The Seekirchl

The Seekirchl - also known as the Church of the Holy Cross - is probably the most famous landmark in Seefeld. It houses an old cross whose history dates back to 1628. Originally, the baroque Seekirchl stood in the middle of Lake Kreuzsee, which was artificially created by Duke Sigismund the Rich in Coin in the 15th century, but was drained again around 300 years later in 1808.

It is reported that the following events led to the construction of the baroque Seekirchl:

A repentant pilgrim named Barbara Haißjackin obtained forgiveness for her sins through clear words from the cross before which she prayed. The woman felt comforted and reported the miracle to the priest. When Archduke Leopold V once passed by the miraculous cross, he was so moved by the sight of it that he asked for a priest to hear confessions and vowed to build a chapel dedicated to the image of the cross. He carried out his vow in 1628 by building the Seekirchl. The two events are depicted in the wall frescoes on the right and left. However, the chapel was not consecrated until 1666, a full 38 years later.

The octagonal ground plan of the central building with its column-free dome and added bell tower, which is rare in Tyrol, is particularly noteworthy - realized by court architect Christoph Gumpp the Younger.

In 1956, the Seekirchl underwent an urgent restoration. In 2015, the Seekirchl was renovated once again. To mark this event, a brochure was produced containing a wealth of historical, artistic and current information. The brochure is available for a donation in the church of St. Oswald and in the Seekirchl.
A detailed book about the "Kirchl " can be purchased at the Information and Mobility Center in Seefeld for € 5.00.

To this day, the picturesque Votive Church, a historic place of pilgrimage in the Kirchwald district, is probably the most popular postcard and photo motif in the region.

Please note: The Seekirchl is closed in winter!

The Seekirchl is open from May 1 - October 31.