St. Leonhard Horse-back Procession

Riding on the historic wagons

Here on 6 November they celebrate the Leonhardifahrt – on the feast day of St. Leonhard, the patron saint of beasts of burden. (However, if 6 November falls on a Sunday, the pilgrimage is moved to the following Monday, if it falls on a Saturday it is moved to the previous Friday). With 80 wagons from Bad Tölz and the surrounding area, each pulled by four horses, the procession goes from the Tölzer Bäderviertel district to the church of Mühlfeld. “Tradition dictates exactly how the wagons have to look,” says Lisa Steinbacher. She is riding on one of the procession wagons for the fifth time – a real privilege. “You are only allowed to take part if you have the right outfit. You either have it because you are a member of a local costume organisation or you have inherited it,” she explains.

Lisa Steinbacher is passionate about the emotions stirred up by the journey: “I love dressing up in beautiful clothes with my friends and sitting on these historic wagons. I also love watching the smiles and enthusiasm of the spectators.”

Ancient and modern

The largest procession in Southern Bavaria has been going for more than 160 years. In the past, the farmers went to church at different times to get their animals blessed, but over time they have fixed on one particular day. Since then, the people of Tölz have celebrated it in great style. The festival begins at nine o’clock on the dot when the bells of the church of Mühlfeld ring out. Across the Isar, along Market Street, through the old town, the procession winds its way up to the Calvary – where the priest blesses the horses and the participants. After that, the procession returns to the church – surrounded by countless spectators.

Bringing Christian Bavarian traditions to life in a way that is both ancient and modern – that is something that locals and visitors all across Bavaria know how to appreciate.

Date 2021: Friday 5 November