Last Telgte Coach Pilgrimage

The final edition of a unique tradition

In 1988, for Telgte's 750th city anniversary, the first coach pilgrimage rode through the Münsterland pilgrimage town — and the format quickly became so popular that it became an annual fixture. 37 years later, on May 14, 2026, the last Telgte Coach Pilgrimage will take place. The decision to cease has been made jointly by the Westbevern Riding and Driving Club, the City of Telgte, and the parish — bringing a tradition that is virtually unique in German-speaking countries to a close.

100 coaches, many horse breeds, one pontifical mass

The format is extraordinary: around 100 elaborately decorated coaches gather in the morning on the Planwiese. The range of horses includes heavy Friesians, Icelandics, Fjord horses, Haflingers, and mini horses. Decorated coaches from tradition, sport, and hobby stables meet — expert juries will award prizes to the three most beautiful teams.

Schedule on May 14, 2026

• 11:00 AM — Arrival of the coaches on the Planwiese
• 11:30 AM — Pontifical mass (pilgrimage mass), followed by a lunch break with catering
• 1:30 PM — Welcome by the mayor, presentation of the coaches, award ceremony by the expert jury
• 2:30 PM — Grand coach parade through Telgte's old town

Telgte — Marian pilgrimage site in the Münsterland

Telgte is located in the Warendorf district in North Rhine-Westphalia, at the transition to the Münsterland region, and has been one of Westphalia's most important Marian pilgrimage sites since the Middle Ages. The Chapel of Grace with the Telgte Pietà attracts around 100,000 pilgrims annually between May and October — primarily from the Diocese of Münster. Since 1988, the coach pilgrimage has been a distinct chapter of this pilgrimage tradition, attracting thousands of onlookers. With its 37th edition, a historical chapter closes — and Telgte loses a unique event.