From 4 to 6 September 2026, Altötting will once again become a unique meeting place for European monasteries, religious communities, pilgrims and visitors. For the 22nd time, the picturesque Kapellplatz, surrounding the famous Chapel of Grace, will host Klostermarkt Altötting – one of the largest and best-known monastery markets in the German-speaking world.
For three days, the historic centre of this Bavarian pilgrimage town will be filled with stalls presenting products made by monasteries and religious communities from Germany, Austria and other European countries. From traditional monastery beers, wines and liqueurs, through honey, cheese, bread, herbs and teas, to candles, soaps, ceramics, handicrafts and religious items – Klostermarkt offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the richness of Europe’s monastic traditions and meet the people who keep them alive.
Every year, the event attracts more than 30,000 visitors, combining the atmosphere of a traditional market with the spiritual character of one of Bavaria’s most important pilgrimage destinations.
The 22nd edition of Klostermarkt Altötting
This year’s market will be officially opened on Friday, 4 September at 4:00 p.m. by Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder OSB from Rome, the highest representative of the Benedictine Confederation.
Among the exhibitors will be monasteries and abbeys from Germany and Austria, as well as religious communities from other European countries. These will include Stift Heiligenkreuz, Stift Schlierbach, Stift Kremsmünster, Stift St. Florian, the abbeys of Münsterschwarzach and St. Ottilien, and the monasteries of Mallersdorf, Weltenburg and Beuron, as well as communities from Hungary, France, Greece, Italy and other countries.
Of particular interest to Polish pilgrims will be the participation of Paulinerkloster Altötting / Jasna Góra, presenting, among other things, chocolate, honey, herbal and fruit teas, and coffee. The presence of the Pauline Fathers associated with Jasna Góra highlights the European dimension of the event and the spiritual ties connecting Marian shrines.
Programme and opening hours
Friday, 4 September 2026
2:00–7:00 p.m. – market
4:00 p.m. – official opening by Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder OSB
Saturday, 5 September 2026
10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. – market
Sunday, 6 September 2026
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. – events at the market
from 1:00 p.m. – sales at the stalls, in accordance with applicable Sunday trading regulations
The accompanying programme will also include spiritual and cultural events, including Marian devotions in the Chapel of Grace, Vespers and sacred music concerts.
Altötting – a meeting place for pilgrims from across Europe
A visit to Klostermarkt is also a wonderful opportunity to discover Altötting – one of Europe’s most important Marian pilgrimage destinations. The heart of the town is Kapellplatz, home to the Chapel of Grace (Gnadenkapelle), which houses the famous miraculous image of the Black Madonna of Altötting.
The combination of monastic traditions, European culture, local flavours and spiritual heritage makes Klostermarkt a unique event on the map of Europe’s pilgrimage destinations.
This year’s Klostermarkt will also provide an opportunity to meet representatives of Shrines of Europe – a network of European shrine cities. At the joint stand, visitors will be able to learn more about the cities that form this unique European community and taste and purchase selected regional products from the Shrines of Europe cities.
Visitors will be able to enjoy, among other things, delicious Portuguese olive oil, Polish honey, Italian pasta and excellent regional wines. It will be a unique opportunity to discover the diversity and richness of European traditions through their flavours, while learning more about the places that have been connected for years by a shared pilgrimage and Marian heritage.
The presence of Shrines of Europe at Klostermarkt Altötting perfectly reflects the spirit of the event – a meeting of European traditions, cultures and communities, bringing people together across borders through pilgrimage, craftsmanship, local products and personal encounters.
If you are in Bavaria in September, be sure to stop in Altötting and experience the atmosphere of this extraordinary event. For three days, Europe’s monastic heritage can not only be seen and discovered, but also experienced through encounters with the people who continue to preserve it today.
We promise to share photos from the event with you! Follow our website and travel with us through the cities of Shrines of Europe :)
