Pentecost Pilgrimages to Altötting
Thousands of pilgrims walk to Bavaria's national shrine on Pentecost – joint procession and Pontifical Mass at the Chapel of Grace
About Pentecost Pilgrimage Altötting
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Bavaria's Great Pentecost Pilgrimage
Altötting, Bavaria's national shrine, has been a destination for pilgrimages for centuries. On Pentecost, the stream of pilgrims reaches its annual peak: foot pilgrimage groups from several regions journey for two to four days to the Chapel of Grace with the famous Black Madonna. It is not a single festival, but a network of many pilgrimages converging on Altötting simultaneously.
Many Groups, One Goal
Among the large groups are the Pentecost Pilgrimage from Munich and Rosenheim, the traditional Regensburg Diocesan Foot Pilgrimage, and the Straubing Foot Pilgrimage. Some routes are covered in several stages over four days; individual groups slightly adjust their routes from year to year. Despite different starting points and routes, all are united by the common goal and the shared spirit of prayer, song, and community on the road.
Joint Procession and Pontifical Mass
The emotional climax is the joint, solemn procession of the pilgrims into Altötting – traditionally from Heiligenstatt for the groups from the Munich and Rosenheim areas. A solemn Pontifical Mass is celebrated in the Basilica of St. Anna; afterwards, prayers are offered at the Chapel of Grace. For the Regensburg Diocesan Foot Pilgrimage, a large pilgrim festival is held in the cloister garden of the Basilica after the closing service – with snacks, refreshments, and brass band music.
A Strong Common Sign
The organizers explicitly understand the Pentecost Pilgrimage as a "strong common sign" in times of social division. For centuries, the pilgrimage to Altötting on Pentecost has been an integral part of religious life in Old Bavaria.
Pentecost Pilgrimage Altötting — edition 2026
Pentecost falls on May 24 in 2026. The Munich and Rosenheim Pentecost Pilgrimage starts between May 22 and 24, depending on the group; the joint, solemn procession into Altötting takes place on Whit Monday, May 25, starting from Heiligenstatt. The theme is 'Transitus – Transition'; for some groups, the route has slightly changed in 2026. The festive service on Whit Monday will be held in the Basilica of St. Anna with Father Christoph Lentz.
The 197th Regensburg Diocesan Foot Pilgrimage to Altötting runs from May 21 to 24, 2026, under the motto 'His name is holy!'. Registration opens on March 1, 2026, with a deadline of May 14, 2026. For arriving pilgrims, there is a bus transfer from Regensburg Central Station to Albertus Magnus Church (6:30–7:30 AM); for the return journey on Pentecost Saturday, special buses depart at 2 PM towards Schwandorf and Weiden. After the closing service, the pilgrimage celebrates a large pilgrim festival in the cloister garden of the Basilica with snacks, refreshments, and brass band music. Additionally, the Straubing Foot Pilgrimage and other groups will also be present.
Programme Pentecost Pilgrimage Altötting 2026
Munich / Rosenheim Pentecost Pilgrimage — Motto 'Transitus – Transition'
- May 22–24, 2026 (depending on group): multi-day walk to Altötting
- Whit Monday, May 25, 2026: joint solemn procession from Heiligenstatt to Altötting
- Festive service in the Basilica of St. Anna with Father Christoph Lentz
197th Regensburg Diocesan Foot Pilgrimage — Motto 'His name is holy!'
- May 21–24, 2026: four-day foot pilgrimage to Altötting
- Registration from March 1, 2026, registration deadline May 14, 2026
- Bus transfer Regensburg Hbf → Albertus Magnus Church (6:30–7:30 AM)
- Pentecost Saturday: closing service, followed by a large pilgrim festival in the cloister garden of the Basilica with snacks, refreshments, and brass band music; special buses return at 2 PM towards Schwandorf/Weiden
Other Groups
- Straubing Foot Pilgrimage and other pilgrimage groups from Old Bavaria
Highlights Pentecost Pilgrimage Altötting 2026
Prices Pentecost Pilgrimage Altötting 2026
Practical information — Pentecost Pilgrimage Altötting
Getting There and Registration
Altötting (Altötting district) is accessible by train (via Mühldorf) and by car via the B 12 / A 94. The foot pilgrimage groups start from different locations depending on their origin (Munich, Rosenheim, Regensburg, Straubing, etc.); registration is done individually through the respective pilgrimage leaders (paper form or online). Book accommodation early, as luggage transport is limited.
Date
Around the Pentecost weekend; groups depart on the days before Pentecost Saturday, with the joint procession and Pontifical Mass on Pentecost. Songbooks are provided during the pilgrimage.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Pentecost Pilgrimage Altötting al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Pentecost Pilgrimage Altötting
Basilika St. Anna / Gnadenkapelle Altötting