Name: Obertrubach Light Procession – Perpetual Adoration 2026
Start: 2026-01-03T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-01-03T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Ortskern und Felsenhänge Obertrubach – Fränkische Schweiz

Obertrubach Light Procession

About Obertrubach Light Procession

The Obertrubach light procession is one of the most impressive light festivals in the Franconian Switzerland region, located in the Forchheim district. On the occasion of the Perpetual Adoration, held on the first weekend of the year, the rocky slopes around Obertrubach are illuminated by up to 1,000 bonfires, complemented by countless wax candles, light arches, and Bengal flares. Thousands of pilgrims and onlookers accompany the Blessed Sacrament in a solemn procession through the village streets.

Dates 03 Jan — 03 Jan 2026

Venue Obertrubach (09474)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Obertrubach Light Procession — edition 2026

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Obertrubach in Franconian Switzerland will once again transform into a sea of lights. Up to 1,000 bonfires on the rocky slopes, wax candles in the windows, light arches, and Bengal flares frame the light procession of the Perpetual Adoration – one of the most impressive winter experiences in Franconia.

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the annual light procession will take place in Obertrubach. In the afternoon, wax candles will be lit in hundreds of windows, and around 4 PM, the bonfires on the rocky slopes will begin to blaze. At the same time, the village road will be closed to motorized traffic.

In the early evening, the solemn procession with the priest, altar servers, and guild flags will wind its way through the streets of Obertrubach. Up to 2,000 faithful and visitors will accompany the path, illuminated by thousands of flames. After the procession, the village inns invite guests for a cozy conclusion.

Highlights Obertrubach Light Procession 2026

Up to 1,000 bonfires on the rocky slopes of Franconian Switzerland
Up to 2,000 pilgrims accompany the Blessed Sacrament
Spectacular light staging of the entire village
Authentic Catholic popular piety
Less crowded than its counterpart in Pottenstein

Programme Obertrubach Light Procession 2026

Planned Schedule January 3, 2026

From 4:00 PM: Lighting of the bonfires on the rocky slopes, closure of the village road
Afternoon/early evening: Wax candles in the houses, light arches, Bengal flares
Early evening: Solemn procession with the Blessed Sacrament through the village centre
After the procession: Cozy conclusion in the village inns

Exact time of the procession according to the Obertrubach parish – announcement shortly before the date.

Prices Obertrubach Light Procession 2026

Free admission. Mulled wine, sausages, and hot drinks available on site. Free parking at the sports field and on Bergstrasse.

Practical information

Practical information — Obertrubach Light Procession

Getting there

By car: A9 / A73 to Forchheim, then B470 to Wolkenstein and continue towards Obertrubach. Important: The village road will be closed to car traffic around 4 PM.

Parking: At Schmetterling Reisen on Bergstrasse or at the sports field parking lot.

Recommended viewing points: Bergstrasse with a view of the valley.

Admission & Refreshments

Free admission. Mulled wine, sausages, and hot drinks are offered in the village. Dogs are welcome but should be kept away from the candles.

Clothing

Warm, winter-proof clothing – the festival takes place entirely outdoors.

A spiritual tradition in winter splendour

The Obertrubach light procession is part of the Catholic tradition of Perpetual Adoration, during which the Blessed Sacrament is venerated without interruption for 40 hours. Each year at the beginning of January, the solemn light procession marks the conclusion, with up to 2,000 faithful accompanying the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of the village centre – one of the largest adoration processions in Bavaria.

Up to 1,000 bonfires on the rocky slopes

What sets Obertrubach apart from other light festivals in the Franconian Switzerland is the spectacular staging of the rocky landscape: up to 1,000 bonfires and sacred symbols are lit on the steep rocky slopes surrounding the village. In addition, there are light arches, Bengal flares, and countless wax candles in the windows of the houses. The combination of winter darkness, rugged Jura rocks, and thousands of flames creates a unique spectacle that occurs once a year.

Schedule of the light festival

From the afternoon onwards, wax candles are lit in the houses
From around 4 PM, the bonfires on the rocky slopes are lit
The village road is closed to car traffic around 4 PM
The procession begins in the early evening with the priest, altar servers, guild flags, and the brass band
After the procession, the evening concludes in the village inns.

Obertrubach in the Franconian Switzerland

Obertrubach is located in the Forchheim district (Bavaria), in the heart of the Franconian Switzerland, a low mountain range known for its dramatic Jura rocks, caves, and hiking trails. In summer, Obertrubach is a popular spot for climbing and hiking; in winter, the village becomes the stage for this extraordinary popular piety for one night.

An alternative to the famous Pottenstein

Obertrubach is somewhat overshadowed by the more prominent light festival in Pottenstein (same district, a few days earlier), but is precisely for this reason appreciated by connoisseurs: fewer tourist crowds, more authentic popular devotion, a relaxed atmosphere. Those who wish to experience the light spectacle of the Franconian Switzerland without the hustle and bustle will find Obertrubach to be the perfect place.