Eichstätt for pilgrims

In short: In Eichstätt Cathedral. His feast day is 7 July.

Eichstätt is the spiritual centre of the Altmühltal. The small bishop's town lies in a bend of the River Altmühl, and several pilgrimage routes begin or end here. The Ecumenical Pilgrim Way starts on the cathedral square, and two Ways of St James also meet here.

The cathedral

The cathedral holds the tomb of St Willibald, the first bishop. Also worth seeing are the late Gothic Pappenheim Altar and the Mortuarium, the burial place of the canons. Pilgrims arriving in Eichstätt or setting off from here will find it a fitting place for a moment of quiet. Check the service times beforehand.

St Walburg Abbey

The Benedictine abbey of St Walburg lies in the north of the old town. The remains of St Walburga were brought to Eichstätt around 870, and in the 11th century a monastery grew up at her tomb, where sisters still live today.

The crypt is open to visitors. From October to the end of February a liquid gathers on the sarcophagus, known as Walburga's oil (Walburgisöl), which pilgrims can receive in small bottles. You can read more about the history under Willibald and Walburga.

Willibaldsburg

High above the town stands the Willibaldsburg, the former residence of the prince-bishops. Today it houses the Jura Museum, among other things. The climb is worth it even without the museum for the view over the town and valley.

A pilgrim day in Eichstätt

A good plan for one day: St Walburg Abbey in the morning, through the Baroque old town to the cathedral at midday, and up to the castle in the afternoon. If you are walking on, the start of the Ecumenical Pilgrim Way is right on the cathedral square. You will find information on getting here and where to stay under Planning.