170 Years MRK Pappenheim — Anniversary Festival

A Reservists Association Since 1856

In 2026, the Military and Reservists Association (MRK) Pappenheim looks back on 170 years of club history. Founded in 1856 — during the Kingdom of Bavaria — it is one of the oldest military tradition associations in Middle Franconia. Its mission today: fostering camaraderie among reservists and veterans, preserving traditions, participating in memorial days and remembrance culture, and engaging socially in the town of Pappenheim.

Soldier's Oath Ceremony in the Castle Courtyard

A highlight of the festival week is the public oath ceremony for soldiers in the historic Pappenheim Castle Courtyard. The castle of the Counts of Pappenheim is one of the most impressive Renaissance castles in the Altmühltal valley. The oath ceremony in this historical setting is a deliberately staged gesture of connection between the Bundeswehr, reservists, and the town.

Festival Tent on the Lach

The main festivities will take place on the Lach festival grounds. A large festival tent measuring 15 by 39 meters will be erected, along with shooting galleries, food stalls, and beer from the local Hofmühl brewery. Parking on the Lach will not be possible from July 24th to August 7th, 2026, due to setup and dismantling.

High-Caliber Program

The MRK Pappenheim has put together a program for its anniversary that is attracting attention beyond the region:

• Reservists Bigband Baden-Württemberg — a diverse program with Swing, Rock, and Pop, featuring vocal performances on the opening evening
• Vice-Minister President Hubert Aiwanger — keynote speaker on Saturday
• Dorfrocker — one of the most famous Bavarian-Franconian party bands on Saturday evening
• Schützenkapelle Meinheim — musical accompaniment on the festival Sunday
• Schafkopf tournament — a traditional Bavarian card game to conclude the festival

Pappenheim in the Altmühltal

Pappenheim is located on the Altmühl river, about 25 km south of Weißenburg in the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district. The town is the ancestral seat of the Counts of Pappenheim, whose castle and fortress shape the historical silhouette. It is part of the Altmühltal Nature Park and a popular starting point for cycling tours along the Altmühl, hikes in the Jura region, and visits to the nearby Limes UNESCO World Heritage sites. A festival visit can be ideally combined with a city tour and a castle tour.