Name: Advent in Marienweiher 2026
Start: 2026-11-29T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-12-20T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Basilika Marienweiher (Ortsteil von Marktleugast)

Advent Marienweiher

About Advent Marienweiher

The pilgrimage basilica Marienweiher in the Frankenwald is considered one of the oldest and most significant Marian pilgrimage sites in Franconia — pilgrimage has been documented here since 1189. In Advent, the pilgrimage site transforms into a space for contemplation and pre-Christmas preparation: special services are held on the four Sundays of Advent, complemented by the traditional 'Herbergssuche' (a sacred custom where Mary and Joseph seek lodging), 'Adventszauber' (Advent magic), and a pre-Christmas concert program. Marienweiher is a district of the municipality of Marktleugast in the Kulmbach district, Bavaria.

Dates 29 Nov — 20 Dec 2026

Venue Marktleugast (09477)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Advent Marienweiher — edition 2026

Advent in Marienweiher 2026 runs from the first Sunday of Advent (November 29) to the fourth Sunday of Advent (December 20). Over the four weeks of Advent, special services, the traditional Herbergssuche, Adventszauber, and other pre-Christmas events will take place in and around the pilgrimage basilica.

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.

Highlights Advent Marienweiher 2026

Herbergssuche (sacred tradition), Adventszauber with concerts and quiet encounters, four Advent services in the Baroque pilgrimage basilica, pre-Christmas festive service on December 20.

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.

Prices Advent Marienweiher 2026

Admission to services and devotions is free. Donations for the pilgrimage community are welcome. Advent concerts may require separate tickets.

Practical information

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.

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.