The Murnau Leonhardifahrt is an annual horse pilgrimage and church procession held on November 6 in Murnau am Staffelsee. Beginning at 9:00 AM, locals in traditional costume and musicians form a decorated procession of horses and carriages that travels from the town center (Hagener Straße) to the chapel in Höfen am Staffelsee (Froschhausen) 1 2. At the St. Leonhard Church in Froschhausen, a priest blesses the animals and a field mass takes place. The day also features a 'Leonhardimarkt' market of local food and crafts. The event highlights rural Bavarian faith and community spirit 3 1.
Saint Leonhard is venerated as protector of livestock in Catholic Bavaria. The Murnau procession connects farming communities around Lake Staffelsee to this tradition. Village associations, students, and local families dress in regional Tracht (festive folk costume) and decorate their wagons with flowers and religious motifs 1. The pilgrimage affirms the agricultural identity of Upper Bavaria and the communal respect for nature and faith.
Venues and routes
St. Leonhard Church (Froschhausen) · Murnau am Staffelsee
The dates that shape the visit.
Date being verified
Watch the decorated horses and carriages assemble and begin marching under Bavarian flags 1.
Attendees gather in the churchyard to hear the blessing and short service for farmer and animals 1.
Families enjoy regional food and conversation in the fields by the chapel after the blessing 1.
Reference notes for once this becomes a real plan.
Moderate crowds
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