Good Friday Procession Bamberg – Pilgrimage to Altenburg
Bamberg's Good Friday Pilgrimage at Dawn
About Pilgrimage to Altenburg
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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.
Pilgrimage to Altenburg — edition 2026
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.
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
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
Prices Pilgrimage to Altenburg 2026
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.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Pilgrimage to Altenburg al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Pilgrimage to Altenburg
Obere Pfarre / Altenburg
Unterer Kaulberg, 96049 Bamberg