Name: Peace and Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen 2026
Start: 2026-05-03T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-05-03T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Basilika Vierzehnheiligen

Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen

About Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen

Since 1957, the Peace and Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen has led reservist associations, soldiers' comradeships, and pilgrims to the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers near Bad Staffelstein every year on the first Sunday in May. In 2026, the pilgrimage Sunday falls on May 3rd. With flag escorts, a festive church service, a laying of wreaths at the soldiers' monument, and three cannon shots, the pilgrimage leaves a deep impression with its blend of faith, history, and responsibility.

Dates 03 May — 03 May 2026

Venue Bad Staffelstein (09478)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen — edition 2026

On May 3, 2026, the Franciscan Monastery Vierzehnheiligen invites you to the traditional Peace and Soldiers' Pilgrimage. Reservists, soldiers' comradeships, and pilgrims will march with flag escorts to the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. A festive church service, a prayer for peace, a wreath-laying ceremony, and three cannon shots will mark the pilgrimage Sunday.

2026 Edition — Peace Theme

The 2026 Peace and Soldiers' Pilgrimage falls on the first Sunday in May (May 3, 2026). The organizers are the Franciscan Monastery Vierzehnheiligen and the Reservist Association. The 2026 theme emphasizes — against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine — faith, history, and social responsibility. The exact schedule will be communicated in due course by the pilgrimage site and the Reservist Association Upper Franconia-West District Group.

Highlights Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen 2026

Procession with flag escorts to the Balthasar Neumann Basilica
Festive church service with prayer for peace
Wreath-laying ceremony and three cannon shots at the soldiers' monument
Tradition since 1957

Programme Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen 2026

Pilgrimage Sunday Program Outline

Morning: Procession of reservists, soldiers' comradeships, and pilgrims to the basilica
Festive Church Service in the basilica with musical accompaniment (classical organist, a reservist officer)
Following: Prayer for peace, laying of wreaths at the soldiers' monument, three cannon shots in honor of the fallen
Afternoon: Meeting and exchange among the associations in the forecourt

Detailed program: vierzehnheiligen.de.

Prices Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen 2026

Free admission.

Practical information

Practical information — Soldiers' Pilgrimage Vierzehnheiligen

Getting There

By car via the A73 (Bad Staffelstein exit), follow signs for Vierzehnheiligen. By train to Bad Staffelstein, then by bus or on foot (approx. 4 km uphill to the basilica).

Admission

Free admission to church services and pilgrimage events.

Organizers

Franciscan Monastery Vierzehnheiligen in cooperation with the Reservist Association and the soldiers' comradeships of Upper Franconia.

Vierzehnheiligen — A Pilgrimage Site of European Importance

The Basilica Vierzehnheiligen near Bad Staffelstein in the Lichtenfels district is one of Bavaria's most important pilgrimage churches. Built by Balthasar Neumann (1743–1772), it is one of Central Europe's outstanding Rococo buildings and is dedicated to the Fourteen Holy Helpers. For centuries, the basilica on the "Holy Mountain" above the Main valley has been a destination for pilgrims from Franconia and all of Southern Germany.

The Soldiers' Pilgrimage Since 1957

Origin 1957: Initiated by returning war veterans as a thank you for their return, the pilgrimage today serves as a living reminder for the present and future.
Date: 1st Sunday in May: The pilgrimage has taken place every year on the first Sunday in May for decades.
Organizers: Co-organizers are the Franciscan Monastery Vierzehnheiligen, the Reservist Association (especially the Upper Franconia-West District Group), and soldiers' comradeships from all over Franconia.
Program: Procession of flag escorts to the basilica, festive church service, prayer for peace, laying of wreaths at the soldiers' monument, three cannon shots in honor of the fallen.
Focus 2026: Against the backdrop of the Ukraine situation, the themes of peace, responsibility, and social cohesion are brought to the forefront.

Federal State and Cultural Context

Bavaria, Upper Franconia administrative region, Lichtenfels district. Vierzehnheiligen is not only a pilgrimage site but also one of Franconia's postcard motifs — the basilica high above the Main valley with Kloster Banz on the other side of the valley is considered the "Holy Valley." The Soldiers' Pilgrimage brings hundreds of pilgrims here every year.