Regensburg Diocesan Pilgrimage to Altötting

One of Europe's largest pilgrimages

The Regensburg Diocesan Pilgrimage to Altötting is one of the largest pilgrimages in Europe. Every year, thousands of pilgrims set out – in 2025, 3,000 pilgrims started, with around 5,000 faithful participating in total. Participants come from the Diocese of Regensburg, but also from all over Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and even from South Africa and Ukraine.

111 kilometers in three days

The pilgrims cover approximately 111 kilometers on foot over three days – from Regensburg to the pilgrimage site of Altötting, Bavaria's national shrine with the famous Chapel of Grace and the Black Madonna. The departure is traditionally on the Thursday before Pentecost, with arrival on Pentecost Saturday.

Tradition since 1830

The pilgrimage has been carried out uninterruptedly since 1830 – for the 197th time in 2026. The Bishop of Regensburg, Rudolf Voderholzer, bestows the pilgrim's blessing at the start in Regensburg and celebrates the solemn closing service in Altötting. After the closing service, there is a festival with food and brass band music in the basilica's garden.

Registration and Organization

The pilgrimage is organized by Regensburger Diözesanfußwallfahrt e.V. under pilgrimage leader Bernhard Meiler. Registration is required and crucial for the smooth planning of accommodation and logistics – each pilgrim organizes their own overnight stay. A shuttle service connects Regensburg main station with the starting point, and return buses depart from Altötting.

Altötting – Bavaria's National Shrine

Altötting, in the district of Altötting, is Bavaria's most important Marian pilgrimage site and one of Europe's most significant. The Chapel of Grace with the image of the Black Madonna attracts around one million pilgrims annually. The arrival of the Regensburg Pilgrimage at Pentecost is one of the spiritual highlights of the pilgrimage year.