100 Years of the Schneckenlohe Volunteer Fire Brigade

A Century of Protection and Village Tradition

The Schneckenlohe Volunteer Fire Brigade was founded in 1926 and has since been one of the defining associations in the municipality of the same name in the Upper Franconian district of Coburg. For over a century, several generations of volunteer firefighters have ensured the safety of the approximately 1,500 inhabitants and the surrounding farms and forests – and, incidentally, have significantly shaped the village's community life.

Festival Weekend with Tradition

From June 19th to 21st, 2026, the brigade will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a three-day festival. As with most Upper Franconian fire brigade anniversaries, the weekend follows a traditional structure: Festival evening with beer tapping on Friday, commemorative ceremony with honors and speeches on Saturday, along with live music in the festival tent; on Sunday, a church service, followed by a parade with friendly fire brigades from the Coburg district and beyond, concluding with a grand festival tent event and a demonstration drill by the active members.

Fire Brigade and Village Community

Anyone attending a German fire brigade anniversary experiences more than just a club birthday: Firefighters from 20–30 neighboring brigades in the district and sometimes from adjacent districts in Thuringia arrive in full uniform, often with their historical vehicles. The parade on Sunday is a colorful procession of marching bands, traditional costume groups, historical fire pumps, and modern fire engines.

Schneckenlohe in the Coburg Region

Schneckenlohe is located about 12 km west of Kronach, in the transitional area between the Franconian Forest and the Coburg region. The municipality belongs to the district of Coburg and consists of the districts of Schneckenlohe, Beikheim, Boderndorf, and other farms. With VfR Schneckenlohe (sports club, also celebrating 100 years in 2025) and the Schneckenlohe Volunteer Fire Brigade, two central village associations are celebrating their anniversaries in close succession – a packed festival year in the village calendar.