The name Großgmain comes from the expression “to the Gmain”. This meant one of the most widely scattered farms which settled more than 700 years ago around the Untersberg Mountain. Even today, this magical mountain is characteristic of the town. Numerous hiking trails are all around and for those who want to go higher, the stairs venture up. More conveniently one can go by cable car from Grödig up to the 1,800 metre high peak. The view is certainly unique. Even in winter, the slopes of the Untersberg can be conquered. Downhill is the demanding 7,5km long ski run.
During Advent its proximity to the city of Salzburg makes Großgmain a worthwhile destination. In just a few minutes by car you can reach romantic Christmas markets in the city, Hellbrunn or St. Leonhard near Grödig. A visit to the Großgmain open-air museum, which opens its doors all year round, during the Christmas holidays has a special charm in winter time.
The open-air museum is one of the most spectacular highlights in Großgmain. 100 original agriculture and crafts buildings can be seen over the 50 Acre area. A visit to the old village school and the grocer shop is particularly exciting for children.
©SalzburgerLand Tourismus – Open air museum Großgmain
A visit to the Plainburg, the main landmark of Großgmain and one of the oldest castle ruins in Austria, is worth the short climb. Even if only the perimeter walls, the courtyard and the entrance are still preserved from the original, you can imagine quite well how the Count of Plainburg once resided here.
Großgmain is also famous for its pilgrimage church dedicated to the mother of grace “on the Gmain”. For centuries, the church was a place of pilgrimage for many believers. Today, the church is regarded as one of the oldest pilgrimage churches along the Way of St. James.
Insider’s Tip:
Right next to the pilgrimage church there is the wonderful, harmoniously planted Marien healing garden. A place where nature, philosophy, religion, mythology, astrology and numerology are uniquely connected to each other.
Großgmain is known beyond its borders for its rehabilitation centre. The centre focuses on the treatment of cardiovascular disease, as well as neuro-rehabilitation after strokes.
