Steg an der Marienklause

From this very spot on the Marienklausensteg, you can almost feel the history of the Isar River flowing beneath your feet. This pedestrian bridge, completed in 1997, replaced a weathered wooden bridge, connecting us to the eastern bank and the historic Marienklause. The Marienklausensteg itself is a marvel. Architect Felix Schürmann designed it with a slight offset, creating a wider space mid-bridge. This encourages you to pause, take in the view of the river, and appreciate the renaturalized Isar floodplains. Notice the small, narrow branch of the bridge jutting north. It leads to a viewing point on the older dividing wall that separates the log flume from the weir. The architect considered every detail, from the swaying construction of the smaller bridge to the transparent grating, enhancing the experience of the rushing water below. The Marienklausensteg isn’t just a bridge; it’s a gateway. It leads you to the Marienklause, a small chapel nestled into the steep bank of the Isar River. Built in 1866 by Martin Achleitner, the lock keeper of the Auer Mühlbach, the chapel stands as a testament to human resilience and gratitude. Achleitner constructed it by hand, thanking the Virgin Mary for saving him from the perils of the Isar’s floods and falling rocks. The chapel, built from Nagelfluh stone and wood, is a charming blend of natural materials. Below the chapel, Achleitner also channeled the small Jakobsquelle spring, integrating it into this tranquil sanctuary. This area is steeped in history. Just below the Marienklausensteg, a weir, first built in 1330, controls the Isar’s flow. The Auer Mühlbach canal is diverted from the Isar Canal through a bridge lock, its path visible at the edge of the small waterfall created by the weir. The Marienklausensteg isn’t just a crossing; it’s a connection to the past, a vantage point to admire the Isar, and an invitation to explore the hidden gems along its banks.