Kirchleitnkapelle

Chapel of the Beatitudes on Ponnzenzenbichl
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  • Berchtesgaden

From Kirchleitnkapelle, you can enjoy an impressive view across Berchtesgaden to Watzmann. It’s no wonder the chapel is one of the most photographed sights in Bavaria.

Kirchleitnkapelle above Weinfeld is a particularly beautiful spot in Berchtesgaden. Since it was built, the chapel has become one of the town’s landmarks. With the town of Berchtesgaden below and Watzmann rising across the valley, it’s one of the most photographed scenes in all of Bavaria.

The chapel on Ponnzenzenbichl marks the destination of the meditation trail dedicated to the Eight Beatitudes. Kapelle der Seligpreisungen, or Chapel of the Beatitudes, is also known as “Kirchleitnkapelle.” Its name comes from the Bavarian word Leitn, meaning a hillside or slope, as the chapel stands on a slope above the St. Andreas parish center. From here, you can enjoy a unique view of Berchtesgaden’s four churches.

 

Berchtesgaden Panorama Trail

Kirchleitnkapelle below Lockstein is a stop along the Berchtesgaden panoramic loop trail. This roughly one-hour walk takes you past churches and chapels in the town of Berchtesgaden before continuing above town along Soleleitungsweg, the historic brine pipeline trail.

During Advent, the panoramic loop trail is transformed into the Lantern Trail. Seventy-five oversized lanterns inspired by traditional Berchtesgaden craftsmanship bathe the trail in a warm, atmospheric glow.

Impressions

The Kaspar Stanggassinger memorial stele

As part of the celebrations marking 900 years of Stiftskirche Berchtesgaden, a memorial stele honoring Blessed Father Kaspar Stanggassinger was unveiled at the well-known chapel on Ponnzenzenbichl on September 26, 2022, his feast day.

Created by sculptor Walter Angerer the Younger, the sculpture is based on the portrait at the St. Augustine altar in Stiftskirche, where a relic of Blessed Kaspar is also kept in a modern shrine. In 2015, the Berchtesgaden native was named patron of the Stiftsland Berchtesgaden parish association. Msgr. Dr. Thomas Frauenlob, head of the parish association, donated the sculpture to mark the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in 2018.

Finding the right location for the sculpture took some time, but Ponnzenzenbichl proved to be an ideal choice. From here, magnificent views extend across the entire Berchtesgaden valley basin and the surrounding mountains.

The supporting column was created by artist Leonhard Hafner, who also designed the Path of the Beatitudes. The shape of the stele echoes the design of the stations along the path, creating a clear visual connection.

This connection also carries a spiritual meaning: By becoming part of this popular meditation trail, Father Kaspar serves as an example of someone who lived the Beatitudes through his everyday actions and ministry.

Franz Brandner, known locally as Mitterweinfelder, provided the land and played a major role in installing the memorial. Pfarrer Thomas Frauenlob expressed his sincere gratitude for this support during the evening Mass at Stiftskirche.

As patron of the Stiftsland Berchtesgaden parish association, Blessed Kaspar Stanggassinger now symbolically watches over his homeland, the people who live here and those who come to Berchtesgaden to relax and recharge, as well as the faith and Christian traditions that continue to shape this beautiful part of Bavaria.

A prayer for Stiftsland will be displayed near the sculpture, inviting visitors to ask for Blessed Kaspar’s intercession for the parish community and for their own personal intentions.

Contact

Kirchleitnkapelle Am Lockstein 83471 Berchtesgadeninfo@stiftsland.dePhone: +49 8652 94680

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