Corpus Christi in Munich: Process season and bus redirections on the holiday!

Corpus Christi in Munich: Process season and bus redirections on the holiday!

On Thursday, June 17, 2025, the Catholic community in Bavaria celebrates the high festival of the body and blood of Christ, better known as Corpus Christi. This festival has a long tradition that goes back to the 13th century and has been anchored in the diocese of Liège since 1246. The Pope Urban IV set the appointment to Pentecost in 1264, which led to the establishment of numerous celebrations and processions in the following centuries. In southern Germany in particular, the festive removals and customs, such as wearing white dresses by young girls, are widespread, and in Munich this day is also celebrated with a procession that is an important highlight of the church year for many believers. However, Martin Luther could not make friends with the rewriting of the body and blood of Christ, which made Corpus Christi a denominational marker.

The traditional procession in Munich begins after a festive fair with Cardinal Mark on Marienplatz and leads to the Ludwigskirche and back. An important note for everyone who wants to take part in this celebration: Due to the procession, there are extensive restrictions on the bus lines in the inner city area. As reports tz.de, these restrictions can be expected between 5 a.m. and around 3 p.m. Odeonsplatz.

detours and changes to the stop

For bus line 58 and 68, there are enforcement changes, as these are diverted between Giselastraße and Pinakotheken. Stops such as Georgenstraße, Siegestor, University, Amalienstraße and the popular stops in Maxvorstadt. In the direction of Ostbahnhof, the Pinakotheken stop is moved to the Tram 27 stop towards Petuelring.
Bus line 100 is diverted between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. by the old town tunnel. Among other things, the Königinstraße and Odeonsplatz stops are eliminated here.
Bus line 153 has a shortened line path, which means that the stops near the university are no longer operated.
The situation is similar with bus line 154, where stops in the Maxvorstadt are not approached.

These diversions are a direct consequence of the procession that, like the [Archdiocese of Munich] (https://www.erzbistum-muenchen.de/spiritualitaet/fronleichnam procession, has not been leading over Ludwigstrasse for several years, but has been turning into Brienner Strasse at the Feldherrnhalle. This street has great historical importance, since it was an important connection between the residence and the Nymphenburg Castle during the time of the Wittelsbacher.

Corpus Christi in a larger context

The Corpus Christi festival, which is celebrated as a legal holiday in several federal states such as Bavaria, has changed enormously in the past centuries. The deep religious roots that go back to the first Council of Trento in the 16th century shaped the course of the celebrations. In larger cities such as Munich, the varied traditions and the festive atmosphere on the Corpus Christi are noticeable in the city.
Some peasant rules say that a clear day of Corpus Christi indicates a good year. These popular beliefs give the day an additional charming character.

In the coming years, Corpus Christi will continue to remain a central element in church life of communities in Bavaria. The next dates after 2025 can be found on June 19, 2026 and May 27, 2027, as can be seen on FEISTAGE-DUETION.de.