Muttergottesprozession Bamberg
300 Years of Marian Procession on the Feast of the Assumption through Bamberg's World Heritage Site
About Muttergottesprozession
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Marian Procession for Over 300 Years
The Muttergottesprozession of the Parish of Our Lady, commonly known as the "Obere Pfarre," is one of the oldest and most significant Marian processions in the Archdiocese of Bamberg. For over 300 years, Bamberg Catholics have celebrated the procession with the miraculous statue of the "Joyful Mother of God" on the Sunday after the Feast of the Assumption—in 2026, this will be Sunday, August 16—through Bamberg's historic Old Town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. Bamberg is located in the state of Bavaria, in the Upper Franconia administrative region, and is the seat of the Archdiocese of Bamberg.
16 Häcker Carry the Miraculous Statue
The unique aspect of the procession lies in the physical effort involved: the artfully carved and richly decorated statue of the Joyful Mother of God is carried by 16 strong men, the "Häcker," in a solemn procession. The carrying pole is so massive that the bearers must alternate frequently. An old Bamberg tradition states that the procession must never be canceled—if it were called off, it would be an omen of war. In fact, the procession has taken place uninterruptedly, even during wartime.
Adoration Hours in the Obere Pfarre
The procession is embedded within a three-day period of devotion. Starting from the Feast of the Assumption (August 15), the Obere Pfarre opens its festively decorated church rooms for adoration hours. The baroque interior of the church, with its high altar and the miraculous statue, is decorated with flowers, candles, and Marian ornaments during this time. Hundreds of faithful from the Archdiocese, from all over Bavaria, and also from abroad come to Bamberg for the silent adoration hours and the solemn procession.
Bamberg — UNESCO World Heritage Site and Catholic Bishop's City
Bamberg is considered one of Germany's best-preserved historical cities. The Old Town, the Cathedral with the Bamberg Horseman, the Klosterberge (monastery hills), and the Klein-Venedig (Little Venice) fishermen's houses form the UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. The Obere Pfarre is located on the Unterer Kaulberg and is one of Bavaria's outstanding Gothic hall churches with baroque furnishings. The procession traditionally leads from the Obere Pfarre through the World Heritage Old Town—passing by the Cathedral Square and to St. Martin's Parish Church on Maximiliansplatz.
Muttergottesprozession — edition 2026
Marian Procession on August 16, 2026
The Muttergottesprozession 2026 will traditionally be celebrated on the Sunday after the Feast of the Assumption—in 2026, this Sunday falls on August 16. The procession begins in the morning with a solemn Pontifical High Mass in the Obere Pfarre, followed by the procession with 16 Häcker carrying the artfully carved miraculous statue of the "Joyful Mother of God" through the World Heritage Old Town.
The procession route traditionally leads over the Unterer Kaulberg, past Bamberg Cathedral to Maximiliansplatz and St. Martin's Parish Church, from where the procession returns to the Obere Pfarre. The procession is accompanied by parish community members, altar servers, church choirs, and Marian hymns. Hundreds of faithful and onlookers line the route through the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Programme Muttergottesprozession 2026
Saturday, August 15, 2026 — Feast of the Assumption
- Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Assumption in the Obere Pfarre
- Opening of the adoration hours in the festively decorated church
- Silent devotion and Marian hymns
Sunday, August 16, 2026 — Day of the Procession
- Morning — Solemn Pontifical High Mass in the Obere Pfarre
- Departure of the Muttergottesprozession with 16 Häcker carrying the miraculous statue of the Joyful Mother of God
- Procession route: Unterer Kaulberg → Cathedral Square → Maximiliansplatz → St. Martin's Parish Church → Return to Obere Pfarre
- Accompanied by parish community, altar servers, church choirs, Marian hymns
Monday, August 17, 2026 — Final Adoration Hours
- Adoration hours in the Obere Pfarre
- Conclusion of the three-day Marian days
Detailed times and liturgical information available from the Obere Pfarre Bamberg and the Archdiocese of Bamberg.
Highlights Muttergottesprozession 2026
- Tradition for over 300 years — one of Bavaria's oldest Marian processions
- 16 Häcker carry the miraculous statue of the Joyful Mother of God
- Procession route through Bamberg's UNESCO World Heritage site
- Three days of adoration hours August 15–17, 2026
- Solemn Pontifical High Mass in the Gothic Obere Pfarre
- Accompanied by church choirs and Marian hymns
Prices Muttergottesprozession 2026
Participation in the procession, services, and adoration hours is free and open to all. A voluntary donation to the Parish of Our Lady for the preservation of the tradition and the church is welcome—donation box in the Obere Pfarre or bank transfer via the parish.
Practical information — Muttergottesprozession
Getting There
By train to Bamberg Hauptbahnhof (main station) (ICE connection Munich–Berlin), then by bus or a 15-minute walk to the Obere Pfarre. By car via the A 70/A 73 (Schweinfurt–Suhl). Parking is available at the Geyerswörth car park or at the Heumarkt—parking is severely restricted within the World Heritage Old Town itself.
Participation
Participation in the procession and adoration hours is open to all. Festive attire is recommended; quiet devotion is requested in church. No admission fee; a voluntary donation to the parish is welcome.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Muttergottesprozession
Pfarrkirche Unserer Lieben Frau (Obere Pfarre) Bamberg
Unterer Kaulberg 34 (Obere Pfarre), 96049 Bamberg