Egerer Pilgrimage to Marienweiher
Historic German-Czech Pilgrimage from Eger to Marienweiher Basilica
2026
About Egerer Pilgrimage
Egerer Pilgrimage — edition 2026
The Egerer Pilgrimage 2026 will be held from September 4th to 6th, 2026. Pilgrims from Germany and the Czech Republic will jointly cover approximately 75 kilometers in three days, from Eger/Cheb in Bohemia to the Marienweiher Basilica of Pilgrimage in Marktleugast, Upper Franconia.
The pilgrimage follows the tradition dating back to 1745 and was revived in 2010 as a cross-border German-Czech pilgrimage. It concludes with the solemn reception of pilgrims and a pilgrimage service in the Marienweiher Basilica. Participation requires registration; organizational information is available from Robert Thern (Tel. +49 9222 711).
Highlights Egerer Pilgrimage 2026
Programme Egerer Pilgrimage 2026
Friday, September 4th, 2026
- Departure from Eger/Cheb (Czech Republic)
- First pilgrimage stage towards the Bavarian-Bohemian border
Saturday, September 5th, 2026
- Second pilgrimage stage through the Bohemian-Franconian border region
- Joint devotions along the way
Sunday, September 6th, 2026
- Final stage to the Marienweiher Basilica of Pilgrimage
- Solemn reception of pilgrims at the Marienweiher parking lot
- Pilgrimage service in the Basilica minor Marienweiher
Prices Egerer Pilgrimage 2026
Practical information — Egerer Pilgrimage
Getting There
The Marienweiher Basilica of Pilgrimage is located in the Marienweiher district of the municipality of Marktleugast in the Kulmbach district (Upper Franconia). Arrive by car via the A9 (exit Bad Berneck / Marktschorgast) or the B289; parking is available directly at the basilica.
Participation
Participation in the three-day pilgrimage requires registration (contribution of approximately €80, incl. organization). Information and registration via Robert Thern, Tel. +49 9222 711, or the Marienweiher Basilica of Pilgrimage.
Service
The reception of pilgrims and the pilgrimage service take place in the Marienweiher Basilica.
A Tradition Since 1745
The Egerer Pilgrimage to Marienweiher originated in 1745: after the end of their city's siege, the citizens of Eger – today's Cheb in the Czech Republic – undertook the first of many annual pilgrimages to the Marienweiher Basilica of Pilgrimage. The historic Egerer Pilgrimage Banner, which still hangs in the basilica today, bears witness to this tradition.
Interruption and Revival
With the new border demarcations after World War I, the pilgrimage came to a halt. It was only revived in 2010 – since then, believers from Germany and the Czech Republic have once again journeyed together, a moving symbol of reconciliation and cross-border connection between Bavaria and Bohemia.
The Pilgrimage Route
The pilgrimage covers approximately 75 kilometers over three days, from Eger/Cheb in the Czech Republic to the Marienweiher Basilica of Pilgrimage in Upper Franconia. The pilgrims traverse the landscape of the Bohemian-Franconian border region before reaching their destination in the Franconian Forest.
The Marienweiher Basilica of Pilgrimage
Marienweiher, a district of Marktleugast in the Kulmbach district, is one of the oldest Marian pilgrimage sites in Franconia. In 1993, Pope John Paul II bestowed upon the pilgrimage church the honorary title of "Basilica minor" – a papal basilica. The main pilgrimage days are around Pentecost and the Feast of the Nativity of Mary (September 8th).
Where it takes place Egerer Pilgrimage
Egerer Pilgrimage at a glance
History of Egerer Pilgrimage
Edition 2025 Sep 2025Festivals similar to Egerer Pilgrimage
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