Regensburg Diocesan Pilgrimage to Altötting
One of Europe's largest pilgrimages – 111 km from Regensburg to Altötting
About Regensburg Pilgrimage
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Regensburg Pilgrimage al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
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.
Regensburg Pilgrimage — edition 2026
197th Regensburg Pilgrimage 2026
From May 21 to 24, 2026, thousands of faithful will once again make the pilgrimage from Regensburg to Altötting. The motto for 2026 is "His Name is Holy!". Confirmed via the official website of the Diocese of Regensburg and regensburger-fusswallfahrt.de.
What awaits the pilgrims
Three daily stages covering a total of 111 km, pilgrim's blessing by Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer at the start, joint prayer and singing along the way, arrival on Pentecost Saturday and a solemn closing service. Afterwards, a festival with food and brass band music in the basilica's garden.
Programme Regensburg Pilgrimage 2026
Thursday, May 21, 2026 — Departure (Thursday before Pentecost)
- approx. 6:30–7:30 AM — Shuttle from Regensburg main station to the starting point
- Pilgrim's blessing by Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer, start of the 1st daily stage
Friday, May 22, 2026 — 2nd Daily Stage
- Continuation of the pilgrimage with prayer and singing
Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 3rd Daily Stage
- Continuing the pilgrimage towards Altötting
Pentecost Saturday, May 24, 2026 — Arrival in Altötting
- Entry into Altötting, solemn closing service with Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer
- afterwards — Festival with food and brass band music in the basilica garden
- 2:00 PM — Return buses depart from Altötting
Information according to the Diocese of Regensburg and Regensburger Diözesanfußwallfahrt e.V. Registration mandatory by May 14, 2026, via regensburger-fusswallfahrt.de.
Highlights Regensburg Pilgrimage 2026
- 197th edition of one of Europe's largest pilgrimages
- 111 km in three days from Regensburg to Altötting
- Motto "His Name is Holy!"
- Pilgrim's blessing and closing service with Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer
- Closing festival with brass band music in the basilica garden
Prices Regensburg Pilgrimage 2026
Participation in the pilgrimage itself is free; registration is mandatory. Each pilgrim organizes their own accommodation and meals (own expenses). Shuttle and return buses partially subsidized.
Practical information — Regensburg Pilgrimage
Getting There & Route
Start in Regensburg, destination Altötting (84503). Shuttle from Regensburg main station (approx. 6:30–7:30 AM) to the starting point. Return buses depart from Altötting on Pentecost Saturday at 2 PM. The route covers 111 km in three daily stages.
Registration
Registration is mandatory via regensburger-fusswallfahrt.de. Each pilgrim organizes their own accommodation and can only register after securing lodging. Pilgrimage leader Bernhard Meiler (Tel. 09607/699 or 0170/6869977) offers limited assistance to first-time participants.
Tips
Suitable pilgrim gear and sturdy footwear are essential. Observe the registration deadline (2026: May 14). After the closing service, enjoy a festival with food and brass band music in the basilica garden.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Regensburg Pilgrimage al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Regensburg Pilgrimage
Wallfahrtsort Altötting (Ziel) / Start Regensburg
Basilika St. Anna / Kapellplatz, 84503 Altötting