Advent in Marienweiher
Advent time at the oldest Marian pilgrimage site in Franconia
About Advent Marienweiher
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Advent Marienweiher al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Marienweiher — Pilgrimage for 836 years
The Basilica of the Visitation of Mary in Marienweiher is one of the oldest and most important pilgrimage sites in Bavaria. The tradition dates back to 1189 — making Marienweiher one of the oldest continuously maintained Marian pilgrimages in Franconia. The current Baroque basilica was built in the 18th century; the site is a Papal Basilica minor.
Advent as a Spiritual Focus
During the four weeks of Advent, the pilgrimage community offers a rich program of spiritual and cultural events — from the traditional Herbergssuche (a sacred custom where Mary and Joseph seek lodging at various stations) and Adventszauber with Christmas music to the four Advent Sundays and the actual Christmas celebration in the basilica.
What to experience in Marienweiher during Advent
- Advent Vespers and services in the basilica
- Herbergssuche at various stations around the basilica
- Adventszauber with Advent concerts and quiet encounters
- Christmas services in the Baroque basilica
- Advent market and winter walks in the Frankenwald
Arrival, Stay, Region
Marienweiher is located in the Frankenwald, one of Bavaria's most densely wooded and highest low mountain range regions. The region is ideal for an Advent stay with hikes, a visit to the nearby Plassenburg in Kulmbach (12 km), or a tour along the Beer and Castles Route. The pilgrimage site itself belongs to the municipality of Marktleugast.
Advent Marienweiher — edition 2026
The official dates page of the Basilica Marienweiher (basilika-marienweiher.de/termine.html) confirms the 2026 Advent program: starting on the first Sunday of Advent, November 29, concluding after the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20. The detailed program (concerts, services, Herbergssuche stations, special tours) will be published in the second half of November 2026.
The pilgrimage basilica itself is open for quiet prayer and visits outside of service times. The Advent season is one of the busiest times for the pilgrimage site, alongside the major Marian festivals in summer.
Programme Advent Marienweiher 2026
Advent 2026 Program Outline
- November 29 (1st Sunday of Advent) — Advent Opening with a festive service
- Throughout Advent — Herbergssuche at various stations (sacred custom)
- Throughout Advent — Adventszauber: Concerts, quiet devotion, light program
- Every Sunday of Advent — Advent Vespers and special services
- December 20 (4th Sunday of Advent) — Pre-Christmas festive service, conclusion of the Advent program
Detailed program: basilika-marienweiher.de/termine.html.
Highlights Advent Marienweiher 2026
Prices Advent Marienweiher 2026
Practical information — Advent Marienweiher
Arrival
Via the B 303 (Bayreuth — Kulmbach — Kronach), exit Kulmbach-Ost. Arrive by train in Kulmbach, then take a bus or taxi to Marienweiher (approx. 15 km). Parking available at the basilica.
Admission
Admission to the basilica and all services is free. Donations are welcome. Advent concerts may require separate tickets.
Accommodation
Guesthouses and inns in Marktleugast and the surrounding area. Larger hotel selection in Kulmbach and Bayreuth.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Advent Marienweiher al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Advent Marienweiher
Basilika Marienweiher (Ortsteil von Marktleugast)