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Vintage car pilgrimage: 2000 years of history on the way to Altötting!
Pilgrimage to Altötting on August 12, 2025: Classic car enthusiasts travel 162 km, celebrating tradition and hospitality in the region.
Vintage car pilgrimage: 2000 years of history on the way to Altötting!
The tradition of the pilgrimage to Altötting is once again attracting numerous believers this year. Among them are special participants: the vintage car enthusiasts from Neunburg, who have organized their 15th pilgrimage. The route stretches over 162 kilometers and the enthusiasm of the participants extends to the small villages of the Schwandorf district.
A total of 25 classic car fans were on the road this year, whose vehicles together represent around 2,000 years of history. This pilgrimage started modestly 16 years ago with just five tractors, but today it has become very popular. The spokesman for the classic car enthusiasts, Hans Fischer, explains that the pilgrims come from different places, including Winklarn, Pissau, Luigendorf and Hague. Participants from Mitter- and Unteraschau as well as Taxölder were also there.
Hospitality and community
The hospitality of the region is particularly evident during the pilgrimage. The pilgrims were warmly welcomed into the families' homes in Hirschhorn and Mitterskirchen. The village of Hirschhorn not only offers overnight accommodation, but also a warm welcome from the local inns. The Landgasthof Freilinger was chosen as host for the twelfth time this year. Hundreds of participants take advantage of this opportunity every year to make the trip more enjoyable.
The pilgrimage is celebrated in a variety of ways: many travel on foot, some on bikes and a colorful group chooses the nostalgic version with vintage cars. This diversity is what makes the pilgrimage so attractive and shows how lively and diverse pilgrimage is in the region. The goal of a pilgrimage is not only to reach a sacred place, but also to enjoy a community experience characterized by respect and faith, as stated on the information page of Wikipedia is explained.
The way to Altötting
After about 14 hours of driving, the vintage car enthusiasts reach their destination at Kapellplatz in Altötting, where a service in honor of the deceased participants and the blessing of the vehicles take place. These ceremonies are an important part of the pilgrimage tradition that serves contemplation. After the religious rituals comes the social part of the day, where experiences are exchanged in a relaxed atmosphere. An overnight stay in the Geratal rounds off the day.
This year's pilgrimage had an additional circumstance when Georg Mairiedl from Mitterskirchen accompanied the group due to diversions. Despite the mixed weather, all participants reached their hometowns safely, which speaks for the strength and cohesion within the community. This overcoming of the threshold through the common goal shows how deeply the roots of pilgrimage are anchored in the region, which is also the case Passauer Neue Presse emphasized.
The pilgrimage to Altötting is more than just a journey; it is a commitment to faith and community, united by the everyday joys and nostalgia that classic cars bring. And it looks like this custom will remain popular for many years to come!