St. John's Raft Procession Wolfratshausen
A unique raft tradition on the Isar, worldwide
About St. John's Raft Procession
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A Custom Unique Worldwide
The St. John's Raft Procession in Wolfratshausen, the district town in Upper Bavaria's Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district, is an event unique in this form worldwide. The nocturnal procession takes place only every three years, during which festively decorated rafts from Wolfratshausen's rafting businesses glide over the Isar – an impressive spectacle of light, water, and living tradition.
Honoring Saint John Nepomuk
The procession honors Saint John Nepomuk, the patron saint of raftsmen, boatmen, and bridges. At 7 p.m., a solemn service is held in his honor in front of St. Andreas Church. Afterwards, the Wolfratshausen traditional costume and heritage associations proceed to the Old Raft Landing Stage, atmospherically illuminated with torches and bonfires, where Catholic and Protestant clergy will solemnly bless the decorated rafts.
Tradition Since 1910
The roots of the custom reach far back: the procession last took place in Wolfratshausen in 1910 before the town revived it in 1994 based on a historical model. Rafting on the Isar and Loisach rivers is recognized as intangible cultural heritage – Wolfratshausen sees itself as an international town of raftsmen, where this craft and its customs are kept alive to this day.
Atmosphere in the Old Town
- Service in front of St. Andreas in honor of St. John Nepomuk
- Concert at Marienplatz with the Beuerberg Music Band and the Wolfratshausen Town Band
- Torch and bonfire illumination of the Old Raft Landing Stage
- Raft blessing and nocturnal raft procession on the Isar
This unique event draws hundreds of visitors to Wolfratshausen's old town and is closely linked to the town's identity.
St. John's Raft Procession — edition 2026
The St. John's Raft Procession 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, following the historical schedule from 1910. At 7 p.m., the solemn service in honor of Saint John Nepomuk begins in front of St. Andreas Church. From 8 p.m., the Beuerberg Music Band will play a concert at Marienplatz; together with the Wolfratshausen Town Band, they will provide musical accompaniment for the event. At nightfall, the traditional costume and heritage associations will proceed to the Old Raft Landing Stage, illuminated by torches and bonfires, where the decorated rafts of Wolfratshausen's rafting businesses will be blessed before the nocturnal raft procession on the Isar begins.
Programme St. John's Raft Procession 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026
- 7:00 PM: Solemn service in front of St. Andreas in honor of St. John Nepomuk
- 8:00 PM: Concert by the Beuerberg Music Band at Marienplatz
- At nightfall: Procession of traditional costume and heritage associations to the Old Raft Landing Stage
- Solemn raft blessing by Catholic and Protestant clergy
- Nocturnal raft procession on the Isar
Highlights St. John's Raft Procession 2026
- Unique nocturnal raft procession, worldwide
- Festively decorated and illuminated rafts on the Isar
- Torch and bonfire illumination of the Old Raft Landing Stage
- Raft blessing by both denominations
- Musical accompaniment by two bands
Prices St. John's Raft Procession 2026
The procession and the entire supporting program are free and open to the public.
Practical information — St. John's Raft Procession
Getting There
Wolfratshausen is located about 30 km south of Munich and is easily accessible by the S-Bahn S7 (terminus Wolfratshausen). By car via the B11 / B2; limited parking is to be expected in the old town.
Admission
The procession and the supporting program are freely accessible.
Tip
The procession only begins at nightfall. Secure a spot along the Isar or at the Old Raft Landing Stage early; warm clothing is recommended.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place St. John's Raft Procession
Altstadt Wolfratshausen / Alte Floßlände