The Prälatenweg from Schloss Salem to Birnau Pilgrimage Church

From the abbey into the countryside

The walk begins at the Crucifixion sculpture group above the Oberes Tor, the upper gate of Schloss Salem. The former Cistercian abbey provides the historical starting point: its farming, agricultural estates and fishponds shaped the surrounding countryside for centuries. The Prälatenweg linked the abbey with its outlying farms and Lake Constance. With the construction of Birnau, this same route also became a pilgrimage trail.

Beyond the palace complex, the path leads out into the countryside of the Salemer Tal. Near the Scheuerbuchwald, sights include the Spitznagelhof and the Markgräfinweiher and Martinsweiher ponds. These waters bear witness to the monks’ fish farming. They also provide habitats for amphibians: common toads, common frogs and newts migrate from the neighbouring woods to the ponds.

Through the woods via Mendlishausen

Woodland stretches alternate with open countryside on the way to Mendlishausen. The estate is 1 of the abbey’s former outlying farms; today, it is known for the Affenberg monkey park. This is another place where the links between the abbey and the surrounding countryside become clear. The abbey depended for its supplies on a network of farms, fields, woods and ponds.

After Mendlishausen, the route crosses a ravine. The Prälatenweg then continues through the Breitenharter Wald and Mauracher Wald. These woodland sections mark the transition from the Salem hinterland to the vineyards above the lake. Winegrowing was also an important part of the monastic economy.

Birnau above Lake Constance

The final section leads through the vineyards to Birnau Pilgrimage Church. From the forecourt, views open up across Lake Constance. The church was built for Salem Abbey to designs by Peter Thumb and consecrated in 1750. Its lake-facing tower façade forms the centrepiece of the convent building, which extends across the site.

Inside, stuccowork and sculptures by Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer and his workshop combine with frescoes by Gottfried Bernhard Göz. When the venerated image of the Virgin Mary was transferred to Birnau, the route used to transport goods also became a processional way. The walk ends at the pilgrimage church – a building whose history is closely linked to Salem, where the route began.