Perhaps the most beautiful view of the Watzmann massif can be had from Maria Gern. Respectfully viewed from afar, the mountain reveals itself with its entire family: the Watzmann children and the Watzmann woman. In the foreground stands the idyllically situated pilgrimage church of Maria Gern, dedicated to the Visitation of Mary.The pilgrimage church of Maria Gern lies in the high valley of the same name, north of Berchtesgaden, at an altitude of approximately 700 meters. The tower to the south and the sacristy to the north rise above a square ground plan and embrace the oval central building in between, whose tent-like roof shape could be interpreted as a symbol of nomadic life in the earthly world. Pilgrimages to Maria Gern reached their peak in the 18th century.