Mary's Route is more than a long-distance trail. It is a network that connects people, landscapes, and cultural heritage. The route extends for approximately 2,200 kilometres. Its east–west axis links Mariazell (Austria) with Șumuleu Ciuc / Csíksomlyó (Romania), while its north–south axis connects Częstochowa (Poland) and Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Crossing seven countries, the network invites travellers to discover Europe's shared heritage through authentic local experiences.

Whether explored on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, the route encourages a slower pace of travel. Instead of rushing between destinations, visitors are invited to experience the journey itself—immersing themselves in nature, meeting local communities, and discovering traditions that have shaped the region for centuries.

Mary's Route promotes the principles of slow and sustainable tourism. By directing visitors towards rural areas and lesser-known destinations, the network contributes to local development while helping to reduce the pressure of mass tourism. Travelling at a human pace also encourages environmental awareness, respect for local culture, and meaningful interaction with people and places.

Mary's Route – Connecting
People, Heritage and Nature

Mary's Route is more than a long-distance trail. It is a network that connects people, landscapes, and cultural heritage. The route extends for approximately 2,200
kilometres. Its east–west axis links Mariazell (Austria) with Șumuleu Ciuc / Csíksomlyó (Romania), while its north–south axis connects Częstochowa (Poland) and Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Crossing seven countries, the network invites travellers to discover Europe's shared heritage through authentic local experiences.

Whether explored on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, the route encourages a slower pace of travel. Instead of rushing between destinations, visitors are invited to experience the journey itself—immersing themselves in nature, meeting local communities, and discovering traditions that have shaped the region for centuries.

Mary's Route promotes the principles of slow and sustainable tourism. By directing visitors towards rural areas and lesser-known destinations, the network contributes to local development while helping to reduce the pressure of mass tourism. Travelling at a human pace also encourages environmental awareness, respect for local culture, and meaningful interaction with people and places.

“The Sounds of Music - A Singing Education Experience Program for Young People”

Mária Út’s new international youth cultural program was implemented in Keszthely as part of the Erasmus+ project. (KA152-YOU-628FDFBA)

The goal of the project is to bring together young people from Upper Hungary and Hungarians from Hungary through music and singing as a common intercultural denominator, so that we can learn from one another and grow together in singing, spirit, and community.

Thank you for all your kind wishes, encouragement, and support. It means so much to know that we can share this journey with you and be together in spirit! 

Here are some of our most popular videos and stories from the journey:

On April 29th, the pilgrim group of the Mary's Route set off from Budapest for the farewell to Csíksomlyó. 40 days and 1000 km await them.

Join them too! Register at info@mariaut.hu!

Program plan:

05:30 meeting; Frein an der Mürz (8694 Frein an der Mürz, 2)
06:00 departure
12:45 arrival and procession to the Mariazell Basilica
13:00-14:15 Solemn Mass in the Basilica with Dr. Led by the Bishops of Szombathely, János Székely
14:30-15:00 Blessing of the bronze statue of Mindszenty by Kossuth-award winning sculptor Tibor Rieger in the churchyard
After 15:00 optional program options:

• meals
• Rosenkranzweg the 10th (Mindszenty) evening cross road treasury visit

Distance: 19 km

Route (forest gravel, small parts asphalt)

Connection options: At Schönében (accessible by car on a forest road), or at the restaurant in Mooshuben, or at the restaurant at km 98.6 of road 21.

Equipment:

Weather-appropriate clothing, closed, hiking shoes
Food and liquids for daily meals
Weather-appropriate equipment (raincoat, hat, sunscreen)
Recommended: hiking poles

Accommodation
In Frein an der Mürz: http://www.freinerhof.at/ ,
In Mariazel: at the Hotel Himmelreich.
If you refer to the Mindszenty 50 pilgrimage at the Hotel Himmelreich when booking, the price is € 67/person/night, dinner 3 courses € 18.-. Reservations can be made by email, at office@hotel-himmelreich.com, either for Friday or Saturday evening.

Participation in the pilgrimage is subject to prior registration. Please indicate your intention to participate by filling out the following forms:

• Marian Way Conference in Máriapócs – February 28- March 2

• Pentecost pilgrimages: from Marizaell, Budapest, Máriapócs, 100km (Parajd), 150km (Mikháza)

King Matthias pilgrimage from Somoska and Cluj-Napoca – April 6 – June 7

• Sacred Marathon – June 21

• Pilgrimage to the Meeting of a Thousand Székely Girls: Wandering Camp – Rákóczi Association

• 1Úton Pilgrimage – September 6

• Pilgrimage for the employees of the Harghita County Council – April 16

• Sándor Molnár Memorial Pilgrimage – September 20, Széphavas

• Mary's Way Conference in Csíksomlyó – October 3 – 5

• Live Rosary Pilgrimage in Csík-Szereda – October 18

• Joint rosary prayer for peace by men on their knees on the first Saturday of every month in Csíksomlyó from 11 am.

• One and two-week pilgrimages in the Jubilee year.

• Sándor Molnár Memorial Pilgrimage within the framework of the Csík EKE Wandering Camp – August 6-7-8

Pilgrimage date: May 17-18, 2025. (Saturday-Sunday)

Organizer: Via Mariae (Slovak Way of Mary) Civic Association

Meeting place and time:

at the train station in Dunajská Lázně around 6 or on the 6:21 train to Bratislava, on May 17

Accommodation: in Mikulov, in apartments

Program:

May 17 (65 km):

At 6:21 departure by train from Dunajská Lázně to Bratislava, then departure by train to Moravský Svätý Ján and via Austria to Moravia
The town of Břeclav, Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Lednice Castle, Valtice Castle and their parks, the town of Mikulov: castle, Holy Hill
May 18 (max. 75 km):

departure home in the Pavlov Mountains (Pálavá) and through the Mikulov wine region.
The towns of Hodonín (CZ) and Holics, the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch in Kopcány

Equipment: choir and prayer book, rosary, weather-appropriate clothing, medical equipment, backpack, necessary amount of money, food and drinks

Costs: accommodation costs in Mikulov (around €30), travel costs, food, drinks and other, exchange of Czech crowns!!!

You can register:

Richard Méhes, tel.: +421 915 112 564, e-mail: richard.mehes4@gmail.com

‼️On May 8th, we will launch a four-day architectural quiz game on our website! ‼️
https://ars-sacra.hu/kviz.php
Each set of questions can be answered in one day! Even four correct answers will receive a reward!
We are asking about forty church architects who have already participated in the Open Church Day!
“…architectura mater artium…” (architecture is the mother of the arts), and church architecture in particular. They were created to depict the world, and at the same time they are very powerful, cosmic signs between earth and sky.

Mary's Route is opening a tourist information office in Budapest, in the heart of Budapest, on Ferenciek Square. Tourists can find out about the sights, monuments, accommodations, and events of the Mary's Route. Maps, information books, and brochures will also be available at the office.

Mary's Route (Mária Út) recognises that gender equality is a fundamental principle of democratic societies and an essential element of sustainable cultural development. As a European Cultural Route candidate, the organisation is committed to promoting equal opportunities, dignity, participation and inclusion throughout all of its activities, while respecting the diversity of local communities, cultural traditions and religious heritage.

Vision & Core Commitment 

At Mary’s Route, we believe that cultural exploration, pilgrimage, and youth encounters offer young people a transformative space to discover themselves, connect with nature, and build lasting community. Our routes are more than physical trails—they are sanctuaries of personal development, trust, and mutual respect. Protecting our youth is not merely an administrative requirement; it is a fundamental commitment to fostering an environment where every young participant feels safe, valued, and empowered to grow into a resilient and conscious individual. 

Environmental sustainability stands as a foundational principle guiding every aspect of Mary’s Route and its operations.