Young driver leads Bad Tölz’s 171st Leonhardifahrt

The 171st Leonhardifahrt, a pilgrimage procession of decorated horse-drawn carriages in Bad Tölz, was led for the first time by 19-year-old Georg Kramer, BR reported Friday. Thousands watched as more young people than usual took part.

More than 70 decorated carriages set off at 9 a.m., drawing crowds along the streets, the Isar bridge and Marktstraße. Young riders and participants on the carriages joined experienced drivers, with some families taking part together.

Kramer, from Bichl, drove the clergy’s carriage for the first time. He had been part of the procession since childhood and later took part as a rider. The route presented a challenge, with cobbled streets, tight bends and gradients of up to 14 percent on the climb to Kalvarienberg. Kramer said he was nervous, but had practised with his horses.

At the top, the carriages circled the Leonhardi Chapel, where the horses were blessed. The pilgrims then attended a church service. Bad Tölz’s parish priest, Peter Demmelmaier, said the combination of tradition, beauty and faith appealed to young people. Mayor Ingo Mehner said the procession brought the wider Oberland region together.

For Kramer, the steep ascent marked the most demanding part of his first journey at the head of the procession. Participants said the event was more than a date on the calendar: it was a shared family tradition and community gathering.