Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz
Highlights
Since 1772
The Bad Tölz Leonhardifahrt is one of Bavaria's oldest folk parades. It has rolled through the town every single year since 1772.
The Region's Biggest Leonhardi Parade
This is the largest Leonhardi parade in the region. Elaborately decorated carriages and riders in traditional dress make their way through Bad Tölz, and the scale shows.
A Procession for St Leonard
The procession marks the feast day of St Leonard, patron saint of horses, livestock, and farmers. This is a living tradition with real religious roots, not a staged folk performance.
What is Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz?
The Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz is a traditional folk procession held annually on 6 November in Bad Tölz, Bavaria – in 2026 on a Friday, as part of a centuries-old custom honouring St Leonard, patron saint of horses and livestock. The procession is considered one of the largest of its kind in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps. The Leonhardifahrt series of events is defined by the combination of working horses, traditional Bavarian dress, and a religious blessing ceremony – a format you rarely encounter anywhere else in this form. Whether you come as a horse owner, a rider, or simply as someone curious about Bavarian rural tradition, the procession through the old town and up to Kalvarienberg church gives a genuine picture of what November in the foothills looks like.
Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz at a Glance
What do you need to know beforehand?
What happens at Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz?
The Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz 2026 runs as a single-day procession on 6 November. Gates open at 08:00, with the procession moving off at 09:00 and continuing until around 15:00. The route leads through the centre of Bad Tölz up to Kalvarienberg church, where Parish Priest Joseph Pfaffenberger performs the traditional blessing of the horses in honour of St Leonard. That gives spectators several hours to find a spot along the route and watch the decorated horse-drawn carriages and mounted groups pass by.
Where does Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz take place?
The Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz takes place along the streets of Bad Tölz's old town and up to Kalvarienberg church in Bad Tölz, Bavaria. The route passes through the historic town centre, known for its painted facades and gabled townhouses, before climbing to the hilltop church with its wide view over the Isar valley and the pre-Alpine landscape to the south. Bad Tölz sits at the edge of the Isarwinkel, a region where horse-keeping traditions and rural community life have remained closely connected.
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Bad Tölz train station is a short walk from the procession route and is served directly from Munich. By car, take the A8 or A95. Bus connections from the surrounding area and from Munich complete the options.
Spectators watch the Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz free of charge from the pavement along the procession route through the old town – the decorated horse-drawn carriages, mounted riders in traditional dress, and the sound of bells are visible and audible from most points along the way. Atmosphere This is a solemn folk tradition, not a sport event. The mood is calm and ceremonial – expect a steady, unhurried procession rather than a festival atmosphere with music stages or food stalls. That makes it well suited to anyone who wants to watch attentively and take in the character of a Bavarian November day. Good to know - Dogs are welcome.
- The entire event is outdoors – sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing are sensible for early November in Bavaria.
- The procession starts at 09:00; arriving early gives you a better spot along the route.
The Leonhardifahrt is easy to follow with children of any age – the decorated carriages, traditional costumes, and horses make it visually engaging without needing any prior knowledge of the tradition. There are no separately listed children's activities, but the procession itself is calm, open to all, and takes place on public streets where families can position themselves freely. For younger children, getting a spot near the front of the crowd early on makes a real difference.
Riders and drivers take part in the Leonhardifahrt Bad Tölz as active participants in the procession – not as competitors, but as part of a living folk custom honouring St Leonard. Those who want to join with a horse or carriage should contact the organiser directly for entry requirements and registration details, which are listed on the official event page. Accommodation Places to stay in Bad Tölz can be searched and booked through the city's official tourism website.
Who's behind it?
Stadt Bad Tölz
Marktstraße und Kalvarienbergkirche Bad Tölz
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