150 Years Volunteer Fire Brigade Aufhausen

150 Years of Fire Brigade Tradition in the Kesseltal Valley

Aufhausen is a historic parish village in the Upper Swabian municipality of Forheim, nestled in the upper Kesseltal Valley in the Donau-Ries district. The Volunteer Fire Brigade Aufhausen, founded in 1876, celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026 — a jubilee that holds exceptional significance in the village life of this Bavarian-Swabian corner. A century and a half of voluntary commitment to fire protection and village life will be honored with a four-day festival weekend.

Four Days of Marquee Entertainment and Program

From Friday evening, May 29, to Whit Monday, June 1, 2026, the Aufhausen festival grounds will be the center of the region. The large marquee will host a succession of show nights, festive evenings, and the traditional festive church service with a parade. Bavarian customs meet modern show acts.

Show Acts and Live Program

Among the announced highlights are Eisi Gulp, the Bavarian cabaret artist and actor, as well as Micha von der Rampe, a prominent figure in the Bavarian comedy scene. In addition, there will be brass bands, dance bands, and show performances that will get the marquee rocking.

Festive Church Service and Parade

As is traditional for a fire brigade jubilee of this magnitude, a festive church service with subsequent vehicle blessing will take place on Sunday. The grand parade, featuring friendly fire brigades from the Donau-Ries district, the Ries region, and neighboring Swabia, will form up through the village — an impressive sight of uniforms, flags, historic fire engines, traditional costume groups, and music bands.

Aufhausen and the Kesseltal Valley

The upper Kesseltal Valley, with its wooded hills, small streams, and parish villages, is one of the most scenically attractive corners of Swabia. Aufhausen, about two kilometers southeast of Forheim, looks back on a long history and is the seat of one of the oldest Protestant parishes in the region. The 2026 jubilee is not just a fire brigade festival, but also a major cultural event for the entire valley.

More Than a Jubilee

Such fire brigade jubilees are a central element of village community life in Bavaria. They combine tradition, conviviality, and mutual appreciation for volunteer helpers. Anyone who has participated in a parade with 30 or 40 fire brigades understands how closely these associations are networked.