1. Mai-Hockede of the Schlosshexa Gomaringen

Mai-Hockede in Gomaringen Castle Courtyard — Tradition with Charm

When the sun rises over the Steinlach Valley on May 1st, the Inner Castle Courtyard of Gomaringen opens its gates for the traditional Mai-Hockede (May Festival Gathering) of the Original Gomaringer Schlosshexa e.V. In many Swabian towns, the Day of Labour is not just a public holiday but, above all, a celebration of togetherness. Here, you'll experience a typical Swabian Hocketse (gathering) — cozy, with a great atmosphere, in one of the most beautiful historic courtyards in the region.

The Schlosshexa and Their Tradition

The Original Gomaringer Schlosshexa e.V. is one of the best-known witch guilds in the Tübingen district. With their wooden masks and costumes, they are an integral part of the Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet (Carnival). But the association also keeps traditions alive beyond the 'fifth season' and into the summer — the Mai-Hockede has been the highlight of social gatherings for years. You don't have to be a witch fan to attend — the festival is open to all generations, and the witches show their sociable side on this day.

Inner Castle Courtyard — The Setting

Gomaringen Castle is one of the most beautiful Renaissance moated castles in the region — founded in the 11th century and rebuilt in the Renaissance style by the von Stein zum Rechtenstein family in the 16th century. Today, it houses the municipal administration, and the castle café and a small museum invite visitors. The inner castle courtyard, where the Mai-Hockede takes place, is surrounded on three sides by sandstone walls and old linden trees — a backdrop rarely found in this form.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The Schlosshexa and friendly local clubs cater to the castle courtyard. You'll find Swabian specialties such as Wurstsalat (sausage salad), Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli), Bratwurst (grilled sausage), and fries — all at fair club prices. Accompanied by beer from a regional brewery, Swabian wines, Schorle (mixed wine and soda), non-alcoholic drinks, and coffee with cake. Live music from the local brass band and occasional performances by Swabian dialect artists complete the program — without grand staging, but with plenty of atmosphere.

Gomaringen and the Steinlach Valley

The municipality of Gomaringen, with around 9,000 inhabitants, is located in the southern Tübingen district, at the transition from the Steinlach Valley to the Swabian Jura. The Renaissance moated castle, once the seat of a Swabian noble family, is famous. Today, Gomaringen is a vibrant suburban community with active club life — the Schlosshexa, the music association, the sports club, and many other associations shape social life. Those who visit the Mai-Hockede get to know the typical Swabian club culture up close.