Annabergfest Sulzbach-Rosenberg

A Pilgrimage with Roots in the 14th Century

As early as the 14th century, a pilgrimage to St. Anne in Sulzbach is documented – the mother of Mary has always been considered the patron saint of mothers and families. The first wooden chapel was built in 1656, and the current Pilgrimage Church of St. Anna was erected in 1676 as a Baroque structure. Originally, the festival was limited to one pilgrimage day around July 26th – the feast of St. Anne; from 1740 onwards, it was extended to several Sundays, and since 1942, it has been celebrated as a full spiritual festival week.

The Annaberg – Landmark Above the Town

The Annaberg rises about 100 meters above the valley of Sulzbach-Rosenberg in the Amberg-Sulzbach district. The Baroque Pilgrimage Church of St. Anna with its characteristic onion dome is visible from afar and is a landmark of the region. During the festival week, the hill transforms into a meeting point for believers, families, and friends from all over the Upper Palatinate.

The Spiritual Program

Under changing festival week mottos – in 2025 and 2026 under “Pilgrims of Hope” in the spirit of the Holy Year – a dense spiritual program runs through the nine days. Daily morning prayers, opportunities for confession, festive services, devotions, concerts, and themed days for families, women, seniors, children, and ecumenical guests shape the rhythm. The opening day begins with the Opening Mass at 6:00 PM, and the conclusion is the grand Pontifical Mass with the Auxiliary Bishop on the final Sunday.

Four Breweries, Steckerlfisch, and Festival Catering

In front of and next to the church are the festival catering stands and sales booths. Sperber-Bräu, one of Sulzbach's most traditional breweries, operates the largest catering stand. Three other regional breweries also serve beer. From the Upper Palatinate cuisine come sausages grilled over charcoal, Steckerlfisch, pork knuckles (Hax'n), Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast), and Krapfen (doughnuts). Regional bakers, butchers, and dairy farmers complement the offerings.

Mountain Festival, Not a Folk Festival

Unlike a classic Bavarian Volksfest, the Annabergfest does not have an amusement park with carousels and roller coasters. It is a Bergfest (mountain festival) – a hybrid of pilgrimage, civic festival, and summer outing – thus remaining close to its spiritual origins. The north slope of the Annaberg is designated as a playground for children, allowing families to stay on the mountain for hours.

The Most Important Mountain Festival in the Upper Palatinate

Among the many mountain festivals in the Amberg-Sulzbach district, the Annabergfest is considered the most important and oldest – a must-attend event for devout Upper Palatinate residents and an attraction for anyone wanting to experience genuine folk traditions beyond the commercial festival calendar.