horse pilgrimage and living traditions
In St. Leonhard am Wonneberg, it’s all about well-being, life and relaxation. The houses of the main village are clustered around the pilgrimage church and its onion-domed tower. As the highest-altitude municipality surrounding Lake Waging, Wonneberg comprises some 50 hamlets in total, and St. Leonhard in particular will surprise you with its vibrant Old Bavarian traditions.
In the heart of the charming village of St. Leonhard stands the pilgrimage church of the same name, St. Leonhard, a gem with a centuries-old tradition. Particularly worth seeing are the four late-Gothic altar panels, which count among the region’s art-historical treasures.
Every year around 6 November, the village is transformed into a colourful spectacle: during the traditional Leonhardiritt, festively decorated horses and carriages parade through the village, accompanied by music, traditional costume groups and the solemn blessing of the horses. This impressive traditional festival is one of the largest and most beautiful processions in Old Bavaria and attracts visitors from near and far.
Those wishing to explore the surrounding area will find numerous cycling and walking routes through idyllic countryside. Inns invite you to stop for a leisurely break, treating you to typical Bavarian specialities. A particular eye-catcher in the village centre is the maypole, which, as the longest of its kind, has even made it into the Guinness Book of Records.
Another highlight for history buffs is the Roman milestone in Egerdach, dating from 201 AD, which serves as a striking reminder of the region’s long history of settlement. Also well worth a visit are the Leonharder Goaßlschnalzer and a guided tour of the church, which offers fascinating insights into the history and the ornate interior of the pilgrimage church.
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