Pottenstein Procession of Lights
Over 1,000 mountain fires and a procession of lights on Epiphany
About Pottenstein Festival of Lights
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A Tradition Since 1759
The Pottenstein Festival of Lights is arguably the most atmospheric traditional event in the Franconian Switzerland. It dates back to a decree by Archbishop Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim from 1759, who ordered the Solemn Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the parish of Pottenstein. The conclusion of this Solemn Adoration is celebrated each year on Epiphany (January 6th) with the procession of lights — an unbroken tradition since the 18th century.
The Mountain Fires
What makes the festival unique worldwide: over 1,000 mountain fires are lit on the rocks and slopes around Pottenstein. Logs, brushwood, or fire pits shaped as sacred symbols are placed on the rock ledges and heights, ignited in the late afternoon — and burn down simultaneously for about an hour. The valley around Pottenstein appears like an illuminated rocky arena.
The Procession
In parallel, a solemn procession of lights moves through the historic old town. Clergy, altar servers, and the faithful accompany the Blessed Sacrament from the St. Bartholomew's Parish Church through the alleys of Pottenstein, decorated with candles, light arches, and Bengal fire. Hourly adoration prayers in the church lead over the day to the final service, which is followed by the procession and the winding down in the taverns.
Pottenstein — Rock Town of Franconian Switzerland
Pottenstein is located in the district of Bayreuth in Upper Franconia and is one of the most traditional rock towns in the Franconian Switzerland. Pottenstein Castle towers over the town, surrounded by dramatic limestone rocks — this natural backdrop makes the Festival of Lights possible. With a good 5,000 inhabitants, Pottenstein is overrun many times over on Epiphany: up to 20,000 visitors come from all over Bavaria, Saxony, Thuringia, and beyond.
Worth Seeing Even Without a Religious Background
The Pottenstein Festival of Lights is one of the few folk festivals that captivate with their sheer atmosphere, without any contrived staging: cold winter night, rocky backdrop, 1,000 burning fires, the sound of bells. Anyone who wants to see tradition in its original form — without a stage, without an entrance ticket, in an unusual landscape — will find one of the most impressive examples in Southern Germany here.
Pottenstein Festival of Lights — edition 2026
Festival of Lights 2026 — Schedule for Epiphany
As every year, the festival day begins with the festive service around 9:00 AM in St. Bartholomew's Parish Church. Hourly adoration prayers take place in the church throughout the day. From late afternoon (approx. 4:30 PM), the mountain fires are lit on the surrounding rocks and heights — over 1,000 fire pits, burning simultaneously for about an hour.
Procession of Lights at 5 PM
At 5:00 PM, the final procession begins: clergy, altar servers, the faithful, and visitors accompany the Blessed Sacrament in a solemn procession from the parish church through the old town, illuminated with candles, light arches, and Bengal fire. Afterwards, the festival day concludes in the Pottenstein taverns.
Programme Pottenstein Festival of Lights 2026
Epiphany Program, January 6, 2026
- 9:00 AM — Festive service in St. Bartholomew's Parish Church
- Throughout the day — hourly adoration prayers in the church
- approx. 4:30 PM — Lighting of over 1,000 mountain fires on the rocks around Pottenstein
- 5:00 PM — Procession of lights starting from St. Bartholomew's Parish Church with the Blessed Sacrament through the illuminated old town
- Followed by a wind-down in the Pottenstein taverns
What You Will See
- Over 1,000 mountain fires on the rocks around Pottenstein
- Light arches and Bengal fire in the alleys of the old town
- Procession with the Blessed Sacrament accompanied by candles and the sound of bells
- Taverns along the route are open
Highlights Pottenstein Festival of Lights 2026
- Over 1,000 mountain fires on the rocks around Pottenstein
- Procession of lights at 5 PM from St. Bartholomew's Parish Church
- Up to 20,000 expected visitors in a town of 5,000 inhabitants
- Tradition since 1759 in unbroken form
Prices Pottenstein Festival of Lights 2026
Free admission. Food and drink available from Pottenstein hosts and stalls along the route. Early arrival by car is recommended due to crowds.
Practical information — Pottenstein Festival of Lights
Getting There
By car via the A 9 (exit Pegnitz). Parking on the outskirts of town — due to the crowds on Epiphany, a traffic concept is implemented, local tip: arrive early (before 3 PM). By train: nearest station Pegnitz, then bus or taxi (approx. 15 km).
Admission
Free admission. Food and drink available from Pottenstein hosts and market stalls on the day of the festival.
When is the best time to come?
Mountain fires and procession take place from late afternoon (approx. 5 PM). Due to the crowds, arrival is recommended no earlier than the afternoon. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing are important — January in Upper Franconia.
Tourist Info
Tourist Information Pottenstein, Forchheimer Straße 1. Parent region: Franconian Switzerland (fraenkische-schweiz.com).
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Pottenstein Festival of Lights al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Pottenstein Festival of Lights
Altstadt Pottenstein und umliegende Felsen
St.-Bartholomäus-Pfarrkirche, 91278 Pottenstein