52nd Men's Pilgrimage from Reckendorf to Vierzehnheiligen

A Pilgrimage for Over 50 Years

The Men's Pilgrimage from Reckendorf to Vierzehnheiligen is one of the most traditional small foot pilgrimages in Upper Franconia. Since the mid-1970s, men from Reckendorf, the Bamberg district, and neighboring communities have walked annually on the first Saturday in May to the baroque pilgrimage basilica of Vierzehnheiligen, above Bad Staffelstein. The 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2024; the 52nd pilgrimage will take place in 2026.

Vierzehnheiligen as the Destination

The Vierzehnheiligen Basilica, a masterpiece by Balthasar Neumann, is one of the most important pilgrimage churches in Southern Germany. It was built in the 18th century as a tribute to the 14 Holy Helpers and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually. For the men of Reckendorf, the basilica is the spiritual and geographical destination of their approximately 30-kilometer-long foot pilgrimage.

Day's Schedule

The pilgrimage begins early: at 8 a.m., the men gather in the St. Nicholas Church Reckendorf for a blessing for the journey. Afterwards, the pilgrims set off. Around halfway, there's a lunch break in Wiesen at the Hellmuth Brewery Inn – traditional Franconian dishes like Sauerbraten or Schnitzel are on the menu. Around 3:45 p.m., a solemn entry into the Vierzehnheiligen Basilica with singing. At 7 p.m., the pilgrimage service, followed by a torchlight procession around the basilica. The return journey to Reckendorf is by bus, with an entry into the home parish church with torches around 8:45 p.m.

Theme 2026: "HAVE COURAGE, STAND UP!"

Each pilgrimage is held under a spiritual motto. In 2026, it is "HAVE COURAGE, STAND UP!" – an invitation that is taken up in the services and sermons of the pilgrimage leadership. Pilgrimage leader Michael Schwengler has been organizing the pilgrimage voluntarily for years. Registration by Sunday, April 26, 2026, is required, especially for lunch arrangements.