Located next to Altoetting is Marktl, the birthplace of Pope Benedict XVI. In his foreword to the Altoetting City Guide he recently mentioned: "I was fortunate to be born near the city of Altoetting. The many pilgrimages to this place of grace with my family are among my oldest and fondest memories."
Altoetting is located in the Upper Bavarian Alpine region between Munich, Passau and Salzburg, not very far from Lake Chiemsee. It is also the starting point of the 139 mile Benedict Trail, connecting the places where Pope Benedict spent his early and later childhood.
Nuremberg combines the excitement of a modern metropolis with the old-world charm of a lovely medieval city center. The Gothic churches, half-timbered buildings and sleepy cobblestone squares, create an unforgettable atmosphere. Famous is the St. Sebald Church, with the sacred grave of St. Sebaldus . The grand St. Lorenz Church (Lorenzkirche) and the ornate Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche) are also attractive pilgrimage sites.