Overview

The Pottenstein Festival of Lights 2025 took place, as every year, on Epiphany, January 6th. Over 1,000 mountain fires were lit on the rocks around the old town, and the solemn procession of lights carried the Blessed Sacrament from St. Bartholomew's Parish Church through the illuminated alleys. The tradition has existed since an archiepiscopal decree in 1759.

Pottenstein Festival of Lights 2025

In 2025, the Pottenstein Festival of Lights once again attracted thousands of visitors to the Upper Franconian rock town on Epiphany. From late afternoon, the mountain fires were lit — over 1,000 wood fires and sacred symbolic fires on the limestone rocks around the town. At 5 PM, the procession of lights with the Blessed Sacrament began from St. Bartholomew's Parish Church.

Between Mountain Fires and Procession

As in every edition, the combination of Catholic liturgy (Solemn Adoration, final procession) and folk tradition (mountain fires, illuminated old town) shaped the character of the festival. Food and drink were available from Pottenstein hosts and market stalls along the route. Admission was traditionally free.

Programme

Recurring Program 2025

9:00 AM — Festive service in St. Bartholomew's Parish Church
Throughout the day — hourly adoration prayers
approx. 4:30 PM — Lighting of over 1,000 mountain fires
5:00 PM — Procession of lights through the illuminated old town
Followed by a wind-down in the Pottenstein taverns

Highlights

Over 1,000 mountain fires on the rocks around Pottenstein
Procession of lights from St. Bartholomew's Parish Church
Traditionally around 20,000 visitors

Prices

From 0.00€ to 0.00€

Free admission.

Pottenstein Procession of Lights — Edition 2025