Absam

Popular culture, violin making and a religious tradition, that is still very much alive, dominate the picturesque Tyrolean village of Absam, nestling in the foothills of the Karwendel mountain range. The House of the Apparition - where in 1797 the 18-year-old Rosina Bucher saw a vision of the Virgin Mary in a pane of glass, from which it simply couldn't be removed - and the Pilgrimage Church elevated to basilica status in 2000, form the spiritual heart of this famous place of pilgrimage. In addition, anyone taking the Way of St James footpath in Tyrol will pass through the pretty village. But it is not just pilgrims from near and far that like to visit Absam. 

The famous violin-maker Jakob Stainer (1617 - 1683) lived and worked in this delightful village. The local history museum devotes itself in some detail to his life and his work.

The fun really starts at Shrovetide, when the Absam "Matschgerer", colourful masked figures, take to the streets. If you want to find out more about the history of Absam's Shrovetide customs and these weird and wonderful characters, such as the "Spiegeltuxer" and the "Zottler", then pay a visit to the Matschgerer museum. 
Text: Tourismusverband Region Hall-Wattens