Torchlight Hike and Vigil for the Assumption of Mary – Marienweiher

The Assumption of Mary in Marienweiher

Marienweiher is one of Bavaria's oldest and most magnificent pilgrimage sites – the Pilgrimage Basilica of the Visitation of Mary was built between 1718 and 1721 in Rococo style. The site belongs to the market town of Marktleugast in the Upper Franconian district of Kulmbach, on the edge of the Frankenwald forest. The Assumption of Mary on August 15th has been the most important pilgrimage day for the Basilica for centuries.

The Vigil: Torchlight Hike on the Eve

On the eve (August 14th), the Vigil Torchlight Hike takes place as one of the most impressive events of the pilgrimage year. Pilgrims and guests gather at the rural Hinterrehberg Chapel (arrival by shuttle bus at 4:30 PM from Marienweiher). From there, the torch procession leads through the districts of Neuensorg and Marktleugast back to Marienweiher – approximately 8 km through the evening landscape of the Frankenwald.

Devotion in the Basilica

Upon arrival in Marienweiher, a devotion / night prayer follows in the Baroque Basilica. The prayer begins around 9:00 PM and utilises the unique atmosphere of the nocturnal church interior. Thus, the Vigil is both a hiking event and a sacred devotion – a special form of religious and cultural experience in the Frankenwald.

Event Tradition

The Marienweiher Pilgrimage Office has organised the Vigil for years as a fixed event in the pilgrimage calendar. The date – always on the eve of the High Feast of the Assumption of Mary – is listed in the church calendar and the event calendar of the market town of Marktleugast. The path from Hinterrehberg is signposted and easy for visitors unfamiliar with the area to follow.

Marktleugast and the Frankenwald

Marktleugast is located in the Kulmbach district, on the edge of the Frankenwald Nature Park. The region is known as the 'Frankenwald Pilgrimage Region' – with Marienweiher as one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for pilgrims from Franconia, Thuringia, and Saxony. The Assumption of Mary pilgrimage festival with its evening Vigil is one of the annual highlights of this region.