the centre of the village and is probably the artist’s most remarkable work in Griesstätt. Another work of art is the bronze sculpture of John the Baptist in front of the primary school. Created by Hans Huschka, it depicts the Old and New Testaments, with John the Baptist as the mediator between them. The entrance plaque at the town hall is also one of Huschka’s works in Griesstätt. The fountain, bronze sculpture and plaque are different examples of local art; the sculpture focuses on a biblical theme.

The name Griesstätt is first mentioned in a document from 924, a charter issued by Duke Arnulf of Bavaria known as the “Rihni document”. In 1205, Archbishop Eberhard II of Salzburg gave the church in Griesstätt to nearby Attel Monastery. The local history thus spans from its first mention in a document to a specific ecclesiastical connection in the Middle Ages. There is another historical connection elsewhere in the municipality: when the Dominican convent of Altenhohenau was founded in 1235 by Count Konrad of Wasserburg, it received estates that now lie within the municipality of Griesstätt.

Churches in Altenhohenau and Holzhausen

Altenhohenau is home to the monastery church of St. Peter and Paul. This Baroque rebuild, dating from around 1670/75, incorporates older sections from the period beginning in 1235 and is associated with works by Matthäus and Ignaz Günther, making it highly significant artistically. The branch church of Maria Schnee in Holzhausen offers a different architectural impression: it is a small Baroque hall church from the second half of the 17th century, with a western roof turret and furnishings. The municipality thus has two churches with distinct features: one invites visitors to focus on its building history and connection to the works of two artists, the other on its architectural form, roof turret and furnishings.

Walking and Cycling Routes in the Municipality

The sequences of place names distinguish two walks in the municipality. In the northern part, a walk leads through Altenhohenau, Kerschdorf, Streifl, Moosham and Kettenham to Griesstätt. The southern route goes via Kettenham, Bergham, Holzhausen, Untermühle and Edenberg to Griesstätt. Kettenham appears on both routes; Altenhohenau, Kerschdorf, Streifl and Moosham identify the northern route, while Bergham, Holzhausen, Untermühle and Edenberg identify the southern one. If you are choosing between them, this distinction by place names and location within the municipality can help you decide.

Two cycling routes also pass through the municipality: the Inn Cycle Path and the Mozart Cycle Path. The eastern variant of the Inn Cycle Path includes a 65-kilometre stage that passes through Vogtareuth and the municipality of Griesstätt before reaching the old town of Wasserburg am Inn. The Inn surrounds seven eighths of the old town. The distance refers to this stage of the eastern variant; it is not a general distance for both cycling routes. The municipal administration has a large selection of walking and cycling maps for those seeking guidance. If you need a specific edition, it is advisable to enquire before your visit.

When looking for a holiday apartment, this geographical distinction may be useful: the works of art mentioned are in Griesstätt itself, while the churches in Altenhohenau and Holzhausen and the walks take in other places in the municipality. Consider whether art and architectural history or walking and cycling will play a greater role in your plans. This can help you choose a destination based on the subjects you would like to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Bad Aibling, Albaching, Nußdorf Am Inn, Frasdorf, Babensham, Prien Am Chiemsee, Amerang, Breitbrunn am Chiemsee

Return to the broader travel overview: Rosenheim.