Have you noticed the serene stillness enveloping us here at Maria im Walde? This chapel stands as a testament to faith and community. Maria im Walde was built in 1919. It has been a place of gathering and reflection for generations. The chapel has seen several renovations. These occurred in 1968 and again in 1987.
Each year, in the merry month of May, a special tradition unfolds. Residents from Freinberg and Bayrisch-Haibach gather here. They conduct a short service together within the chapel’s peaceful walls.
But the story of this place extends beyond its religious function. If you look around, you might notice something else. We are near a border. Historically significant border stones mark the boundary nearby.
These stones tell tales of shifting territories and changing powers. The oldest stone dates back to 1608. Imagine the stories it could tell. It bears the Wolfswappen on the Bavarian side. On the Austrian side, you can see the double eagle with the monogram F II. The monogram stands for Kaiser Franz II. He ruled as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
These border markers once separated the Bishopric of Passau from the Duchy of Bavaria. Over time, borders shifted due to war and political maneuvering. Napoleon even played a role.
The border stones run for 8.3 kilometers. They start at the Danube and stretch into the hills. A local surveyor named Wilhelm Deuerling reset many stones in the 1960s.
A walk along the border reveals more than just stones. It connects you to a shared history. People on both sides lovingly care for Maria im Walde. Worshippers have been meeting near border stone 20 for services. It’s a symbol of unity. This chapel represents faith, history, and community. Its story is etched in stone and celebrated in May.