Name: Good Friday Procession Bamberg – Pilgrimage to Altenburg 2026
Start: 2026-04-03T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-04-03T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Obere Pfarre / Altenburg

Pilgrimage to Altenburg

About Pilgrimage to Altenburg

Every year on Good Friday, a traditional pilgrimage begins in Bamberg at 5 AM: Around 3,000 faithful walk in the dark from the Obere Pfarrkirche up to Altenburg Castle, the highest point in the city. Praying the sorrowful Rosary and the Litany of the Passion, the pilgrims ascend the mountain to the church of St. Getreu. The procession, over a hundred years old and documented in writing since 1932, is one of Upper Franconia's most impressive religious customs.

Dates 03 Apr — 03 Apr 2026

Venue Bamberg (09461)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Pilgrimage to Altenburg — edition 2026

On Good Friday, April 3, 2026, the traditional pilgrimage to Altenburg Castle will take place again. At 5 AM, the procession departs from the Obere Pfarre and leads in prayer up to Altenburg Castle and on to St. Getreu – with around 3,000 expected participants.

The Good Friday Procession Bamberg 2026 takes place on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. At 5 AM, the faithful gather at the Obere Pfarrkirche for the ascent in the dark. On the way to Altenburg Castle, the Prayer of the Five Wounds and the sorrowful Rosary will be prayed, and at the crucifixion group near Altenburg Castle, the Litany of the Passion. The procession ends at the church of St. Getreu. As in previous years, around 3,000 participants are expected.

Highlights Pilgrimage to Altenburg 2026

Dawn pilgrimage starting at 5 AM
Ascent to Bamberg's highest point (Altenburg Castle)
Around 3,000 participating faithful
Over a hundred-year-old tradition, documented since 1932

Programme Pilgrimage to Altenburg 2026

5:00 AM – Departure from Obere Pfarrkirche
Ascent to Altenburg Castle with Rosary prayer
Litany of the Passion at the crucifixion group near Altenburg Castle
Continuation via Rothof to the church of St. Getreu

Prices Pilgrimage to Altenburg 2026

Participation is free and open to all.

Practical information

Practical information — Pilgrimage to Altenburg

Getting There

Bamberg is easily accessible by train (ICE stop); the Obere Pfarrkirche is located in the hill district of the Old Town, within walking distance of the center. The pilgrimage begins at 5 AM – early arrival or an overnight stay in Bamberg is recommended.

Participation

Participation is open and free of charge. Sturdy footwear and warm, weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the ascent takes place in the dark and at cool temperatures.

Note

This is a religious procession – respectful, quiet behavior is expected.

A Pilgrimage at Dawn

The Good Friday Procession Bamberg, the "Pilgrimage to Altenburg," is one of Upper Franconia's most impressive religious traditions. Every year on Good Friday, around 3,000 faithful gather at 5 AM for the ascent through the still dark, cool city.

Route and Schedule

The procession starts at the Obere Pfarrkirche (Upper Parish Church) and leads up to Altenburg Castle, Bamberg's highest point, then continues via Rothof to the church of St. Getreu. During the ascent, pilgrims pray the Prayer of the Five Wounds and the sorrowful Rosary; at a crucifixion group near Altenburg Castle, the Litany of the Passion is recited.

History and Tradition

According to the archives of the Archdiocese of Bamberg, the pilgrimage was first documented in 1932 but likely goes back to a significantly older, over a hundred-year-old tradition. Year after year, it attracts thousands of faithful and is an integral part of Holy Week in the Archdiocese of Bamberg.

Significance for the City

Bamberg, with its Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage site, experiences with the Good Friday pilgrimage a quiet, contemplative highlight of the Lenten season. The procession in the dark, the ascent to Altenburg Castle, and the communal prayer make the pilgrimage a defining spiritual experience in Upper Franconia.