Big pilgrimage to Höherberg: Over 1000 believers celebrate in Eichsfeld

Big pilgrimage to Höherberg: Over 1000 believers celebrate in Eichsfeld

On Sunday, July 14, 2025, more than 1,000 believers gathered for the great pilgrimage on the Höherberg, which was not just limited to the Eichsfelder. Pilgrims from a wide variety of regions, including the diocese of Hildesheim, the Eichsfeld district and Hesse, followed the call of tradition. The pilgrimage began in Wollbrandshausen and at the memorial in Lake Constance, where the participants headed towards the spiritual destination, the pilgrimage chapel. This traditional event is described by many as a warm celebration of faith, which offers the opportunity for exchange and encounter.

As the Göttingen Tageblatt reported, the great atmosphere was characterized by Eucharistic worship and a solemn pilgrimage led by Pastor Matthias Kaminski. He described the Höherberg as the “parlor of the Eichsfeld” and thus conveyed the feeling of security and hope that the pilgrimage offers to the participants. In the brilliant weather, everyone felt the special connection and shared faith.

Insights into the pilgrimage tradition

The Eichsfeld pilgrimages are more than just local events; they are part of a far-reaching tradition that has strong roots in the region. According to the Wikipedia The pilgrimage traditions in Eichsfeld are diverse and include important places and pilgrimage routes. These include, among other things, the foot pilgrimage from Magdeburg to Klüschen Hagis, which has been taking place since 1982, or the traditional costume pilgrimage of the Eichsfeld clubs to various pilgrimage sites. Community and exchange are always at the forefront and attract believers from near and far.

In the next few weeks the Höherberg will continue to be a place for spiritual encounters. A Taizé prayer is on the program for July 23rd, while a service with vehicle blessing on July 27th at 10 a.m. invites the pilgrims' vehicles to be included in the blessing. On August 15th there will be a Marian celebration with consecration of herbs, followed by a meeting festival on August 17th. Finally, the series of events will culminate with an ecumenical service on September 14th and the conclusion of the pilgrimage on September 28th.

The pilgrimage on the Höherberg impressively shows how faith and community can flow together. Even in a time that is often characterized by hectic pace and stress, the pilgrimage remains a place of peace, exchange and spirituality. It remains to be hoped that the coming events will also attract large numbers of participants and strengthen the connection between believers.