Name: Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen vorm Wald 2026
Start: 2026-10-18T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-10-18T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Ortsmitte Neukirchen vorm Wald

Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen

About Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen

The Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen vorm Wald is one of Lower Bavaria's most vibrant riders' processions. Every year on the third Sunday in October — likely October 18, 2026 — the small Bavarian Forest village transforms into a pilgrimage site for Saint Leonard, the patron saint of horses. Thousands of visitors come to experience the double parade with brewery wagons, decorated carriages, and countless adorned horses and ponies. A festive church service in the morning, the riders' procession starting at 2 PM, a Kirchweih market, a children's program, and Bavarian delicacies frame this day of tradition.

Dates 18 Oct — 18 Oct 2026

Venue Neukirchen vorm Wald (09275)

Prices Free

Status —

Edition 2026

Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen — edition 2026

The 17th Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen vorm Wald is expected to take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026 — the third Sunday in October. Festive church service at 10 AM, welcome at 1:30 PM, riders' procession starting at 2 PM with a double pass through the village. Brewery wagons, decorated carriages, and hundreds of horses and ponies parade through the village centre.

The 2026 Leonhardi-Ritt continues the tradition. The date on the 3rd Sunday in October is firmly established — in 2026, it falls on October 18. The organizer is the municipality of Neukirchen vorm Wald, with the parish, the tourism association, and volunteer rider groups involved organizationally.

Traffic management will be adjusted on the day of the ride: the village main road will be closed to cars, and public transport will be partially rerouted. Visitors from outside should arrive early and use one of the parking lots on the outskirts.

Highlights Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen 2026

Riders' procession with hundreds of horses and ponies
Double parade through the village
Brewery wagons and decorated carriages
Festive church service with horse blessing
Bavarian Forest Kirchweih with market stalls

Programme Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen 2026

Sunday, October 18, 2026

10:00 AM — Festive church service in the parish church (Priest: tba)
11:00 AM — Children's magician in the village centre
1:30 PM — Welcome by the mayor and the head of the tourism association
2:00 PM — Procession departs: Kirchberg Brass Band, cross bearer, brewery wagons, decorated carriages with guests of honour, rider groups with various horse breeds
1st Pass — Introduction of each group by the mayor
2nd Pass — Repeat in full length for all spectators

Accompanying Events

Kirchweih market stalls (ceramics, textiles, jewellery, crafts)
Food stalls with roast chicken, pork knuckle, and Bavarian delicacies
Bavarian beer and mulled wine

Registration for participants: via the municipal website.

Prices Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen 2026

Free admission. Market goods, food, and drinks purchased on site. Donations for the parish during the festive church service are welcome.

Practical information

Practical information — Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen

Getting There

By car via the A3 (exit Passau-Nord) and then via the B85. Parking available on the outskirts of the village. By bus from Passau, line 6160.

Admission

Free. Food and market goods purchased on site.

Tip

If you want a good spot for the parade, you should be in the village centre by 1 PM at the latest. The route is manageable — the best spots are usually free during the second pass. Weatherproof clothing recommended.

Horse, Patron Saint, and Bavarian Forest Tradition

Saint Leonard of Limoges (also Leonard of Noblat), a nobleman's son from the 6th century, is one of the most popular folk saints in Catholic Southern Germany — and is especially revered as the patron saint of horses, cattle, and prisoners. In the Bavarian Forest, a region with centuries of riding culture and deep-rooted Catholic folk piety, Leonhardiritte (St. Leonard's Rides) are a highlight of the autumn calendar. The Leonhardi-Ritt Neukirchen vorm Wald has been established since 2010 and is now one of the most beautiful in the region.

The Day at a Glance

The ride traditionally takes place on the third Sunday in October. The day begins at 10:00 AM with a festive church service in the parish church. At 1:30 PM, the official welcome by the mayor and the head of the tourism association follows. The main event starts at 2:00 PM with the procession's departure: led by the Kirchberg Brass Band and the cross bearer, followed by brewery wagons, decorated carriages with guests of honour, and numerous riders on decorated horses and ponies of various breeds.

The Double Parade

A special feature of Neukirchen: the procession passes through the village twice. During the first pass, it is introduced by the mayor, and each riding group and wagon is announced. During the second pass, spectators can admire the horse breeds, carriages, and traditional costumes at their leisure. This way, all guests see everything — an exemplary, visitor-friendly presentation.

Kirchweih and Delicacies

A Kirchweih (church consecration festival) with market stalls runs parallel to the ride: ceramics, textiles, jewellery, local crafts. Food stalls serve Bavarian classics — roast chicken, pork knuckle, farmer's specialities. At 11:00 AM, a children's magician performs, engaging the youngest guests. The village main road will be closed to traffic for the entire day.

Neukirchen vorm Wald — Pure Bavarian Forest

The municipality of Neukirchen vorm Wald is located in the district of Passau, on the edge of the Bavarian Forest. With just under 3,000 inhabitants, it is a manageable community. Its location at the gateway to the Bavarian Forest Nature Park makes it equally attractive to hikers and tradition enthusiasts. The Leonhardi-Ritt is the most important major event of the year.