2nd Historical Swedish Procession Überlingen

Überlingen, Lake Constance and the Swedish Wars

Überlingen is the largest town on the northern shore of Lake Constance in the Bodenseekreis district (state of Baden-Württemberg) — with around 23,000 inhabitants, one of the most beautiful preserved medieval and early modern old towns in Southern Germany, and one of the most important sacred buildings in the region: the late Gothic Minster of St. Nicholas (construction period 1350–1576). During the Thirty Years' War, Überlingen — as a Catholic imperial city loyal to the Emperor — was the target of multiple Swedish attacks. The Swedish raid of May 1632 and the siege of July 1634 were existential threats; the city survived both, according to its own conviction, thanks to divine assistance.

A Vow from 1635

Out of gratitude for its preservation, the Überlingen council vowed in 1635 to publicly thank divine aid in an annual procession. This vow has been fulfilled twice a year ever since — the 1st Swedish Procession takes place in May in memory of the 1632 raid (2026: May 10), and the 2nd Swedish Procession in July in memory of the 1634 siege (2026: July 12). A tradition that has continued uninterrupted for almost 400 years — even World Wars did not stop the procession.

Course of the Procession

Sunday, July 12, 2026, begins at 8:00 a.m. with the solemn Pontifical High Mass in the Minster of St. Nicholas. Afterwards, at 9:00 a.m., the procession forms and proceeds through the Oberstadt — the historic old town of Überlingen with its half-timbered houses, the town hall, and the Hofgarten.

The Costumes — Colorful Silk Outfits

The special feature of the Swedish Procession is the historical costumes: women and girls in colorful silk dresses with elaborate headdresses lead the procession, followed by citizens in historical attire, clergy in liturgical vestments, and official representatives of the city. The silk costumes are detailed reconstructions of 17th-century attire and are usually passed down in families from generation to generation.

Sword Dance since 1646

The highlight of the procession is the sword dance — a male dance tradition cultivated in Überlingen since 1646. The dance group performs at the end of the procession in a central square, accompanied by drummers and pipers. The dance is highly stylized, with elaborate figures in which the dancers perform formation-like choreographies with real swords. The tradition dates back to medieval and early modern guild rites.

Double Date 2026

• 1st Swedish Procession: Sunday, May 10, 2026 (Commemoration of the 1632 raid)
• 2nd Swedish Procession: Sunday, July 12, 2026 (Commemoration of the 1634 siege)