Destinations in Germany
Catholic Pilgrimage Destinations in Germany - Holy Sites, Shrines & Guided Tours
Germany holds an important place in Catholic history, offering pilgrims a reflective journey shaped by faith, tradition, and spiritual heritage. Home to historic cathedrals, ancient monasteries, and sites of Marian devotion, the country welcomes visitors seeking both religious significance and cultural depth. From the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, home to the Shrine of the Three Kings, to the Marian sanctuary of Altötting and the peaceful abbeys of Bavaria, our guided tours invite you to discover both renowned and lesser-known holy places, creating a meaningful and enriching pilgrimage experience.
Top Pilgrimage Destinations in Germany
Germany boasts a rich Catholic history, from the Cologne Cathedral to Baroque monasteries and pilgrimage sites like Altötting. Pilgrims and visitors can explore centuries of faith, admire sacred art and architecture, and immerse themselves in the country’s enduring spiritual traditions.
Altötting is one of Germany’s most famous Marian pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims visit the Chapel of Grace, the Gnadenkapelle, and the shrine of the Black Madonna, seeking healing, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
This Baroque basilica, dedicated to the Fourteen Holy Helpers, draws pilgrims for its stunning architecture, sacred art, and centuries-old devotion.
Kevelaer is a major pilgrimage town in North Rhine-Westphalia. Pilgrims pray at the Marian shrine, attend Mass, and participate in processions honoring Our Lady of Consolation.
Although in Switzerland, Einsiedeln attracts many German-speaking pilgrims who come for devotion to the Black Madonna and Benedictine spiritual traditions.
Pilgrims visit this Benedictine abbey to experience prayer, reflection, and spiritual retreats in a Romanesque architectural setting.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this rococo church is renowned for miraculous healings and the devotion to the Scourged Savior. Pilgrims come for prayer, worship, and reflection.
Germany’s oldest bishopric attracts pilgrims to its cathedral, which houses the relics of the Holy Tunic and offers centuries of religious heritage.
Germany also has lesser-known pilgrimage sites perfect for those seeking quiet reflection and authentic spiritual encounters:
Wallfahrtskirche Frauenberg – Bamberg
Marienwallfahrtskirche – Keferloh
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altmannstein – Bavaria
St. Wolfgang Pilgrimage Church – St. Wolfgang
Church of St. Anne – Augsburg
See More
Map of Portugal Germany Sites
While Germany is famous for major pilgrimage sites, there are countless lesser-known churches, Marian shrines, and monasteries awaiting discovery. Venturing beyond the main cities, pilgrims can experience centuries of devotion in serene locations, from quiet rural sanctuaries to historic chapels nestled in scenic landscapes. These hidden gems offer opportunities for prayer, reflection, and authentic encounters with Germany’s rich Catholic heritage.
List of Our Destinations in Germany
Aachen Cathedral, Charlemagne’s imperial church, is one of Europe’s oldest pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims marvel at its relics, Gothic chapels, and centuries-old liturgical tradition, a powerful testament to sacred kingship and enduring Christian unity. Get a Tour Quotation
Known as Germany’s Lourdes, Altötting is home to a Black Madonna statue revered for miraculous healings. This deeply Marian site invites prayerful devotion, candlelit processions, and encounters with centuries of Bavarian Catholic spirituality. Get a Tour Quotation
Set atop a Bavarian hill, Andechs Monastery offers spiritual refreshment and famous Benedictine hospitality. Pilgrims pray before relics of saints, then enjoy traditional monastic brews in a unique blend of faith, culture, and community. Get a Tour Quotation
Augsburg shines as a Catholic gem with baroque churches and rich traditions. Pilgrims especially visit the shrine of Mary, Undoer of Knots, a devotion popularized by Pope Francis for untangling life’s burdens through prayer. Get a Tour Quotation
Home to the towering Cologne Cathedral and relics of the Three Magi, the city offers profound spiritual experiences. Pilgrims walk among historic churches, medieval saints’ shrines, and relics that shaped Europe’s Catholic imagination. Get a Tour Quotation
Pilgrims honor Saint Katharina Kasper, founder of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, by visiting her birthplace and spiritual legacy in Dernbach—a site marked by simplicity, charity, and powerful devotion to the Sacred Heart. Get a Tour Quotation
The burial site of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, mystic and visionary nun, draws pilgrims who revere her insights on Christ’s Passion and early Christianity, offering reflection on suffering, divine revelation, and spiritual endurance. Get a Tour Quotation
Eibingen Abbey honors Saint Hildegard of Bingen, the mystic, composer, and Doctor of the Church. Pilgrims find peace in her tomb and the Benedictine chants, echoing her vision of divine harmony and prophetic wisdom. Get a Tour Quotation
Erding commemorates a 15th-century Eucharistic Miracle where the consecrated Host bled visibly. The site invites reverence of the Real Presence, drawing believers to renew Eucharistic faith in the heart of Bavarian tradition. Get a Tour Quotation
Founded by Saint Boniface, Fulda is Germany’s spiritual heart. Pilgrims visit the saint’s tomb, a stunning baroque cathedral, and monasteries steeped in missionary legacy—making it a center of German Catholic heritage and unity. Get a Tour Quotation
Germany’s largest Marian shrine, Kevelaer welcomes millions yearly to venerate Our Lady of Consolation. Known for healing miracles and vibrant processions, it is a beloved place of trust, intercession, and communal Catholic devotion. Get a Tour Quotation
Nestled in the Alps, Kloster Ettal offers pilgrims baroque beauty, Benedictine peace, and rich history. Visitors tour the abbey, pray in the grand basilica, and witness living monastic tradition through art, chant, and spiritual rhythm. Get a Tour Quotation
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary’s tomb in Marburg draws pilgrims inspired by her radical charity and sanctity. The Gothic church built in her honor offers a contemplative space to seek compassion and strength for Christian service. Get a Tour Quotation
This quiet village honors Saint Anna Schäffer, a laywoman who suffered years of illness with joyful resignation. Her shrine invites pilgrims to unite their suffering with Christ and find sanctity in everyday life. Get a Tour Quotation
Munich offers baroque churches, Marian columns, and sacred relics that reflect Bavaria’s Catholic identity. Pilgrims visit the Frauenkirche and other landmarks to explore a city where royal faith and modern devotion beautifully converge. Get a Tour Quotation
Every ten years, Oberammergau stages a moving Passion Play vow made during the plague. Pilgrims come for this powerful re-enactment of Christ’s final days and to experience the village’s deep-rooted expressions of living faith. Get a Tour Quotation
Germany’s oldest city, Trier houses the Holy Robe of Christ, ancient basilicas, and Roman ruins turned Christian shrines. Pilgrims encounter early Church history, imperial Christianity, and the enduring strength of Catholic belief through time. Get a Tour Quotation
The Marian Shrine of Schoenstatt in Vallendar is a center for spiritual renewal, Marian consecration, and apostolic mission. Pilgrims engage in retreats and prayer to grow in covenant love and commitment to Christ. Get a Tour Quotation
Site of a Eucharistic Miracle in the 14th century, Waldurn’s shrine preserves the miraculous Corporal stained with Christ’s blood. It draws pilgrims to reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist and deepen reverent devotion. Get a Tour Quotation