The church was constructed specifically to replace a medieval chapel that had become too small for the growing number of pilgrims.
Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer created the 'Honey Madonna' statue, which is surrounded by beehives to symbolize the industriousness of the faithful.
The church remained independent of the nearby Salem Abbey during the secularization period, allowing it to maintain its religious function.
The expansive fresco cycles were painted by Gottfried Bernhard Göz.
The church was extensively restored in the 1970s and 1980s to preserve the original 18th-century stuccowork.
The hill upon which the church stands has been a site of viticulture since the Middle Ages, with the Cistercian monks historically managing the vineyards.
Birnau is a Baroque pilgrimage church situated on a vine-covered hill overlooking Lake Constance. Built between 1746 and 1750 by architect Peter Thumb, the church serves as an active Cistercian priory. Its interior is characterized by the Rococo style, featuring intricate stucco work by Joseph Anton Feuchtmayer. A prominent feature is the 'Honey Madonna' statue, which is a significant object of pilgrimage. The site includes an attached vineyard and a historical terrace offering expansive views of the lake and the Swiss Alps. It is located between the towns of Überlingen and Uhldingen-Mühlhofen. The structure was historically affiliated with the Salem Abbey. Today, the church continues to host religious services and seasonal music concerts.
The stone terrace balcony located on the south side of the church exterior.
Walk the surrounding vineyard paths for unobstructed views of the lake.
Visit the small monastery shop to purchase wine produced from the estate's own vineyards.
Observe the church exterior from the lower road level to appreciate its silhouette against the landscape.
Do not attempt to walk directly from the water's edge up the steep hillside, as the official entrance is accessible via the road on the landward side.
Maintain silence as the church remains an active place of worship; cover shoulders and knees.
